A place to relax and soak in warm water sounds delightful! Keep reading to find out what bases work, and what doesn’t! First, make sure that there is plenty of space around the hot tub so the cover can be removed. One of the main benefits of using concrete as a base for your hot tub is that it is less likely to need repairs than other platform options. Before setting a hot tub on a deck make sure that it can support the weight. Pros and cons of a patio A patio is a paved area situated directly on the ground, which can either be attached or detached from a house. I get into some easy ways to shim yours correctly to get it level that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. pic.twitter.com/VLDEylhQZA, — Mick Pletcher [MVP] (@mick_pletcher) April 21, 2019. The Inflatable Hot Tub. A concrete surface is an excellent base for your hot tub as this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. If you’re planning on placing your hot tub on a pre-existing deck, we have good news for you: your hot tub base is already built! Concrete that has been through this method is up to fifty percent stronger than concrete that was cured without the method. Again, you can’t do this without skills, you will need help and you need to be able bodied, I know, I’ve done this type of work myself. If you spend all the money on a nice hot tub, why junk it up with cinder blocks. Whatever you choose make sure whoever installs it for you ensures the base is level and large enough for your Hot Tub and steps. However, the above ground hot tub is not elegant in the backyard and it requires anti-slip stairs to climb into and out of the tub. For the first several days, controlling the moisture content and the temperature of the newly poured concrete takes top priority. Next the shell with the pvc pipes that go in the blocks before wall construction. It's not going to be very big, just the size of the hot tub and a bit bigger to accommodate the stairs and stuff. Raised pavers (that have bumps or ridges) can cause problems and put stress on the hot tub shell. We have a used hot tub and would like to know which way to go. Your local hot tub dealer should have a lot of experience in delivering hot tubs and probably has navigated many complicated installations. link to How to Get Detergent Out of Your Hot Tub - 3 Simple Steps, link to Are Sunrise Hot Tubs Good? Hot tub decking is exactly the same as all other decking – the difference is in the construction of the timber deck. You can increase the structural integrity of the concrete and make it more resistant to future cracking by paying attention to it in the days after it has been poured. The contractor will need to know the outer dimensions of the spa and how much the spa weighs with the weight of the water included. I just finished framing out the deck. Also, because typical cinder blocks are hollow in the middle, their support would probably not be sufficient to hold the weight of a fully-loaded hot tub. Splinters are the last thing you need when you’re trying to soak and relax! And unlike loading up 60 or so stone pavers into your car from Lowe’s, this thing only weighs 15 pounds total for an 8’x8′ pad, delivered to your door for free from Amazon! If your deck will be built low to the ground you may want to consider setting the hot tub on top of a poured concrete slab beside the deck. These include concrete, cobblestone, brick, flagstone, and rubber. Middle Class Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. All of these items are pretty light weight things when compared to a hot tub or spa that is filled with water. But there are do’s and don’ts to everything, and that applies to hot tubs too! Plus, it just looks beautiful – especially when paired with a brand new hot tub! The hot tub can be installed on a pre-built deck or concrete surface. 3. Talk to your There is no exact best base for a hot tub. Regardless of the size of a hot tub, the bottom of the tub must be completely supported. Wet the concrete thoroughly, and then cover it. In fact, a hot tub does not need to sit on concrete if you wish to have a different base. This is one of the reasons we recommend purchasing a hot tub from a local dealer who can help you through the delivery and installation process. Concrete cures with a chemical reaction taking place between cement and water. You’ll want to make sure you have a stable base that your hot tub sits on. Would you like to have a sturdy DIY option for a hot tub? During the process, also known as hydration, moisture must be kept in the concrete. Considering installing a hot tub on your deck or patio? The deck would span a steep slope and would be somewhat odd-shaped. Then add fine gravel or sand to even it out and place the spa pad on top. Additionally, concrete takes around a month to cure properly. Your dealer can help you understand the pros and cons of the two electrical configurations and can explain the specific electrical requirements for the model you choose. The deck will need to be able to handle the weight and size of the hot tub when it is filled with water. The only way I would do it would be to lay the cinder blocks out on a bed of level sand and then mortar the blocks together to make a level and uniform base. Generally this patio is much larger than just the hot tub base and we make sure the area where the spa is placed is perfectly level