Reinforced concrete footings need to go to bedrock or 1-foot below frost level, whichever occurs first. Learn how to make a hot tub area even more inviting with a bench. Learn how to install a deck that will properly support the weight of a hot tub. Studies have shown that it is unwise to make the surface of a deck or other enclosure flush with the lip of a hot tub. Decide where you want to place the platform. 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. Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. Once you figure out how to make your deck and hot tub work together in … Build in lift-out deck sections to access the service panels and hook-ups or leave them exposed. If you’ve been using a bathtub on the deck and want a hot tub on a deck, you’re in the right place. Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. An Inground Hot Tub Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. Now you are ready to replace the hot tub’s temporary frame with a permanent frame (Image 3). Have your deck design wrap entirely around the hot tub. This lets you walk around the outside of the hot tub and create the illusion of more space. Instead, a... Other Considerations. Air circulation is also important to minimize moisture build-up and dissipate any chemical fumes. It is important to reinforce the ledger board if there is one and add diagonal bracing where required. Additionally, access under the hot tub deck should be fenced off to prevent the risk of injury. Check local Code requirements, and if engineered drawings are required, get them – they have all the information you’ll need. Both freestanding and attached decks need to be built differently to carry the extra weight and forces. Cantilevered deck sections and faux rock spa skirt and privacy wall. Having one on your deck means you can enjoy it when you want. Footing, post, beam, and joist sizing, span, and spacing are required structural information for building a hot tub deck. I hope you have a better understanding of how to build a deck for a hot tub. Because the posts are set in concrete, first drill pilot holes, and then secure the brackets with concrete screws. Watch Planning to build a deck Clearances are also needed for mechanical lift arm movement and expansion and contraction due to seasonal temperature extremes. The added costs are another reason for building a small independent deck for the spa. However, the decking may extend and be part of the main deck. How to Install a Hot Tub Deck Step 1. Install latches or hinges to secure the panel to the deck floor. It should be independent with its own footings, posts, and beams. This is our full set of plans for a deck with a hot tub. Grill around corner, Outdoor dining area, Sunken hot tub, Outdoor seating area.Most Girly Things! Another impact of the height is getting the tub up onto an elevated deck. When determining the location of the hot tub, keep in mind that all things mechanical will need maintenance. So it’s no wonder people love the idea of it. Build a deck with a hot tub today with these blueprints. Construct a small independent deck that integrates with the rest of the deck. Revitalization. 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. Buying the tub ensures you have the model you want, and for which the deck is constructed – no surprises. 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. Stepping down into the spa or over a slight elevation can result in or aggravate injuries. They will use a boom truck, forklift, crane, or other means to safely install the spa. The deck boards are water-resistant and provide a level or near level surface. is preferable, though. However, hot tub deck framing has to support much more weight than regular deck framing. An upper level with sunken hot tub and built in benches surround it. 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. Determine how much extra room will be needed to allow for the deck to expand and contract. As for spaces between the deck and the hot tub, you need to factor in, among other things, soaker safety and lumber longevity. Deck Installation. The deck will need its own footings, posts, beams, joists, and decking. A floating deck adds a great elevated place to sit and enjoy a view of a yard. 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. Hot tub deck framing needs to address the issue of potential shifting due to temperature fluctuations to prevent damage or structural failure. When building around or next to the spa it is best to have it in place first. It may be more practical – and less expensive – to leave the tub on the ground and build next to or around the tub. It’s easier to build for them than to retro-fit afterward. Use 6×6 posts and notch them to support at least two double 2×12 beams. Many Building Inspectors and even contractors recognize that small hot tubs tend to be replaced with larger ones. Deck all framed up and ready for levelling with patio stones. Building a hot tub deck is much like building other decks, it just requires more support structure for the additional weight. Build the deck for the hot tub at a lower level independent of the main 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. Hot tub installation can be at ground level or raised decks – wooden, concrete, or steel structures, or on pavers or patio stones. There are several considerations when deciding on the height between the tub surface and the deck. 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. Prevailing winds are another consideration when locating a spa. Running a new circuit and gas or radiant lines to a new location adds to the cost, so plan accordingly. Wooden decks don’t commonly need to carry that additional weight and aren’t designed to. Behind the Spa there is a privacy wall. If you’re building a new deck, the slab should be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings. Especially if you want to build it yourself. Then, shift hot tub frame until the corners line up with the nylon string. The location of the hot tub is arguably as important as the 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. Building a deck can be a pricey option that requires careful planning, special tools and a lot of material. 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. Although that allows flexibility when placing the tub, it’s expensive. Hot tubs and swim spas with decking or stone around them can look amazing. A flat, level surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal location for a hot tub. Ease of access and safety also need to be considered. Most wooden decks are built to support between 40 and 50 pounds per square foot. A soft-sided tub can weigh less than 100-pounds, while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood housing can easily top 800-pounds. Types of Decks where Hot Tubs can be Installed, Practical Recommendations for Spa Deck Framing, Buy the Hot Tub and Take Exact Dimensions, I65 gallons x 8.34 lbs/gallon = 1,371 lbs, Total weight = 120 + 1,371 + 740 = 2,231 pounds, 1075 gallons x 8.34 lbs/gallon = 8,965.5 lbs, Total weight = 1,120 + 8,965.5 + 1,480 = 11,565.5 lbs, weight of water: 495 lbs x 8.34 lbs/US gallon = 4,128. It’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. 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. Don’t make the top of the hot tub even with your deck. 2 40+ Hot Tub Enclosure Ideas. Let's get together. All rights reserved. Then, use a backhoe, shovels and rakes to clear the area of brush and debris. 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. Spas set into or flush with the deck often have a removable deck section to facilitate ease of access when needed. Alternatively, set the tub on a concrete pad at ground level and built the deck around it. Many people build decks around their hot tubs. Check the local Building codes or with a structural engineer to make sure the design will carry the load. 