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. Hot tub location and deck design may include privacy screens, an enclosure, pergola, or other considerations. 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. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. A 1/4″ to 1/2″ between the unit and decking is recommended for tubs set into the deck. It leaves access panels accessible and makes it easier to get in or out of the tub. Below is a larger deck with cascading stairs for an open access concept. It is also easier for older or injured bodies. Build a deck with a hot tub today with these blueprints. Step 2. Especially if the hot tub or swim spa is being installed as part of a new build or garden refurbishment. And then it is covered with blue parachute stuff to make the swimming pool more charming. Before you reach for a hammer there’s a few things you need to consider before building your new deck. Determine how much extra room will be needed to allow for the deck to expand and contract. Check the required clearances and build in space for them. When the inner frame is squared and centered, attach the frames to one another with several 2x6 joists. A 29” high by 4’ square tub may hold 165 US gallons, while a 42” high by 8’ can hold 1,075 US gallons. There may also be local ordinances regarding clearances that should be addressed too. Cover the ground inside the temporary frame with gravel to keep water away from the bottom of the hot tub. Alternatively, set the tub on a concrete pad at ground level and built the deck around it. The size and fabrication of a hot tub determine its empty or dry weight. The higher the deck level the greater the need for lifting power and safety. On short decks, the hot tub is not typically installed on top of the deck. Relaxation. The next one is also a very creative pallet wood hot tub idea. Make sure the hatch is secure and level with the deck floor. Service panels should have 18-inches of clearance and don’t forget the head and shoulder room if it is under a deck. 15 Hot Tub Deck Surround Ideas. 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. So, for us, practical recommendations need to be useful. Building deck stairs will provide ready access to the yard and add value to your home. Revitalization. Curved composite planks match the circular acrylic hot tub, set below Wisteria blooms. Running a new circuit and gas or radiant lines to a new location adds to the cost, so plan accordingly. Joists are commonly independent too but do not need to be if the decking is all the same height. A review of the local building codes or a call to the building department will often clarify structural requirements. The deck will need its own footings, posts, beams, joists, and decking. 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. Exact measurements for the tub are essential. It should be independent with its own footings, posts, and beams. Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. Footing, post, beam, and joist sizing, span, and spacing are required structural information for building a hot tub deck. Don't miss your favorite shows in real time online. 7. Ground Installation How to Install a Hot Tub Deck Step 1. As the tub fills with water, monitor the joists – flattening out is acceptable, too much deflection means not enough support. Chilly winds circulate around building corners and can decrease enjoyment and increase heating costs. 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. They can be sunk fully or partially below the deck surface, or have a raised section built partially around them. 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. Then, shift hot tub frame until the corners line up with the nylon string. 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. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. However, hot tub deck framing has to support much more weight than regular deck framing. To determine the size and shape of the deck, measure the dimensions of the hot tub. Ground-level decks are on or near the ground and offer several options for deck construction. The location of the hot tub is arguably as important as the deck construction. Once you figure out how to make your deck and hot tub work together in … This hides the bulk of the hot tub body and hides its real size. Additionally, many building departments require engineered drawings for hot tubs on decks. Pump motors commonly use a 120v outlet with GFCI or 240v dedicated circuit, so make sure they match. The slab should be 6” wider than the tub for repositioning and to support accessories. Learn how to install a deck that will properly support the weight of a hot tub. Most dealers deliver and install their products, which makes getting the tub onto the deck their problem. The deck height determines the size of posts required to support the deck and other structural requirements identified in the building codes. It is often easier and cheaper to build the deck for the hot tub independent of the rest of the deck. When installing a hot tub on a raised deck or moving it over uneven or sloped ground, we recommend relying on professional installers. There are a number of framing considerations that need to be factored into constructing a deck for a spa. It’s easier to build for them than to retro-fit afterward. An Inground Hot Tub The location of hook-ups to power the pump and heater may affect the tub location and orientation. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. removable deck panels for access to hot tub front.. 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. The posts support the beam and transfer the load to the footings. Now you are ready to replace the hot tub’s temporary frame with a permanent frame (Image 3). Shown below is a Grandee Spa by Hot Spring Spas up against 2 sides of a deck. Additionally, access under the hot tub deck should be fenced off to prevent the risk of injury. 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. Carefully Consider the Gap Between the Deck Boards. Pour a 6” reinforced concrete slab on a gravel base with the finished concrete surface several inches above grade. Some deck designs can be built around a hot tub, depending on its size and capacity. Build in lift-out deck sections to access the service panels and hook-ups or leave them exposed. Frame the panel with a double rim and joists 16" on center. The costs of material and labor for a small deck exceed that of a similar-sized 6-inch thick concrete pad. Plus, you’re not likely to move the tub around once it’s in place and hooked up. 4. Locate the spa to take advantage of the views, trees, and the sun without obstructing views from inside the house. Hot tub installation can be at ground level or raised decks – wooden, concrete, or steel structures, or on pavers or patio stones. Hot Springs spa wrap around deck design gives plenty of room for drinks and towels. Hot tubs range from 29’ to 42” high with 36” being the most common height. Always check the local Building Codes for requirements. A soft-sided tub can weigh less than 100-pounds, while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood housing can easily top 800-pounds. Cantilevered deck sections and faux rock spa skirt and privacy wall. We love to DIY. Renting a boom truck or small crane can prevent damage and injury and isn’t overly expensive. The size and spacing between footings depends on the beam dimensions, joist span and spacing, and the load. 