The hot tub itself is the easy part. The setup goes smoothly when you've thought through three things ahead of time: where the tub will sit, how we'll get it there, and where it'll plug in. Here's the full checklist we walk our customers through before delivery day.
1. Pick the right surface
A filled hot tub weighs around 3,000 pounds — that's roughly the weight of a midsize SUV concentrated into a 78-inch diameter circle. The surface underneath needs to handle it.
Good surfaces:
- Concrete patio (any condition, as long as it's level)
- Paver patio with a compacted base
- A purpose-built deck rated for spa loads — check with your builder if you're unsure
- Compacted gravel (works, but expect a slight settle over a long rental)
Marginal surfaces:
- Grass or dirt on a short rental (weekend): usually fine, but the tub may leave a depression
- Wood decks that aren't rated for spa loads: risky — check structural specs first
Avoid:
- Sloped surfaces of more than 1 inch over the tub's diameter
- Soft, recently graded soil
- Anywhere that pools water (you don't want the base sinking mid-rental)
If you're not sure whether your surface works, send us a photo before booking. We'd much rather flag a problem in advance than find it on delivery day.
2. Clear the path from the truck to the setup spot
This is the step people most often underestimate. Our delivery team will roll your tub to your chosen location. We need:
- A clear path at least 36 inches wide — measure your gate, side yard, and any walkways
- No more than a 4-inch curb or step unless you flag it in advance
- Branches, planters, and lawn furniture cleared from the route
If there's a fence gate involved, it helps to have it propped open before we arrive. If we have to maneuver around a tight turn — say, an L-shaped side yard with a gas meter sticking out — we appreciate a heads-up.
3. Have power within 25 feet
Tubsly hot tubs run on a standard 110V household outlet. The kind you'd plug a lamp into. No electrician required, no panel upgrade, no special wiring.
That said, a few notes:
- The cord on the tub is about 25 feet long. The outlet needs to be within that distance of where the tub will sit.
- The outlet should be outdoor-rated (GFCI protected). Most exterior outlets installed in the last 25 years already meet this.
- It's best to use a dedicated circuit — meaning nothing else running on the same breaker. The tub draws ~950 watts continuously, and other appliances on the same circuit can trip the breaker.
- No extension cords at all unless provided by Tubsly.
If you don't have an outdoor outlet near your intended spot, this is the one item that might need a quick electrician call before delivery. Most homeowners we work with already have what they need.
4. Have an outdoor water source ready
We fill the tub from a standard outdoor hose bib. You'll need:
- A working outdoor spigot within reach of where the tub will sit
- A regular garden hose (we can bring one if you don't have one — just ask)
- An understanding that filling takes ~45 minutes once we're connected
In some cases, we can fill from an indoor hot water tap through an open door or window. This dramatically shortens the time it takes to reach your target temperature — useful if you want to use the tub the same day. Ask us if this is an option for your setup.
5. Plan around delivery timing
Two practical notes on timing:
- Plan to be home during the delivery window we schedule. We need to walk through the controls with you, point out the safety basics, and make sure the location works before we leave.
- Book the tub for the day before you want to use it. Water temps will rise about 1.5 degrees F per hour from a cold fill. Water temps coming out of your outdoor spigot, depending on the time of year, will generally be between 50 degrees F and 60 degrees F. Work that warm-up time into your plan.
6. Think about what's around the tub
The tub itself is the main attraction, but the area around it makes the experience. A few quick wins:
- A non-slip mat at the steps. Cheap, prevents the most common injury at any home hot tub.
- A side table for towels, drinks, and phones — within easy reach, not across the deck.
- Outdoor string lights or path lighting if you'll use the tub at night. Most backyards become unusable in the dark without a little help.
- A way to step out without crossing wet grass. A mat or pavers between the tub and your back door make winter use far more pleasant.
What we handle for you
Everything else. To be clear, you don't need to:
- Buy any chemicals — we bring them
- Test or balance the water — we handle the initial chemistry
- Build a platform — most surfaces work as-is
- Hire an electrician — standard household power is enough
- Arrange pickup — we come back at the end of your rental
Final pre-delivery checklist
The night before delivery, run through this:
- Setup location chosen, surface checked
- Path from driveway to setup spot is clear
- Gates unlocked or someone home to open them
- Outdoor outlet identified within 25 feet of the tub spot
- Outdoor hose available
- Pets secured indoors during delivery
- Someone home for the delivery window
If all six are checked, delivery day will go smoothly.
Ready to book?
Most Southeast Michigan addresses are inside our free delivery radius. Check availability for your dates or see your city's delivery details. If you have setup questions specific to your backyard, contact us and we'll walk through it with you before you commit.