Contents
Checklist before you buy
- A level, stable, load-bearing surface.
- Enough access for delivery.
- A water supply nearby and somewhere to drain the tub.
- A position that takes account of smoke, wind and neighbours.
- An electrical circuit if the model is electric, hybrid or jetted.
The base: the priority
Water weighs about 1 kg per litre: a filled 1,500-litre tub weighs more than 1.5 tonnes, plus the tub itself and the bathers. The base must be level (a tilted tub heats poorly and distorts), stable and designed for that load.
| Base | Advantages | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | The safest and most durable solution | Building work and curing time; may need permission depending on size |
| Pads or slabs on compacted gravel | Quick, affordable, free-draining | Compact and level thoroughly |
| Existing timber decking | Looks integrated | Load-bearing capacity must be checked |
| Partly sunken | Very attractive, easy access | Drainage, access to the stove, ventilation of the timber |
Choosing the location
- Smoke and wind: position the flue so that smoke blows neither back onto the bathers nor into the neighbours’ gardens.
- Fire safety: keep a clearance from flammable materials (dry hedges, sheds, awnings).
- Privacy: a hedge, fence or screen makes the tub far more enjoyable.
- Practicality: close to the house for winter, but far enough away for the smoke.
- Water: an outdoor tap nearby, and a planned outlet for draining.
Delivery
Measure the width of passageways (gate, side path) and note any steps and slopes. Ask the manufacturer whether delivery is kerbside or to the final spot, and whether special handling is needed. For deliveries from the EU to the UK, also ask who handles customs clearance and any import charges.
Electrics
For an electric, hybrid, filtered or jetted model, plan for a supply that meets the rules for outdoor equipment near water, installed by a qualified electrician. In England and Wales, a new outdoor circuit is typically notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations, so use a registered electrician who can certify it.
Planning and neighbours
A freestanding tub that is not fixed to the ground generally does not need permission, but a slab, shelter or decking built for it may. Rules vary by area and are stricter for listed buildings and in conservation areas: check with your local planning authority (your local council in Ireland) before starting work. Think about smoke and noise too, especially in the evening.
Sources and method
Figures checked on 4 November 2026. Prices taken from the makers’ public product pages; rules and data from the official sources below.
- What permissions do I need to install a hot tub in my garden? — Planning Portal (England) : a hot tub typically does not need planning permission as it is classed as an outbuilding; electrics must be done by a registered competent person
- Outbuildings – mini guide — Planning Portal (England) : decking or raised platforms no higher than 300 mm; outbuildings within 2 m of a boundary limited to 2.5 m high
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a wood-fired hot tub on wooden decking?
Yes, if the structure is designed to carry the load of the filled tub and the bathers. Have a professional check the decking’s load-bearing capacity before installation.
Do I need planning permission for a wood-fired hot tub?
A freestanding tub that is not fixed to the ground generally does not need planning permission. Associated works (slab, shelter, decking) may, however, depending on their size, height and position and on local rules, and listed buildings and conservation areas are more tightly controlled. Check with your local planning authority (your local council in Ireland) before starting work.
Can a wood-fired hot tub be sunk into the ground?
Some models can be partly sunk or set into decking. You then need to plan for access to the stove, draining, ground drainage and ventilation of the timber. Ask the manufacturer whether the model is suitable.