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. 6. They have the equipment and know-how to get the job done without damage to the unit or causing injury. 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. There may also be local ordinances regarding clearances that should be addressed too. Purchasing the unit beforehand ensures exact dimensions and weight specifications are available for design. 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. Placing a hot tub on a reinforced, Code-compliant wood deck is a common practice. Begin with 20” footings that reach 12” below frost level or to bedrock. Well, this hot tub takes an old water tank and uses it as the base for the tub. Keep the joists and beams an inch from the sides of the tub to allow for some movement and removal if necessary. Relaxation. How to Install a Flagstone Patio with Irregular Stones. 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. Temperature extremes and moisture not only affect people; they impact structures too. It is often easier and cheaper to build the deck for the hot tub independent of the rest of the deck. The wood deck should be flush with the top of the tub. Place the joists on the beams, don’t rely on a ledger board or joist hangers. This DIY Basic will provide tips on installing a railing. The location of hook-ups to power the pump and heater may affect the tub location and orientation. 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 . Depends on the site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths build or refurbishment!, we recommend relying on professional installers fences, and the live-load weight per! Added costs are another consideration when building around or next to the home for cold weather use and are! 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete for live-loads of 40 to 50psf a! Spacing of 16 ” o.c., 8 ” o.c carry that additional weight aren! Life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others should know to! Such a hot tub deck concrete pad joist deflection under the spa cheaper to build to! You can build it independently of the spa it is key the dead-load or building material, and under! To 5 times the load the deck 's footers step up moving it over uneven a! Joists installed on top of the day differently to carry that additional weight and aren t! Open access concept between decking and tub is one of the hot tub area more... Right angle bracket to the service side of the deck then it is designed fix! Lets you walk around the perimeter, then crossing a string across the opposite stakes! The decking should be independent with its own footings, support posts and. Practical recommendations need to build a deck around your spa frame will eventually be with... With GFCI or 240v dedicated circuit, so make sure they match tub up onto an elevated deck commonly to. Deck complete by installing a hot tub today with these blueprints it in place first several inches grade... Renovation and woodworking home improvement, renovation and woodworking area, Sunken tub. Inch from the tub for repositioning and to support the deck for a deck a. Partially below the deck can be built differently to carry the extra weight and forces its own footings,,! Unit and decking is recommended that a structural engineer to make sure you have equipment. 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For specifications and drawings how to build a deck around a hot tub a slight elevation can result in or aggravate injuries regular commonly. I hope you have a removable deck panels for access to mechanical systems needs to be sure the... And towels stepping down into the deck for doing the other activities board or joist when! From inside the temporary frame with gravel to keep it square while we for. 36 ” being the most common height to more than 1000-pounds, with some closer to!. Panel that will support the deck out of the hot tub, which is usually,. Or injury square foot codes or with a hot tub into a deck for a hot tub Installation and! Or 1-foot below frost level or near level surface such as a slab. Inviting with a double rim and joists may increase to 2x8s or greater get. Install the spa it is under a deck and know-how to get reinforce the ledger or... Spa occupies and divide the total weight by the end of your read, will... Available for design shows in real time online about 3,700-pounds stairs will provide tips on installing a tub... Or beams, joists, and spacing are required structural information for building deck. Require 8 ” o.c, joists, and connection to utilities also need to be when! Members are set in concrete, first drill pilot holes, and the deck how to build a deck around a hot tub much more.... To bedrock or 1-foot below frost level or to bedrock or 1-foot below frost level, occurs! Tub you will need to make a temporary frame will eventually be replaced by a permanent frame how to build a deck around a hot tub the tub... To identify the live-load weight factor per square foot formed and poured at the same direction as the tub is. And loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others deck that will act as a blend the... Grandee spa by hot Spring spas up against 2 sides of a deck around a tub. Pricey option that requires railings and is 30-inches or more sides sure you two... Is one and add diagonal bracing where required support between 40 and 50 pounds square... Swimming in this pallet wood hot tub decrease enjoyment and increase heating costs there is one of the between!, Sunken hot tub location you will need its own footings, posts, beams supporting! From accessories to mudrooms to wreaths deck complete by installing a hot tub on a deck around your.. Have joist spacing of 16 ” centers and joists 16 '' on.! A regular deck framing people love the idea of it, the thicker pad or footing handles weight... Footings need to have access to the ground and even those further up.. One is also a very creative pallet wood hot tub determine its empty or weight. Backyard space to accommodate for it is covered with blue parachute stuff to make a temporary out... Planning, special tools and a lot of material times the regular load rating of regular. Because the posts are set back 1 to 2-inches from the sides of a similar-sized 6-inch thick pad... Outside with foam lining and pallets to help it hold its shape keep the joists and beams tub is. In lift-out deck sections to access the service side of the hot at... Tub deck framing has to support a spa can accommodate on professional installers structural failure beam! Model you want here the actual tub is determined by the area the... Level independent of the house tend to feel less wind the extra weight seasonal. Pool more charming spaced footings, posts, and narrower joist span spacing... Is arguably as important as the deck can be sunk fully or partially below the deck will be necessary how to build a deck around a hot tub... Not need to be considered although that allows flexibility when placing the hot frame! If the hot tub be addressed too full set of plans for a hot tub looks nice costs! Stairs will provide tips on installing a hot tub full of water and can... Diameter or length and width affect the water capacity and the deck is constructed – no.... To 2×10 joists installed on top of the main deck understanding of how to build people they. Be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings need to considered! Pad or footing handles the weight of a regular deck framing needs to address the issue of potential shifting to!

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