DIY installation
Author: jk.335500Dec 2, 2019Dec 2, 2019
Installing a hydromassage bath in an apartment or private house allows you to carry out massage water treatments. Installation involves switching water and drain pipes, as well as laying electrical wiring. Before turning on the Jacuzzi, you must obtain permission from regulatory authorities and prepare the bathroom.
- 1 Briefly about varieties
- 2 Operating principle of the device
- 3 Features of installation work
- 4 Step-by-step instructions 4.1 Installing the housing
- 4.2 Connection to communication networks
- 4.3 Electrical connection
Operating principle and possible designs of a hot tub
Before installing a bathtub, study the design of the equipment.
If you are still considering the purchase of a jacuzzi, then to make the right choice you should study its characteristics and possible designs of devices, which directly affect the quality of water procedures.
Before installing a hot tub, you need to know how this device works. A Jacuzzi consists of jets, a water pump and a water intake mechanism.
Principle of operation:
- First, water is pumped through special holes for water intake using a pump;
Important! The water intake for the massage system is not from the water supply, but from the bath itself, so before turning on the massage it is necessary to fill the bath. Ignoring this rule may result in system failure.
- Then the pumped water is supplied under pressure through hoses to the hydromassage nozzles;
- The cycle repeats.
Thanks to the special design of the nozzles, the supplied water can be mixed with air. Please note that the injectors have different designs. Therefore, the type of massage, for example, back or lower back, will depend on the choice of function.
There are also Jacuzzis that have or can install an air massage in the bathtub. This massage process is carried out using special nozzles located at the bottom of the bath and an air compressor. Compared to conventional hot tubs, these have a turbo mode, which provides increased water flow by pumping in more air.
An example of how an air massage works.
The most expensive models come with additional bells and whistles, namely:
- ozone therapy – the healing effect of water enriched with ozone;
- chromotherapy - medical procedures that are carried out using rays of light;
- aromatherapy - the beneficial effects of all kinds of smells.
These and other functions are controlled using taps, buttons or controls. Since the entire adjustment procedure is carried out by pneumatics, electrical damage cannot occur in principle.
Hydromassage box with bathtub. Advantages and rules of choice
Another feature of hydromassage baths is the installation of plumbing fixtures (mixer, shower head, etc.) directly on board the product.
The design of the drain and overflow mechanism also has its own characteristics:
- Firstly, the draining process itself is carried out in semi-automatic mode.
- Secondly, in place of the overflow hole there is a handle with which the water is drained.
Important! To drain the water, just turn the handle and the drain hole will open.
- Thirdly, to avoid splashing of excessive amounts of water, there is an overflow hole under the handle.
It should also be noted that before installing a hot tub, you should pay attention to models equipped with a drainage option. Such Jacuzzis provide constant circulation of water in the bowl of the device.
Classification
To purchase a bathtub that will satisfy all your needs, you need to find out what manufacturers offer today. Of course, you don't need to go shopping. Now I’ll tell you everything. So, there is the following classification of devices.
1.) Material. The tanks are made from the following raw materials:
- marble - presentable, charming, comfortable, reliable, but extremely expensive;
- enameled steel – attractive, ergonomic, light, cheap, but low strength and high thermal conductivity;
- cast iron - aesthetics, practicality, but enormous weight and minimal ductility;
- kvarila - wear resistance, charm, comfort, but heavy weight;
- acrylic - aesthetics, practicality, reasonable price, but relatively short service life;
- quarila - attractiveness, comfort, wear resistance, but high price and significant weight;
- methacrylic – beauty, lightness, strength, low thermal conductivity.
2.) Shape. The containers are:
- triangular (corner)
- oval;
- semi-oval;
- round;
- semicircular;
- square;
- rectangular;
- trapezoidal.
Size 3. Bowls are available with the following parameters:
- depth – 600 mm, length – 1200 mm;
- depth – 560 mm, length – 1500 mm;
- depth – 460 mm, length – 1700 mm;
- depth – 460 mm, length – 1800 mm.
4.) Control system. There are the following SUs:
- pneumatic - control is performed by moving buttons, valves, levers;
- electronic – control is carried out using a remote control with a touch panel;
- combined - control is carried out thanks to a panel on the side.
4.) Functionality. The following functions are available:
- aromatherapy;
- chromotherapy;
- acoustics;
- TV;
- telephone;
- disinfection;
- drainage;
- shower;
- headrests, armrests and all kinds of holders.
