Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: cappykat on September 18, 2005, 03:37:27 pm
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We may have a change in our plans. We were planning to do a screened room but it seems to be getting complicated with permit requirements, roof requirements, etc.
Can we put our Epic on a wood or wood composite deck and are there special considerations when constructing a deck? Those of you who have done decks have you had to get a permit or had an artchitect sign off on the drawings?
HELP....
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O tay! If your going to put your Epic on a deck make sure it will support 400 gal of H2o and me thinks.... ok right here in the spec's the epic weighs 4603 pounds full. So add people weight to that as well. Just put it on a slab then build a gabzeebo around it simple safe and no need for a permit.
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Thanks, tootall...I hear what you're saying. After talking to several people today now we're leaning towards an aluminum screen room. I'm going to call for some estimates and we may forget hubby doing the work.
It may not asthetically look as nice as the room we had planned, but it might be much easier than all the hassle of doing it ourselves.
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cappykat,
I put my tub on it's own deck and the tub's lip sits about 23" above the main deck.
I built an 8'x8' deck for the tub and built it for 150 PSF. It sits fairly low to the ground and I used 6 - 12" concrete piers 36" down (frost line), used 6"x6" lumber for the upright supports and all 2"x10" lumber for the beams and joists and used 16" centers on the joists. I used A LOT of metal hangers and bolts to keep everything secure and rigid.
I went to a lumber yard and they designed the deck project and gave me their computer print out on the load analysis. It passed the township and it's been an ongoing project!
I was going to put the tub in the screen room I am building but the screen room became too enormous and would cover too many windows so we have it outside. So far I do like it where I'm not enclosed.
It does become a chore building the screen room as we have to put hard wired smoke detectors in the house but for sanity reasons when being outside, the screen house is a great way to go. Maybe look at the ones that can be taken down vs a permanent one.
If your interested here's a link to pictures I took during the first phase of construction:
http://photos.yahoo.com/vinnynj57
Not much different at this point except I did partially construct the screen room where the blue tarp is.
The main deck is constructed of TimberTech, Tongue and Grove decking, I wouldn't have sat the tub on it as it has ridges on the bottom I would be afraid they might have gotten crushed by the weight. The tub sits on 2"x6" PT lumber.
If you have any questions. let me know!
Vinny
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vinny's right. Any spa we've delivered to a new sunroon, don't care if it's a three seater, client says, wow, looks bigger here than in your showroom.
His spa is placed where we like to see it. chair-height entry. easy to get in and out, not taking up room on the existing deck, etc, etc.
keep it close to the backdoor, try it with no roof first. stars are nice! how about a spa mount? Sequoiaworks?
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Just came in from a soak under a full moon - WOW!!!!
I agree, put it outside first!
Actually I built my deck around my tub - The screened area is 14'x16' and the open deck is 14'x20'. My wife wishes we could have gone a little bigger on the open deck but I'm sure once the screen room is finished NOBODY will be on the open deck.
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Vinny...looked at the pictures, very nice. Next question, how much to build your deck, when you have it "sunk" like that on the deck, how do you have access to it for any problems?
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The pumps are about 8-10" below the deck and I took off all the screws on the bottom of the spa to be able to remove all the panels.
I believe that the pumps are easily accessible at that depth. I was going to put a trap door in but IMO it wasn't needed.
I guess I'll be using a crane when the tub dies and I buy a new one in 15 - 20 years!!!! Or the new owners will worry about it!
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Here is what our spa sits on. The deck was built around it and the floor of the deck sits about half way up the height of the sa.
(http://img325.imageshack.us/img325/6599/10909124bh.jpg)
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Sorry for the blurry picture. Here is a picture showing the framing of the deck along with the spa sitting on its base. This just gives you an idea if you decide to go the deck route. Good luck with your project!
(http://img325.imageshack.us/img325/1609/11010127wu.jpg)
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Vinny...looked at the pictures, very nice. Next question, how much to build your deck, when you have it "sunk" like that on the deck, how do you have access to it for any problems?
Sorry, I never answered the cost part - It cost about $9,000 for the build the main and tub deck. With me and a friend doing the work. That includes the railing. Timbertech happens to be one of the most expensive composites out there but we went with it because of the screen house - we're trying to make it as bug free as possible!
