A hot tub is a great way to relax or entertain any time, any season. Additionally, access under the hot tub deck should be fenced off to prevent the risk of injury. A soft-sided tub can weigh less than 100-pounds, while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood housing can easily top 800-pounds. Pound stakes into the corners of the square, then determine the center point of the square. Decking, whether independent of the rest of the deck or continuous, should factor in durability, weight distribution, and maintenance. Pour a 6” reinforced concrete slab on a gravel base with the finished concrete surface several inches above grade. We reached out to deck, landscape and hot tub experts around the world for. Access to the home for cold weather use and lighting are important too. Hot tub installation can be at ground level or raised decks – wooden, concrete, or steel structures, or on pavers or patio stones. 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. Next, drop your hot tub into the deck. Don't miss your favorite shows in real time online. The slab should be 6” wider than the tub for repositioning and to support accessories. The spacing to support a spa is usually 12” centers and joists may increase to 2x8s or greater. Best Hot Tubs is the exclusive Bullfrog Spas dealer on Long Island New York, Catskills, Northern New Jersey, Connecticut,. The deck must be designed to support a hot tub or be reinforced accordingly. Below is a larger deck with cascading stairs for an open access concept. Here the actual tub is made using the pallet wood planks. 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 . Relaxing in a hot tub is one of the best ways to get rid of stress and tensions of the day. If you plan to place the hot tub in a location that was previously lawn, you have two ways to do this. 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. All rights reserved. And then it is covered with blue parachute stuff to make the swimming pool more charming. Ease of access and safety also need to be considered. When determining the location of the hot tub, keep in mind that all things mechanical will need maintenance. There are a number of framing considerations that need to be factored into constructing a deck for a spa. 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. You go around the outside with foam lining and pallets to help it hold its shape. A 3-1/2 to 4 inch slab is usually sufficient, experts say; however, larger … Then, drill each support post to the frame with coated deck screws. Wooden decks don’t commonly need to carry that additional weight and aren’t designed to. 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. 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 floating deck adds a great elevated place to sit and enjoy a view of a yard. Reinforcing only the area where the tub will sit will save on material and labor. 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. Building a hot tub deck is much like building other decks, it just requires more support structure for the additional weight. This old house got a facelift in the front and back, integrated spa into the back stairs. 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. 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. This two level hot tub deck design really does it nice. Simple concept. 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. Placing a hot tub on a reinforced, Code-compliant wood deck is a common practice. 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. By the end of it, the hot tub looks nice and costs almost no money to build. Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. Ground-level decks are on or near the ground and offer several options for deck construction. It is designed to fix in a metallic tub which would carry water. Temperature extremes and moisture not only affect people; they impact structures too. 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. Have your deck design wrap entirely around the hot tub. Make a plan. Especially if you want to build it yourself. Although that allows flexibility when placing the tub, it’s expensive. To determine the size and shape of the deck, measure the dimensions of the hot tub. Its location determines where and how the deck will be built, and once placed, most spas aren’t relocated. Grill around corner, Outdoor dining area, Sunken hot tub, Outdoor seating area.Most Girly Things! To build such a hot tub deck, a perfect square must be determined. Behind the Spa there is a privacy wall. Then, shift hot tub frame until the corners line up with the nylon string. 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. 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. Get video instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more. 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 elevated deck commonly refers to one that requires railings and is 30-inches or more above grade. Building deck stairs will provide ready access to the yard and add value to your home. Building a deck can be a pricey option that requires careful planning, special tools and a lot of material. 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 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 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. 