And then it is covered with blue parachute stuff to make the swimming pool more charming. The decks support posts serve as mounts for the new railing system. 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. Setting a hot tub on material that can settle over time, like gravel or timbers, is not a good long term solution. The joists should be level with the joists on the rest of the deck, and may even extend and be part of that deck. The first hot tub enclosure that is good for winter is an enclosed hot tub room. 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. An Inground Hot Tub spacing for hot tub decks, doubling the cost of joist and hardware. The slab should be 6” wider than the tub for repositioning and to support accessories. A hot tub is a great way to relax or entertain any time, any season. Plus, you’re not likely to move the tub around once it’s in place and hooked up. This lets you walk around the outside of the hot tub and create the illusion of more space. Purchasing the unit beforehand ensures exact dimensions and weight specifications are available for design. The deck can be built flush with the top of the tub, or lower to provide a step up. This old house got a facelift in the front and back, integrated spa into the back stairs. Prevailing winds are another consideration when locating a spa. A soft-sided tub can weigh less than 100-pounds, while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood housing can easily top 800-pounds. The location of hook-ups to power the pump and heater may affect the tub location and orientation. 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. How to Install a Flagstone Patio with Irregular Stones. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Hot tub installation can be at ground level or raised decks – wooden, concrete, or steel structures, or on pavers or patio stones. Frame the section of the deck where the spa will sit to support the greater load. Deck design choices are almost limitless and only constrained by the budget. Installing Decking. There may also be local ordinances regarding clearances that should be addressed too. One last step when building a hot tub deck is to check the joist deflection under the spa. Let's get together. “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. A hot tub full of water and people can easily exceed 3 to 5 times the load rating of a regular deck. Reinforcing only the area where the tub will sit will save on material and labor. The expansion and contraction of wood, plastic, and metal are well known and need to be considered when building a deck. 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. Most dealers deliver and install their products, which makes getting the tub onto the deck their problem. Temperature extremes and moisture not only affect people; they impact structures too. Joists are commonly independent too but do not need to be if the decking is all the same height. Determine how much extra room will be needed to allow for the deck to expand and contract. 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. 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 2 or 3 ply 2×8 beam can support the load if supported every 30-inches, however, a thicker dimensional beam or steel beam will require fewer support posts and footings. Neighbors may be welcome guests, but privacy is nice too. There are a few things that you will want to take into consideration when building a deck around your spa. Relaxing in a hot tub is one of the best ways to get rid of stress and tensions of the day. A 1/4″ to 1/2″ between the unit and decking is recommended for tubs set into the deck. 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. Always check the local Building Codes for requirements. The size and spacing between footings depends on the beam dimensions, joist span and spacing, and the load. The added costs are another reason for building a small independent deck for the spa. Building a deck can be a pricey option that requires careful planning, special tools and a lot of material. Building deck stairs will provide ready access to the yard and add value to your home. The wood deck should be flush with the top of the tub. Access to the home for cold weather use and lighting are important too. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. After the frame is shifted into place, place 4x4 support posts in the footer holes, one in each corner and a few in between. Begin with 20” footings that reach 12” below frost level or to bedrock. Make a plan. The joists are independent of the rest of the deck, as are the deck boards. Ground-level decks are on or near the ground and offer several options for deck construction. 4. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. Shown below is a Grandee Spa by Hot Spring Spas up against 2 sides of a deck. Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. The spacing to support a spa is usually 12” centers and joists may increase to 2x8s or greater. Learn how to install a deck that will properly support the weight of a hot tub. It leaves access panels accessible and makes it easier to get in or out of the tub. Step 3. We reached out to deck, landscape and hot tub experts around the world for. Follow these steps to install a wooden fence in your own yard. 