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. Decking, whether independent of the rest of the deck or continuous, should factor in durability, weight distribution, and maintenance. 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. Air circulation is also important to minimize moisture build-up and dissipate any chemical fumes. It also means there are no surprises with availability, hook-up requirements, or location of access panels. When building around or next to the spa it is best to have it in place first. Only a few inches off the ground, this platform takes a little time but is easy once you get going. 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. I added a couple deck boards to keep it square while we adjusted for level. Joists should always be crown up. 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. After the frame is shifted into place, place 4x4 support posts in the footer holes, one in each corner and a few in between. Build the permanent frame for the deck out of 2x6 pressure-treated beams (Images 1 and 2). If you plan to place the hot tub in a location that was previously lawn, you have two ways to do this. 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. Install decking over the framing in the same direction as the deck floor. Stepping down into the spa or over a slight elevation can result in or aggravate injuries. An upper level with sunken hot tub and built in benches surround it. 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. Install additional concrete footings and posts or piers to support the number of required beams under the tub. Yes. Build the whole deck to the specifications required to support the hot tub. Use these measurements to make a temporary frame out of 2x4's that will act as a guide for the deck's footers. An elevated deck commonly refers to one that requires railings and is 30-inches or more above grade. Get video instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more. Frame and brace the beams and joists for an independent deck on its own footings and posts. 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. You will also need to be sure that the hot tub frame is centered with the exterior frame of the deck. Pound stakes into the corners of the square, then determine the center point of the square. Shorter distances tend to be more cost-friendly. These joists will act as supports for the deck. Super-size to 2×10 joists installed on top of the beams and spaced at 12”o.c., 8”o.c. The expansion and contraction of wood, plastic, and metal are well known and need to be considered when building a deck. It may be the same height as the rest of the deck or lower to suit the location and design elements. Construct a small independent deck that integrates with the rest of the deck. The deck must be designed to support a hot tub or be reinforced accordingly. 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. Although that allows flexibility when placing the tub, it’s expensive. When planning you hot tub location you will need to make sure you have serviceability for the front of the Spa. Place the joists on the beams, don’t rely on a ledger board or joist hangers. Whole family can enjoy swimming in this pallet wood recycled pool. Behind the Spa there is a privacy wall. See our hot tub models. 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. This DIY Basic will provide tips on installing a railing. You love to DIY. The wood deck should be flush with the top of the tub. This two level hot tub deck design really does it nice. Especially if you want to build it yourself. Building a deck can be a pricey option that requires careful planning, special tools and a lot of material. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others. The load the deck under the hot tub needs to support 3 to 5 times the regular load rating for a deck. 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. Most wooden decks are built to support between 40 and 50 pounds per square foot. Having one on your deck means you can enjoy it when you want. 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. An 8’x8’ tub full of water and people can exceed 7,300-pounds and an inflatable 4-person one about 3,700-pounds. However, the decking may extend and be part of the main deck. Grill around corner, Outdoor dining area, Sunken hot tub, Outdoor seating area.Most Girly Things! 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. Ease of access and safety also need to be considered. Hot tubs and swim spas with decking or stone around them can look amazing. 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. 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. You will need to have access to the service side of the hot tub, which is usually the front. Before the deck can be built, mark off the designated area with spray paint. 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. 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. A wooden fence adds privacy and classic style to any outdoor space. The joists should be level with the joists on the rest of the deck, and may even extend and be part of that deck. A deck is often built for live-loads of 40 to 50psf, a hot tub can significantly increase that load. At 8.34-pounds per gallon, that’s 1,371 pounds vs 8,965.5 pounds respectively; an enormous difference when building a deck. Reinforcing only the area where the tub will sit will save on material and labor. 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. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. If you’re building a new deck, the slab should be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings. Tie nylon string diagonally from corner to corner of the exterior frame. Building a hot tub deck is much like building other decks, it just requires more support structure for the additional weight. Deck Installation. First, you will need to know the model that you are going to get. 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. Many Building Inspectors and even contractors recognize that small hot tubs tend to be replaced with larger ones. 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. With the deck floor complete, build custom railings. 