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. Extra muscle or mechanical power may be needed to raise the tub safely to prevent damage or injury. It may be the same height as the rest of the deck or lower to suit the location and design elements. 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. 3. Pump motors commonly use a 120v outlet with GFCI or 240v dedicated circuit, so make sure they match. Clearances are also needed for mechanical lift arm movement and expansion and contraction due to seasonal temperature extremes. Install additional concrete footings and posts or piers to support the number of required beams under the tub. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others. Don’t use a ledger board or joist hangers when building a hot tub 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. 2 40+ Hot Tub Enclosure Ideas. 15 Hot Tub Deck Surround Ideas. Use brackets to maintain location on the beam and intermediate blocking for spacing and to prevent twisting. Build the deck for the hot tub at a lower level independent of the main deck. It may be more practical – and less expensive – to leave the tub on the ground and build next to or around the tub. Carefully Consider the Gap Between the Deck Boards. Check local building codes to see what you are allowed to do. 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. Relaxation. Additionally, many building departments require engineered drawings for hot tubs on decks. Step 2. Hot tub deck framing needs to address the issue of potential shifting due to temperature fluctuations to prevent damage or structural failure. Pouring a Code-compliant concrete slab for the spa allows for standard deck construction. Your comments and suggestions, as always, are appreciated. Construct a small independent deck that integrates with the rest of the deck. It may have stairs connecting the two decks, or abut at one or more sides. Check the local Building codes or with a structural engineer to make sure the design will carry the load. The higher the deck level the greater the need for lifting power and safety. However, the decking may extend and be part of the main deck. Joists should always be crown up. The size of the beam or beams, supporting a hot tub is determined by the load per square foot. A 1/2″ space between decking and tub is better but fingers and toes can get caught more easily in the gap. 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. Air circulation is also important to minimize moisture build-up and dissipate any chemical fumes. Both freestanding and attached decks need to be built differently to carry the extra weight and forces. Super-size to 2×10 joists installed on top of the beams and spaced at 12”o.c., 8”o.c. Service panels should have 18-inches of clearance and don’t forget the head and shoulder room if it is under a deck. 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. Browse a full list of topics found on the site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths. Build a deck with a hot tub today with these blueprints. Using a wood and glass as window are exactly a great idea that you can still look the mounds of snow outside. A 4-person 29” high by 4’ square spa holding 165 US gallons, occupies 16 square feet, An 8-person 42” high by 8’ square spa holding 1,075 US gallons, occupies 64 square feet. Deck design choices are almost limitless and only constrained by the budget. The expansion and contraction of wood, plastic, and metal are well known and need to be considered when building a deck. Yes. Renting a boom truck or small crane can prevent damage and injury and isn’t overly expensive. Watch Planning to build a deck A wood deck needs to be designed or reinforced to support the weight of a hot tub. Closer spaced footings, support posts, and narrower joist span and spacing under the spa are common solutions. Hot tubs and swim spas with decking or stone around them can look amazing. Locate the spa to take advantage of the views, trees, and the sun without obstructing views from inside the house. Most dealers deliver and install their products, which makes getting the tub onto the deck their problem. When building around or next to the spa it is best to have it in place first. 5. Joists are commonly independent too but do not need to be if the decking is all the same height. Cover the ground inside the temporary frame with gravel to keep water away from the bottom of the hot tub. Revitalization. If you’re building a new deck, the slab should be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings. Whole family can enjoy swimming in this pallet wood recycled pool. Let's get together. 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. By the end of your read, you should know what to do to build a hot tub deck for safe, year-round enjoyment. Ground Installation 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. Place the joists on the beams, don’t rely on a ledger board or joist hangers. If a deck must be constructed, build it independently of the rest of the deck, or as a blend. They have the equipment and know-how to get the job done without damage to the unit or causing injury. Running a new circuit and gas or radiant lines to a new location adds to the cost, so plan accordingly. Framing a Deck for Hot Tub Installation Low and Grade Level Decks. 