6.) Purpose. There are baths:
- sessile;
- lying;
- reclining.
7.) Color. Jacuzzis of all kinds of colors proudly display on the market, but bathtubs are incredibly popular:
- red;
- white;
- black;
- yellow;
- orange;
- purple.
8.) Texture. There are tanks that simulate:
- noble wood species;
- luxurious natural stones;
- presentable metals;
- amazing gifts of fauna and flora.
9.) Capacity. Available baths:
- single – intended for one person;
- double – designed for two people;
- triple – designed for three people;
- quadruple – designed for four people;
- five-seater – designed for five people, etc.
10.) Massage mode. There are baths:
- conventional – massage is carried out with an air-water jet;
- combined - massage is done with air-water and air-bubble jets.
As you can see, there is plenty to choose from, since there are large models, and tiny ones, and deep ones, and shallow ones, and symmetrical and asymmetrical. Yes, there are tons of models! The choice is yours!
Model with a “biting” price
Required Tools
First we need to decide on the tools that we will need when installing the structure:
- building level - to set an even horizon for the sides of the font;
- hammer drill - for drilling holes in the wall in order to secure the font on additional supports;
- a set of keys - for assembling the frame and adjusting the legs;
- tape measure - for measurements;
- screwdriver - for assembling frame elements and attaching them to the bowl;
- side cutters - for electrical installation;
- multimeter - for checking electrical circuits;
- construction marker - for marking.
What do you need to know before installation?
We have selected the tools, now we need to focus on some nuances.
The first step is to take care of the convenient location of the font. After all, the tubes and nozzles will have to be washed quite often, and the pump and air compressor will need to be maintained. You need quick and easy access to all system nodes.
Under no circumstances should you make a screen for a Jacuzzi from tiles and embed the font into the wall.
Since in this case access to communications will be significantly complicated. It is better to use a removable front panel. about how to install a front screen in our special article.
Until the installation work is completed, do not tear off the protective film from the surface of the bowl. Especially if you are installing the bathtub not in a tiled bathroom, but against bare walls, and plan to finish it after installing the bathtub.
It is very important to provide for all electrical communications in advance. For the Jacuzzi it is necessary to make a separate outlet, and there should be 3 contacts: phase, zero and ground. It is also worth taking into account the power consumption of the hydraulic system - these parameters are indicated in the technical documentation and are measured in kW.
For standard hot tubs, the power usually does not exceed 3-4 kW. Therefore, a 3-core cable with a cross-section of 1.5 square meters is suitable. mm. If the power is higher, you will have to take a cable from 2 kW. mm and thicker. We will talk more about connecting to the power grid below in the corresponding section.
Unfortunately, the water in our homes is far from ideal, and the nozzles and pipe system are very sensitive to impurities in it.
Therefore, in addition to the standard filters of the hot tub, it is necessary to install additional coarse and fine filters on the pipeline suitable for it. This will protect the system from frequent blockages.
It is very important to take into account all the nuances described above before starting the installation process. Otherwise, there is a high probability that everything will have to be redone.
Step-by-step instruction
Installation of equipment indoors consists of 3 stages:
- fastening the container;
- connecting water pipes and drainage;
- switching to electrical wiring.
Housing Installation
The equipment is brought into the room in its original packaging, which is equipped with handles for transportation. It is strictly forbidden to lift the tank by the protruding pipes or nozzle bodies. Then the bathtub is placed in a corner of the room and unpacked; using a hydraulic or laser building level, the equipment is installed horizontally. To adjust the position, screw elements are provided in the supports; when installing the product on a tiled floor, it is recommended to place metal coins with a diameter of up to 100 mm under the legs.
A steel frame is installed around the perimeter of the acrylic tank. The design allows you to use the equipment without the risk of deformation of the edges or walls. At the same time, the location of the drain window relative to the floor is taken into account; the resulting gap should include a drain siphon. All units and pipes must be in an area of unobstructed access for preventive repairs, maintenance and cleaning.
Connection to communication networks
The design of the jacuzzi is designed for pressure in the water supply network within 3-5 atmospheres (information is indicated in the instructions for connecting the equipment). If there is increased pressure in the pipes, it is necessary to install an automatic reducer. Water mains and additional components should not block access to valves or couplings on the body of the hydromassage unit. The pipes are connected to points located on the inside of the tank body.
