To learn more about hot tubs – and to download valuable safety information – visit the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals website. With careful planning and the help of qualified professionals, a hot tub/spa can be a great addition to your new outdoor space. Fiberon Horizon Decking in Ipe emulates the warmth and beauty of exotic hardwoods, and offers lasting durability and 25-year performance warranties. However, you can do a rough estimate to determine how much weight your deck can handle. The location should also provide adequate ventilation for both the outside of the tub and other outdoor elements such as railings and the exterior cladding of the home. | HotSpring Spas and Pool Tables 2. I just ordered a hot tub that is approx 6'x6' and I'm curious if I should worry about my deck being able to handle the load. If the spa is partially recessed, the experts at deckmagazine.com suggest leaving at least side accessible. So, if the spa is less than 100 pounds per square foot you likely have nothing to worry about. PH: (701) 532-0784 You need to consider everything from ensuring adequate structural support to determining the optimal location for the tub to understanding electrical requirements. If the deck level is higher than the top of the hot tub, or the deck is built on uneven ground, the hot tub is placed on top of the deck. 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. Bismarck, ND 58504 /sq. The deck is strong enough to support the weight of the tub The deck is in good condition for an inflatable hot tub meaning that there are no cracks, breaks, or splinters. First things first: Although people use the terms “hot tub” and “spa” interchangeably, if the unit has circulating jets, the more accurate industry term is “spa.” Either way, experts recommend that you select your hot tub/spa before making any structural or design decisions regarding your deck. I just scribbled on a napkin that the weight off a filled hottube would be roughly that of a volkswagen golf. Your deck needs to be able to safely handle that weight. A breathtaking view deserves decking that’s equally breathtaking. Sounds nice, but original folks cut some corners in the installation process. Typically decks are built with the idea they need to hold a few people, and possibly some furniture or outdoor kitchen equipment. You need to consider everything from ensuring adequate structural support to determining the optimal location for the tub to understanding electrical requirements. tub + 3500 lbs. Orient your spa to maximize backyard scenery, but be sure the unit itself doesn’t interfere with that view when you’re inside looking out. Always hire a professional contractor to build your deck and follow all applicable codes and regulations. Is Your Deck Strong Enough? Shown here: Fiberon Composite Decking. Adding a hot tub to your deck, however, requires careful planning. A strong, flat surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal structural support for a hot tub and it will be useful to calculate the load so you can determine the necessary structural support. Although it’s possible that your decking could be strong enough to accommodate an inflatable hot tub and its users, it may be easier and safer to place yours on a concrete surface, a patio, or even on the grass. – DIY Technologies. A flat, level surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal location for a hot tub. You never know if they might decide to position the tub differently than they indicated to you. Children, in particular, are more likely to step on the cover or even fall into the spa. The deck has 6 footings approx 40" deep. Figure 1 - Hot tub on raised deck. total weight. The first step is to talk to an engineer. 855 lb. The hot tub is a 7 person, 7-1/2 x 7-1/2 feet, weighs 4,350 filled then when add weight of 6 people on the deck gotta figure it needs to hold 5,550-6000 pounds. So, if the spa is less than 100 pounds per square foot you likely have nothing to worry about. If you’re looking at how to determine if a deck can support a hot tub, this article is for you. divided by 56-sq ft. = 101 lbs. Guys Get a Load of These Awesome Must-Have Purchases! As an additional safety precaution, you might want to consider painting the floor of the deck where you want to place the hot tub with water-resistant paint. […], […] Fiberon – Decks and hot tubs: What you need to know before you build […]. water + 1295 lbs. But the fact is that your average deck isn’t built to support a hot tub full of people and water. Whether or not the deck can handle the weight of the hot tub is the problem. Here’s an example from deckmagazine.com: To size the joists and beams accurately for such a heavy load, most builders will consult a structural engineer or use beam-design charts, calculators, or software packages created for deck builders. This will involve several load cases. PH: (844) 200-7727 If you've got other plans on where to install your hot tub, one of the most important things to have is a solid and stable base for the hot tub. Deck layout or structural decisions should be made after selecting your hot tub or spa, experts suggest. Shown here: Fiberon Horizon Decking in Ipe. Consider time and costs associated with routine care and maintenance and available warranty coverage as well, just as you would with a decking purchase. I got such a good information on this topic its very interesting one. A full hot tub is heavy, and if it's simply placed on the ground, it may shift and settle over time. Start designing with the Fiberon Deck Designer tool. When customers are thinking of where they may potentially want to put their hot tub, decks are a common preference! Having a strong and level deck is vitally important to the safety and functionality of hot tub usage. If you’re building a new deck, the slab should be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings. No matter how or where the tub is installed, there must be access to the motor for servicing. Ensure there is adequate room around the spa for the cover lift to function and air to circulate. Also, it is 7.25 feet wide as well as 7.25 feet long. Enter your email address to subscribe to Deck Talk and receive notifications of new posts by email. Phone: (844) 200-7727, 1844 S. Washington Street plus the number of recommended occupants multiplied by an average weight per person. For a recessed spa, your builder may opt to frame out an access hatch or otherwise leave room around the tub’s edge so that the