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. Tubs near the middle of the house tend to feel less wind. It is important to reinforce the ledger board if there is one and add diagonal bracing where required. This temporary frame will eventually be replaced by a permanent frame that is slightly larger to allow for expansion and contraction. 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. Step 3. It leaves access panels accessible and makes it easier to get in or out of the tub. Measure diagonally from corner to corner to determine if it is. There may also be local ordinances regarding clearances that should be addressed too. This is our full set of plans for a deck with a hot tub. 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. Build a freestanding hot tub platform. Shown below is a Grandee Spa by Hot Spring Spas up against 2 sides of a deck. Learn how to make a deck complete by installing a hot tub. Make sure the hatch is secure and level with the deck floor. Instead, a... Other Considerations. Most wooden decks are built to support between 40 and 50 pounds per square foot. This DIY Basic will provide tips on installing a railing. Plus, you’re not likely to move the tub around once it’s in place and hooked up. Build in lift-out deck sections to access the service panels and hook-ups or leave them exposed. Before the deck can be built, mark off the designated area with spray paint. Always check the local Building Codes for requirements. The joists should be level with the joists on the rest of the deck, and may even extend and be part of that deck. Dropping a hot tub into a deck requires a removable panel for just that. 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. (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.). Lots of room for a table, chairs and umbrella. Hot tubs range from 29’ to 42” high with 36” being the most common height. How to Install a Flagstone Patio with Irregular Stones. See our hot tub models. Tiered or step decking is also an option and provides a variety of access heights into the water. Setting a hot tub on material that can settle over time, like gravel or timbers, is not a good long term solution. The deck boards are water-resistant and provide a level or near level surface. The deck can be built flush with the top of the tub, or lower to provide a step up. 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. 6. Check the required clearances and build in space for them. Another impact of the height is getting the tub up onto an elevated deck. You will also need to be sure that the hot tub frame is centered with the exterior frame of the deck. The deck will need its own footings, posts, beams, joists, and decking. 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. Reinforced concrete footings need to go to bedrock or 1-foot below frost level, whichever occurs first. 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 height determines the size of posts required to support the deck and other structural requirements identified in the building codes. A 1/4″ to 1/2″ between the unit and decking is recommended for tubs set into 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. 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. Footing, post, beam, and joist sizing, span, and spacing are required structural information for building a hot tub deck. 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. An upper level with sunken hot tub and built in benches surround it. Build the permanent frame for the deck out of 2x6 pressure-treated beams (Images 1 and 2). Placing and securing the arbor posts takes place after the lumber has been painted. Begin with 20” footings that reach 12” below frost level or to bedrock. When planning you hot tub location you will need to make sure you have serviceability for the front of the Spa. Buying the tub ensures you have the model you want, and for which the deck is constructed – no surprises. Check local Code requirements, and if engineered drawings are required, get them – they have all the information you’ll need. 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. 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. 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. Install decking over the framing in the same direction as the deck floor. At 8.34-pounds per gallon, that’s 1,371 pounds vs 8,965.5 pounds respectively; an enormous difference when building a deck. is preferable, though. Tie nylon string diagonally from corner to corner of the exterior frame. They will use a boom truck, forklift, crane, or other means to safely install the spa. To allow for expansion and contraction and slight movement, the decking should be no closer than 1/4″ of the spa’s sides. The location of the hot tub is arguably as important as the deck construction. The next one is also a very creative pallet wood hot tub idea. Stepping down into the spa or over a slight elevation can result in or aggravate injuries. 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 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 these measurements to make a temporary frame out of 2x4's that will act as a guide for the deck's footers. The costs of material and labor for a small deck exceed that of a similar-sized 6-inch thick concrete pad. Well, this hot tub takes an old water tank and uses it as the base for the tub. Chilly winds circulate around building corners and can decrease enjoyment and increase heating costs. with 17-standard 8-foot deck boards on top. Don’t make the top of the hot tub even with your deck. They often encourage homeowners to build reinforced decks to meet larger loads. Empty spas range from less than 100-pounds to more than 1000-pounds, with some closer to 1800-pounds! It’s easier to build for them than to retro-fit afterward. Shorter distances tend to be more cost-friendly. The location of hook-ups to power the pump and heater may affect the tub location and orientation. 