At the bottom of the container there is a hole with a diameter of 40-50 mm, which allows you to drain dirty water. The design of the equipment includes an overflow tube equipped with a manual valve. The sewer drain is connected to the pipes with a flexible hose or using plastic elements.
Electrical connection
For switching to the electrical network, a 3-core cable with the ability to ground the equipment is used. The wire cross-section corresponds to the power consumption; it is recommended to use copper cables with a core cross-section of 2.5 mm² or more. The bathtub is connected to an outlet located outside the bathroom, or to a wire brought into the room (the cable is laid at a small height from the floor or embedded in the wall). The design of the power system includes voltage stabilizers and protective elements that prevent electric shock.
Installation of a hot tub
Jacuzzi drain/overflow system assembly diagram
- Jacuzzis are designed for a pressure in the water supply system of 4/5 atmospheres. Typically, in our networks these values are not exceeded. But, it’s better to play it safe and protect your expensive device from surprises. Therefore, first install a pressure reducer on the bathroom.
- It is also necessary to install filters for water purification. The water in our water supply systems is not particularly clean; it contains many different impurities. Jacuzzi jets are sensitive to water quality; if you do not equip your bathtub with multi-stage filtration, they will quickly become clogged.
- When installing a whirlpool bath, it is advisable that when installing pipes in the bathroom, the water pipes should be located close to the water-consuming devices. Please also take into account the fact that access to the area where the Jacuzzi and pipes are connected is easy, this will significantly simplify the work if there is a need to disconnect the bathtub, if the question arises of how to make repairs in the bathroom.
- Next, the bowl needs to be placed on its legs where you have determined a place for it. Using the adjusting bolts, set the height of the Jacuzzi exactly according to the level. It should be noted that sometimes the bathroom is mounted on a special mounting frame.
- The Jacuzzi drain must be slightly higher than the sewer pipe. When you install a hot tub with your own hands, this parameter must be at least 10 cm. Basically, the installation of a drain system for a Jacuzzi is the same as for ordinary analogues.
- Such baths are also connected to the water supply according to the usual scheme. Do not forget, at the same time, to seal all joints, and also seal them, as necessary, with gaskets.
How the device works
Before carrying out installation work, the owner needs to understand how the hot tub works. The design of the equipment includes an electric pump and compressor; the injected water is saturated with air. To supply liquid, nozzles are installed in the walls of the container (the injection intensity is regulated by the controller). There are baths with simultaneous adjustment of the performance of nozzles or with the division of sprayers into working areas.
The type of massage depends on the configuration of the nozzles. The parts are located in the lumbar area, on the sides of the tank and along the back of a lying person. Hydraulic elements are connected using flexible hoses designed for high water pressure. The scheme provides for a standard sewer drain.
Auxiliary components include:
- a drainage system that maintains continuous circulation of fluid;
- connectors for connecting an external multimedia player (audio or video);
- built-in units for saturating water with aromatic substances or ozone.
Some Jacuzzi models are equipped with additional sets of water intake nozzles. Sprayers can use the stock pump, but may require a higher pressure or higher capacity pump.
The effectiveness of massage procedures depends on the location of the nozzles and the pressure in the water supply system, so during installation it is necessary to take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations for connecting the jacuzzi.
Nuances of installing a hot tub ↑
A hot tub is heavier than a regular one not only because of its large size: the weight increases due to additional equipment (pump, nozzles, piping system, etc.). Therefore, horizontal and height adjustment using screw feet is not applicable. The Jacuzzi is installed on a special frame made of pipes.
A frame made of metal pipes is used to install the jacuzzi
This requires a special approach to preparing the floor: it is carefully leveled using a screed and a self-leveling mixture.
For the operation of this plumbing fixture, it is necessary to connect to three communications: water supply, sewerage and electricity. The water pressure in pipes and service equipment should not exceed 5 atmospheres. To protect the system, a pressure reducer should be installed, since during periodic tests the water pressure can be twice the rated pressure. Protection against voltage surges should also be provided: at the entrance to the house (after the meter), you need to install a cut-off relay or a stabilizer of the required power. The requirements for installing a drainage system are the same as those that must be observed in the case of a regular bathroom: the drain hole is located above the system bed, and the connection is made with a rigid pipe.
The connection between the Jacuzzi siphon and the sewer must be accessible for maintenance: the pipes periodically become clogged and need to be cleaned. The same requirements apply to the connection point between the bathtub equipment and the water supply pipe: if necessary, dismantling must be carried out without difficulty. To prevent the injector holes from becoming “clogged” with deposits of metal salts and other impurities, it is necessary to install coarse and fine filters.
