The exact dimensions are VERY helpful when framing a deck for a hot tub. To calculate the load the deck will need to support, add the weight of the empty unit with the water weight and the weight of the rated number of occupants with an average weight of 185-pounds per person. Many people build decks around their hot tubs. If you’ve been using a bathtub on the deck and want a hot tub on a deck, you’re in the right place. Relaxing in a hot tub is one of the best ways to get rid of stress and tensions of the day. Don’t make the top of the hot tub even with your deck. Locate the spa to take advantage of the views, trees, and the sun without obstructing views from inside the house. The Swift Current is 6 feet in diameter, so setting it on a back corner makes a nice space around the outside to access the tub. The elevation of the deck could still allow the hot tub to sit on a concrete slab with the deck built beside or around it. A soft-sided tub can weigh less than 100-pounds, while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood housing can easily top 800-pounds. Step 3. Building a deck can be a pricey option that requires careful planning, special tools and a lot of material. Begin with 20” footings that reach 12” below frost level or to bedrock. 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. The expansion and contraction of wood, plastic, and metal are well known and need to be considered when building a deck. Also, dig holes for the footers that will support the deck. Deck Installation. Moving a unit to a ground-level deck or pad, or near-ground decks may be done with trollies or rollers depending on the landscape. 2 40+ Hot Tub Enclosure Ideas. 7. Follow these steps to install a wooden fence in your own yard. Ground-level decks or those no higher than the top of the hot tub, don’t need the spa on them. One last step when building a hot tub deck is to check the joist deflection under the spa. Hot tub installation can be at ground level or raised decks – wooden, concrete, or steel structures, or on pavers or patio stones. Tubs near the middle of the house tend to feel less wind. Construct a small independent deck that integrates with the rest of the deck. Most building departments require engineered drawings for hot tub decks, especially elevated decks, which identify post location and size, beam dimensions, joist size, span and spacing, and even decking – Very helpful. It may be more practical – and less expensive – to leave the tub on the ground and build next to or around the tub. Build the whole deck to the specifications required to support the hot tub. Deck design choices are almost limitless and only constrained by the budget. Watch Planning to build a deck 15 Hot Tub Deck Surround Ideas. So, for us, practical recommendations need to be useful. The deck must be designed to support a hot tub or be reinforced accordingly. This temporary frame will eventually be replaced by a permanent frame that is slightly larger to allow for expansion and contraction. Your comments and suggestions, as always, are appreciated. The added support posts should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete. Access to removable panels for service and space for the mechanical lift arm for the insulated cover to operate also needs to be factored into the placement. Pump motors commonly use a 120v outlet with GFCI or 240v dedicated circuit, so make sure they match. Another impact of the height is getting the tub up onto an elevated deck. The weight is made up of the dead-load or building material, and the live-load is made up of people and furniture or snow. “The gap should be small enough to prevent your toe from entering, but large enough for water to drain and the wood to expand and contract. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. 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. An 8’x8’ tub full of water and people can exceed 7,300-pounds and an inflatable 4-person one about 3,700-pounds. Let's get together. Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. These joists will act as supports for the deck. Install additional concrete footings and posts or piers to support the number of required beams under the tub. Check local building codes to see what you are allowed to do. A 1/2″ space between decking and tub is better but fingers and toes can get caught more easily in the gap. Check the local Building codes or with a structural engineer to make sure the design will carry the load. Well, this hot tub takes an old water tank and uses it as the base for the tub. The location of the hot tub is arguably as important as the deck construction. Hot Springs spa wrap around deck design gives plenty of room for drinks and towels. It is recommended that a structural engineer be consulted when designing, or redesigning a deck for a hot tub. Simple concept. And then it is covered with blue parachute stuff to make the swimming pool more charming. Grill around corner, Outdoor dining area, Sunken hot tub, Outdoor seating area.Most Girly Things! Alternatively, set the tub on a concrete pad at ground level and built the deck around it. Lots of room for a table, chairs and umbrella. This is our full set of plans for a deck with a hot tub. In most cases, it’s easier and more cost-effective to put the hot tub foundation on the ground and build a deck around it. It’s less expensive and often easier to build a concrete slab for a spa and build the deck next to or around the tub sides. Chilly winds circulate around building corners and can decrease enjoyment and increase heating costs. with 17-standard 8-foot deck boards on top. 