Can I Put My Hot Tub In A Summerhouse Or Garden Room?

If you want to be able to use your hot tub all year round and away from neighboring prying eyes, putting a hot tub in a summerhouse is an excellent project. However, a shed should meet specific requirements to be suitable for hot tub storage.

Let us start from the basics. Each hot tub, whether positioned inside or outside, requires a sturdy base, meaning that shed flooring needs to hold the tub’s weight when filled with water and with people inside soaking. Hence your shed flooring needs to be at least 32 mm thick with 300 mm thick joists. Otherwise, you can remove the flooring and put the shed on a concrete base that is proven the most capable of holding that much weight.

Secondly, each closed space should have decent ventilation. It would be best if you were wise to choose a shed with many windows, which could provide good ventilation and plenty of natural light that will give you an impression of being outdoors. Finally, since wood is susceptible to rotting when it comes in contact with moisture, it must be protected to ensure its long life. Be sure to have the timber tantalized to defend it against fungus, mold, or insects.

When it comes to drainage, installing a patio channel drain will suffice in case of any spillage, but to drain the hot tub, you can use a submersible pump with an attached hose to empty the water into the main drain. If you do not have a submersible pump, you can find one on amazon.com very favorably.

Another thing to think about beforehand is how you will insert the hot tub inside the shed. One option is to install a hot tub first and then to build the shed structure around it. The second option is to build the shed with the ability to remove one wall or have a bi-folding door wide enough for the hot tub to pass through. Of course, if you want to enjoy complete comfort, your summerhouse should also have ample space for guests or maybe even a bar where you could put your drinks. Moreover, you need to have enough space around the tub in case of any damage and repairs, especially when accessing the control panel.

Can you Put a Hot Tub in a Plastic Shed?

Even though plastic sheds can sometimes prove more robust and durable than wood sheds, they are not suitable for putting a hot tub inside. Many reasons can support my statement.

Nevertheless, allow me to mention the plastic shed advantages first. Plastic sheds do not require much of your time to set up, and it is effortless to build. It is also less expensive than the woodshed and easy to maintain because it will not rot or rust. Naturally, the plastic shed needs a concrete foundation thick enough to withstand the weight of the tub when filled with water. 

On the other hand, plastic sheds might get bleached and brittle after a long-term exposure to the sun and UV, which might cause your shed to crack and eventually fall apart. Regardless, if built from quality material, some plastic sheds can last long under UV, but some will fall apart after a couple of months. 

However, the greatest disadvantage of the plastic shed is that it is prone to dampness and condensation. This situation worsens with the hot tub inside. Without good ventilation, the water would be dripping from the roof and flow down the walls, which would create an unpleasant and unhealthy environment for you and your hot tub.

Additionally, water evaporation can seep into the hot tub electrical equipment and cause damages and malfunctions. The water condensation could also shorten the lifespan of your hot tub, leading to extensive and expensive repairs. Chemical evaporation also harms plastic material. Finally, extensive condensation will make your shed susceptible to mold and mildew. However, this is primarily a problem in winter when the outside air is much colder than the inside and when you are not able to keep your door and windows open while using the hot tub, which would help the air circulate.

My advice is not to store dump creating machines into the plastic sheds to avoid even more significant problems with the hot tub installations.

Can you Put a Hot Tub in a Metal Shed?

Generally speaking, it is possible to put a hot tub in a metal shed. However, when discussing whether this should be done, opinions are divided.

Compared to the wooden metal sheds are lighter, cheaper, and easier to maintain. Also, you do not have to worry about insects or rodent infestation. On the other hand, the metal shed’s longevity is shorter than the wooden sheds: the best metal sheds are guaranteed to last 25 years, whereas timber sheds can last double as much if regularly maintained. However, as with any other shed, a metal shed has to have a solid foundation, preferably concrete, to hold the weight of the hot tub when filled with water.

Unfortunately, the biggest downside of the metal sheds is that they are prone to rust and corrosion, even empty, let alone when there is a hot tub inside. However, there is always an option to use a dehumidifier to help remove the water from the air preventing condensation. Additionally, you can improve the ventilation by opening the windows (if any), allowing the air to circulate through the shed. If there are no windows, you can keep your door wide open; however, this is only possible during summer days. In the winter, it is not applicable. When the outside temperature drops, the warm air inside the shed will lead to condensation that will further cause corrosion if not regularly ventilated. Thus, it would help if you had a sound ventilation system installed, but even though the corrosion and rust will eventually eat up your metal shed, making it weak, susceptible to damages, cracks, and mold.

Besides, metal sheds tend to be quite noisy when affected by external sound. Compared to wooden summerhouses, which blend easily into the surrounding landscape, they are less aesthetically pleasing because they come in limited shapes and colors.

How do you Put a Vent in a Shed?

Good ventilation is the first line of defense against the condensation and moisture formation inside a shed. Insufficient ventilation leads to building up steam, thus deteriorating the inside of your shed and a hot tub as well. A good ventilation system ensures air circulation and better temperature control, creating a pleasant and healthier environment.

The primary ventilation mode is to open windows and doors ajar, especially while using a hot tub. Opening doors and windows will allow the steam to get out and fresh air to get in the shed. However, this ventilation method is feasible during hot summer days while it is not possible in winter. But, in winter, you can keep windows cracked open to allow the air to circulate.

Additionally, you should have two vents installed that are positioned on the opposite sides backed with a mesh so that the hot tub steam can get out, but at the same time, mesh prevents the insects from getting in.

The best ventilation system for larger sheds would be to install a whirligig vent with wind-powered turbines. This vent works as an active ventilator that pushes fresh and cool air inside the shed. For more effective results, you can place a wall vent that will allow for the fresh air to get in, and whirligig on your roof can take the steam and hot air out.

Finally, always use an insulated cover that can be airtight sealed when the hot tub is not in use to prevent water evaporation.