Installing a hot tub on a balcony
Having a hot tub on a balcony is a privilege that people living in flats want to afford, sometimes at any price. Fortunately, outdoor hot tubs are becoming more and more affordable, even for average budgets. Therefore, in order to make the most of the advantages that a spa at home can offer, especially those privileged moments that can be had alone or shared with family or friends, it is important to know what the different conditions are for the installation of a spa on a balcony.
What you need to know before installing a hot tub on a balcony
Once the decision is made to have it installed on a balcony, before proceeding with thepurchase of a spa, it is nevertheless advisable to check that the ground surface on which it is to be placed is strong enough. The strength of the terrace is the first criterion to be taken into account before installing a hot tub on a balcony. In addition to the weight of the hot tub, the number of users that could cause overweight and therefore the disintegration of the floor structure must be taken into account. The engineer in charge of your building will be able to advise you on this.
The other criterion to take into account before installing a spa in a flat is tohave the agreement of the condominium syndicate. Although your terrace is a private area, the structure of the building may be considered a common area. The syndicate will not refuse you its authorisation if it is accepted that the engineer has validated your project. Once you have received approval for the installation of your spa, there are still a few safety precautions to be followed.
Safety measures to be respected
Once it is accepted that the installation of your hot tub on a balcony is safe, there are a few safety precautions that must be followed before you can bathe there. These safety measures relate to the surface of the terrace, the height of the spa and its accessibility.
The installation of a spa on a balcony requires a large space. This avoids having to occupy the entire area. On the other hand, the decision to have it installed there requires the height of the spa to be well below that of the balcony railing. Otherwise, it will need to be extended. Finally, access to the spa must be safe. It should be safe to enter and exit. To this end, it is advisable to choose a spa model that is not too high for easy access. Also, to avoid slipping when exiting the spa, it is recommended to place a non-slip mat.
The advantages of having a softub spa
In general, the spa weighs 500kg/m2 for 4 places. When the engineer has assessed that this load cannot be supported by the ground, the solution is to proceed with the consolidation of the terrace. The objective is to distribute the load over the entire surface. However, there is also a simple solution that does not require additional work and unnecessary expense. This is to buy a Softub spa, which has the advantage of being light and therefore easily transportable, unlike the classic model.
The Softub is a mobile spa, weighing only 40kg empty and 350kg with water and users. It has the added advantage that it can easily pass through all doors and stairs. In addition to the mobility and accessibility, another advantage of the Softub spa is that it can be operated from a 220V socket.
It's enough to make you think twice about buying an outdoor spa.