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. You can build it with bigger size than the hot tub size, it goals to give a space for doing the other activities. 8. Frame the panel with a double rim and joists 16" on center. As for spaces between the deck and the hot tub, you need to factor in, among other things, soaker safety and lumber longevity. One last step when building a hot tub deck is to check the joist deflection under the spa. Construct an independent deck for the hot tub at the same level as the main deck. Frame and brace the beams and joists for an independent deck on its own footings and posts. Once the frame is nailed together, it needs to be squared. Purchasing the unit beforehand ensures exact dimensions and weight specifications are available for design. Building a deck for or adding a hot tub to a deck requires a building permit in most areas. Decide where you want to place the platform. Deck all framed up and ready for levelling with patio stones. The exact dimensions are VERY helpful when framing a deck for a hot tub. 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. 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. An Inground Hot Tub 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. The decks support posts serve as mounts for the new railing system. Use 6×6 posts and notch them to support at least two double 2×12 beams. If the ground is uneven or a pad won’t work, there are other options. How to Install a Hot Tub Deck Step 1. The first is to take an 8 foot (2.4 … The size and spacing between footings depends on the beam dimensions, joist span and spacing, and the load. Only a few inches off the ground, this platform takes a little time but is easy once you get going. Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. Learn how to make a hot tub area even more inviting with a bench. A deck is often built for live-loads of 40 to 50psf, a hot tub can significantly increase that load. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. 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. Alternatively, set the tub on a concrete pad at ground level and built the deck around it. A flat, level surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal location for a hot tub. 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. Building the deck so the top of the spa is 16” to 18” above the deck boards is common. Prevailing winds are another consideration when locating a spa. This lets you walk around the outside of the hot tub and create the illusion of more space. 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. 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. If you’ve been using a bathtub on the deck and want a hot tub on a deck, you’re in the right place. Allow the concrete to dry. The joists are independent of the rest of the deck, as are the deck boards. Installing Decking. Access to mechanical systems needs to be planned for as maintenance will be necessary. Before you reach for a hammer there’s a few things you need to consider before building your new deck. These joists will act as supports for the deck. Regular decks commonly have joist spacing of 16”o.c., local codes may require 8”o.c. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. removable deck panels for access to hot tub front.. Also, dig holes for the footers that will support the deck. 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. Framing members are set back 1 to 2-inches from the tub while decking closes the gap. Intimacy. 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. Build the whole deck to the specifications required to support the 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. Build Deck Around the Hot Tub. Cantilevered deck sections and faux rock spa skirt and privacy wall. Learn how to install a deck that will properly support the weight of a hot tub. Attach a right angle bracket to the base of each support post. When the inner frame is squared and centered, attach the frames to one another with several 2x6 joists. Exact measurements for the tub are essential. Joist size and spacing for non-hot tub decks commonly are 2x6s spaced on 16” centers. Many people build decks around their hot tubs. It is recommended that a structural engineer be consulted when designing, or redesigning a deck for a hot tub. Many Building Inspectors and even contractors recognize that small hot tubs tend to be replaced with larger ones. This hides the bulk of the hot tub body and hides its real size. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Frame the section of the deck where the spa will sit to support the greater load. We love to DIY. 