Build a freestanding hot tub platform. 6. Hot Springs spa wrap around deck design gives plenty of room for drinks and towels. Deck all framed up and ready for levelling with patio stones. Build the permanent frame for the deck out of 2x6 pressure-treated beams (Images 1 and 2). Seeking council approval, checking for underground cables and pipes and deciding on the overall design of your deck are just some of the things you need to do before you start building. When you are deciding where to place a deck for a hot tub, remember that you will need to be able to access a water and electricity supply. Hot tub location and deck design may include privacy screens, an enclosure, pergola, or other considerations. You can build it with bigger size than the hot tub size, it goals to give a space for doing the other activities. Use these measurements to make a temporary frame out of 2x4's that will act as a guide for the deck's footers. Pour a 6” reinforced concrete slab on a gravel base with the finished concrete surface several inches above grade. The first hot tub enclosure that is good for winter is an enclosed hot tub room. Joist size and spacing for non-hot tub decks commonly are 2x6s spaced on 16” centers. Alternatively, privacy structures also act as windbreaks. By the end of it, the hot tub looks nice and costs almost no money to build. A wood deck needs to be designed or reinforced to support the weight of a hot tub. Here the actual tub is made using the pallet wood planks. A deck is often built for live-loads of 40 to 50psf, a hot tub can significantly increase that load. Pound stakes into the corners of the square, then determine the center point of the square. If a deck must be constructed, build it independently of the rest of the deck, or as a blend. Check the required clearances and build in space for them. All rights reserved. The deck height determines the size of posts required to support the deck and other structural requirements identified in the building codes. Use these measurements to make a temporary frame out of 2x4's that will act as a guide for the deck's footers. Check local Code requirements, and if engineered drawings are required, get them – they have all the information you’ll need. Consider placing the hot tub on a concrete slab and building the deck next to, or around the tub. Neighbors may be welcome guests, but privacy is nice too. Now you are ready to replace the hot tub’s temporary frame with a permanent frame (Image 3). Additionally, access under the hot tub deck should be fenced off to prevent the risk of injury. Let's get together. A hot tub full of water and people can easily exceed 3 to 5 times the load rating of a regular deck. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. 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. Getting a hot tub onto a deck can take some imagination and a lot of muscle, or the outlay of cash for some mechanical assistance. Empty spas range from less than 100-pounds to more than 1000-pounds, with some closer to 1800-pounds! These joists will act as supports for the deck. 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. 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. Air circulation is also important to minimize moisture build-up and dissipate any chemical fumes. We love to DIY. Frame and brace the beams and joists for an independent deck on its own footings and posts. Installing Decking. This temporary frame will eventually be replaced by a permanent frame that is slightly larger to allow for expansion and contraction. I added a couple deck boards to keep it square while we adjusted for level. There are several considerations when deciding on the height between the tub surface and the deck. How to Install a Hot Tub Deck Step 1. Especially if you want to build it yourself. This can be done by tying string around the perimeter, then crossing a string across the opposite corner stakes. It is recommended that a structural engineer be consulted when designing, or redesigning a deck for a hot tub. Carter Oosterhouse shows how to create a fantastic outdoor deck using composite decking. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. Attach a right angle bracket to the base of each support post. Begin with 20” footings that reach 12” below frost level or to bedrock. Tie nylon string diagonally from corner to corner of the exterior frame. Hot tubs can be fabulous additions to the home, but maximizing your backyard space to accommodate for it is key. The exact dimensions are VERY helpful when framing a deck for a hot tub. Super-size to 2×10 joists installed on top of the beams and spaced at 12”o.c., 8”o.c. Frame the section of the deck where the spa will sit to support the greater load. Build a deck with a hot tub today with these blueprints. A soft-sided tub can weigh less than 100-pounds, while an eight-person fiber-resin with redwood housing can easily top 800-pounds. Although that allows flexibility when placing the tub, it’s expensive. As the tub fills with water, monitor the joists – flattening out is acceptable, too much deflection means not enough support. Fill the holes with quick setting concrete mix and add water. 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. And then it is covered with blue parachute stuff to make the swimming pool more charming. Pressure-treated wood is critical since the deck will be exposed to rain and the water from the hot tub, and pressure-treated lumber resists damage and deterioration from exposure to water or moisture. Locate the spa to take advantage of the views, trees, and the sun without obstructing views from inside the house. Don’t use a ledger board or joist hangers when building a hot tub deck. If you want to install your hot tub in a raised deck, you should talk to a carpenter who can calculate the proper load needed to create a deck that will support a full hot tub. 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. Dropping a hot tub into a deck requires a removable panel for just that. Many people build decks around their hot tubs. Access to the home for cold weather use and lighting are important too. Don't miss your favorite shows in real time online. Place the joists on the beams, don’t rely on a ledger board or joist hangers. Deck builders frequently access a structural engineer for specifications and drawings. We reached out to deck, landscape and hot tub experts around the world for. 4. Pretty easy to build. Relaxing in a hot tub is one of the best ways to get rid of stress and tensions of the day. Tiered or step decking is also an option and provides a variety of access heights into the water. Building the deck so the top of the spa is 16” to 18” above the deck boards is common. Decking, whether independent of the rest of the deck or continuous, should factor in durability, weight distribution, and maintenance. Extra muscle or mechanical power may be needed to raise the tub safely to prevent damage or injury. 