Do You Have Enough Space For Your Hot Tub? Let Us Show You

Do You Have Enough Space For Your Hot Tub? Let Us Show You

Structural Support

No matter where you are planning on putting your hot tub, it will need the proper structural support. For example, if you are considering building a new deck, you will require a 3.5 - 4-inch slab to support a medium size hot tub. An empty hot tub is already a heavy object, hovering around the 850-pound mark. Add in 400 or so gallons of water, which can weigh about 3500 pounds and another 1000 pounds or so from the weight of bathers in the hot tub, and suddenly you have an object well over 5,000 pounds that needs to be properly supported.

In addition to the slab, joist and beams need to be sized to support the heavy load and in many cases, a structural engineer is recommended to consult in the design plan if the deck is elevated and to ensure it meets any necessary municipal codes and building standards.

Where to Put Your Hot Tub?

Deciding where to locate your hot tub can be one of the most important decisions you need to make before making your purchase. Most commonly, people choose to place a hot tub on a deck, patio, in their garden or indoors in the basement. No matter where you choose to install your hot tub, a solid foundation such as a concrete pad will be necessary.

When considering a location, here are a few key items you need to consider:

Is there enough space for people to walk around, enter and exit the hot tub?

Is there adequate space for a technician to be able to access the hot tub’s components to inspect or repair the unit?

Is there space to place the hot tub cover when not in use?

Are additional plumbing and electrical lines required?

Is the area in a private place or will a fence or shade need to be constructed?

Deck Alternatives

If you are not planning on building a new deck for your hot tub, or have a deck but it is too small, there are some other foundations you can choose to save on space. These can be customized to the exact size that you need and work well for hot tubs placed in a backyard or garden area. Just make sure that you have left adequate space around the hot tub for the points mentioned above.

Concrete Pad- Is one of the most common choices and typically involves pouring concrete at least 4 inches thick with rebar reinforcement to prevent cracking.

Blocks- Is a cost-effective and decorative option as various stones can be chosen to suit your style and landscaping. Before using blocks, it is essential to ensure that the area is level which gravel or sand to avoid shifting or settling. It is recommended that blocks be at least 3 inches thick.

Now that you know if you have enough space for your hot tub, click here to download a hot tub buyer’s guide.