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Can A Deck Support A Hot Tub How Do I Install One

How to Build Decking for a Hot Tub

If you are adding a hot tub to your backyard, then the deck is the logical place to put one. Will your deck hold the weight of your hot tub?

A hot tub is an exciting addition to any backyard and may be a viable option for those who live in colder climes or have limited space. So how do you determine if your existing deck will support a hot tub? Here we’ll take a look at some factors that should be considered before installing a hot tub on a deck.

Let’s start with the most important question: how much weight can your deck support?

Select A Spa That Complements The Shape And Size Of The Deck

Hot tubs are a popular request from my clients, says Paul Lafrance, founder of design & build firm Paul Lafrance Design. A lot of the time, the instinct is to tuck them away off to the side, but this doesnt make them feel very inviting. With so many varieties available, its easy to select a hot tub that complements the shape and size of the deck. When placing a spa into a design, I account for sight lines and privacy.

Privacy makes them feel cozy and relaxing, and the sight line draws you to the hot tub, as well as ensuring you have a nice view of your beautiful yard while you soak. Lastly, sinking the hot tub about halfway into the deck makes it not only more inviting and easier to climb into, but hides the sides of the tub and really harmonizes the hot tub with the entire deck design.

Accessing Power And Water

Spas require a nearby source of electricity. Because water is involved, any electrical hookup for a spa must include ground-fault circuit interrupter protection. This nifty device shuts down the system within milliseconds if it detects the tiniest change in current flow caused by a short circuit. Some spas come with an extension cord with a GFCI built in that can be plugged into a 110-volt, 20-amp circuit.

Larger units require at least one dedicated 220-volt, 50-amp circuit. In addition, there must be an emergency shutoff within sight of the spa, but not closer than 5 feet or farther than 50 feet. A new circuit and shutoff will cost about $800.

Water access is simple spas fill with an outdoor hose. The spa then heats and circulates the water. Insulated tub covers limit evaporation, but the tub will need occasional topping off. When it’s time to empty the unit, all spas have built-in hose bibs so you can drain the water.

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Raised Platform Hot Tub Design With Horizontal Stainless Steel Cable Railing

When building the new deck, a platform was made to hold the hot tub at a height conducive to regular use. When dining or lounging, the inviting hot tub is just steps away: ready and waiting. Integrate a horizontal stainless steel cable railing to give the design a modern look and feel. Tip provided by Bill Renter, Long Island Hot Tub, New York

Interject An Outdoor Kitchen In Your Deck Design

Covana Oasis Automated Hot Tub Cover

Photo via Lowes

Love to cook? Create the perfect kitchen area in your deck design where you can entertain both family and friends. Not only is this a perfect addition to your outdoor living space, adjacent from your hot tub, but it keeps you engaged in the conversation without having to run back into the house for something.

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Use Airstone To Enhance Your Hot Tub Design

Photo via Lovely Crafty Home

Another fun idea to give your hot tub a different look without breaking the bank is using Airstone to add depth. Airstone is a manufactured stone veneer product which is easy to install for both indoor and outdoor projects. Made out of recycled materials, Airstone is an affordable resource to give your patio design a natural, earthy feel.

Woven Outdoor Privacy Screen

Photo via Lowes

Weave cedar slabs of wood to create a lounge area with a stylish privacy screen. Incorporate plants, lanterns, and cozy chairs to make the place more inviting. Have fun with the space by adding colorful pillows and plants. This woven privacy screen is also a fun way to give your hot tub some privacy while youre soaking.

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Blend Wood And Brick Together In Your Deck Design

Photo via State-Homes

Mix the more industrial look of stone and the warmth of nature to create a stunning outdoor patio area. Accent the space with a trellis for plants and other greenery to add to the beauty of the space. Or, position your hot tub between the wood trellis for additional privacy.

Take In Account All Hot Tub Clearances

How to strengthen your deck to support a hot tub – GoliathTech Screw Piles

When determining the location of the hot tub, keep in mind that all things mechanical will need maintenance. Some products have access panels on one side, others on multiple sides, so unless you plan to move the tub every time it needs to be drained or serviced, plan ahead. There may also be local ordinances regarding clearances that should be addressed too.

Service panels should have 18-inches of clearance and dont forget the head and shoulder room if it is under a deck. Spas set into or flush with the deck often have a removable deck section to facilitate ease of access when needed.

Clearances are also needed for mechanical lift arm movement and expansion and contraction due to seasonal temperature extremes. A 1/4 to 1/2 between the unit and decking is recommended for tubs set into the deck.

