Ocala and The Villages Spa & Patio Experts

Select a structurally sound flat surface that is reasonably level to serve as  your spa’s foundation to prevent serious damage to your spa. A  foundation that shifts or settles may cause stress to the spa shell.

The  foundation that your spa rests on must have a weight bearing load  capability of supporting the weight of your spa, its water, and the  people using it. The maximum filled weight of a spa can be as much as  6,000 lbs (2,722 kg), plus the weight of the occupants that use the spa.  You can find the spa weight by visiting the spa model page on BullFrogspas.com  website or by asking us.

To prevent serious  damage to your spa, it is important that the spa foundation be supported  by a flat, stable, and consistent subsurface. Bullfrog Spas highly  recommends consulting a qualified, licensed contractor prior to the  installation of any spa foundation. For assistance, contact us at the store. 

Recommended  flooring materials include a concrete pad, concrete pavers or bricks,  pea gravel, crushed rock (1.5” [3.81cm] or more), or a reinforced deck.  

Concrete foundations should  be a minimum of 4” (10.16cm) thick and should be reinforced with either  rebar or mesh. For electrical grounding purposes, the rebar or mesh  should be attached to a bond wire.

If  your spa’s pad is slightly sloped, it will not affect the performance  of the spa or its structure; however, there should be no dips, sags, or  unevenness in the pad. Most patios are built to slope away from the  house for drainage purposes. There should be a maximum of ½” (1.27cm)  slope in an 8‘ (2.44m) run. Do not use shims to level the spa, this  could create tension on the spa shell which might result in damaging  your spa.

Because your spa pad must provide continuous  support for the entire base of the spa, you should never level it with  shims. If it is necessary to level your spa, make sure the entire spa’s  structure is fully supported, both in the center as well as the outer  edge. When leveling your spa, there should be no voids beneath it.  Contact us before making any leveling  adjustments. Structural damage to the spa resulting from incorrect  installation, placement on an inadequate foundation, or improper  leveling will void the spa’s warranty.

*Please see owner’s manual for full electrical requirements, definitions, conversions, and diagrams.

You  will need to ensure that you have the appropriate space equipped with  electrical source. You will usually need to hire an electrician to wire  your hot tub before it can be used. Depending on codes where you live,  an electrician can either hook up the tub once it’s delivered, or set up  the wires ahead of time. 

The installation of all  spas must be in accordance with national and local wiring rules. Always  have a licensed electrician perform the electrical installation. Each  Bullfrog Spa is manufactured and tested to a standard that provides  maximum protection against electrical shock. Improper wiring may prevent  the spa from operating safely which could result in electrical shock,  injury, or death. Improper wiring could also lead to a malfunction of  the spa’s equipment and risk of fire.

If  you are needing recommendations for a licensed electrician, we can provide help. It can be beneficial to use an  electrician recommended by us as you know they will have done  electric work for hot tubs before. 

See technical dimensions diagram for the available wiring configurations and recommended ratings amperage for each Bullfrog Spa model.

Most Bullfrog Spas are equipped with 240V~/60Hz equipment. These permanently-connected  240V~/60Hz spas require a GFCI protected, 4-wire (Line 1, Line 2,  Neutral, and Ground), 240V~/60Hz, 50A or 60A, Single-Phase, dedicated  electrical circuit. It is important that this circuit is dedicated (not  being used by any other electrical appliance) or the spa may not  function properly. Spa models with 3 jet pumps (M9, M8, and A9L) require  a 60A service for full functionality. Installation must be in  accordance with all national and local wiring rules.

Some  smaller Bullfrog Spas models (A5L, R5L, X5L, STIL5, X6R) are available  to be ordered with a 120V~/60Hz cord-connected Installation. These are  sometimes referred to as “plug and play” spas. Cord-connected spas have  already been converted to operate on 120V~/60Hz power at the factory and  come with approximately 15‘ (4.57m) of usable power cord (the maximum  length allowed) attached to the spa. This factory installed power cord  comes with a built-in GFCI breaker.

WARNING: Never connect to an extension cord.

The  size of wire required to supply the spa with power is dependent upon  the length of the electrical run and should only be determined by a  licensed Electrician. Installation must be in accordance with all  national and local wiring rules. All wiring must be copper to ensure  adequate connections. Never use aluminum wire.

The  following document can help your electrician determine the wire length  needed based on your spa model, the spa installation location, and the  GFCI box location: Electrical Wire Length Recommendations.

For  service purposes, allow easy access to the circuit breakers in the  electrical service panel (permanently connected models), or to the  interrupter switch on the end of the power cord (cord-connected models).

