Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: rocks911 on March 19, 2012, 09:40:03 am

Title: Decomposed granite or pea gravel as base
Post by: rocks911 on March 19, 2012, 09:40:03 am

I have found a spa and am preparing the area. While I would prefer a concrete pad it would be a nightmare to pour because of location/isolation so I'm debating between decomposed granite tamped down or pea gravel.

Any recommendations?

Title: Re: Decomposed granite or pea gravel as base
Post by: SerjicalStrike on March 19, 2012, 11:07:32 am

It really depends on the type of spa.  Some spas are not supposed to be put on gravel and require some sort of base.  You would always make a wooden frame or use  the spa pads from http://www.conferplastics.com/spa.php. 

Title: Re: Decomposed granite or pea gravel as base
Post by: Chas on March 20, 2012, 03:41:16 pm

DG tends to lock together better, for less settling and less migration.

The pea gravel is cheaper, easier to work (level).

Your call!

8)

Title: Re: Decomposed granite or pea gravel as base
Post by: rocks911 on March 21, 2012, 08:13:40 am

Thanks Chas,

Kinda what I thought. I'm so dog tired from excavating the area this will have to wait a week or two, which is probably better to let everything settle anyways. One things for sure, when I finally get the tub in I'll need it!

Title: Re: Decomposed granite or pea gravel as base
Post by: dbldee20 on March 21, 2012, 09:17:37 am

If mixing a concrete pad by hand would be a pain, you could rent a portable electric concrete mixer from Lowes or Home Depot. I think they rent for less than $50 a day. It could be dumped into a wheelbarrow or directly into formed pad. I live on an elevated lot and am looking into pouring a pad for a spa I'm setting up. The spa I'm thinking about getting is 4500lbs full. The local Jacuzzi dealer suggested I pour a 4" deep pad for it to sit on. I'm then going to extend my deck around it. To get concrete pumped from a truck to my site would be $250 for the pump truck plus cost of concrete. $500 or $600 for concrete is way too much for my budget on this project.