Collect Your Materials. When customers are thinking of where they may potentially want to put their hot tub, decks are a common preference! Looking to enhance your deck? Avoid running electrical cords over the deck where people walk. Ensure the wood of your deck is in good condition–not mushy from moisture or crumbling from decay or infestation. A nice soak in the hot tub can be ruined by a nasty splinter or fall. 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. If you use the outdoor hot tub in rainy or cold weather, how far do you want to walk between the house and the tub? This top tips for building hot tub decks post is from the experts at Real Cedar.com, check them out to see why you should consider authentic cedar for your deck.. Get ready to enjoy your deck hot tub for years to come! Considering installing a hot tub on your deck or patio? While you can lay down a protective layer over a wooden deck or use a waterproof primer, you still have to worry about the cracks between the wood and the potential growth of mold or wood rotting. If installing the hot tub on a deck, consult with a contractor or a structural engineer for advice about whether the deck is able to carry this heavy load. For more information on our hot tubs, contact us at Anchor Pools & Spas. See these beautiful outdoor retreats and get design ideas and inspiration from HGTV. You can plug the hot tub directly into an outdoor outlet. Includes CAD software, deck plans and designs. We will help you plan out all the details of your hot tub deck installation. Placing the Hot tub on a patio Placing a hot tub on an existing patio is a sensible, cost-effective way to install your hot tub. The beautiful swim spa which will enhance the beauty of your outdoor living space with its rustic look. Put something large in the space to test it out, and stand where bathers will sit to get a sense of what they’ll see. Choosing the right decking material is just as important as choosing the right hot tub. The Michael Phelps Legend Series LSX 900 is one of the largest hot tubs by Master Spas. If you are building a new deck or replacing boards with composite decking, then you should leave the rail are wide open. If the hot tub is going to be recessed, then some form of entry will need to be created to provide access for any maintenance that the hot tub pumps or electrical setup might need. Also think about wind gusts, which can lift unsecured covers from hot tubs. The size of your hot tub will determine the length of the 4x4s that you mount … The eight-person hot tub, which has 72 jets, is filled with 490 gallons of water. Installing a hot tub underground, on a deck or indoors is a more complicated process in which you might need the assistance of a general contractor. Talk with a professional about adding any needed joists or supports on the underside of your deck. Trending ... Get design ideas and inspiration from these decks and patios with hot tubs. including foundations that are at a minimum 1 foot below the frost line at distances of less than 30 inches from the center of one post or pier to the center of the next post or pier below the foot print of the spa or For spas located on top of a deck, stairs are in order. You can also order a hot tub and have the composite decking installed before the hot tub arrives. Costs of Installing a Hot Tub. If the hot tub is located next to the side of a house, then you can have the hot tub wired directly to a power panel and connected to the home’s electricity. That’s about the size of a small pick-up truck. A plug and play hot tub does not need special outlets or plugs to operate. A raised deck offers beautiful views of your property, privacy, and easy access to a house. Greg's hot tub was 8'x8'. So just know that a normal deck raised 2 or more feet off the ground, which might have support posts every 6 feet, won’t be enough to hold the weight of a hot tub. Not only is this a tripping hazard but it’s also not good for the cords themselves and the electrical components they hold. Hot tubs can make great additions to all types of housing structures and spaces. A contractor will have the skills and tools to calculate how much support is needed to hold the hot tub and ensure the deck can handle the weight for years to come. Decide where you want to place the platform. Sandpaper, a power washer and a couple coats of sealant will work wonders. When it’s full, the hot tub weighs nearly 7,100 pounds. hot tub under raised deck. In order to do this, you will have to frame out an opening in front of the hot tub access panel. Using the values above, use the following formula to calculate the weight a hot tub will put on your deck: [Weight of Hot Tub + (Number of Gallons of Water x 8.34 lbs) + (Number of People Spa Can Seat x 185 lbs)] / # of Square Feet = Pounds Per Square Foot . Frequently Asked Questions (Check this out:A DIY Hot Tub Kit: The Material and The Instructions for Homemade Hot Tub) Rustic Swim Spa. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links. Apply an appropriate wood filler to gouges and knicks. Reference Library, Anchor Pools and Spas Dig Holes for the Footers. Delivering a hot tub to a high location requires a lot of planning and analysis. The hot tub will need electrical power–is a suitable outlet nearby? Regular sweeping will inhibit mold and mildew growth from leaves and other organic debris, and minimize fall risks for bathers on wood and composite decks. We recommend hiring a professional team for moving a hot tub, especially if it’s going to an upper level deck. No matter what, it’s best to have the deck inspected by a professional who can gauge its structural integrity and capacity. Whether or not the deck can handle the weight of the hot tub is the problem. For the hot tub installation, you can simply set the hot tub right on top of the deck, or, if you have a slightly raised portion of the deck, it can be set down into a cutout. Learn the Deck’s Weight Capacity. One of the best places to install your new Nordic Hot Tub is on your deck! Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. Check holes for signs of insects, too. A properly built and used deck is typically designed to bear 50 pounds per square... 2. Ideally, the posts will have cement bases and drive deep into the ground for the most support. If you are building a new deck or replacing boards with composite decking, then you should leave the rail are wide open. If the screwdriver easily goes more than a quarter-inch into the wood, this could indicate rot. Here we’ll list our six top tips for placing a hot tub on your deck: A properly built and used deck is typically designed to bear 50 pounds per square foot (psf). Inspect the Strength of the Wood. When installing the hot tub, it may end up being more expensive to have it placed in a difficult location. Ita s surrounded by the wood planks which works as a … Every year or two, you should sand, clean and refinish natural wood decks to keep the surface smooth. Install decking up to ¼” from hot tub to leave room for expansion, contraction and slight shifting of both the deck and the hot tub. Take a flathead screwdriver to any cracks or holes. Email: lizzie@anchorpools.com, Employment Opportunities If your deck is made of composite material it is far less likely to have these issues as it’s plastic-based. While your deck may be more than adequate for hosting backyard grilling parties, it may not be designed to hold the considerable weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. Would this support the tub? With the open side of the deck, the hot tub can slide right into place. You’ll need to hire a structural engineer to provide specs for a site-specific framing structure to support the weight. Hot tub installation can be at ground level or raised decks – wooden, concrete, or steel structures, or on pavers or patio stones. The deck has treated 2x10 joist 12' on center spanning 12'6" and a beam that is a double 2x12 with 6x6 post 7' on center. Remember, a small hot tub full of water and bathers can weigh more than 5,000 pounds, so the deck should be at least 100 square feet. Composite material decks won’t need the finish maintenance, but they must be kept clear of mildew. The tub with water will weigh 5000 lbs. As long as you know what you’re working with, you can make the best decision for your investment. Submit your service request online. When you add a hot tub over a wooden surface, you have to be aware of the potential moisture created by the hot tub. Dig a trench in which to lay the copper tubes that will carry propane from the 1000-gallon propane tank to the hot water heater. No doubt you’ve seen spas that are flush with deck surfaces – an elegant look but one that can prove hazardous. Tall Decks and Hot Tubs. If your deck has outdoor outlets, then you have the option to shop plug and play hot tubs. 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. If you want the tub on a deck more than a couple of feet above ground or on an upper level of a deck, things get more complicated. But the surrounding deck was fairly high off the ground so the hot tub had to be supported by an elevated substructure. There will be a natural rise in moisture that escapes along with a loss of water when people enter and exit the hot tub. The tub is installed close to the sitting area for a convenient use. The first is to take an 8 foot (2.4 … Ensure the wood of your deck is in good condition–not mushy from moisture or... 3. Place additional piers or posts, including foundations that are at a minimum 1 foot below the frost line at distances of less than 30 inches from the center of one post or pier to the center of the next post or pier below the foot print of the spa or hot tub to be … Fax: 757-865-0620 on 6 Tips for Installing a Hot Tub on a Deck, 3 Amazing Luxury Hot Tubs and Premium Spas, The Best Hot Tub Temperatures for Safety and Comfort. Some hot tubs can be installed on foundations other than a cement pad. A Guide to Installing a Hot Tub on a Raised Deck, on A Guide to Installing a Hot Tub on a Raised Deck, 3 Ways Hot Tubs Can Help With Lyme Disease Treatments, The Benefits of an Indoor Basement Hot Tub Installation. When you install a hot tub outdoors, you have to consider the power sources for the hot tub. Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about installing a hot tub on a raised deck and what your options are. The plug and play option is typically the fastest and easiest option for a deck installation. Hot Tub on Deck Considerations Weight of the Hot Tub. An in-ground hot tub costs significantly more to install than an above ground version. Stop in and visit our showroom at: 108 Hampton Hwy However, you should still inspect any cracks or holes to ensure the deck’s structural integrity. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links. One of the best solutions for a deck is composite boards. If your pool or spa is in need of service, you can submit a service request on-line. With the open side of the deck, the hot tub can slide right into place. Especially if it is an elevated structure, you will have great views while you relax. If you use your deck for typical things like outdoor furniture, plants and people, multiplying total square footage by 50 psf should tell you the maximum weight your hot tub can be. Ensure there is plenty of room for the people and equipment involved in the process. Hours of Operation: You are more likely to use the hot tub if it is easily accessible. Once you know the deck’s weight capacity, refer to it when selecting you hot tub. Assess how you use/want to use your deck, and place the hot tub where it’s accessible but doesn’t inhibit regular movement or block views. The hot tub should be