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How To Calculate Your Hot Tub Weight And Deck Load Capacity

The short answer to the question, âCan my deck hold my hot tub?â is to add up the weight of your hot tub, including all the things that go with it.

Hereâs the list:

  • Weight of the empty hot tubâ Youâll need to consult your hot tubâs manufacturer for this figure.
  • Total weight of the water in the tubâ A gallon of water weighs about 8.34 lbs. You will need to account for the total amount of water in your tub.
  • Allowance for the people in the tubâ Men weigh about 200 pounds on average, while the average weight of a woman is 140 lbs.

The next figure you need to know is the square footage of the base of the hot tub. You can use the figure to work out the amount of pressure your tub will put on each square foot of the deck it rests on.

Here is the final formula:

/ # of Square Feet = Pounds Per Square Foot

As an example, a hot tub seating four people and holding 195 gallons of water, with an empty tub weight of 375 lbs and a footprint of 29.17 ft2, would produce 93.97 pounds per square foot.

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Install The Railing Posts

If the deck will include railings, install the support posts for them. Anchor each post to at least two structural members using lag screws or self-drilling construction screws. Use a trigger clamp to hold the post in place as you fasten it. Or use a cleat screwed to the posts side to keep it at the correct height.

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Is Decking Strong Enough For A Hot Tub

When trying to determine if your deck is strong enough to hold a hot tub, its important to get an expert opinion. Talk to your hot tub company and get their advice before you decide on deck designs with a hot tub. However, there are some guidelines to help you estimate what your deck can handle. Usually, a deck that is raised a few feet can handle about 100 pounds per square foot. If the spa youre considering is less than 100 pounds per square foot, your deck will be able to support it.

How Much Weight Can an Elevated Deck Hold?

An elevated deck can usually hold about 50 pounds per square foot. To find out how much weight your hot tub will be, youll need to know:

  • Weight of the empty hot tub
  • Weight of one gallon of water is 8.34 lbs
  • Weight of the average person is 175 lbs
  • Width of hot tub x Length of hot tub

Now you can add the hot tubs dry weight, plus the water capacity, plus the number of recommended occupants multiplied by the average weight of each person. This will give you the typical pounds youll need your deck to support.

How Much Weight Can a Composite Deck Hold?

A composite deck can also hold about 50 pounds per square foot. It is one of the best options for a hot tub, since it stands the test of time and can be made to be moisture-resistant.

How To Reinforce a Deck for a Spa

If your deck is not designed to bear the weight of a hot tub, you can reinforce the deck to make it more structurally sound. Here are a few ideas for reinforcing your deck:

Add Ambiance To The Backyard

Hot Tub Installation Tips âWhere to Install Your New Hot Tub ...

Some yards just have that it-factor thats hard to pinpoint. They make you feel at home and like youve found a unique escape, all at once. These yards usually have the perfect mix of elements to create an ideal ambiance.

Landscape lights are one of the most important factors in building an ambient yard. Check out our tips below for incorporating landscape lights in your hot tub deck ideas.

How Far Apart Do You Put Landscape Lights?

Landscape lights are a must-have if you want to enhance your hot tub experience. These lights can highlight the best features of your hot tub and increase the beauty of your landscaping. Consider adding landscaping lights near tall trees, bushes, or walking paths in your yard. More popular hot tub patio ideas include adding hanging patio lights to your outdoor space. Patio lights can be hung along a pergola, a gazebo, or on standing poles.

The more inviting yards incorporate a variety of landscaping lights. Even if youre doing hot tub landscaping on a budget, you can easily incorporate a few lighting elements to make the space more inviting. Just like a home, a yard should have layers of lighting to use for different purposes. Consider choosing an array of lights, including walkway lighting, standing lamps, patio lights, and spotlights to illuminate your trees and shrubbery.

What Are the Best Backyard Lights?

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How Much Does It Cost To Reinforce A Deck For A Hot Tub

Hot tubs are a great addition to your living space where you can relax or have friends come over for a good time. However, if youre looking to put your hot tub on a deck outside your house, there are some things you need to ask yourself. One of these questions is whether you need to reinforce your deck and how much that will cost. Luckily there are some simple ways to budget for this kind of job.

Depending on the type of hot tub you have, whether it is in the deck or on top of the deck, and even the original weight limit, the price to reinforce a deck can cost anywhere between $15 and $35 per square foot. The price to add support to a deck can also vary based on location and companies.