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. Tie nylon string diagonally from corner to corner of the exterior frame. Don't miss your favorite shows in real time online. Ease of access and safety also need to be considered. Buying the tub ensures you have the model you want, and for which the deck is constructed – no surprises. The cost factor for using larger dimensions when framing a 6’x6’ or 8’x8’ hot tub deck is marginal when compared to the structural integrity it provides. Hot tubs can be fabulous additions to the home, but maximizing your backyard space to accommodate for it is key. Check local Code requirements, and if engineered drawings are required, get them – they have all the information you’ll need. Hot tubs range from 29’ to 42” high with 36” being the most common height. Knowing where all access panels on the spa are located and their dimensions and the location of hook-ups is necessary when planning and framing, especially if the tub will be inset into the deck. Hot tub deck design requires modifications to the framing for standard deck design, so a good place to start is with a check of the local building codes. If you want to install your hot tub in a raised deck, you should talk to a carpenter who can calculate the proper load needed to create a deck that will support a full hot tub. Step 2. Build a deck with a hot tub today with these blueprints. It is also the outdoor living space that places the spa front and center – or off in a corner – as part of your entertainment options. Building around the spa allows for standard deck construction and adjusting the height between the deck surface and the top of the tub. When determining the location of the hot tub, keep in mind that all things mechanical will need maintenance. Seeking council approval, checking for underground cables and pipes and deciding on the overall design of your deck are just some of the things you need to do before you start building. Empty spas range from less than 100-pounds to more than 1000-pounds, with some closer to 1800-pounds! Use 6×6 posts and notch them to support at least two double 2×12 beams. Shown below is a Grandee Spa by Hot Spring Spas up against 2 sides of a deck. Shorter distances tend to be more cost-friendly. Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. Temperature extremes and moisture not only affect people; they impact structures too. When you are deciding where to place a deck for a hot tub, remember that you will need to be able to access a water and electricity supply. For designers, the spa or hot tub is a focal point, and hot tub surrounds are used to dress it up and provide conveniences and privacy. The location of hook-ups to power the pump and heater may affect the tub location and orientation. Hot tub deck framing recommendations are many and can range from leaving it to the professionals to just add some extra support posts and a few more joists – Not very helpful. Purchasing the unit beforehand ensures exact dimensions and weight specifications are available for design. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. Reinforced concrete footings need to go to bedrock or 1-foot below frost level, whichever occurs first. Deck builders frequently access a structural engineer for specifications and drawings. Browse a full list of topics found on the site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths. The distance between the spa and railings, railing heights, privacy fences, and connection to utilities also need to be considered. 3. Access to mechanical systems needs to be planned for as maintenance will be necessary. Attach a right angle bracket to the base of each support post. Decide where you want to place the platform. Then, drill each support post to the frame with coated deck screws. Then, use a backhoe, shovels and rakes to clear the area of brush and debris. There are a few things that you will want to take into consideration when building a deck around your spa. Although a 3-1/2” pad is acceptable for small spas, the thicker pad or footing handles the weight and seasonal temperature fluctuations better. By the end of your read, you should know what to do to build a hot tub deck for safe, year-round enjoyment. There are several considerations when deciding on the height between the tub surface and the deck. 4. Placing and securing the arbor posts takes place after the lumber has been painted. Building a deck for or adding a hot tub to a deck requires a building permit in most areas. A hot tub full of water and people can easily exceed 3 to 5 times the load rating of a regular deck. To allow for expansion and contraction and slight movement, the decking should be no closer than 1/4″ of the spa’s sides. The load the deck under the hot tub needs to support 3 to 5 times the regular load rating for a deck. Frame the section of the deck where the spa will sit to support the greater load. To build such a hot tub deck, a perfect square must