Can A Hot Tub Sit On Pavers?
Can a Hot Tub Sit on Pavers?
Deciding where to install your hot tub is an important decision. Not only does the location need to be sturdy, you want it to look good and blend in with your landscaping to create a serene, backyard oasis. It is essential to understand just how heavy a hot tub filled with water and bathers can be - think several thousand pounds! The weight of the water places a lot of force on the hot tub shell, and it is critical that the base for your hot tub is 100% level. If not, the shell will eventually stretch and warp, which can cause serious damage to the hot tub.
Using the proper materials for your hot tub base as well as using a professional contractor to ensure the design is up to proper safety standards is a must. Often, a concrete slab approximately 6” thick is recommended. But what about using pavers instead? Can a hot tubsit on pavers? Many people love the look of pavers because of how many options are available, which makes it easy to find the perfect style to match your home decor style. Keep reading below to find out if pavers can be used with hot tubs.
Sitting a Hot Tub on Pavers
Pavers are attractive and can be used as a hot tub base, with a few precautions. As some pavers are raised in height, this can impact how level the base is and cause problems down the road for your hot tub frame and shell. If using pavers, select ones that are smooth and can be interlocked at a level height to create a solid, flat layer on top of a concrete base.
If you do not want to install a concrete slab underneath the pavers, sand or gravel will be needed to properly support the weight of the hot tub. This is not an area of planning and executing that you want to choose the DIY route for - make sure you consult a professional contractor or structural engineer. Once your pavers are set into place, sand needs to be swept into the ‘joints’ between each paver to secure and lock into place.
If you are set on the look of a type of paver that is uneven - don’t worry, these can still be used. 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. Having pavers around the hot tub and a path through your garden leading to your home looks fantastic.
What Types of Pavers Are There?
Here are some of the most common types of pavers that are used in landscaping, driveways and around the home.
Concrete - a very common type of paver which is durable, versatile and weatherproof.
Cobblestone - made from natural stone, reminiscent of streets hundreds of years ago.
Brick - a classic, smooth look and another very popular paver choice. Brick is durable and long lasting.
Rubber - made from recycled material, rubber pavers are essentially maintenance free and an excellent choice for hot tubs as they are naturally non-slip.
Flagstone - is cut from stone quarry and incredibly durable. They also do not absorb heat, which makes them ideal for walking on barefoot.
If you have any other questions or concerns about sitting your hot tub on pavers, just ask your local dealer. They can provide all the details you need to ensure that you have a safe location selected to install your hot tub.
