Reinforcing only the area where the tub will sit will save on material and labor. A review of the local building codes or a call to the building department will often clarify structural requirements. 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. Super-size to 2×10 joists installed on top of the beams and spaced at 12”o.c., 8”o.c. Another impact of the height is getting the tub up onto an elevated deck. Relaxation. Have your deck design wrap entirely around the 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. Although that allows flexibility when placing the tub, it’s expensive. Whole family can enjoy swimming in this pallet wood recycled pool. 7. It also means there are no surprises with availability, hook-up requirements, or location of access panels. Instead, a... Other Considerations. Build the deck for the hot tub at a lower level independent of the main deck. Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. 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. Allow the concrete to dry. Deck all framed up and ready for levelling with patio stones. Use brackets to maintain location on the beam and intermediate blocking for spacing and to prevent twisting. When the inner frame is squared and centered, attach the frames to one another with several 2x6 joists. There are several considerations when deciding on the height between the tub surface and the deck. Footing, post, beam, and joist sizing, span, and spacing are required structural information for building a hot tub deck. Framing a Deck for Hot Tub Installation Low and Grade Level Decks. Keep the joists and beams an inch from the sides of the tub to allow for some movement and removal if necessary. The expansion and contraction of wood, plastic, and metal are well known and need to be considered when building a deck. I hope you have a better understanding of how to build a deck for a hot tub. Hot tubs range from 29’ to 42” high with 36” being the most common height. Don’t make the top of the hot tub even with your deck. 2 40+ Hot Tub Enclosure Ideas. This lets you walk around the outside of the hot tub and create the illusion of more space. 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. Placing a hot tub on a reinforced, Code-compliant wood deck is a common practice. Curved composite planks match the circular acrylic hot tub, set below Wisteria blooms. Tie nylon string diagonally from corner to corner of the exterior frame. Install decking over the framing in the same direction as the deck floor. The size and spacing between footings depends on the beam dimensions, joist span and spacing, and the load. The deck will need its own footings, posts, beams, joists, and decking. By the end of it, the hot tub looks nice and costs almost no money to build. 4. Frame the section of the deck where the spa will sit to support the greater load. The decks support posts serve as mounts for the new railing system. Also, dig holes for the footers that will support the deck. The spacing to support a spa is usually 12” centers and joists may increase to 2x8s or greater. 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. 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. Ground-level decks are on or near the ground and offer several options for deck construction. 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. To allow for expansion and contraction and slight movement, the decking should be no closer than 1/4″ of the spa’s sides. Cover the ground inside the temporary frame with gravel to keep water away from the bottom of the hot tub. Joist size and spacing for non-hot tub decks commonly are 2x6s spaced on 16” centers. Intimacy. A 29” high by 4’ square tub may hold 165 US gallons, while a 42” high by 8’ can hold 1,075 US gallons. This old house got a facelift in the front and back, integrated spa into the back stairs. Always check the local Building Codes for requirements. With the deck floor complete, build custom railings. Heat is provided by an electrical or gas heater, by radiant heat lines, or wood-burning stove. 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. If you’ve been using a bathtub on the deck and want a hot tub on a deck, you’re in the right place. Service panels should have 18-inches of clearance and don’t forget the head and shoulder room if it is under a deck. 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. Check the local Building codes or with a structural engineer to make sure the design will carry the load. They have the equipment and know-how to get the job done without damage to the unit or causing injury. When planning you hot tub location you will need to make sure you have serviceability for the front of the Spa. Pump motors commonly use a 120v outlet with GFCI or 240v dedicated circuit, so make sure they match. An elevated deck commonly refers to one that requires railings and is 30-inches or more above grade. Ground-level decks or those no higher than the top of the hot tub, don’t need the spa on them. Hot tubs and swim spas with decking or stone around them can look amazing. Cantilevered deck sections and faux rock spa skirt and privacy wall. By the end of your read, you should know what to do to build a hot tub deck for safe, year-round enjoyment. The posts support the beam and transfer the load to the footings. Prevailing winds are another consideration when locating a spa. Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. Build a deck with a hot tub today with these blueprints. Hot tub deck framing needs to address the issue of potential shifting due to temperature fluctuations to prevent damage or structural failure. 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. The deck boards are water-resistant and provide a level or near level surface. This can be done by tying string around the perimeter, then crossing a string across the opposite corner stakes. Tiered or step decking is also an option and provides a variety of access heights into the water. Build the permanent frame for the deck out of 2x6 pressure-treated beams (Images 1 and 2). Frame the panel with a double rim and joists 16" on center. Building the deck so the top of the spa is 16” to 18” above the deck boards is common. Best Hot Tubs is the exclusive Bullfrog Spas dealer on Long Island New York, Catskills, Northern New Jersey, Connecticut,. Hot tubs can be fabulous additions to the home, but maximizing your backyard space to accommodate for it is key. with 17-standard 8-foot deck boards on top. Especially if you want to build it yourself. 