be determined. By the end of it, the hot tub looks nice and costs almost no money to build. Once you figure out how to make your deck and hot tub work together in … 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. This old house got a facelift in the front and back, integrated spa into the back stairs. Check the required clearances and build in space for them. Installing Decking. Construct an independent deck for the hot tub at the same level as the main deck. The higher the deck level the greater the need for lifting power and safety. Now you are ready to replace the hot tub’s temporary frame with a permanent frame (Image 3). An elevated deck commonly refers to one that requires railings and is 30-inches or more above grade. All rights reserved. Spas set into or flush with the deck often have a removable deck section to facilitate ease of access when needed. You will need to have access to the service side of the hot tub, which is usually the front. Revitalization. Reinforcing only the area where the tub will sit will save on material and labor. 8. Framing a Deck for Hot Tub Installation Low and Grade Level Decks. Instead, a... Other Considerations. This DIY Basic will provide tips on installing a railing. Joist size and spacing for non-hot tub decks commonly are 2x6s spaced on 16” centers. Identify any structural needs like post and footing size and location, beam size and spacing, joist dimensions, span and spacing, and any alterations to the ledger board. Setting a hot tub on material that can settle over time, like gravel or timbers, is not a good long term solution. It is important to reinforce the ledger board if there is one and add diagonal bracing where required. Determine how much extra room will be needed to allow for the deck to expand and contract. Build the deck for the hot tub at a lower level independent of the main deck. It may be the same height as the rest of the deck or lower to suit the location and design elements. Fill the holes with quick setting concrete mix and add water. Tiered or step decking is also an option and provides a variety of access heights into the water. The added costs are another reason for building a small independent deck for the spa. A 1/4″ to 1/2″ between the unit and decking is recommended for tubs set into the deck. Curved composite planks match the circular acrylic hot tub, set below Wisteria blooms. The posts support the beam and transfer the load to the footings. The slab should be 6” wider than the tub for repositioning and to support accessories. Ledger boards, joist hangers, 2×8 joist, and 4×4 posts may meet the minimum requirement – BUT – when the safety of family and friends is involved, go big or go home. The spacing to support a spa is usually 12” centers and joists may increase to 2x8s or greater. Make a plan. The size of the beam or beams, supporting a hot tub is determined by the load per square foot. You love to DIY. (Four 20” diameter 4’ deep footings use about 34.9 cubic feet of concrete, a 6-inch thick 6’x6’ concrete pad uses 18 cubic feet of concrete.). Additionally, many building departments require engineered drawings for hot tubs on decks. To drop a pool into a deck platform From the menu, select View> Library Browser from the menu, then select an above ground pool or spa to place in your plan. A hot tub is a great way to relax or entertain any time, any season. However, the decking may extend and be part of the main deck. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. Building the whole deck to carry the weight of the hot tub offers greater flexibility when placing the tub but is much more expensive. Running a new circuit and gas or radiant lines to a new location adds to the cost, so plan accordingly. Wooden decks don’t commonly need to carry that additional weight and aren’t designed to. 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. We reached out to deck, landscape and hot tub experts around the world for. Deck all framed up and ready for levelling with patio stones. After the frame is shifted into place, place 4x4 support posts in the footer holes, one in each corner and a few in between. Get video instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more. Cover the ground inside the temporary frame with gravel to keep water away from the bottom of the hot tub. Whole family can enjoy swimming in this pallet wood recycled pool. A 3-1/2 to 4 inch slab is usually sufficient, experts say; however, larger … Placing a hot tub on a reinforced, Code-compliant wood deck is a common practice. The deck area that supports the tub is usually framed separately to carry the additional weight, while the rest of the deck frame is for lighter loads. Build Deck Around the Hot Tub. Its location determines where and how the deck will be built, and once placed, most spas aren’t relocated. See our hot tub models. I hope you have a better understanding of how to build a deck for a hot tub. Before the deck can be built, mark off the designated area with spray paint. At 8.34-pounds per gallon, that’s 1,371 pounds vs 8,965.5 pounds respectively; an enormous difference when building a deck. Frame the panel with a double rim and joists 16" on center. Decking, whether independent of the rest of the deck or continuous, should factor in durability, weight