One of the most common complaints about hot tubs is that they create noise. Whilst this might not be a problem for you, it can become annoying for your neighbours and, if the problem isn’t addressed, can cause all sorts of bad feelings. So what can you do to minimize the noise coming from your hot tub? Is it possible to add soundproofing to a hot tub and does it really make a difference? I decided to find out.
So, how do I soundproof a hot tub? Putting the hot tub on a solid base rather than on a deck and also standing it on a thick rubber will reduce vibration and noise. Check that all moving parts eg the pump are securely mounted and have dampers fitted. You can also fill any voids in the hot tub cabinet with soundproof material and set up barriers such as fences and planting around the hot tub to prevent noise from travelling.
Why are hot tubs noisy?
There are a number of different possibilities when it comes to noise made by hot tubs – here are some of the most likely ones:
Pump vibration – Most hot tub noise complaints are from neighbours who can hear a deep bass humming noise. Often this is not noticeable near to the hot tub and can only be heard at a distance. It tends to be caused by moving parts eg pumps vibrating and setting up waves of sound within the fixed wooden cabinet of the hot tub which then can carry over a wide distance.
Amplifying decking – The problem of deep bass humming sounds is increased if the hot tub is stood on top of a deck. As the decking is hollow it acts like an amplifier and the noise will be increased as it travels through the deck. The deck acts like a sounding box just like the body of a violin or acoustic guitar.
Squealing or buzzing – If you have any other squealing, buzzing or grinding noises this possibly means that the bearings on one of the moving components is about to fail. This is relatively good news in that it can usually be quickly and permanently fixed and the noise will disappear however, as with any repair job there will be some financial outlay involved.
Jets and water noise – Some people object to the noise that the jets make and the sound of moving water. You could consider that this is a soothing sound but, if it’s not your hot tub and it is preventing you from getting to sleep, for example, it is likely to become annoying.
Bather noise – Finally, noise complaints may also be about the amount of noise that people using the hot tub make. Splashing, laughing and chatting, particularly in the evenings, can carry a long way and sound much louder to a neighbour than you would imagine.
You may also be talking more loudly to be heard over the sound of the hot tub and be in an animated and fun mood too. Often using the hot tub coincides with relaxing with food and drink and we all tend to become a bit overloud in these types of circumstances.
How to minimize hot tub noise
So, we now know what the potential noise issues are with hot tubs and how they can impact upon your surroundings but how can you reduce the amount of noise your hot tub makes?
Consider the prevailing wind – First of all think about the positioning of your hot tub. Obviously moving your hot tub is a big decision but, if it causing problems where it is or you are still in the planning stages then you really should give this some thought.
If at all possible avoid positioning the hot tub where the noise from it will be carried towards your neighbours by the prevailing wind. If you can get it so that the wind will carry the noise in the opposite direction this will make a big difference.
Build a barrier – Building a barrier between the hot tub and the neighbours can make a big difference.
It doesn’t have to be a big ugly wall or fence – a natural barrier such as a hedge or other planting will look attractive, provide some privacy and also soak up some noise as well. If you can’t position your hot tub so that the wind carries the noise away as we discussed above then constructing a barrier to protect the hot tub from the wind will help to prevent noise from travelling as well.
This will have the added advantage of protecting the hot tub from the cold and may well help keep the hot tub warm and reduce your energy bills as well. Again a wall or solid fence works well but natural barriers can equally be effective.
Stand on concrete – If your hot tub is creating noise whilst stood on a deck then consider building up a brick or concrete base. This will help to reduce the vibration and greatly reduce the amplifying effect of the hot tub being on a hollow wooden structure.
There’s no reason why you can’t stand the hot tub on concrete and build a deck around it. Just make sure that none of the wooden structure is touching the hot tub so that vibrations can’t be transmitted along it and avoid large wooden hollow sections near the hot tub.
Move away from the neighbours – The other obvious thing to do with siting your hot tub is to keep it as far away from your neighbours as possible. From your garden, the sunniest and most attractive spot may well be against the fence or perimeter of your property but bear in mind that this could be only a few feet away from where your neighbours sit in their garden or could be close to their house.
Of course, you should be able to put whatever you want wherever you want it in your own garden but a bit of consideration in the planning could save a lot of hassle and bad feeling further down the line.