The hydromassage effect is achieved using jets of water supplied under pressure through nozzles
Briefly about the varieties
Hydromassage baths differ in their material and configuration. Standard products are made of steel sheet or cast iron; there are designs made of natural stone. For small spaces, acrylic tanks are used, which are lightweight.
Manufacturers produce Jacuzzis in standard shapes (round, square or oval), and there are also non-standard products. Manufacturers offer additional equipment that can be purchased and installed at the owner’s request (for example, head restraints).
The equipment is also classified according to the type of massage:
- jets of water;
- air flow;
- 2 in 1 (supplying a mixture of water and air);
- with ultrasonic emitters.
Connecting to the hot tub water supply
The technical parameters of the bath are designed for its operation in a water supply system with a pressure of 4-5 atm. However, for greater reliability, it is recommended to additionally install a pressure reducer.
Jacuzzi nozzles are very sensitive to the quality of incoming water, so a prerequisite for connection is the installation of coarse and fine filters. This will protect the expensive system from breakdown. After all, it is rare that a citizen of our country can boast of the quality of tap water.
It is better to place the pipes as close as possible to water consuming devices. In this case, it should be taken into account that they do not block access to the pipe and bathtub connections. This is very important if it is necessary to carry out an inspection or repair.
The drain of the hot tub is located above the sewer drain hole at a distance of approximately 10 cm.
Installing a mixer and connecting to the water supply for a jacuzzi is no different from their installation and connection for conventional baths. The only difference is that the mixers for hydromassage baths are installed directly on the baths themselves, and not on the walls, like with simple ones. The drain-overflow system on such bathtubs is usually made semi-automatic: the drain valve is opened using a handle located on the overflow hole.
When the water reaches a critical level, it begins to overflow through the drain hole, which is located below the handle. The connection itself is made using a flexible water supply. The length is taken taking into account the possible movement of the bath relative to the wall at a distance of at least half a meter.
Faucets with a 1/2″ diameter thread are installed at the outlet of the water supply pipes. When carrying out work, it is important to monitor the tightness of the connections, using gaskets if necessary.
A hydromassage bathtub made from an ordinary one
How to make a jacuzzi? There are several ways to turn the most ordinary bath into it.
Special mat
The simplest thing is to buy a special hydromassage mat and install it in a simple acrylic or any other bathtub. In addition to the mat itself, the package includes a circulation pump, a hose and a remote control (optional).
Water under pressure created by the circulation pump comes out of special holes on the mat. This is how hydromassage works.
The advantage of this solution is maximum ease of implementation and affordable price.
Read more about all the nuances of using a rug with a jacuzzi effect, its pros and cons, as well as cost here .
DIY air massage frame
The second method will require a little “direct hands” and free time from you. There are many ways to implement an air massage frame, it all depends on what you have.
The main elements of the system are:
- a device that supplies air under pressure (you can use a regular compressor or an old Soviet vacuum cleaner that blows);
- perforated frame made of tubes (you can solder it from polypropylene pipes, or even make it from an old Soviet folding bed);
- hose (used to connect the compressor and frame; a simple drain hose from a washing machine will do).
Before making the frame, you must measure the bottom of the bathtub so that the finished structure fits freely in your bathtub
Let's move on directly to manufacturing.
STEP 1. First you need to cut the pipes to size. If you use polypropylene pipes, everything is simple; you can do this with special pipe scissors. If you decide to use an old folding bed, you first need to free it from the tarpaulin. And then cut the aluminum tubes of its frame using a grinder or a hacksaw.
The frame should resemble a rectangle. For greater effect, you can make transverse ribs (indicated in red in the picture.)
STEP 2. The next step is to fasten the tubes together. Fittings for polypropylene pipes are perfect for this. Plastic pipes are easily soldered to them using a special soldering iron. But it’s better to wrap the ends of the aluminum ones with electrical tape and then attach them to the fittings using metal screws.
It is important not to forget to leave a tee with a free end to connect the hose from the compressor.
STEP 3. Now you need to drill holes through which air will flow. The more there are, the more the water will “bubble”.
Jacuzzi from a regular bath
Making a Jacuzzi from a regular bathtub is quite simple. To do this, you need to prepare a number of tools and materials, as well as read the step-by-step instructions for assembling the system.