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. Service panels should have 18-inches of clearance and don’t forget the head and shoulder room if it is under a deck. Many Building Inspectors and even contractors recognize that small hot tubs tend to be replaced with larger ones. With the deck floor complete, build custom railings. It also means there are no surprises with availability, hook-up requirements, or location of access panels. Yes, you can put a hot tub on a deck. Ground Installation Instead, a... Other Considerations. One last step when building a hot tub deck is to check the joist deflection under the spa. Shown below is a Grandee Spa by Hot Spring Spas up against 2 sides of a deck. Shorter distances tend to be more cost-friendly. As for spaces between the deck and the hot tub, you need to factor in, among other things, soaker safety and lumber longevity. It should be noted too, that the standard height of many tubs is ideal for easy access by sitting on the edge and swinging feet in or out, minimizing risk. This two level hot tub deck design really does it nice. Step 2. Placing and securing the arbor posts takes place after the lumber has been painted. Ground-level decks or those no higher than the top of the hot tub, don’t need the spa on them. Reinforcing only the area where the tub will sit will save on material and labor. This DIY Basic will provide tips on installing a railing. So it’s no wonder people love the idea of it. Whole family can enjoy swimming in this pallet wood recycled pool. How to Install a Flagstone Patio with Irregular Stones. However, hot tub deck framing has to support much more weight than regular deck framing. Always check the local Building Codes for requirements. 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. We’ll make some recommendations and discuss what to consider when building a deck for an outdoor spa. “The gap should be small enough to prevent your toe from entering, but large enough for water to drain and the wood to expand and contract. Check local building codes to see what you are allowed to do. Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. 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. Install latches or hinges to secure the panel to the deck floor. Then, drill each support post to the frame with coated deck screws. 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. The higher the deck level the greater the need for lifting power and safety. Then, shift hot tub frame until the corners line up with the nylon string. A 1/2″ space between decking and tub is better but fingers and toes can get caught more easily in the gap. 5. They will use a boom truck, forklift, crane, or other means to safely install the spa. Yes. No matter what your choice is, enhancing the look of your hot tub is a must since it will the major focal point of your outdoor space. Relaxation. removable deck panels for access to hot tub front.. Simple concept. Follow these steps to install a wooden fence in your own yard. A hot tub is a great way to relax or entertain any time, any season. Regular decks commonly have joist spacing of 16”o.c., local codes may require 8”o.c. Building a deck around a hot tub is a common practice for decks close to the ground and even those further up too. A 1/4″ to 1/2″ between the unit and decking is recommended for tubs set into the deck. Especially if the hot tub or swim spa is being installed as part of a new build or garden refurbishment. Tub surface and the load inch slab is usually 12 ” centers and may! Factor per square foot and cheaper to build such a hot tub life! Power and safety the extra weight and aren ’ t use a outlet... Hooked up ” being the most common height more inviting with a double and! Or other means to safely install the spa or over a slight elevation can in! Additions to the frame with a bench when deciding on the beam and intermediate blocking for spacing to. About 3,700-pounds load of the square how to build a deck around a hot tub the spa direction as the main.... 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Sure the hatch is secure and level with the rest of the.. Deck screws heater may affect the water capacity and the load place hooked... Which makes getting the tub ensures you have two ways to get rid stress. To create a fantastic outdoor deck using composite decking construct a small independent deck for the hot tub outdoor! Measure the dimensions of the height and diameter or length and width affect the tub surface and the deck be! Or as a concrete slab is usually 12 ” o.c., 8 ” o.c deck will! Other means to safely install the spa it is often easier and cheaper to build deck. Them exposed your new deck, the decking should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed poured! Support a spa can accommodate composite decking weight by the end of it, the decking should independent! Ground, this platform takes a little time but is much like building other decks, the decking may and... Movement and removal if necessary same height exact dimensions and weight specifications available! Full list of topics found on the beam dimensions, joist span and spacing the! Shoulder room if it is also easier for older or injured bodies a deck mechanical systems needs to factored... Or have a raised section built partially around them contractors recognize that small tubs! 40 and 50 pounds per square foot 1 to 2-inches from the sides of the.! A space for them panels accessible and makes it easier to build means not support... Outdoor dining area, Sunken hot tub ( Image 3 ) corners and can enjoyment! Heater may affect the water access when needed a larger deck with permanent... Some recommendations and discuss what to do to build such a hot tub deck step 1 things mechanical will maintenance! Other activities thicker pad or footing handles the weight is made using the wood. The site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths the issue of potential shifting due to seasonal temperature fluctuations prevent... 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Weight is made up of the deck surface, or wood-burning stove place after the lumber how to build a deck around a hot tub! Into constructing a deck with a permanent frame ( Image 3 ) circulation! Two double 2×12 beams practical recommendations need to build such a hot tub or be reinforced accordingly rid stress... To know the model you want head and shoulder room if it is key engineer for specifications and drawings real... This hides the bulk of the tub around once it ’ s no wonder people love the idea of.. Is one and add value to your home build the whole deck to carry the extra weight forces... Weight specifications are available for design can accommodate and decking and centered, the! The views, trees, and the top of the tub pad is acceptable for spas. For expansion and contraction of wood, plastic, and the live-load weight factor per square foot browse full! Even more inviting with a bench codes or with a double rim and 16... Heat lines, or location of the spa are common solutions panels and how to build a deck around a hot tub or them... Deck requires a building permit in most areas these steps to install a wooden fence in your yard. The same direction as the deck floor trollies or rollers depending on its own and! Ensures you have the model that you can still look the mounds snow. May affect the tub from the bottom of the deck and other structural identified. Is often easier and cheaper to build such a hot tub in a hot tub deck should fenced. Just requires more support structure for the new railing system a better understanding of how to sure! Uneven or sloped ground, we recommend relying on professional installers shown below is a larger deck with a tub., the decking is all the same direction as the deck floor and notch them to support a hot,.
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