Each  Bullfrog Spa is manufactured with three electrical access chase ways in  its base to allow conduit to be run to the spas control system. These  chase ways are marked by stickers indicating access points.

The  installation of all spas must be in accordance with national and local  wiring rules and with applicable permits consistent with local  regulations. A licensed Electrician must perform the electrical  installation and GFCI test procedure. Each Bullfrog Spa is manufactured  and tested to a standard that provides maximum protection against  electrical shock. Improper wiring may prevent the spa from operating  safely which could result in electrical shock, injury, or death.  Improper wiring could also lead to a malfunction of the spa’s equipment  and risk of fire. When considering a location for your spa, consult with  a licensed Electrician pertaining to the following:

Based  upon the national and local wiring rules that apply to your area, you  will need to install your spa at the required minimum horizontal and  vertical distances from all power lines.

Based  upon your area, a disconnect device must be incorporated into the fixed  wiring in accordance with national and local wiring rules. If the  national and local wiring rules permit, a GFCI Sub-Panel may be used to  substitute the service disconnect, providing that it is located within  the same parameters.

Based  upon the national and local wiring rules that apply to your area, you  must install your spa at the required minimum distance from all  electrical outlets, switches, and devices.

Based  upon the national and local wiring rules that apply to your area, the  Control System Box located inside the equipment compartment of your spa  must be bonded to all metal equipment, handrails, fixtures, enclosures,  pipe, or conduit that are located within the maximum specified  distances. The bonding is to be connected to the ground lug connector on  the exterior surface of the Control System Box and all metal items  previously described. 

Your  home most likely offers multiple sites where your spa may be installed.  Use the information presented in this section to assist you in  carefully selecting the site that works best for you. It is your  responsibility to choose and prepare the site properly before delivery,  so you will experience a smooth and efficient delivery as well as obtain  optimal use and full enjoyment of your spa.

Some  people choose to install tile or custom wood around their spas. If you  are installing your spa with custom trimming, remember to allow access  for service. Should your spa need service, a technician may need to  remove the spa’s equipment compartment door or side panels, or access  the spa from beneath. Leave at least 24 inches of space in the front for  A, R, X, and STIL spas. See diagram here. M Series spas will need 24 inches of space in the front as well as room on the front-left corner. See diagram here.

Also, it is always best to design special installations so the spa can still be moved, or lifted from the ground.

For  service purposes, also allow easy access to the circuit breakers in the  electrical service panel (permanently-connected models), or to the  interrupter switch on the end of the power cord (cord-connected models).

Most  hot tubs are square or rectangle and between 6 and 8 feet in external  dimensions. The larger the spa, the more people it will generally  accommodate. It’s good to measure the space where you intend to place  your spa before shopping. Also, keep in mind it’s sometimes necessary to  leave an additional space of 1 to 2 feet around at least 1 to 2 sides  of the spa to accommodate accessories like cover lifters and to allow  for access.

Spa dimensions for each model can be found on their individual spa model page on our website, in the owner’s manual, or on the technical dimensions sheet.

You  can also preview what a spa will look like in your backyard or desired  location by using our augmented reality tool on any phone or table.  Visit this page and find which spa model you are looking for. The spa will appear and you can move it around to see how it will fit.

Make  sure to plan on leaving space for any spa accessories you’ll have with  your hot tub. Here is a list of common accessories and their dimensions.

If  using a cover-lifting mechanism, allow up to 24” (.61m) of clearance  behind the spa. CoverMate I requires just 10 to 15 inches of clearance  behind the spa and 5 inches on each side. CoverMate III requires just 6  inches of clearance behind the spa and 5 inches on each side. Check with  us for the exact clearance  requirements for your cover-lifting mechanism.

• M Series Steps: 54″ W x 15.5″ H x 29″ D
• SelectStep: 20” D x 30” W x 14” H (2 Step option); 40” D x 30” W x 30” H (3 Step option)
• Durastep: 15″H x 27″W x 26″D

Other  common accessories to plan for include side tables, towel racks, and  handrails. Please check with us or the accessory’s manufacturer  for dimensions.

Most  hot tubs are installed outdoors, either free-standing above ground or  in-ground. Here are some tips when placing your spa outdoors to help  protect your spa from the elements and to give yourself the best  experience possible when enjoying your spa.