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. Lots of room for a table, chairs and umbrella. Then, drill each support post to the frame with coated deck screws. Super-size to 2×10 joists installed on top of the beams and spaced at 12”o.c., 8”o.c. Build the permanent frame for the deck out of 2x6 pressure-treated beams (Images 1 and 2). Place the joists on the beams, don’t rely on a ledger board or joist hangers. Wooden decks don’t commonly need to carry that additional weight and aren’t designed to. The deck boards are water-resistant and provide a level or near level surface. 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. 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. First, you will need to know the model that you are going to get. Stepping down into the spa or over a slight elevation can result in or aggravate injuries. How to Install a Hot Tub Deck Step 1. Build Deck Around the Hot Tub. This temporary frame will eventually be replaced by a permanent frame that is slightly larger to allow for expansion and contraction. It’s easier to build for them than to retro-fit afterward. Heat is provided by an electrical or gas heater, by radiant heat lines, or wood-burning stove. They can be sunk fully or partially below the deck surface, or have a raised section built partially around them. A 3-1/2 to 4 inch slab is usually sufficient, experts say; however, larger … 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. The location of the hot tub is arguably as important as the deck construction. At 8.34-pounds per gallon, that’s 1,371 pounds vs 8,965.5 pounds respectively; an enormous difference when building a deck. If planning to upgrade to a larger tub in a few years, the whole deck would need to be built for the future deck load, not the current one. Chilly winds circulate around building corners and can decrease enjoyment and increase heating costs. Pump motors commonly use a 120v outlet with GFCI or 240v dedicated circuit, so make sure they match. 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. Yes, you can put a hot tub on a deck. Building a hot tub deck is much like building other decks, it just requires more support structure for the additional weight. The added support posts should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete. Next, drop your hot tub into the deck. Pound stakes into the corners of the square, then determine the center point of the square. 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. Attach a right angle bracket to the base of each support post. A wood deck needs to be designed or reinforced to support the weight of a hot tub. 3 lbs, weight of people: 6 people x 185 lbs (average weight) = 1,110 lbs, total weight: 872 + 4,128.3 + 1,110 = 6,110.3 lbs. They will use a boom truck, forklift, crane, or other means to safely install the spa. This DIY Basic will provide tips on installing a railing. When installing a hot tub on a raised deck or moving it over uneven or sloped ground, we recommend relying on professional installers. Ground Installation 6. Whole family can enjoy swimming in this pallet wood recycled pool. It should be independent with its own footings, posts, and beams. The height and diameter or length and width affect the water capacity and the number of people a spa can accommodate. 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. To determine the size and shape of the deck, measure the dimensions of the hot tub. Hot tub deck framing needs to address the issue of potential shifting due to temperature fluctuations to prevent damage or structural failure. 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. 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. 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. Get video instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more. 1. 7. is preferable, though. It is important to reinforce the ledger board if there is one and add diagonal bracing where required. Although that allows flexibility when placing the tub, it’s expensive. Closer spaced footings, support posts, and narrower joist span and spacing under the spa are common solutions. Ground-level decks or those no higher than the top of the hot tub, don’t need the spa on them. Once you figure out how to make your deck and hot tub work together in … Building around the spa allows for standard deck construction and adjusting the height between the deck surface and the top of the tub. Deck all framed up and ready for levelling with patio stones. Hot tubs can be fabulous additions to the home, but maximizing your backyard space to accommodate for it is key. Then, use a backhoe, shovels and rakes to clear the area of brush and debris. When building around or next to the spa it is best to have it in place first. 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. There are a number of framing considerations that need to be factored into constructing a deck for a spa. Cover the ground inside the temporary frame with gravel to keep water away from the bottom of the hot tub. Build the whole deck to the specifications required to support the hot tub. The deck needs to support the real load of the hot tub. Although a 3-1/2” pad is acceptable for small spas, the thicker pad or footing handles the weight and seasonal temperature fluctuations better. Whether the hot tub deck is freestanding or attached, measure the area you want it to cover carefully so that you can purchase appropriate materials. Another impact of the height is getting the tub up onto an elevated deck. Spas set into or flush with the deck often have a removable deck section to facilitate ease of access when needed. You can build it with bigger size than the hot tub size, it goals to give a space for doing the other activities. Below is a larger deck with cascading stairs for an open access concept. Building a deck for or adding a hot tub to a deck requires a building permit in most areas. Shorter distances tend to be more cost-friendly. Hot tubs and swim spas with decking or stone around them can look amazing. A floating deck adds a great elevated place to sit and enjoy a view of a yard. Hot tubs range from 29’ to 42” high with 36” being the most common height. Revitalization. Check the required clearances and build in space for them. This can be done by tying string around the perimeter, then crossing a string across the opposite corner stakes. 