child-safe by having a fence around it, private from external view, and accessible from the ground level by using padded steps for a raised hot tub. Sunday: Closed. To be sure, you should always get the approval of your hot tub company. Look at the boards above as well as the posts and joists below. They can alert you to any concerns and make suggestions on what to purchase. Also, dig … It is not a bad idea at all to install hot tub right under the deck on your walkout basement. One of the easiest ways for a hot tub company to deliver is by removing the rails on one side of the deck. Saturday: 10am - 4pm Can My Deck Handle a Hot Tub? The location is an ideal place for entertaining and you can expand your entertainment options with the installation of a hot tub. Select a location that suits traffic flow. To Sum Up. and can hold 7 people. Bring us a sample of your Pool or Spa water for a free computer analysis. Mushiness or easy breakage–especially without splintering–are also concerning. Pouring pea gravel into a … When filled with water and people, the hot tub can weigh anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. Patios are generally constructed at the rear of a property, which is ideal for easy access to your hot tub. Sanding, treating and properly cleaning can go a long way toward preventing these things from happening. Finally, you may want a door nearby. Get design ideas and inspiration from these beautiful outdoor retreats. The good news is that if your deck is high enough off the ground to get under, it’s fairly easy to add support beams and posts to take the weight of your hot tub. If additional structural support is required to a deck, have the work done by a licensed contractor . The area under the hot tub should be framed as a separate system, with its own footings. Measure and mark the area you wish to give over to the deck, using a proprietary inverted surveyor's … Composite deck boards are more durable than wood and resist water. The Spa Guy Gives general Information on How to Reinforce a Deck to keep the deck from sagging or even falling. Determine how to get the hot tub on the deck. I'm installing a hot tub on a raised deck. Look above the hot tub space and check for trees and other things that will increase debris in the spa (a hot tub cover can greatly reduce debris in the spa). Connect the … If you plan to place the hot tub in a location that was previously lawn, you have two ways to do this. Considering installing a hot tub on your deck or patio? Aside from the actual hot tub itself, you’ll have to consider maintenance, installation, and how much it will cost to make sure your deck is compatible with the hot tub. Of course, it’s never as easy as simply plopping a hot tub on any surface, and an existing deck is no exception. Check with local building code to … The typical support posts on a deck may not support the extra weight, so you would need some reinforcements installed before the hot tub is delivered. A hot tub is the perfect addition. Many builders recommend installing the hot tub so that its edge is 17-24 inches above the decking. 6 Tips for Installing a Hot Tub on a Deck 1. Once you select the area where you want to place the hot tub, you can hire a contractor to install support posts. If you already have a composite deck, then you can move forward with the installation. Copyright © 2014 Anchor Pools & Spas Inc    Site Design and hosting by Franktronics, Inc. Remove the access panel and the access panel door. The deck looks so inviting with the 7-piece outdoor dining set and lounge chair. Getting the hot tub onto the deck may involve a crane or ramp, depending on the weight of the tub and the height of the deck. If you have an overhang on your deck, you cannot just lift the hot tub up and over. Authorized dealer for Caldera Spas. It seats four people and holds 195 gallons of water. So to learn how many pounds your deck can handle, multiply the square footage by 50. A full hot tub weighs thousands of pounds, so you must consider every aspect of the base. When you install a hot tub on the deck, you do not need to worry about rotting or decks becoming soaked with water. Once the hot tub is in position you can add the rails back to the side of the deck. One of the main concerns when it comes to placing a hot tub on a raised deck is ensuring the deck can handle all of the weight. Serving the Peninsula since 1976 A hot tub is installed in a lower area of a raised deck, which creates an in-ground installation look. Visit our FAQ page or send us a quick message. Yorktown, VA 23693, Phone: 757-865-1700 This awkward space will be put into a good use with spa in. Monday: Friday 10am - 5pm Guests can sit on the rim and swing around into the water more easily. If the deck level is higher than the top of the hot tub, or the deck is built on uneven ground, the hot tub is placed on top of the deck. They can be sunk fully or partially below the deck surface, or have a raised section built partially around them. Connect PVC pipes from the base of the hot tub to the nearby water heater. Need service? Have a plan well before your hot tub’s delivery date. Here’s a link to a hot tub we’ll use as an example in the formula. Once the hot tub is in position you can add the rails back to the side of the deck. Give it roll up blinds to cover the space to give you more privacy. Unlike a ground level hot tub installation, there are a lot of options to consider for a hot tub deck placement. Designing a deck specifically for a hot tub requires a lot of forethought. You’ll also need to be able to access the internal components of the hot tub from its side panels, so don’t squeeze it into a space that blocks the sides. But, not all decks are created equal. Of a small pick-up truck visit our FAQ page or send us a sample of outdoor... 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