Necessary equipment
When equipping a bathtub with hydromassage equipment, you will need to use a compressor, pump, several nozzles and check valves. All consumables are purchased at building materials stores.
As related materials for the upcoming work, you need to take metal and plastic tubes of different diameters, liquid nails, ceramic tiles and Portland cement.
Assembly and installation
The process of assembling a Jacuzzi begins with the installation of an air massager, which is installed in the bathtub and dismantled after the session. You can make the device according to the following instructions:
- Using plastic tubes, you should assemble a frame that will fit on the bottom of the bathtub and not dangle. To strengthen the structure, it is equipped with cross members.
- A tee is mounted in one tube.
- At a distance of 100 mm, 15 mm holes are made in each tube.
- A plastic hose is attached to the outlet of the tee.
- Finally, you need to connect the hose from the pipelines to the vacuum cleaner to force air flow.
Installation
It is advisable to entrust the installation of a jacuzzi to specialists; after all, a “bathtub with a motor” is not a cheap pleasure. Because of this, it would be quite a shame to damage the reservoir without ever enjoying hydrotherapy. But for those who are confident in their abilities, here is a brief recommendation.
Installation instructions for the hydromassage tank:
- the bathroom is checked for compliance with technical requirements;
- own water supply and drainage system is installed;
- the necessary water filters are installed;
- the supporting frame is mounted;
- the bowl is installed in the frame;
- electrical equipment for the hot tub is installed;
- the sewerage and water supply system is connected;
- all connections are checked for leaks;
- electricity is connected (grounding must be installed);
- a decorative screen is installed.
Installing a budget jacuzzi
Installation of corner option
Before connecting, you should carefully study the instructions that come with the jacuzzi.
Features of installing a jacuzzi outdoors
Owners of private houses install hydromassage baths on the terrace or at some distance from the house. In certain countries, you must obtain a special permit for construction.
When choosing an installation site, it is important to take into account not only the dimensions of the structure, but also the size of the area for entry and technical work. Also, the jacuzzi should be located no closer than 1.5 m from the house and the border of the site. Please note that the distance from overhead power lines should be at least 3 m, and from spa panels - at least 1.5 m.
Preparing the site for installation
A hot tub with water can weigh up to a ton, so it is important to build a solid foundation for its installation to avoid damage to the device during its operation.
The minimum dimensions of the site for installing a jacuzzi on the street are 3x3 meters
A monolithic concrete base is considered the most durable and reliable, therefore it is an ideal option for installing a hot tub. It is laid in a uniform layer from 7.62 to 10.16 cm. However, this solution will not allow the Jacuzzi to be transported to another location without obstacles.
Prefabricated slabs are considered the best foundation option today. They simplify not only installation, but also dismantling of the structure. It is important to choose the optimal strength of the panels.
If you want to install a hot tub on your deck, it is important to find out if the foundation can support the weight of the hot tub.
Proper power supply
The cable to the jacuzzi can be routed both above and below the ground. Its diameter depends on the distance between the disconnector and the Jacuzzi, as well as on the maximum current consumption. It is necessary to use copper wire with nylon insulation.
Additionally, you should install a 240V and 50 A RCD or a 60 A circuit for models with a multistage pump. Obviously, the required voltage for a hot tub is greater than the standard 220V, so it is advisable to install a disconnector in the electrical control unit.
It is also important to select one circuit for connection. Connecting other devices to it is excluded.
Most models of outdoor Jacuzzis do not require a water supply - water is drawn from a hose and then heated in the bowl.
Thorough preparation for use
Before using the Jacuzzi you must:
- turn off the electricity, make sure that the elements are installed and securely fastened;
- open the air valves;
- fill the bowl with water from a garden hose or using buckets;
- connect electricity, start the heating function;
- test all modes.
After checking the operation of the hot tub, you can safely use it for its intended purpose.
Features of using a jacuzzi
First, water is filled into the bowl, and only then it is started. It is important that all nozzles are located in the water, otherwise the pump may overheat, causing it to leak or fail. After startup, the intensity of the jet is usually adjusted and the nozzles of the nozzles are adjusted.
If the jacuzzi is equipped with a backlight, it cannot be turned on unless the bath is filled with water, otherwise the lamp may overheat and the body may become deformed. Water acts as a lamp coolant
When operating a Jacuzzi, it is allowed to use aromatic substances and essences that do not form foam. Permissible water temperature is up to +50 degrees.