8. Footing, post, beam, and joist sizing, span, and spacing are required structural information for building a hot tub deck. 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. 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. Build a deck with a hot tub today with these blueprints. Consider placing the hot tub on a concrete slab and building the deck next to, or around the tub. removable deck panels for access to hot tub front.. 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. It also means there are no surprises with availability, hook-up requirements, or location of access panels. It is recommended that a structural engineer be consulted when designing, or redesigning a deck for a hot tub. Hot tub location and deck design may include privacy screens, an enclosure, pergola, or other considerations. As the tub fills with water, monitor the joists – flattening out is acceptable, too much deflection means not enough support. 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. I hope you have a better understanding of how to build a deck for a hot tub. 15 Hot Tub Deck Surround Ideas. No matter what your choice is, enhancing the look of your hot tub is a must since it will the major focal point of your outdoor space. Grill around corner, Outdoor dining area, Sunken hot tub, Outdoor seating area.Most Girly Things! Alternatively, privacy structures also act as windbreaks. Air circulation is also important to minimize moisture build-up and dissipate any chemical fumes. Don't miss your favorite shows in real time online. 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. Intimacy. Decide where you want to place the platform. Now you are ready to replace the hot tub’s temporary frame with a permanent frame (Image 3). Carter Oosterhouse shows how to create a fantastic outdoor deck using composite decking. 3. Tiered or step decking is also an option and provides a variety of access heights into the water. This is our full set of plans for a deck with a hot tub. Framing a Deck for Hot Tub Installation Low and Grade Level Decks. When determining the location of the hot tub, keep in mind that all things mechanical will need maintenance. Placing and securing the arbor posts takes place after the lumber has been painted. Make sure the hatch is secure and level with the deck floor. An upper level with sunken hot tub and built in benches surround it. Relaxation. Fill the holes with quick setting concrete mix and add water. Dropping a hot tub into a deck requires a removable panel for just that. It may be more practical – and less expensive – to leave the tub on the ground and build next to or around the tub. A wooden fence adds privacy and classic style to any outdoor space. However, hot tub deck framing has to support much more weight than regular deck framing. Tie nylon string diagonally from corner to corner of the exterior frame. If you’re building a new deck, the slab should be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings. Additionally, access under the hot tub deck should be fenced off to prevent the risk of injury. 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. With the deck floor complete, build custom railings. Build a Raised Platform around the Spa This deck building option is often used in a situation where you cannot recess your hot tub down into a deck but that is the functionality you want. Install decking over the framing in the same direction as the deck floor. 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. Deck Installation. A 29” high by 4’ square tub may hold 165 US gallons, while a 42” high by 8’ can hold 1,075 US gallons. 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. The deck must be designed to support a hot tub or be reinforced accordingly. The size and water capacity of the tub need to be available for load calculations when designing the deck, especially if the tub sits on a deck. It is designed to fix in a metallic tub which would carry water. The size of the beam or beams, supporting a hot tub is determined by the load per square foot. The next one is also a very creative pallet wood hot tub idea. 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. It is also easier for older or injured bodies. with 17-standard 8-foot deck boards on top. Use these measurements to make a temporary frame out of 2x4's that will act as a guide for the deck's footers. 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. 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. 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. 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. The higher the deck level the greater the need for lifting power and safety. 