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. Spas and hot tubs by themselves are wonderful, but when they are just plopped onto the back patio, they can look kinda plain. 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. Install latches or hinges to secure the panel to the deck floor. Building the deck so the top of the spa is 16” to 18” above the deck boards is common. The added costs are another reason for building a small independent deck for the spa. Wooden decks don’t commonly need to carry that additional weight and aren’t designed to. Use these measurements to make a temporary frame out of 2x4's that will act as a guide for the deck's footers. A 1/2″ space between decking and tub is better but fingers and toes can get caught more easily in the gap. As for spaces between the deck and the hot tub, you need to factor in, among other things, soaker safety and lumber longevity. Neighbors may be welcome guests, but privacy is nice too. Building a deck for or adding a hot tub to a deck requires a building permit in most areas. Pretty easy to build. 2 40+ Hot Tub Enclosure 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. Best Hot Tubs is the exclusive Bullfrog Spas dealer on Long Island New York, Catskills, Northern New Jersey, Connecticut,. The height and diameter or length and width affect the water capacity and the number of people a spa can accommodate. 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. Also, dig holes for the footers that will support the deck. Prevailing winds are another consideration when locating a spa. This old house got a facelift in the front and back, integrated spa into the back stairs. Construct an independent deck for the hot tub at the same level as the main deck. Make a plan. Begin with 20” footings that reach 12” below frost level or to bedrock. Consider placing the hot tub on a concrete slab and building the deck next to, or around the tub. Measure diagonally from corner to corner to determine if it is. Browse a full list of topics found on the site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths. Then, use a backhoe, shovels and rakes to clear the area of brush and debris. Attach a right angle bracket to the base of each support post. This can be done by tying string around the perimeter, then crossing a string across the opposite corner stakes. Ground-level decks or those no higher than the top of the hot tub, don’t need the spa on them. 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. A hot tub full of water and people can easily exceed 3 to 5 times the load rating of a regular deck. Watch Planning to build a deck Dropping a hot tub into a deck requires a removable panel for just that. is preferable, though. 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. Framing a Deck for Hot Tub Installation Low and Grade Level Decks. This temporary frame will eventually be replaced by a permanent frame that is slightly larger to allow for expansion and contraction. The deck can be built flush with the top of the tub, or lower to provide a step up. Reinforced concrete footings need to go to bedrock or 1-foot below frost level, whichever occurs first. Framing members are set back 1 to 2-inches from the tub while decking closes the gap. This lets you walk around the outside of the hot tub and create the illusion of more space. 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. The exact dimensions are VERY helpful when framing a deck for a hot tub. Mechanical lift arms for insulated covers also require space to move. Let's get together. Keep the joists and beams an inch from the sides of the tub to allow for some movement and removal if necessary. “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. Pouring a Code-compliant concrete slab for the spa allows for standard deck construction. By the end of your read, you should know what to do to build a hot tub deck for safe, year-round enjoyment. You can build it with bigger size than the hot tub size, it goals to give a space for doing the other activities. A 3-1/2 to 4 inch slab is usually sufficient, experts say; however, larger … Because the posts are set in concrete, first drill pilot holes, and then secure the brackets with concrete screws. If you’ve been using a bathtub on the deck and want a hot tub on a deck, you’re in the right place. Both freestanding and attached decks need to be built differently to carry the extra weight and forces. This is our full set of plans for a deck with a hot tub. 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. 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. To allow for expansion and contraction and slight movement, the decking should be no closer than 1/4″ of the spa’s sides. Learn how to make a deck complete by installing a hot tub. 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. To build such a hot tub deck, a perfect square must be determined. Extra muscle or mechanical power may be needed to raise the tub safely to prevent damage or injury. Hot tub deck framing needs to address the issue of potential shifting due to temperature fluctuations to prevent damage or structural failure. Setting a hot tub on material that can settle over time, like gravel or timbers, is not a good long term solution. Placing a hot tub on a reinforced, Code-compliant wood deck is a common practice. Then, drill each support post to the frame with coated deck screws. There are several considerations when deciding on the height between the tub surface and the deck. 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. If the ground is uneven or a pad won’t work, there are other options. We’ll make some recommendations and discuss what to consider when building a deck for an outdoor spa. 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. 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. Heat is provided by an electrical or gas heater, by radiant heat lines, or wood-burning stove. Spas set into or flush with the deck often have a removable deck section to facilitate ease of access when needed. The first is to take an 8 foot (2.4 … Placing and securing the arbor posts takes place after the lumber has been painted. Purchasing the unit beforehand ensures exact dimensions and weight specifications are available for design. A wood deck needs to be designed or reinforced to support the weight of a hot tub. 8. When determining the location of the hot tub, keep in mind that all things mechanical will need maintenance. Temperature extremes and moisture not only affect people; they impact structures too. Hot tubs can be fabulous additions to the home, but maximizing your backyard space to accommodate for it is key. 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. Don’t make the top of the hot tub even with your deck. 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