distribution, and maintenance. If the ground is uneven or a pad won’t work, there are other options. Determine the square footage the spa occupies and divide the total weight by the area to identify the live-load weight factor per square foot. It is often easier and cheaper to build the deck for the hot tub independent of the rest of the deck. removable deck panels for access to hot tub front.. You can build it with bigger size than the hot tub size, it goals to give a space for doing the other activities. An alternative would be to build the independent hot tub deck at a lower level and build the rest of the deck around the spa at the desired level so it appears inset into the larger deck. The deck needs to support the real load of the hot tub. is preferable, though. Thicker 2×6 decking is more durable and stronger than most other decking, and shouldn’t require painting or staining under the spa enclosure once it’s in place. Service panels should have 18-inches of clearance and don’t forget the head and shoulder room if it is under a deck. Build the permanent frame for the deck out of 2x6 pressure-treated beams (Images 1 and 2). The deck height determines the size of posts required to support the deck and other structural requirements identified in the building codes. How to Install a Hot Tub Deck Step 1. Measure diagonally from corner to corner to determine if it is. Building the deck so the top of the spa is 16” to 18” above the deck boards is common. Especially if you want to build it yourself. Install latches or hinges to secure the panel to the deck floor. I added a couple deck boards to keep it square while we adjusted for level. 1. Mechanical lift arms for insulated covers also require space to move. Keep the joists and beams an inch from the sides of the tub to allow for some movement and removal if necessary. Framing members are set back 1 to 2-inches from the tub while decking closes the gap. The load hot tub decks support includes the empty or dry weight of the model selected, the weight of the water, and the weight of the occupants. Intimacy. First, you will need to know the model that you are going to get. 5. As the tub fills with water, monitor the joists – flattening out is acceptable, too much deflection means not enough support. Make sure the hatch is secure and level with the deck floor. Use these measurements to make a temporary frame out of 2x4's that will act as a guide for the deck's footers. Yes. Regular decks commonly have joist spacing of 16”o.c., local codes may require 8”o.c. Have your deck design wrap entirely around the hot tub. They will use a boom truck, forklift, crane, or other means to safely install the spa. 6. 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. The costs of material and labor for a small deck exceed that of a similar-sized 6-inch thick concrete pad. It may have stairs connecting the two decks, or abut at one or more sides. To determine the size and shape of the deck, measure the dimensions of the hot tub. Building deck stairs will provide ready access to the yard and add value to your home. A wooden fence adds privacy and classic style to any outdoor space. Additionally, access under the hot tub deck should be fenced off to prevent the risk of injury. A flat, level surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal location for a hot tub. The first is to take an 8 foot (2.4 … It should be independent with its own footings, posts, and beams. For instance, they place the tub on or under the raised deck, build a pergola for its shade, or even surround it with the gorgeous patio. Access to the home for cold weather use and lighting are important too. Joists should always be crown up. Here the actual tub is made using the pallet wood planks. Use brackets to maintain location on the beam and intermediate blocking for spacing and to prevent twisting. Pretty easy to build. Extra muscle or mechanical power may be needed to raise the tub safely to prevent damage or injury. They often encourage homeowners to build reinforced decks to meet larger loads. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others. There may also be local ordinances regarding clearances that should be addressed too. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Super-size to 2×10 joists installed on top of the beams and spaced at 12”o.c., 8”o.c. It is designed to fix in a metallic tub which would carry water. Carefully Consider the Gap Between the Deck Boards. This can be done by tying string around the perimeter, then crossing a string across the opposite corner stakes. Many Building Inspectors and even contractors recognize that small hot tubs tend to be replaced with larger ones. Decks built within three feet of the ground can be built to carry a hot tub, or alternatively, built around or beside a concrete pad on which the hot tub sits. Especially if the hot tub or swim spa is being installed as part of a new build or garden refurbishment. Allow the concrete to dry. If you plan to place the hot tub in a location that was previously lawn, you have two ways to do this. For uneven ground or decks higher than 3-feet – the top of the spa on a concrete pad – or if a slab isn’t possible, it is more practical to place the hot tub on a deck. Types of Decks where Hot Tubs can be