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. I added a couple deck boards to keep it square while we adjusted for level. Building the whole deck to carry the weight of the hot tub offers greater flexibility when placing the tub but is much more expensive. To build such a hot tub deck, a perfect square must be determined. You will also need to be sure that the hot tub frame is centered with the exterior frame of the deck. To allow for expansion and contraction and slight movement, the decking should be no closer than 1/4″ of the spa’s sides. We love to DIY. If you’ve been using a bathtub on the deck and want a hot tub on a deck, you’re in the right place. Many people build decks around their hot tubs. (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.). An 8’x8’ tub full of water and people can exceed 7,300-pounds and an inflatable 4-person one about 3,700-pounds. Curved composite planks match the circular acrylic hot tub, set below Wisteria blooms. Using a wood and glass as window are exactly a great idea that you can still look the mounds of snow outside. Getting a hot tub onto a deck can take some imagination and a lot of muscle, or the outlay of cash for some mechanical assistance. If the ground is uneven or a pad won’t work, there are other options. 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. Browse a full list of topics found on the site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths. Watch Planning to build a deck 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. Move your cursor into the drawing area and click to place the hot tub. Mechanical lift arms for insulated covers also require space to move. Install latches or hinges to secure the panel to the deck floor. Don’t use a ledger board or joist hangers when building a hot tub deck. You love to DIY. The costs of material and labor for a small deck exceed that of a similar-sized 6-inch thick concrete pad. You will need to have access to the service side of the hot tub, which is usually the front. hinged or removable access panels for hot tub – Google Search.. How to build decking around a hot tub but still give easy access to the drain, pumps and . 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. Pretty easy to build. Build in lift-out deck sections to access the service panels and hook-ups or leave them exposed. The distance between the spa and railings, railing heights, privacy fences, and connection to utilities also need to be considered. Your comments and suggestions, as always, are appreciated. So it’s no wonder people love the idea of it. 2 40+ Hot Tub Enclosure Ideas. Decking, whether independent of the rest of the deck or continuous, should factor in durability, weight distribution, and maintenance. 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. We’ll make some recommendations and discuss what to consider when building a deck for an outdoor spa. Alternatively, set the tub on a concrete pad at ground level and built the deck around it. You will need to build a 4'x4' removable panel that will be supported on each corner. Behind the Spa there is a privacy wall. This hides the bulk of the hot tub body and hides its real size. Most wooden decks are built to support between 40 and 50 pounds per square foot. Pouring a Code-compliant concrete slab for the spa allows for standard deck construction. A deck is often built for live-loads of 40 to 50psf, a hot tub can significantly increase that load. Tubs near the middle of the house tend to feel less wind. Once the frame is nailed together, it needs to be squared. As for spaces between the deck and the hot tub, you need to factor in, among other things, soaker safety and lumber longevity. You go around the outside with foam lining and pallets to help it hold its shape. So, for us, practical recommendations need to be useful. When the inner frame is squared and centered, attach the frames to one another with several 2x6 joists. Allow the concrete to dry. The first is to take an 8 foot (2.4 … Construct a small independent deck that integrates with the rest of the deck. Only a few inches off the ground, this platform takes a little time but is easy once you get going. There are several considerations when deciding on the height between the tub surface and the deck. Some deck designs can be built around a hot tub, depending on its size and capacity. Access to mechanical systems needs to be planned for as maintenance will be necessary. Buying the tub ensures you have the model you want, and for which the deck is constructed – no surprises. In this guide, we’ll look at how a hot tub deck differs from a regular deck, different types of decks for a tub, and framing considerations. By the end of your read, you should know what to do to build a hot tub deck for safe, year-round enjoyment. Here the actual tub is made using the pallet wood planks. Frame the panel with a double rim and joists 16" on center. Well, this hot tub takes an old water tank and uses it as the base for the tub. Best Hot Tubs is the exclusive Bullfrog Spas dealer on Long Island New York, Catskills, Northern New Jersey, Connecticut,. Don’t make the top of the hot tub even with your deck. Especially if you want to build it yourself. These joists will act as supports for the deck. 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. Build the deck for the hot tub at a lower level independent of the main deck. 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