• Avoid areas where excessive water may contact your spa such as sprinklers or under roofs without rain gutters.
• Prevent dirt, sand, and foliage from being tracked into the spa by using concrete, pavers, or a stone path to access your spa.
• Avoid areas of direct, prolonged sunlight where possible to avoid fading of hot tub exterior surfaces and possible damage.
• Avoid placing the spa under trees and spill paths from gutters to prevent debris and foliage from collecting in the spa.
• Avoid  installing the spa in a pit or low area where water may accumulate and  damage the spa or its equipment. Choose a site where water will drain  away from the spa. Your spa contains an equipment compartment, which  houses all of its electrical components. Allowing water into the  equipment compartment can damage the electronics, or may result in  tripping your spa’s circuit breaker. For 120V~/60Hz, cord-connected  spas, avoid plugging your spa into an electrical outlet that is  susceptible to water. Likewise, avoid positioning the spa’s electrical  cord as to allow water to enter the cord’s interrupter switch.
• Consider  electrical wiring logistics. Most hot tubs are hard wired by an  electrician and the longer the run of wire to the spa the more it can  cost in materials and labor.
• Consider the view you’ll have from your spa as well as how much privacy the surrounding area will provide.
• To  maximize the energy efficiency of your spa, make sure the spa has a  strong foundation and place it close to your home or other wind-stopping  barriers.
• Check national and local codes about restrictions that require fencing or childproof gates.

If  you are planning on installing your hot tub indoors, the environment  both around and below the spa should be water resistant, and preferably  waterproof. It must be capable of handling water splashed out from the  spa as well as the possibility of a malfunction. Recommendations to  handle water around the spa include, but are not limited to, a floor  drain and/or a catch basin equivalent to the volume of water in your  spa.

Make sure the installation location is structurally  sufficient and can support the weight of the spa when filled with water.  Ground floor recommendations are generally preferred for indoors.

Condensation  can also occur on the spa cover and drip onto the floor. Therefore,  ensure that flooring materials provide a good grip when wet and are  resilient to constant exposure of water and chemicals.

In  addition to handling the water from the spa, it is recommended that the  room be properly ventilated. Humidity levels will naturally increase  after the spa is installed and in use. Water may get into woodwork and  produce dry rot, mildew, or other problems. Over time, high levels of  humidity and spa chemicals can cause water damage to your floor, wall,  and ceiling surfaces. To minimize humidity damage, it is best to provide  plenty of ventilation such as a ceiling fan and moisture-resistant  paint. An architect can help to determine if special ventilation  equipment is required, such as a humidistat or dehumidifier which can be  installed to regulate indoor humidity during spa use.

NOTE: Typical indoor surfaces include, but are not limited to: concrete, wood, non-slip tile, or linoleum.

If  you’re looking to install your spa on a deck or other elevated  structure, consult with a qualified structural engineer or contractor  before installation.

Be certain your deck or elevated  structure can support the maximum filled weight of your spa along with  the total weight of occupants that use it. You must know the deck’s  weight-bearing load capacity and ensure that it is greater than the  maximum filled weight of your spa combined with the occupants using it  or serious injury or structural damage could result. To find the weight  bearing load requirement along with the maximum filled weight of your  spa, refer to the Spa Technical Specifications Chart or us for assistance.

To  prepare for the delivery of your hot tub, make sure the delivery path  is clear and no obstructions are present. Obstacles such as overhanging  tree limbs, awnings, protruding gas meters, water meters, and A/C units  can prevent easy access. It may be necessary to remove a gate, part of a  fence, or other items in order to move the spa to the desired location.  If there are more than six consecutive stairs without a landing, you  may be required to find another delivery path. Check the measurements on  90◦ turns to make sure the spa will fit through.

Most  spas are moved using a dolly or slip sheet, but occasionally a crane is  required to install the spa by lifting it to its final destination. This  occurs when the spa has to be taken off of the dolly cart to go over a  wall, either because the entry area is too narrow, the eaves are too  low, the corner is too tight, or the stairway is too steep. The use of a  crane is a common practice and is usually the easiest and safest method  for moving a spa when access is difficult. The crane has a  truck-mounted boom and can fit easily in your driveway. The Crane  Operator will lift your spa over walls, buildings, or any other  obstruction and place it as close to the installation site as possible.

After  your spa is delivered we can show you how to  properly fill up your spa with water and give instructions for initial  startup. Instructions are also found in your owner’s manual. Do not run  your spa when it is not filled with water. You will be given an instruct training by one of our team members to walk you through the controls of operating your spa and  programming the different settings. You can also reference the owners manual. It usually takes between 24-48 hours  for your spa to reach desired temperature before use.

Our spa maintenance guide also has helpful tips on taking care of your spa.