and then pitch the patio of rain run off after the spa area. Once it's determined that they fit around the hot tub, nail the boards into place. Not... Are Sunrise Hot Tubs Good? But how much do they weigh and how much weight difference is there between different sizes of hot tubs? Start by using a shovel to get the ground level. We get into that next! Which would be easier or more economical, If it's the wood deck,would it hold the weight? We have a used hot tub and would like to know which way to go. But depending on the spa model you purchase, concrete may not be necessary. Deck Load Capacity. You can do this! This is almost always the go-to placement for hot tubs. Now comes framing out the outdoor shower and hot tub base. Hot Tub Forum » Concrete pad or Wood Deck. But concrete isn’t beautiful or attractive. But how do you estimate that and how do you reinforce the deck posts if needed? This makes entering and exiting the hot tub easier. Hot tubs do not have to sit on concrete. Having pavers around the hot tub and a path through your garden leading to your home looks fantastic. The Natural Hot Tub Design. So are Sunrise hot tubs good? Wait! A very common size but he wanted to design his deck so that the top of the hot tub sat flush with the deck surface. The in-ground hot tub is heated by either electricity or gas. In order to do this, you will have to frame out an opening in front of the hot tub access panel. The tub would be placed next to an edge, where concrete goes vertically up and down. Not sure how to go about making your hot tub area more private? Never place a hot tub on an existing deck that wasn't designed to support the massive loads. That’s because it’s naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. Installing a hot tub on a deck is a very good idea that will enhance the comfort and beauty of your backyard at the same time. Pavers are just as cost-effective and will work much better. Unfortunately, plopping your hot tub directly on the grass would be a massive mistake. You will need a licensed contractor to check to make sure. Finally, add a privacy screen if you feel like there are too many eyes watching you. Wooden Hot Tub Decks. It should be able to bear a minimum of 115 pounds per square feet, particularly if you have a larger hot tub. But first consider that the floor load of a full hot tub 87 inches square is about 2 1/2 tons. 8 ft by 8 ft deck for the hot tub floats on the ground. How much weight can your deck safely handle? CONCRETE A concrete surface is an excellent base for your hot tub as this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. Here, we’ll show you four fantastic hot tub base and foundation ideas, so you can enjoy your hot tub to the fullest: 1. Finally, unlike poured cement, you won’t have to wait a month with pavers! Even the smallest hot tubs or spas hold approximately 230 gallons of water. He wants to put a hot tub on it or build a hot tub deck. It is easy to make level and will out-live your hot tub if built correctly. 18 posts related to Hot Tub On Deck Or Concrete. It should also be able to withstand a weight of at least 115 pounds per square foot. To learn more about why a hot tub needs to be level and how to level yours if it’s not, check out this recent article. Keep this in mind when you’re trying to determine whether your deck will safely hold your new hot tub. I’m glad you asked that. This will help to reduce the vibration and greatly reduce the amplifying effect of the hot tub being on a hollow wooden structure. A flat, level surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal location for a hot tub. Poured Concrete Spa Pad. Some people think that hot tubs require plumbing—but that is not the case! You should hose the concrete down five to ten times per day for the first week. Decks built ground level up to 2 feet off the ground can support up to 100 lbs per square foot; sufficient for most hot tubs. For high decks some builders also recess the hot tub platform. To ensure that it is strong enough to hold your hot tub, the pad should be reinforced and measure at least four inches thick. Deck Hot Tub Installation Requirements. The Concrete Hot Tub. Additionally, pavers offer flexible design possibilities. But, do not place the hot tub on grass or bare earth. Polyethylene sheeting that’s at least 4mm thick or a concrete curing insulating blanket are excellent choices for this. My husband had even mentioned using those paver blocks that are like 2 inches thick. Prepping for and pouring the concrete pad, (basic size hot tub), we’ll call it $500 dollars for concrete and frame boards. A deck should be an … If you are suffering from foam in your hot tub water, you probably used too much soap when you cleaned it or didn’t rinse it off properly. If you choose a 110V model— often referred to as “plug-and-play”—then you may be able to simply plug the spa into an electrical outlet in the backyard. A level concrete pad or a reinforced deck are the most common surfaces hot tubs are installed on. Before installing your hot tub onto a deck, make sure that it can handle the weight! As hot tubs have become increasingly popular to install in gardens across the country, decking has become the platform of choice. Shopping for a hot tub can be fun. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we … I guess it doesn't have to be up very high off the ground. But just laying a bunch of cinder blocks on the ground, even if you leveled the ground first, would result in an uneven and unstable surface. Also, ensure bathers can easily be able to get in and out of the hot tub. April 08, 2019 Pinterest; Facebook; Twitter ; Email; By: Chelsea Faulkner. If you are planning on installing a deck surrounding a hot tub or spa that is set on top of a concrete pad, you will need to create an access hatch for the hot tub electrical hookup, pump and controls. Other than that requirement, it should be located where it pleases you. The average 8' x 8' hot tub weighs over 5,000 lbs when filled with water and people. Surface-level decks can almost always take the weight of a fully-loaded hot tub. Greg's hot tub was 8'x8'. A new platform with large footings at least 22" in diameter should be installed below each corner of the tub to evenly distribute the weight. Which would be easier or more economical, If it's the wood deck,would it hold the weight? Deck Load Capacity. Deck Design Ideas With Hot Tub. Having pavers around the hot tub and a path through your garden leading to your home looks fantastic. I was a leader for Whole Foods Market for over 2 decades and currently help run a large martial arts school (primarily) for kids. Pavers also offer easy access in case there is an issue with buried electrical or plumbing lines. Adding a Sundance Spas Hot Tub to your deck will make entertaining and relaxing even more convenient—not to mention the fact that it looks incredible! Essentially, those take the place of pavers or concrete and are a lot cheaper! There are a few disclaimers you should consider when thinking about using pavers. But the surrounding deck was fairly high off the ground so the hot tub had to be supported by an elevated substructure. Step 1 Stake out the perimeter of the slab you want to pour. Before you decide on a base, know what your hot tub weighs! This makes people think that their hot tub doesn’t need too much of a strong base, as it’s not as heavy as you might imagine. Install Your Hot Tub On A Solid Surface. You can’t get much sturdier than concrete, I would think. An above-ground Hot Tub Above Ground – New Base If you’re having a base installed especially for your Hot Tub we would recommend a patio, decking area or poured concrete base. In some cases, when there is no entryway into the backyard that is wide enough, your dealer can arrange for a crane delivery, where the hot tub is lifted over the house and then lowered into the backyard using a crane. If your hot tub floor/base requires a concrete pad or supported deck, then EZ-Pads are simply not needed because the location must be solid. But first consider that the floor load of a full hot tub 87 inches square is about 2 1/2 tons. Find out how to form and pour your own slab here with a helpful video from Quikrete. While your deck may have no problem with a small 2-person tub, it might struggle with a fully-filled 7 person model! There are a few different types of pavers that you can choose from. Instead of sitting your hot tub on top of the pavers, place it on a level concrete slab and install the pavers surrounding the hot tub to complete the look you want to achieve. Whatever surface you choose to put your hot tub on, it’s important to know how much weight per square inch that surface can take. Most hot tubs are made out of fiberglass or acrylic, which are lightweight materials that can be moved with ease. In fact, 2 of the 4 hot tubs I’ve owned sat on wooden decks, including the hot tub I own now. But when you add heaps of water and several … Additionally, the concrete should be fully cured before placing your hot tub down. Spa pads may be plastic, but they can take the weight! It is partly portable because you can dismantle and relocate it to a new home. Then they roll the cart into your backyard and to the spot you would like the hot tub placed.. You can’t get much sturdier than concrete, I would think. In order to do this, you will have to frame out an opening in front of the hot tub access panel. Many say it is just as good as concrete, in addition to being cheaper. This brings us to the next part of the puzzle. Concrete Pad. Next, your deck should be properly sanded and finished. Wellness awaits you. Yes, you can put a hot tub on a deck. Complete Sunrise Hot Tub Review. However, depending on the spa model you use, you may not need to pour concrete. A level concrete pad or a reinforced deck are the most common surfaces hot tubs are installed on. The contractor will need to know the outer dimensions of the spa and how much the spa weighs with the weight of the water included. 5. Does that mean draining and refilling it? Simply complete BuyerZone’s request form below. Hot tub or spa decks should always be "overbuilt". Greg from North Dakota wrote us and asked us to please solve this very problem because he was trying to design a hot tub deck to withstand 8,000 lbs of force. Can you put a hot tub on a deck? In a way, cinder blocks are similar to pavers. Usually a concrete pad would be about 4 inches thick, right? If it will be located on a patio slab you will not need this article. Concrete hot tub base Concrete has been used to build hot tub bases for years, and as a building material, it is very versatile. And you can drive to Lowe’s or Home Depot, load ’em into your car or truck and have your pad built in an afternoon. https://t.co/SDiXJnQPJl September 25, 2018. A hot tub filled with water and occupants is very heavy, so you must ensure that it rests on a strong and level surface. This slab should be at least 4 inches thick and be fully supported from below. Talk to your hot tub dealer about the specific foundation requirements for your spa model. Choose pavers that are smooth and interlock so there is a flat surface. Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the best-known brands! Without any water or people, the actual hot tub and its framework are relatively lightweight. You want to make sure you can get the most out of your hot tub without any issues, and this will ensure that. Just don’t place a hot tub directly on the ground or on a wooden deck that was not built to support the weight of a fully-loaded hot tub. The hot tub deck must therefore be carefully constructed and supported properly by blocks and beams secured in the ground. Take the next step to owning a Hot Spring spa by exploring more. Begin nailing 2x4 pressure-treated beams across the frame of the deck. When placing your hot tub on a surface such as a wooden deck, you should be mindful of the weight of the hot tub (especially when filled with water and occupants) and the amount of weight that the deck can hold. Get design ideas and inspiration from these beautiful outdoor retreats. You will need a licensed contractor to check to make sure. The Concrete Hot Tub. Before you start using your hot tub, it’s absolutely crucial that you give it a sturdy base. A 3-1/2 to 4 inch slab is usually sufficient, experts say; however, larger … I even show you deck plans that show the position of additional support posts on my deck. In many areas concrete or a deck are considered permanent structures and are added to your property taxes. But it only requires a small amount of maintenance and adds value to your home. If moisture is not kept in the concrete then it will weaken the finished product with stresses and cracking. CLICK HERE to see my pick for a spa pad on Amazon. Freshly poured concrete takes nearly 28 days to fully cure. First things first, we need to consider the weight of the hot tub. I have arranged with BuyerZone.com to provide free quotes from all the best hot tub manufacturers – with no obligation to buy. An existing patio would also be a sufficient base to place your hot tub. 4. Clean and Simple Deck. Here I show block wall construction, and also a poured concrete pad the hot tub will be constructed on. Your deck must have been built to meet or … Pouring a quality concrete slab to sit beneath it will protect your investment and improve the look of the hot tub. How much weight can your deck safely handle? But it can also cause the water to lean more to one side than the other which can make your soaks less enjoyable. Luckily I cover all of that in a recent article. You’ll use about 200 blocks, around 25 bags of mortar mix and some PVC piping. Beaulieu uses Western Red Cedar for most of his projects. Find out how to form and pour your own slab here with a helpful video from Quikrete. Regardless of the size of a hot tub, the bottom of the tub must be completely supported. Concrete, … Please see your local dealer to verify. A dip in the surface your hot tub is on can cause the hot tub to crack. Before building a hot tub deck, however, the builder must consider a few factors: first, do I need a building permit? Jeff Campbell is a husband, father, martial artist, budget-master, Disney-addict, musician, hot tub lover, and recovering foodie having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Whole Foods Market. All you have to do is remove them and then replace them when the problem is solved. What Types of Pavers Are There? The hot tub is 8' X 8'. Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. Who doesn’t dream of having a hot tub in their backyard? Here’s what I know from having owned 4 of them: No. I have a 2 person tub, it weighs 1700 pounds filled, with the dimensions of 5.5'x5.5'. The hot tub can be installed on a pre-built deck or concrete surface. However, the above ground hot tub is not elegant in the backyard and it requires anti-slip stairs to climb into and out of the tub. 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Spend all the best-known brands prefabricated base, know what your hot tub on a hot. Placed on wooden decks, paver stones, gravel beds, or portable spa, is a poured concrete is! I know from having owned 4 of them: no, and also a poured concrete pad a! Service most require tubs too hydration, moisture must be able to a... A professional before you decide on a hot tub on deck or concrete, flat surface Facebook ; Twitter ; Email ;:. To reinforce the deck around it up very high off the ground so the cover can be to! Stock could change after publish date, and that applies to hot tubs difference is in the ground fully-filled person... My deck 800 pounds dry and hot tub on deck or concrete 3700 pounds when filled experience in hot. In addition to being cheaper first, make sure you have your deck evaluated by a professional before you using. Be supported by an elevated substructure placing your hot tub can be placed wooden! What doesn ’ t dream of having a hot tub Owner HQ is owned and operated by Campbell/Middle! Next step to owning a hot tub decks: choose the right hot tub is!