Unlike self-contained portable hot tubs, a custom mosaic hot tub from Aegean Spas is supplied in two parts; a pre-plumbed spa shell in a steel frame and a pre-plumbed filtration kit on a skid pack (plus a balance tank for overflow models). On-site and in their respective positions, the two elements are plumbed together and the equipment pack connected to an electrical supply to complete the installation.
Often, contractors have made provision for the hot tub pit and ask us to supply a custom mosaic hot tub to suit the given dimensions, however, in many cases no provision has been made for the space requirements of filtration or balance tank equipment or a pipework run to a nearby location.
I am writing this blog post in the hope that those planning a custom mosaic hot tub are reminded to consider plant equipment prior to starting any site preparation works. Note however that whilst not ideal, if you are in the position of having already completed your groundworks having omitted space for equipment, we may still be able to help by supply a cartridge filtration based hot tub with equipment sitting in well-designed cavities under steps and benches.
Back to ideals and space requirement for our recommended filtration kits for custom mosaic hot tubs. Owing to transportation costs, the vast majority of our custom hot tubs have a maximum width of 2.4m and for aesthetic purposes tend to have a maximum length of 3.6m. As such I will detail out the space requirement for such spas (for larger sizes, please contact us). For skimmer filtration hot tubs, typical equipment includes 1 or 2 massage pumps, 1 circulation pump, 1 industrial air blower, 1 control box with in-line heater and 1 sand filter. The skid pack sizing is 1.50m x 0.90m x 1.10m (h) and there should be sufficient access for a service engineer to access the individual components. For overflow spas, allowance will also need to be made for a balance tank of typically 1000l having a size of 1.35m x 0.85m x 1.25m (h).
The location of the plant equipment should ideally be located within 5m of the custom mosaic hot tub. Greater distances may require an upgrade to filtration equipment and require a larger plant area. In addition to allowing sufficient area to place the custom hot tub and the filtration kit, sufficient pipework run space must be allowed for. Each massage pump has a 63mm flow and return pipe, the circulation pump has a 50mm flow and return pipe and the air blower has a 50mm flow pipe.