Pools, Hot Tubs, Saunas and Pool Equipment

What each project asks of the yard

These three projects have different demands. An above-ground pool is chosen by diameter or length and wall height, and it needs a perfectly level, cleared base. Hot tubs and portable spas add electricity and a heater, so check the voltage and whether a plug-in model or a hard-wired one is offered. Saunas are sized by the number of people, and infrared and steam types heat differently. Explore above-ground pools and liners for the largest project, or infrared and steam saunas for heat.

Electrical load, motors and fit before you commit

Anything with a pump or heater draws real power, so check the voltage, the amperage and whether the circuit needs ground-fault protection, which pool and spa equipment normally requires. A sauna listed at 2000 W or more wants its own circuit rather than a shared extension lead. Pump motors are specified by horsepower, voltage and frame, so a replacement must match all three. Infrared saunas use radiant heaters to warm the body directly, while steam saunas fill the cabin with humid heat; neither is better, they simply feel different.

Questions about Pools, Hot Tubs, Saunas and Pool Equipment

What is the difference between an infrared and a steam sauna?

Infrared units use radiant heaters to warm you directly at a lower air temperature, and they heat up quickly. Steam units make humid heat with a generator. Infrared suits small spaces and quick sessions; steam suits those who like humid heat.

Can I put an above-ground pool on a slope?

Not without leveling it first. The base must be flat and firm because the weight of water on an uneven surface stresses the walls and can cause them to fail. Remove sod and stones, and level by digging rather than building up one side with loose fill.

Can I power a sauna or spa through an extension cord?

Usually not. Heaters and pumps draw high current that can overheat a household extension cord, and wet locations raise the risk, so many manufacturers forbid it. Use the supply the manual specifies, normally a dedicated circuit installed to local code, with ground-fault protection for any spa or hot tub.