There's nothing like having a hot tub on your back patio to relax in after a long day at work. But if your backyard is enclosed with privacy fencing, you may wonder how a hot tub can be installed. You could opt to have the obstruction(s) removed, but that is also an additional cost you would need to cover... not to mention the extra time involved until you can enjoy a relaxing dip in your hot tub.
Removing a portion of the privacy fence to make a hole large enough to get the hot tub through may seem like a good option. However, this may mean that the hot tub will need to be turned on its side to get it through the opening, which could cause problems with the wiring and plumbing lines, especially if they are not secured properly. And hot tubs can weigh as much as 800 pounds or more, which can make it challenging to traverse over even the smallest obstacles, like the edge of a patio or steps onto a deck.
Fortunately, there is something you can do about it instead – rent a crane to deliver the hot tub. Here are a few important things to know about the use of a crane to deliver a hot tub to your backyard.
A crane rental may not be included in the hot tub delivery charges
Most hot tub installation services include delivery in their charges. However, the delivery they charge for is typically standard, which means they may use carts, dollies, and/or manpower to move the hot tub from the delivery truck, set it in place, and hook it up. Therefore, the first thing to determine is whether or not the delivery charges include a crane rental.
The crane needs a firm footing to deliver your hot tub
The ideal location for a crane when it's delivering large and heavy items such as hot tubs is in the driveway or other location that has a firm footing. Cranes are designed to lift things above obstacles, including large homes. However, the placement of the crane can depend on many factors, including the slope of the area and other obstacles that need to be considered, such as large trees that may be in the way. The crane rental service will determine the best location for the crane.
You may need to get a building permit and/or clearance from your HOA
In some areas, a permit is required whenever a crane is in use. This depends on the regulations of your local building code authority. Call them to see if you require a permit before hiring a crane rental service to deliver your hot tub. Also, if you have a homeowner's association, you may need to get clearance from them to have a crane parked on your property. Either entity may have requirements that need to be met, such as distance of the crane from buildings and allowable crane sizes.
Ask your insurance company for safety guidelines
It's a good idea to contact your homeowner's insurance company to ask if you need tell them that a crane is being used on your property and whether or not your insurance will cover any accidents if they happen. Your insurance company can give you guidelines as to what to expect and look for when the crane is being used so you know it is being operated safely. For example, if your driveway is sloped, the footing of the crane will need to be adjusted to make the crane level before it can safely lift the hot tub up and over your house.
For more information, contact a local crane rental service like A C Jones Trucking Inc.
Share22 October 2015
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