Looking at the information above may have you asking whether you need to add support to your deck to support a hot tub, and the answer is that it is always better to be safe. It would be best to consider all the aspects when you want to reinforce your deck for a hot tub because they will help you properly budget for the project without wasting any extra money.

Calculate How Much Your Hot Tub Weighs

The deck needs to support the real load of the hot tub. To determine the pounds-per-square-foot the deck must support, add the weight of the empty tub with the weight of the water and people it is rated for, and then divide it by the area the spa covers.

For example:

A 6 person spa 36 high and 6 square may have a dry weight of 872 lbs and a water capacity of 495 US gallons.

  • weight of water: 495 lbs x 8.34 lbs/US gallon = 4,128. 3 lbs
  • weight of people: 6 people x 185 lbs = 1,110 lbs
  • total weight: 872 + 4,128.3 + 1,110 = 6,110.3 lbs
  • hot tub footprint: 6 x 6 = 36sqft
  • load: 6,110.3 ÷ 36 = 169.7psf

The load the deck under the hot tub needs to support 3 to 5 times the regular load rating for a deck. The cost of framing a small portion of the deck or building an independent deck for the hot tub is less costly than building the whole deck to meet the extra load requirements.

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Its Much More Relaxing And Natural

Another benefit to an outdoor hot tub is that you can enjoy nature more. While soaking in an indoor tub, you will be confined to the privacy of a room. The outdoor variety can be a great alternative if you live in an area with good views. If you live in a beautiful area, you can enjoy nature all year long. And if you dont live near a large city, outdoor tubs are easier to maintain, too.

Can You Put A Hot Tub On A 2nd Floor Deck?

Build Deck Around The Hot Tub

Building a Raised Hot Tub Deck with StrataRise Joist Support Pedestals (Part 1 of 2)

Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. Whether the tub sits on a concrete slab or pavers on the ground, or on a structurally strengthened deck, the main deck can be built around it. Building around the spa allows for standard deck construction and adjusting the height between the deck surface and the top of the tub.

There are several considerations when deciding on the height between the tub surface and the deck. Access to mechanical systems needs to be planned for as maintenance will be necessary. Additionally, the anchor system for many cover lift arms often drops down 20-inches or more, so deck construction needs to address the cover mechanism too. Ease of access and safety also need to be considered.

Trip and fall hazards are more common when the tub surface is slightly lower than the deck surface or several inches higher than the deck. Stepping down into the spa or over a slight elevation can result in or aggravate injuries.

The distance between the spa and railings, railing heights, privacy fences, and connection to utilities also need to be considered. It should be noted too, that the standard height of many tubs is ideal for easy access by sitting on the edge and swinging feet in or out, minimizing risk. It is also easier for older or injured bodies.

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Where Do You Put A Hot Tub On A Deck

A hot tub can be placed anywhere on a deck but may need reinforcements underneath. But ideally, ensure that the outer edges of the hot tub sit over the support beams underneath.

As additional supports will almost certainly be needed for a raised deck, this gives you scope to position the hot tub pretty much where you like.

When selecting the best position to suit you, think about the layout and what you want around your hot tub.

  • Do you need access all around?
  • Do you want space to store the lid?
  • Will you be using a cover-lifter?
  • You may also want the best orientation for a great view across your yard or to catch those sunsets

Another consideration is where you can physically place the additional supports. On sloping ground, it may be easier to install supports at one end rather than the other.

You should also think about how youre going to get the hot tub onto the deck.

A 675 lb tub will take some lifting, but two fit adults should manage to get it onto the deck at the lowest edge, and from there, you can slide it into position.

Joist hangers and coffeemy Tuesday morning

big chief

Protect Your Low Deck With Plywood Or Other Materials

Some homes may need to install additional support for the hot tub, such as plywood or other materials.

This process is whats required by code standards and will vary depending on your area.

If there are low areas in your deck, you should install supports under them with a layer of concrete if possible this wont be necessary if your hot tub is sitting on a concrete slab.

You should install the supports perpendicular to any existing joists and attach them securely with bolts or screws you can fill them up as needed, depending on the covered area.

If its just plywood, youll need to drill this into beams that are running parallel to the hot tubs wall or floor joists beneath it.

You should use a level to make sure youre attaching the plywood in the proper position so that no weight is put on any single side. This will depend on what kind of decking is already present.

Cover this with more gravel so that water cant get underneath your decking boards

Add concrete at the bottom for extra stability and strength

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