Installed, Practical Recommendations for Spa Deck Framing, Buy the Hot Tub and Take Exact Dimensions, I65 gallons x 8.34 lbs/gallon = 1,371 lbs, Total weight = 120 + 1,371 + 740 = 2,231 pounds, 1075 gallons x 8.34 lbs/gallon = 8,965.5 lbs, Total weight = 1,120 + 8,965.5 + 1,480 = 11,565.5 lbs, weight of water: 495 lbs x 8.34 lbs/US gallon = 4,128. It is also easier for older or injured bodies. Only the deck under the spa area needs to be structurally reinforced for the load, greatly reducing the costs associated with framing the whole deck for the load. Building a hot tub deck is much like building other decks, it just requires more support structure for the additional weight. This two level hot tub deck design really does it nice. An upper level with sunken hot tub and built in benches surround it. Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. Hot tub location and deck design may include privacy screens, an enclosure, pergola, or other considerations. Consider placing the hot tub on a concrete slab and building the deck next to, or around the tub. Joists are commonly independent too but do not need to be if the decking is all the same height. A wood deck needs to be designed or reinforced to support the weight of a hot tub. While a 4×4 may be acceptable, 6x6s are recommended for decks up to 6 feet off the ground and 8x8s for heights greater than that to carry the additional load of a hot tub. Here you will add on a second deck level built around the top of the hot tub that will give you the same desired effect. Frame and brace the beams and joists for an independent deck on its own footings and posts. With the deck floor complete, build custom railings. Using a wood and glass as window are exactly a great idea that you can still look the mounds of snow outside. Best Hot Tubs is the exclusive Bullfrog Spas dealer on Long Island New York, Catskills, Northern New Jersey, Connecticut,. Install decking over the framing in the same direction as the deck floor. Removing a section of railing and installing diagonal rails from the ground to deck level and relying on muscle power are common install practices, especially for DIYers. A review of the local building codes or a call to the building department will often clarify structural requirements. Note: When building a deck around a hot tub, build in lift-out sections or hatches for access to service panels, pumps, and other mechanical components. The height and diameter or length and width affect the water capacity and the number of people a spa can accommodate. We’ll make some recommendations and discuss what to consider when building a deck for an outdoor spa. A floating deck adds a great elevated place to sit and enjoy a view of a yard. Most wooden decks are built to support between 40 and 50 pounds per square foot. The added physical benefits of soaking in a hot tub are that you can sleep better, your skin gets a healthy glow, and minor body aches and pains simply disappear. Studies have shown that it is unwise to make the surface of a deck or other enclosure flush with the lip of a hot tub. So it’s no wonder people love the idea of it. Footing, post, beam, and joist sizing, span, and spacing are required structural information for building a hot tub deck. Below is a larger deck with cascading stairs for an open access concept. The deck will need its own footings, posts, beams, joists, and decking. Pressure-treated wood is critical since the deck will be exposed to rain and the water from the hot tub, and pressure-treated lumber resists damage and deterioration from exposure to water or moisture. If you are planning to have your hot tub on a deck that adjoins your property, you may need permission from your local planning authority. However, hot tub deck framing has to support much more weight than regular deck framing. You go around the outside with foam lining and pallets to help it hold its shape. 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. To determine the pounds-per-square-foot (psf) 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. Build a freestanding hot tub platform. The decks support posts serve as mounts for the new railing system. When the inner frame is squared and centered, attach the frames to one another with several 2x6 joists. If you’re building a new deck, the slab should be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings. spacing for hot tub decks, doubling the cost of joist and hardware. Dropping a hot tub into a deck requires a removable panel for just that. When installing a hot tub on a raised deck or moving it over uneven or sloped ground, we recommend relying on professional installers. The joists should be level with the joists on the rest of the deck, and may even extend and be part of that deck. Although that allows flexibility when placing the tub, it’s expensive. If attached to the house with a ledger board and using joist hangers, additional lag screws are necessary, and possibly a wider ledger and bigger hangers too. Carter Oosterhouse shows how to create a fantastic outdoor deck using composite decking. Then, shift hot tub frame until the corners line up with the nylon string. When building around or next to the spa it is best to have it in place first. 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.