Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Neohcouple on May 08, 2005, 02:05:44 pm

Title: Enough Deck Strength & Support??
Post by: Neohcouple on May 08, 2005, 02:05:44 pm

I am having my HS Vanguard delivered next week.  I am in the process of starting the deck tomorrow.  Just wanted to see & make sure that I have enough support.

The deck is 27'x16' & I am using plastic deck boards.  It will no more than 30" off the ground.  There are 9 posts (4x4x8) cemented in the ground 44-48" inches down(3 posts in each row).  Attached to these posts are 2-2x8's on each row.  On top of these are 2x8 stringers spaced 12"o.c.  Hot Springs says that the tub will weigh approximately 5,039 pounds when filled with water (400 gallons) & 5-6 people in it.  

Any thoughts or opinions??  Thanks

Title: Re: Enough Deck Strength & Support??
Post by: nicker on May 09, 2005, 08:59:54 am

This is a question that only a structural person can tell you.   Its allot of weight on a deck when you consider the tub, water, people in it, movement and what ever other deck items you will have on it.   I think you are on the right track.   How ever I would personnally change a few items.   My deck is about 24" off the ground.   I used cement pillars with rebar in them and then the set a bolt in the center of each on and used the deck hangers to put my beams in. Then put my joists on top on 12" on center.  The things I would change is I wouldn't cement the 4x4 in the ground, I would pour footings/pillars and use the galvanized brackets to hold your beams in place.  For decks its nice to avoid any wood contact with the ground surface.   I would also beef up the beams to 2x10 or 2x12 doubled up.  Its just a peice of mind knowing your deck is going to last.

Good luck

Title: Re: Enough Deck Strength & Support??
Post by: windsurfdog on May 09, 2005, 12:20:52 pm

Our deck, which is 8' off grade, is way overbuilt but I'm happy it is......8x8 pilings in 2' diameter concrete 4' deep topped with 3 2x12's topped with 2x10's on 8" centers under the tub and 16" centers under the rest of the deck.  The decking is 2x6's.  This baby doesn't move one iota. 8)

Title: Re: Enough Deck Strength & Support??
Post by: Orthofunk on May 09, 2005, 12:22:58 pm

I just had a deck built to support the Sundance Maxxus.  It is 12'X16' and about 24" off the ground.  
A structural engineer OK'd the following plan:

6 6X6 posts set in concrete with double 2X10 beams
2X10 stringers at 16" on center.

The deck builder notched out the posts where the 2X10 beams go for added support.