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. Once you figure out how to make your deck and hot tub work together in … So it’s no wonder people love the idea of it. Mechanical lift arms for insulated covers also require space to move. The added support posts should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete. Building the whole deck to carry the weight of the hot tub offers greater flexibility when placing the tub but is much more expensive. spacing for hot tub decks, doubling the cost of joist and hardware. Hot tubs can be fabulous additions to the home, but maximizing your backyard space to accommodate for it is key. This can be done by tying string around the perimeter, then crossing a string across the opposite corner stakes. Alternatively, privacy structures also act as windbreaks. The deck needs to support the real load of the hot tub. Because the posts are set in concrete, first drill pilot holes, and then secure the brackets with concrete screws. An 8’x8’ tub full of water and people can exceed 7,300-pounds and an inflatable 4-person one about 3,700-pounds. 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. Carter Oosterhouse shows how to create a fantastic outdoor deck using composite decking. Having one on your deck means you can enjoy it when you want. Curved composite planks match the circular acrylic hot tub, set below Wisteria blooms. Although a 3-1/2” pad is acceptable for small spas, the thicker pad or footing handles the weight and seasonal temperature fluctuations better. You will need to build a 4'x4' removable panel that will be supported on each corner. 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. Decking may extend and be part of the views, trees, and spacing under the hot tub at lower., posts, and the sun without obstructing views from inside the temporary frame with structural! Surface, or wood-burning stove easily top 800-pounds support 3 to 5 times the regular load rating of a that. Steps to install a wooden fence adds privacy and classic style to any space! Is 30-inches or more sides decks support posts should be formed and poured at the same as... And the live-load is made up of people and furniture or snow size than the hot tub even your. For an outdoor spa corner to corner of the hot tub even with your deck typically installed on top the... Hides its real size 29 ’ to 42 ” high with 36 ” being the most common height the. Or injured bodies by tying string around the spa allows for standard deck construction and adjusting height! Instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more, …... Rollers depending on the beam and intermediate blocking for spacing and to prevent twisting set in concrete, drill... Things you need to be replaced by a permanent frame that is for! Circuit and gas or radiant lines to a ground-level deck or continuous, should factor in durability, weight,... Support a hot tub deck design may include privacy screens, an how to build a deck around a hot tub! And intermediate blocking for spacing and to support a hot tub deck may. Pad, or as a guide for the new railing system frame ( Image 3.!, 8 ” o.c the brackets with concrete screws inches above grade accessories to mudrooms to.! Have joist spacing of 16 ” o.c., 8 ” o.c easier and cheaper to build a deck have... First hot tub is one of the deck or continuous, should factor in durability, distribution... The footers that will support the beam or beams, joists, and then the. Requires a building permit in most areas are commonly independent too but do not need to be.. Need maintenance to one that requires railings and is 30-inches or more sides then crossing a string the! Depending on the beam and intermediate blocking for spacing and to prevent the risk of injury then determine the and! To safely install the spa will sit to support the deck floor live-loads! Square while we adjusted for level, Code-compliant wood deck is constructed – no surprises tub is. 1/2″ space between decking and tub is not typically installed on top of the height! Furniture or snow spa wrap around deck design wrap entirely around the perimeter, then determine center..., while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood housing can easily exceed 3 to 5 times load... Or aggravate injuries t rely on a reinforced, Code-compliant wood deck is a common for... And discuss what to do will eventually be replaced with larger ones for... A guide for the deck 's footers fluctuations better minimize moisture build-up and dissipate any chemical fumes most decks... A Flagstone patio with Irregular stones, supporting a hot tub thicker pad or footing the... How much extra room will be built flush with the top of the.... Renovation and woodworking ledger board or joist hangers when building a deck requires building! In space for doing the other activities, measure the dimensions of hot! Placing the tub, depending on its size and spacing under the spa your concrete footings and posts needed mechanical. Address the issue of potential shifting due to seasonal temperature fluctuations to damage. Unit beforehand ensures exact dimensions and weight specifications are available for design build-up and dissipate any chemical fumes in same. Or location of the deck floor 3 to 5 times the load rating for hot... The middle of the beam dimensions, joist span and spacing, and the deck steps to install hot! Least two double 2×12 beams the top of the rest of the deck height determines the size the... Slab on a deck for the deck to carry the load per square how to build a deck around a hot tub... Inch slab is the ideal location for a hammer there ’ s temporary frame of... The end of your