QA

Question: How To Build A Deck For A Hot Tub

Can a wooden deck support a hot tub?

A hot tub on a deck is entirely possible, and it is possible your deck is already equipped to handle one. A deck designed to hold at least 100 pounds per square foot will support nearly any type of hot tub.

Can a normal deck support a hot tub?

In general, most decks can withstand 100 lbs per square foot. So if a hot tub like the one in the example is under that weight, the average deck should be able to support it. It is always wise to contact a professional to get an accurate estimate of what your deck can safely handle.

How big of a deck do you need for a hot tub?

If you have a raised deck, support joists and beams may need to be added beneath it to add to how much weight the deck can handle. Typically, a deck raised less than a few feet will be able to handle 100 pounds per square foot, which is strong enough for most hot tubs.

How much weight can a 10×10 deck hold?

In short there’s no one right answer to “how much can my deck hold?” However, one rule of thumb to keep in mind while answering the question is that the answer commonly is that if a deck is properly designed, it’s built to hold 50 lbs. per square foot.

How far away from the house should a hot tub be?

Hot Tub Building Codes In some areas, including Minnesota and California, you must set the tub back at least 5 feet from your property line. For an above-ground hot tub, measure from your property line to the edge of the tub’s structure.

Do you need to reinforce a deck for a hot tub?

Decks come in all shapes and sizes. Hot tubs, however, are very heavy, especially when filled with water, and chances are that your existing deck can’t safely support it without additional reinforcement. Fortunately, reinforcing your deck in preparation for a hot tub is a relatively easy task.

How much weight can a 12×12 deck hold?

A 12’x12′ (144sq’) deck properly supported can hold 5 760lbs on it. you build. All floating decks, in fact, all decks built to code, can support no less than 40 lbs per square foot of deck.

What kind of base do you need for a hot tub?

A concrete surface is an excellent base for your hot tub as this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. If you have an existing patio made of concrete bricks, make sure it’s in good condition and is level (not angled for drainage). A customized poured concrete pad is an even better choice.

Will joist hangers support a hot tub?

Don’t use a ledger board or joist hangers when building a hot tub deck.

Can you put a hot tub on a Trex deck?

A hot tub or spa full of water can exert as much as 112 lbs per square foot of decking. A fraction of the 500lbs or more of concentrated load most composite decking can support. Making composite decking strong enough for under and around a hot tub.

What is a floating deck?

A floating deck, also called a free standing deck, is simply a deck that’s not attached to any structure, including (of course) your house. Instead, you can put your deck’s structural members — posts, girders, and joists — on precast pier blocks set directly in the ground.

Does a hot tub have to sit on concrete?

A hot tub requires a stable surface — whether it’s a concrete slab, reinforced deck, or firmly compacted soil with crushed gravel. There’s also the option to have the hot tub installed in the ground but that still requires a concrete vault.

How heavy is a full hot tub?

How much does a hot tub weigh? There is no single standard hot tub weight. In general, a small two- or three-person hot tub generally weighs around 500 pounds empty and 3,000 pounds when filled with water. A six-person model typically weighs approximately 1,000 pounds empty or 6,000 pounds full.

Can I use 2×6 for deck joist?

2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″.

Can a deck hold 5000 lbs?

To determine the maximum load capacity of your deck, start by calculating its total area and multiply by 50 psf. So, a 100 sqft deck would be designed to support 5000 lbs.

Can Neighbours complain about hot tub?

Ever been annoyed by an annoying constant sound? Bubbling hot tubs may not be for your neighbour and could be classed as a nuisance due to noise. Only cut back tree branches to the extent that they overhang your land. If you cut back into your neighbour’s property it is illegal.

Can you put a hot tub on pavers?

Patio Pavers Are The Ideal Support For Hot Tubs But before you run out to the hot tub store, consider where you’re going to place it, and what you’re going to place it on. Once the pavers are in place, they will sweep hydrostatic sand into the joints, and you can set your hot tub up as they leave your driveway.

Is it cheaper to leave a hot tub on all the time?

It’s much more economical to maintain your tub’s temperature rather than heating it from scratch each time. If you had to heat up your Hot Tub from cold each time you wanted to use it this would have a dramatic impact on your hot tub running costs.

Where do you put a hot tub on a deck?

Many builders recommend installing the hot tub so that its edge is 17-24 inches above the decking. Guests can sit on the rim and swing around into the water more easily. For spas located on top of a deck, stairs are in order.

How do you level a hot tub for a deck?

Leveling a hot tub that is on uneven concrete can be done with simple shims if the slope is less than one inch. For steeper slopes, leveling will require more involved solutions such as custom-built pads of wood, sand or gravel, or even a new concrete pad.