Original > Hot Tub Forum
Hot Tub on Ground Level Deck - best practices and materials?
A.O.:
Well here, I'll chime in again. A deck if constructed properly will support the hot tub no problem, I put one on a deck once that was about 6 feet above grade, even full of people we never had a problem with it. Just make sure the deck is built with enough support. And to me that does not mean sitting on the ground. Posts on concrete and heavy enough joists, if you want the deck at ground level better plan on some digging.
Another thing to think about is the deck surface, bare feet will be on it and you don't want slivers in those feet, been there done that and its not pleasant. Again, concrete eliminates that problem or you can use synthetic decking (Trex or similar), I'm not a fan but many are..
betsbillabong:
Thanks so much for chiming in again - I appreciate it! Yes, I am working with a contractor who will be digging down at least 6-9" then filling with gravel.
I have been trying to research it and it sounds like it may be simpler and safer to have the tub resting at grade with the deck surrounding it, rather than consulting a structural engineer to be sure the deck can support the load. Does that seem like a good approach to you?
Alternatively, it seems we need lots of concrete footers going down below the frost line, which is 30" here.
I'll either be using Ipe or a composite, depending upon cost. I think neither splinter - like you, prefer real wood but we'll see about cost and the look of the trex or other composite.
A.O.:
--- Quote from: betsbillabong on January 27, 2021, 03:49:35 pm ---Thanks so much for chiming in again - I appreciate it! Yes, I am working with a contractor who will be digging down at least 6-9" then filling with gravel.
I have been trying to research it and it sounds like it may be simpler and safer to have the tub resting at grade with the deck surrounding it, rather than consulting a structural engineer to be sure the deck can support the load. Does that seem like a good approach to you?
Alternatively, it seems we need lots of concrete footers going down below the frost line, which is 30" here.
I'll either be using Ipe or a composite, depending upon cost. I think neither splinter - like you, prefer real wood but we'll see about cost and the look of the trex or other composite.
--- End quote ---
OK, well here I go again... I have done what you are saying above I think if I know your meaning. So the tub at ground level, and then the deck built up around it. That's a nice set up and with the deck up near the top of the tub you can get into the tub from any side which is nice. Also gives you cup holders which is good because ALL tubs are short on those these days! Now here I go with the concrete again.. you can pour a pad for the hot tub to sit on, oversize it a little and it will double as footers for the inside of the deck, the concrete will do its job and no one will see it!! If you make removeable full width steps go get up to the deck level you have a way to access the panel if you ever need to get in there!
I wish I had pictures of that set up, and I probably do in a box somewhere.. just not digital.
betsbillabong:
Thanks, AO. This is definitely the direction I am leaning.
Do you know (or does anyone know) whether a round Nordic tub will need access to just the front panel or to the whole tub?
Thanks!
A.O.:
--- Quote from: betsbillabong on January 27, 2021, 06:51:04 pm ---Thanks, AO. This is definitely the direction I am leaning.
Do you know (or does anyone know) whether a round Nordic tub will need access to just the front panel or to the whole tub?
Thanks!
--- End quote ---
Sorry, not a clue on that one, You could go to their website and download the manual, it should tell you. I cant imagine there isn't just a panel to remove like on all tubs..
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