Check pumps and fixings – One of the main reasons why pumps and other moving parts create vibrations and noise is that their fixings are loose or not sitting properly. A good quality hot tub will have dampers around the fixings as well to minimise the transfer of vibration and noise from the pump to the hot tub.
Check that all of the fixings look secure and that the dampers are correctly located and are actually absorbing the vibrations. If you can see or feel vibration and you think that it is being transferred to the hot tub body then you might be able to insert some rubber onto the fixing to soak up the movement.
If you have a new or in-warranty hot tub then you should consult your dealer for advice first but if you have an older hot tub then a simple DIY solution and the introduction of some rubber washers into the fixings may go a long way towards reducing the amount of vibration and therefore making your hot tub a lot quieter.
Add soundproof materials – Again, if you have a new hot tub or a tub that is in warranty you should consult your dealer before doing this but, in an older hot tub, filling any space voids with soundproof materials will help a lot.
You could combine this with insulation and add spray foam which will both insulate and sound deaden. However, you must be very careful not to cover parts that might get hot and need ventilation, air holes or ducts and any other part of the hot tub where air circulation might be important.
Go for the large voids in the cabinet where the piping and jets are and avoid the working parts of the hot tub such as pumps and heating/filtration equipment.
Stand on rubber matting – Finally, a good thick base of rubber matting will soak up a huge amount of noise and vibration as well as offer some good insulation for your hot tub. This can be a bit of a hassle to insert if your hot tub is already in situ but it is a relatively inexpensive and quick way to make a big difference.
With the help of several friends and an empty hot tub you might be able to lift the hot tub and tackle this as a DIY project. However, if in any doubt then a specialist hot tub removal company should be able to do the job relatively quickly, inexpensively and safely. A hot tub is extremely heavy and it is very easy to injure yourself when moving or lifting one to proceed with care if you do decide to do this yourself.
These anti-vibration rubber mats from Amazon have really good reviews.
Working with your neighbours
So, what can you do if your neighbours are complaining about the noise from your hot tub? Here are a few ideas about how to tackle the problem and keep the good feeling between you.
Listen to their point of view – First of all, and even if you think they are making a fuss over nothing or complaining just to be annoying you really do need to listen to their point of view. Go round to their property if at all possible and have a listen for yourself. You might be surprised at how much the sound of your hot tub travels or you might just be able to pinpoint the problem and come up with a quick solution.
By far the best policy is to be sympathetic to their issue and try to work together to solve it. Try to also get them to see your point of view and try to come to a mutually agreeable solution.
Explain why you think they can hear noise – It might well help if you can explain to them what the actual noise is. If you can hear a bass hum from their property and not from yours let them know so that they don’t think that you are being deliberately difficult.
Explain where the hot tub is on your property and what the pumps or jets do if that is the problem. Often, if your neighbour understands a little from your perspective they may well back down a bit and become a bit more accepting.
Explain what you are doing to minimize the noise – You can also explain what steps you will take to try to minimize the noise. If your neighbour can see that you are doing your utmost to minimize any noise disruption to them they are much more likely to be patient and understanding.
Consider not using the hot tub late at night – You might also want to consider when it might be more problematic to use your hot tub. If you are having late-night hot tub parties then it would be reasonable to cut down on these. You could avoid running the pumps overnight or possibly at a time when your neighbour might be particularly sensitive to hearing them
Ask the neighbours round to use the hot tub – Asking your neighbour round to look at the hot tub or even to use it might also go a long way towards increasing their tolerance. Would you consider letting them use it on a regular basis to help sweeten the deal?
Now, I’m not suggesting that you tiptoe around your own private backyard and only use your hot tub for an hour a week when the neighbours are away to lessen the risk of upsetting them. We all have the right to do what we wish in the privacy of our property and, within reason, any associated noise is just a fact of life.
We all hear neighbours talking, their children playing, dogs barking etc. However, if you do find yourself in the position of having a complaining neighbour my advice would be to do as much as you can to smooth over the problem as quickly as possible.
Disputes between neighbours can quickly become extremely volatile and destructive and, due to their constant proximity, extremely stressful. My advice would be to do all that you can to keep relations sweet even if it means making a few compromises along the way.
Andrew Hind
This post was created by Andrew. Enjoyer of hot tub soaking, fine cheese, music and photography.