unit may be lifted straight up from its space. I'm not a contractor so my description may be confusing - I apologize in advance, but essentially my deck is two sections that … The size of your hot tub will determine the length of the 4x4s that you mount … Larger units usually require a 220v/50-amp connection to work properly. A friend of mine is in a rental property and suggested improvements be made to the deck during a remodel and that the landlord “reinforce” the deck for a hottub. Whereas a hot tub can end up weighing several thousand pounds. Locating the unit near the corner of the house tends to accentuate the wind, some builders say. Adding a hot tub to your deck, however, requires careful planning. When it comes to outfitting an outdoor space, hot tubs are must-haves for many homeowners. I have double 2x12 girders with 2x8 joists. A locking cover for your spa and constant adult supervision are essential if you have children or young guests. Spend some time researching manufacturers online. Test-drive the tubs. Raised Deck Hot Tub It holds 325 gallons of water and seats 5 people. 5655 lbs. I used your DECK LOAD calculator (excellent tool by the way)to add more support piers. Determine whether you or your builder will be responsible for hiring the contractor, obtaining permits, and ensuring all necessary electrical work is completed appropriately. A 3-1/2 to 4 inch slab is usually sufficient, experts say; however, larger tubs may require something more substantial. [695 lbs + (325 Gallons x 8.34lbs) + (5 x 175)] / 52.56 = 81.44 Pounds Per Square Foot. Take note of prevailing winds. A hot tub placed on the deck is closer to the home so you have increased comfort, security, and privacy. And if the thought of running barefoot across a splintered wood deck makes your wince, upgrade to low-maintenance, easy-on-your-toes composite decking from Fiberon. If it can���t, there are often options to correct this, such as adding additional support beams underneath the deck. Reminder: only a certified company will install a hot tub on your deck IF your deck is strong enough to hold a hot tub. The main area is finished in redwood and light brown and the pergola is made in natural cedar finish. Phone: (844) 200-7727, 2706 Rock Island Place This high-density, closed-cell polyurethane foam fills the space between the spa’s outer cabinet and inner shell, and will reduce heat loss and noise levels as well as increase the stability of the overall unit. Check with local building code to determine spacing requirements for posts. That being said, it is generally understood that decks situated just a few feet above the ground can hold roughly 100 pounds per square foot. Add up the tub’s dry weight plus the water capacity (1 gallon of H2O equals roughly 8.3 lbs.) Decide where you want to place the platform. Then fill the excavation with gravel and level. A flat, level surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal location for a hot tub. However, a professional contractor or qualified representative should always inspect your deck to determine if your deck can handle the hot tub. It is a valid concern but what we have found is that most any built to code deck is plenty strong enough to support a hot tub. Size of Concrete slab for hot tub. This device will shut down the system immediately if it detects a change in current flow. Factor in the orientation of the sun and location of trees. Access panels or removable steps are easy solutions for tubs placed on the deck’s surface. Unlike wood, Fiberon composite decking won’t rot, splinter, or crack, either. A hot tub on decking can weigh a great deal when full – several tonnes in fact. It is also to speak with a renovation expert about the status of your deck before starting any projects on your own. But if you want to go the post and cement footing route, Beaulieu recommends consulting a … for 7 occupants = 5655 lbs. Guests can sit on the rim and swing around into the water more easily. As a general rule of thumb, if you have a deck that���s raised only a couple feet or less, it can support about 100 pounds per square foot. For spas located on top of a deck, stairs are in order. Those With A Large Patio. You made a good site and I have found a similar website, please check this one outdoor decking sydney prices See Showroom | Get Directions, 230 15th Street NW Even small hot tubs can hold over 200 gallons of water. visit the site to know more. If you have a standard wood deck with 2”x8”’ joists 12” off center with proper supports you are good to go. West Fargo, ND 58078 Since water and electricity never mix, a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) is a must-have. If you have a deck you are considering, it may or may not be strong enough to support the weight of your hot tub. Deck reinforced. Visit Fiberon Decking's profile on Pinterest. ft. = design load the framing must be able to support. It never needs staining, sanding, or refinishing. Placing a hot tub on a deck. If your ledger connection is strong enough and the beam is also sufficient the next question is how much load is imposed on the soil under each support post and is this force less than the bearing capacity of the soil. Of course, if you have children or expect young guests, a cover with a lock – and, of course, vigilant adult supervision -- is essential. My deck is small - 18x8 and roughly 4' above grade. No doubt you’ve seen spas that are flush with deck surfaces – an elegant look but one that can prove hazardous. The tub is by SofTub, holds 300 gallons of water and they say it weighs about 2700 pounds full but that its weight per square foot is less than 90 pounds/sq.ft. Cut a hole in the deck, measured twice and built a small deck with 5 6x6's (one right in the middle) with 4' deep footers to hold up the hot tub. If you plan to place the hot tub in a location that was previously lawn, you have two ways to do this. You can use the plan below too. Strengthening a Deck For a Hot Tub. I'm going to put a hot tub on the deck, on one end. Call your local code enforcement office to confirm that your plans comply with any directions and … This would ensure that there is sufficient support. The deck is about 15 years old, has no visible signs of rot, sagging or other easily found clues that it's gonna collapse. This deck hot tub looks more distinctive with its multicolor finish. MPD Version: 1.9.5. To do this, add the weight of the hot tub spa to its water capacity. 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