Are you thinking about installing a hot tub in your home or backyard? If so, then you are in for a great treat!
Hot tubs are the epitome of fun and leisure right within the comfort of your home. You may have already placed your order or are still looking to buy. In both cases, you will want a safe and suitable site for your hot tub. Before you start the install, you need a sturdy foundation.
This guide will walk you through different hot tub foundation options and everything you need to know for a safe hot tub installation! We hope that this guide helps you enjoy your hot tub for many more years to come.
Why do you need a foundation for your hot tub?
At this point, you are probably wondering why you need a proper foundation and why you can’t just place it on the grass in your backyard.
Well, firstly, hot tubs are heavy! Even a smaller hot tub may weigh thousands of pounds. For example, one gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds, and a standard hot tub usually fills up with around 400-gallon of water. You do the math!
You can imagine what will happen if you place that much weight directly on your backyard–it’s safe to say that the grass and ground will be ruined in the long run. Moreover, the hot tub will not be flat and smooth, resulting in an offset hot tub that could be hard to enjoy at best and dangerous at worst. Additionally, installing a hot tub without a solid foundation can also reduce its life.
In a nutshell, you must install a solid and appropriate foundation to support and protect your hot tub for a long time.
Top Ideas for Hot Tub Foundation
Concrete Base
Are you looking for a rock-solid foundation for your hot tub? If yes, then you must opt for a concrete base!
No other material provides a sturdy, durable foundation as a concrete base. Once you have built your concrete base and installed your hot tub on it, you won’t have to worry about it for a very long time.
Although you can do it yourself, it is best to get the services of a professional. Cement can be tricky to work with. An expert will know how to handle it the right way.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Long-lasting
- Sleek appearance
Cons
- Building a concrete base can be quite a time-consuming process
- Often higher costs are involved
How to Install?
To build a concrete base in your backyard, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Identify the area where you want to place your hot tub. It should be the side of the hot tub plus a few feet to accommodate your hot tub comfortably.
- Dig a 4-inch-deep hole.
- Using 2-inch by 4-inch boards, create a frame inside the hole.
- Fill the base of the pit with sand. You don’t need to use more than an inch of sand.
- Now, pour your entire concrete over it and smooth the area. You can use a board and bull float to level up the concrete.
- Make sure to trowel the surface as it starts to set.
Or, call a professional who can complete the work for you!
Paver Stones
If you love the style and artistry of stones, paver stones are an excellent choice for your hot tub base. They are a terrific option that looks great and is also relatively easy on your budget. Paver stones are particularly ideal for indoor hot tubs.
In addition, using paver stones will also give you variety. You can select from many different types of pavers, such as tiles, bricks, brick-like pieces of concrete, and so on. Hence, you can pick any style that goes with the existing décor of your house.
Pros
- Very economical
- Aesthetically amazing
- Versatile
Cons
- May require more maintenance down the line
- Installation can be tricky
- It can only be used with hot tubs that have a flat bottom.
How to Install?
There is no lengthy and time-consuming procedure involved when it comes to building paver stones foundation. Yet, you must make sure that the rocks you use are entirely flat and even.
Ideally, you can use a layer of cement between the bottom of the tub and the stones. This will ensure substantial and smooth contact between the two. You may also consider a layer of polymeric sand to cushion between the pavers and the ground.
An existing Patio
The patio is one of the most popular choices when it comes to a hot tub foundation. Not only does it appear beautiful, but it is also highly comfortable and convenient! Since most patios are directly outside your home, you’ll enjoy the comfort and relaxation of hot tub steps from your home.
The first step is to check the strength of your patio. Check the concrete for cracks for a standard patio slab. Once you are done checking on the strength of your patio, you can simply place your hot tub over it. However, it is best to take care of any repairs or maintenance of the patio that you procrastinated on earlier!
Pros
- Cost-saving
- Time-saving
- Looks great and synchronous with your current designing
- Conveniently located
Cons
- A slight angle can make your hot tub uneven
- Possibility of weather damage and cracks
- It might need maintenance and repairing
How to Install?
The best part of this option is that it’s already installed! Once you’ve ensured the condition is appropriate, you’ll be ready to go. Make sure to consult a professional who can check the strength and shape of your patio.
Deck
Your deck is another option if you don’t want to install a new and separate foundation for your hot tub. For homeowners who have an existing deck, it’s one of the most common installation spots.
However, you must be sure and wary of a few things before installing your hot tub on a deck. Check the deck for any cracks, weak spots or damage. In case you find any, do get them repaired! Make sure that your deck is strong enough adequately support your hot tub. Ideally, you consult a specialist who can inspect your deck and help you with your hot tub installation as well.
Pros
- No extra expenses of installing the foundation.
- Aesthetically appealing
- Provides a nice underfoot when getting out of the hot tub
- Convenient
Cons
- Relatively shorter life span
- Being attached to the house can cause noise and vibration indoors.
How to Install?
As mentioned earlier, decking saves you from the installation procedure. That’s because it is already a part of your house. However, inspection and maintenance are necessary before laying the hot tub on the deck.
Safely Enjoy your hot tub
Are you ready to take your leisure time to a whole new level? With so many options for foundation, you’ll be enjoying your new hot tub in no time. A base will allow you full enjoyment with safety and durability. We hope that this guide helps you find the right foundation for your hot tub.
However, no matter which foundation you choose, the technique of installing it can make a world of difference. That’s why we recommend you to utilize a professional service that can help you with it!
Contact us and allow our experts to help you with all your hot tub needs in the best way possible!
