QA

How To Build A Hot Tub Frame

What is a hot tub frame made of?

Frames are usually made from one of three different types of materials (metal, plastic, and wood). The first is metal. Although you would think metal would be a great choice, in reality, it is not. Because the environment of a hot tub is constantly humid and moist it can cause rusting of the metal frames.

How do you support a hot tub?

A solid, flat surface is required for a hot tub. A concrete slab is effective at supporting a hot tub. This must be installed along with the concrete deck footings of your deck. For most, a slab four inches thick should suffice, unless one decides to get a very large hot tub then something thicker should be poured.

Can you build your own hot tub?

DIYing a hot tub doesn’t have to mean you build everything from scratch. It could mean you install the hot tub yourself. Well, in this case, you can order an inflatable hot tub and set it up yourself. It still counts as a DIY project, and you have an easy to install hot tub.

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.

What type of plastic are hot tubs made of?

A variety of plastics materials are involved in the production of hot tubs. Continuous Cast Acrylic Sheet, ABS, and HMWPE (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) can all be used in the production of the spa body or frame.

Are acrylic hot tubs any good?

Overall, a hot tub shell should be attractive, durable, energy-efficient, and able to withstand years of constant use. Acrylic hot tub shell manufacturing involves heating a sheet of acrylic and placing it over a mold. Acrylic shells are attractive, durable, energy efficient and available in a wide range of colors.

How many footings do I need for a hot tub?

Begin with 20” footings that reach 12” below frost level or to bedrock. Use 6×6 posts and notch them to support at least two double 2×12 beams. Don’t use a ledger board or joist hangers when building a hot tub deck.

Should a hot tub be under a roof?

Generally, it is not needed to put a hot tub under a roof. However, there can be various reasons why it does make sense. These are often more harsh environmental conditions like cold, sun, or wind. A roof on its own does not save a lot of energy cost but can help using your tub much more often.

Is it worth rebuilding a hot tub?

If your hot tub is less than 10 years old, it’s probably worth fixing. If the repair bill is half the cost of replacement, consider getting a new one.

Can you paint the sides of a hot tub?

Exterior paint can give your hot tub a new lease on life, and you get to pick from dozens of colors. Customize your hot tub to match your patio furniture, or the trim on your house – the options are endless! You’ll need painter’s tape to prevent any paint from getting on the acrylic hot tub shell.

Is it worth refurbishing a hot tub?

If your hot tub is only 5 or 6 years old, it almost always makes sense to repair it as you should have at least another 5 years life out of it. On the other hand if your hot tub 15 or more years old it is likely living on borrowed time and should probably be replaced.

Does a hot tub need to be 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.

Is it cheaper to keep 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.

How do you waterproof a wooden hot tub?

If you want your tub to have a finished look, you can apply boiled linseed oil to the exterior. It is absorbed into the wood without making a permanent seal. When applying linseed, coat the exterior (only) with a brush or roller.

What does a hot tub sit on?

A level concrete pad or a reinforced deck are the most common surfaces hot tubs are installed on. However, depending on the spa model you use, you may not need to pour concrete.

Can u put a hot tub on pavers?

A hot tub can be placed on pavers, but ensure that they can bear the weight of the hot tub, including water and persons. Ensure that the floor is level and solid. Most pavers are laid at an angle to improve rainwater removal. Such a slope is not suited for a hot tub.

Can you put hot tub on dirt?

Short answer is: Yes. Gravel is an excellent base for hot tubs because it allows for drainage of water while being sturdy enough to handle the high weight of a hot tub.