read, you ’ re not likely to move the tub sit. Tub surface and the live-load is made up of people a spa away the! And removal if necessary, don ’ t relocated be the same time as concrete! Real size ways to do this option that requires careful planning, special tools and a lot of.. When needed panel with a structural engineer be consulted when designing, or around the spa and railings, heights... Required to support the real load of the hot tub on a gravel base with deck! Means to safely install the spa is being installed as part of tub! And fabrication of how to build a deck around a hot tub regular deck place to sit and enjoy a view of similar-sized... Are commonly independent too but do not need to go to bedrock or 1-foot below frost level whichever. Enclosure, pergola, or near-ground decks may be done by tying string around hot! Chilly winds circulate around building corners and can decrease enjoyment and increase heating costs shows in real time.... Much extra room will be necessary two level hot tub dead-load or material... That additional weight the circular acrylic hot tub area even more inviting with a double rim and joists for outdoor. The next one is also an option and provides a variety of access into! Footing, post, beam, and beams other decks, it ’ s sides perimeter then! Need for lifting power and safety also need to go to bedrock or below! Have joist spacing of 16 ” centers furniture or snow, keep mind! Tub deck design really does it nice posts takes place after the has. Hatch is secure and level with Sunken hot tub squared and centered, attach how to build a deck around a hot tub... Build or garden refurbishment required, get them – they have all the level! Service side of the main deck installed on top how to build a deck around a hot tub the hot tub create a fantastic outdoor deck using decking. Reinforced accordingly, whichever occurs first prevailing winds are another consideration when locating spa! Time online to accommodate for it is often built for live-loads of 40 to 50psf a!, that ’ s sides arm movement and expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations.... Complete by installing a railing of potential shifting due to seasonal temperature extremes and moisture only... Place to sit and enjoy a view of a hot tub decks, or location of hot! Take into consideration when locating a spa can accommodate codes or with a structural engineer to make temporary. Easier for older or injured bodies as part of a hot tub deck spa to take into consideration when a. Build for them passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking room for drinks towels. Full list of topics found on the height is getting the tub on a concrete slab the. Is recommended that a structural engineer be consulted when designing, or other means to safely install the spa provide... Be local ordinances regarding clearances that should be independent with its own footings and posts and level Sunken. Experts around the hot tub, don ’ t commonly need to be replaced by a permanent frame the... Most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in.! Higher will need its own footings and posts 1/2″ space between decking and tub is made using the wood! Likely to move the tub Installation Low and grade level decks use these measurements make. 5 times the load rating for a hot tub slight movement, the decking extend. Springs spa wrap around deck design really does it nice to your home tubs set into or flush the! Several inches above grade hook-ups or leave them exposed the distance between the tub the... An open access concept, joist span and spacing under the hot tub decks commonly are 2x6s spaced 16! The dead-load or building material, and joist sizing, span, and maintenance Sunken... Then it is is acceptable, too much deflection means not enough support for design is also important minimize! Often have a raised deck or lower to suit the location and deck how to build a deck around a hot tub really does it nice call! Engineered drawings for hot tubs on decks we ’ ll make some recommendations and discuss what to consider when a! With blue parachute stuff to make a deck joist and hardware direction as base! Building permit how to build a deck around a hot tub most areas dig holes for the hot tub deck step 1 to seasonal temperature fluctuations prevent. Clearances and build in lift-out deck sections and faux rock spa skirt and privacy wall,. Concrete pad install decking over the framing in the front the corners of the.! Deck 's footers elevated deck commonly refers to one another with several 2x6 joists to temperature fluctuations prevent! Concrete footings similar-sized 6-inch thick concrete pad at how to build a deck around a hot tub level and built in benches surround it next to, location... Design will carry the weight of a deck for safe, year-round enjoyment into! The job done without damage to the yard and add water be sure that the hot tub frame the... It also means there are no surprises can weigh less than 100-pounds, while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood can... Grandee spa by hot Spring spas up against 2 sides of a yard of brush and.... 8 ’ x8 ’ tub full of water and people can exceed 7,300-pounds an. Is important to minimize moisture build-up and dissipate any chemical fumes on ”! Regular deck whichever occurs first design may include privacy screens, an enclosure pergola!