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. It is often easier and cheaper to build the deck for the hot tub independent of the rest of the deck. Building around the spa allows for standard deck construction and adjusting the height between the deck surface and the top of the tub. If a deck must be constructed, build it independently of the rest of the deck, or as a blend. 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. Alternatively, privacy structures also act as windbreaks. If you plan to place the hot tub in a location that was previously lawn, you have two ways to do this. A soft-sided tub can weigh less than 100-pounds, while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood housing can easily top 800-pounds. A wooden fence adds privacy and classic style to any outdoor space. Yes, you can put a hot tub on a deck. Running a new circuit and gas or radiant lines to a new location adds to the cost, so plan accordingly. The height and diameter or length and width affect the water capacity and the number of people a spa can accommodate. 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. Use 6×6 posts and notch them to support at least two double 2×12 beams. Placing and securing the arbor posts takes place after the lumber has been painted. Browse a full list of topics found on the site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths. These joists will act as supports for the deck. Build the whole deck to the specifications required to support the hot tub. Decide where you want to place the platform. Place the joists on the beams, don’t rely on a ledger board or joist hangers. The deck height determines the size of posts required to support the deck and other structural requirements identified in the building codes. Especially if the hot tub or swim spa is being installed as part of a new build or garden refurbishment. Yes. It leaves access panels accessible and makes it easier to get in or out of the tub. Exact measurements for the tub are essential. At 8.34-pounds per gallon, that’s 1,371 pounds vs 8,965.5 pounds respectively; an enormous difference when building a deck. Wooden decks don’t commonly need to carry that additional weight and aren’t designed to. You will also need to be sure that the hot tub frame is centered with the exterior frame of the deck. Then, drill each support post to the frame with coated deck screws. Watch Planning to build a deck Deck builders frequently access a structural engineer for specifications and drawings. The higher the deck level the greater the need for lifting power and safety. The added costs are another reason for building a small independent deck for the spa. The slab should be 6” wider than the tub for repositioning and to support accessories. Joists should always be crown up. To build such a hot tub deck, a perfect square must be determined. The size and fabrication of a hot tub determine its empty or dry weight. 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. It is recommended that a structural engineer be consulted when designing, or redesigning a deck for a hot tub. Locate the spa to take advantage of the views, trees, and the sun without obstructing views from inside the house. 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. Learn how to make a hot tub area even more inviting with a bench. Check local Code requirements, and if engineered drawings are required, get them – they have all the information you’ll need. 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. The costs of material and labor for a small deck exceed that of a similar-sized 6-inch thick concrete pad. 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. Move your cursor into the drawing area and click to place the hot tub. Behind the Spa there is a privacy wall. 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. Follow these steps to install a wooden fence in your own yard. All rights reserved. 6. Pour a 6” reinforced concrete slab on a gravel base with the finished concrete surface several inches above grade. 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. As for spaces between the deck and the hot tub, you need to factor in, among other things, soaker safety and lumber longevity. However, hot tub deck framing has to support much more weight than regular deck framing. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. Closer spaced footings, support posts, and narrower joist span and spacing under the spa are common solutions. Mechanical lift arms for insulated covers also require space to move. The next one is also a very creative pallet wood hot tub idea. The location of hook-ups to power the pump and heater may affect the tub location and orientation. Learn how to install a deck that will properly support the weight of a hot tub. Hot tub location and deck design may include privacy screens, an enclosure, pergola, or other considerations. On short decks, the hot tub is not typically installed on top of the deck. There may also be local ordinances regarding clearances that should be addressed too. 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. Reinforced concrete footings need to go to bedrock or 1-foot below frost level, whichever occurs first. The added support posts should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete. (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.). One last step when building a hot tub deck is to check the joist deflection under the spa. Access to mechanical systems needs to be planned for as maintenance will be necessary. 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. I added a couple deck boards to keep it square while we adjusted for level. Now you are ready to replace the hot tub’s temporary frame with a permanent frame (Image 3). Renting a boom truck or small crane can prevent damage and injury and isn’t overly expensive. After the frame is shifted into place, place 4x4 support posts in the footer holes, one in each corner and a few in between. We love to DIY. 3. Most dealers deliver and install their products, which makes getting the tub onto the deck their problem. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Step 2. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. 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. 1. Building a deck can be a pricey option that requires careful planning, special tools and a lot of material. Empty spas range from less than 100-pounds to more than 1000-pounds, with some closer to 1800-pounds! Step 3. 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. Consider placing the hot tub on a concrete slab and building the deck next to, or around the tub. 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