What are indoor spas?

Indoor spas or indoor hot tubs are usually rectangular or circular and portable in shape with a non-slip mechanism. The indoor spas are installed inside homes that require privacy and access to the home spa anytime, anywhere. The local dealers showcase the clients a specification list such as moisture control, built-in drain connectors, unit serviceability, etc. The proper location needs to be figured out for fitting the hot tub spa for retrofitting inside an existing room or separate hot tub room, particularly assigned for the hot tub. All the prerequisites such as sauna, warm water, ventilation, massage for relaxation, flooring, backyard, and surroundings need to be taken care of before the installation process. For relaxing one’s muscles and joints, the powerful bubble jets provide convenient hydrotherapy benefits, that are comfortable regardless of whether the hot tubs are positioned indoors or outdoors.

Installation process

The weight of the indoor spa unit must be around 900 pounds for six to seven people and after the addition of 420 gallons of water with seating of each person, the total weight comes to be 6,000 pounds. The area required must be 60 square feet and the selection of floor must depend on whether it can withstand the load of the bathtub. A cement vault (at least 2ft) is created with composite flooring to hold the spa for space and future repair works. A floor drain must be made only when an indoor spa is installed inside a different dedicated room. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that the indoor relative humidity be kept below 60 percent. A 104-degree water temperature in the house will create challenges. Thus, using a dehumidifier for moisture control, an efficient HVAC system for maintaining the balance of air and water temperature is advisable and removal of chlorine or bromine gases or odor, install UV (ultraviolet) system. The light and cooling system should be kept within 5 feet range, and it needs to be at least 12 feet above the spa with no GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection. For GFCI protection, mount them at a height of 7 ½ feet.

As discussed earlier, indoor spas are the most accessible way to enjoy the comfort from home. One does not need to travel from one place to another to get an enriched holistic experience. Some of the benefits and drawbacks of indoor hot tubs are as follows:

Benefits of indoor spas

Privacy

The placement of a hot tub inside the house will keep the users protected from passers-by and other judgmental people.

Convenience factor

Both indoor and outdoor hot tubs are easily accessible and convenient. A home spa within the house makes it easy to access and use multiple times as no one has to go outside.

Weather protection

As the spa is installed indoors, outside weather conditions do not make any difference.

Utilization of unused space

An extra room is seldom used, a section of it can be reserved for the indoor hot tub for a break every weekend.

Drawbacks of indoor spas and precautions to be taken

Installation procedure: Multiple sizes of hot tubs are available and redirecting them into any room is not always possible as they are larger than the standard door opening. Adhering to and understanding the instruction manual and guidelines is a prerequisite before installing the indoor spa.

Base installation: A solid foundation is required for a portable spa. The weight of the tub rises drastically when filled with water, thus the flooring must have proper strength and reinforcement desirable to hold the hot tub.

Plumbing: The selected room must contain a water outlet and drainage system otherwise one has to install a plumbing system depending on the spa water care system.

Drains: Water movements, spills, and displacement occur when people move inside the hot tub, thus installing a drain is a must to prevent accumulation of water on the floor near the vicinity of the indoor spa or a hose connected to the indoor or outdoor sink or outlet.

Electrical installation: The connection of the indoor hot tub to a power source can be either a power outlet or the wire directly fixed to a 220V, 230V, or 240V connection through the electrical circuit board. For protection from moisture-related short circuits, attach an in-ground GFCI between the indoor spa and the power source.

Ventilation: The high temperature of spa water maximizes the relative humidity and the amalgamation of heat and humidity may damage wall coverings, paint, and so on, inviting bacteria and fungi. An effective ventilation system needs to be installed to prevent any access to microorganisms feeding on walls.

Water-resistant materials: For safety, the surrounding furniture must be kept water-resistant in case of spa water overflow.

Outdoor hot tubs or outdoor spas

Benefits include easy installation, delivery, open ventilation, natural drainage, no space constraint, a beautiful view, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Cons of outdoor hot tubs are that they are less private, and people have no choice but to adjust to the weather conditions. But the outdoor hot tubs have other functions too such as hot springs and other side functional appliances due to larger spaces for making the customer’s visit memorable. A larger indoor spa can be termed as an indoor pool that has self-contained functions with bubble jets similar to a Jacuzzi providing a grand and luxurious experience.

Context and Applications

• Bachelor of Technology (Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications)
• Masters in Science (Electrical Engineering)
• Masters in Science (Robotics and Machine Learning)

Practice Problems

Q1. What is the full form of GFCI?

1. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
2. Ground First Circuit Interrupter
3. Ground Fault Circular Interrupter
4. Good Fault Circuit Interpreter

Correct Option: a

Explanation: The full form of GFCI is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Q2. What is the approximate weight of an indoor spa usually?

1. 5000 pounds
2. 6000 pounds
3. 7000 pounds
4. 8000 pounds

Correct Option: b

Explanation: The approximate weight of an indoor spa usually is 6000 pounds.

Q3. What is/are some of the advantages of a hot tub installed indoors?

1. Privacy from prying eyes
2. Convenience factor
3. Weather protection
4. All of these

Correct Option: d

Explanation: Some of the advantages of a hot tub installed indoors are privacy from prying eyes, convenience factor, and weather protection.

Q4. What is the function of a dehumidifier?

1. To maintain an efficient HVAC system.
2. To provide space for future maintenance services.
3. To control the relative humidity and moisture content.
4. To act as a fuse during short-circuit.

Correct Option: c

Explanation: The function of a dehumidifier is to control the relative humidity and moisture content.

Q5. Which of the following statements are incorrect?

1. The area required must be 60 square feet and the selection of floor must depend on whether it can withstand the load of the bathtub.
2. Benefits of outdoor spas include easy installation and delivery, open ventilation, natural drainage, no space constraint, beautiful view, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.
3. The connection of the indoor hot tub to a power source can be to a power outlet only.
4. None of these

Correct Option: c

Explanation: The connection of the indoor hot tub to a power source can be either a power outlet or the wire directly fixed to a 220V, 230V, or 240V connection through the electrical circuit board.

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