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I really like your deck and Payton's deck but I don't think we can get the size we want for our budget. We're looking to spend about $8000 but we want some protection from the weather for the tub and for ourselves.
If we can get the drawings done and signed off without spending another $1000, we will probably go with our original design (see picture)
(http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/1638/screenedporch9dl.jpg)
We've got some aluminum screen companies coming out tomorrow (Wed) and we've got a landscaper doing a design for pavers and a possible gazebo. I guess once we get all that we'll make a decision.
Thanks for the pictures and your input.
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I think no matter what you choose you will be happy. The only think I would caution you on is to first keep the spa outside and see how you like it. If you build a seperate room and enclose it, you will never know what it feels like to have a spa outside. I have had both and there is no question, I like it outside much better than in an enclosed room. Just my opinion but I think you should at least try it outside before you make a decision. Good luck!
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My advice to you for the aluminum screen room is to buy an insulated roof - it 's not too loud when the rain hits it.
I paid about $7,000 for an unbuilt 14'x16' screen room and got 2 estimates- $3000 more from the place I bought it from to install it and $13,000 for a local place to do it from scratch - I elected to do it myself to save money and it was A BIG MISTAKE. I really should have paid the extra $3000 for them to install but who knew!
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$13,000 for a screened room??!! I think we will put it outside under the stars. We're looking a 3 options so once we get pricing on all, I guess we'll be able to decide.
Thanks, Vinny & Payton for your input, I really appreciate it!! ;D ;D
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No problem cappykat. Good luck with your planning. If you have any other questions with my setup, let me know. I really think you will enjoy the spa under the stars better than under a roof. Like I said, I had a spa indoors for 4 years when we bought our home and while it was enjoyable, nothing in my mind beats the open air!!
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Please don't let my pricing scare you - you may get better pricing - Where have I heard that before? ??? ;D
Good Luck - I'm sure it'll all work out!
And like Payton said - If you have any questions please ask!
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Got our first pricing on an 18x20 alum screened room...$12,112. Somehow that seems pretty high and I wonder how long it would last if a hurricane came through. Our neighbor lost his last year when we got hit??
Unless the other 2 companies give us pricing that is a lot less, we're probably going to go with a slab for the tub and deck around it, a nice large patio with pavers, and landscaping.
Geez...all we wanted was a tub for my fibromyalgia and neck/back problems and about $20,000 later we'll have it!! ;D :-/ :o
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Geez...all we wanted was a tub for my fibromyalgia and neck/back problems and about $20,000 later we'll have it!! ;D :-/ :o
cappykat,
I can understand what you're feeling - my project is turning out VERY expensive also,
200 Amp upgrade - $1000
Tub wiring - $650
Tub - $7000
Decking - $9000
Screen Room - $7000
So far the total is $24,650 and I still need electrical, lighting and miscellaneous items done. But I will say that if you plan on staying in your house a while it'll be worth it, but it'll be great which ever way you choose.
My wife isn't into the tub at all and when we talk about the project and she's giving me the evil eyes and telling me how stupid it is ... well at least I enjoy it. My kids enjoy it some what too, I'm hoping that she'll feel differently in the winter. If not, the tub will be my retreat as long as she doesn't lock me out! ;D
I don't know where you live but for me bugs really don't affect us (me) in the tub - outside the tub is a different story. We went the screen room route strickly for the bugs while sitting outside. As far as winter - only time will tell!
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Vinny is absolute correct! Your project can be as grand as you want it to be. Just be cautious because it adds up very quickly. We were going to put our tub indoors at first and then decided to go outdoors so my wife could utlize our sunroom for more than a place to house the spa. Well that is when the fun in planning began but also when the dollar signs starting flashing as well. All in all, we are VERY happy with our planning and the finished project. We are having the deck stained next week and then next spring I need to add a small bistro table and two chairs. Once that is done, we will be good until we decide to add some outdoor speakers. LOL. As you can see, there are always additions that you can make but really, that is what makes it so fun! Just don't go over budget and you will be happy. You can always add things as the years pass by. Don't try to do everything at once. Once again, good luck with your project and make sure you take lots of pictures!!
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Vinny, sorry to hear your wife doesn't share your enthusiasm but at least you'll have your own oasis..HA! I know Vinny said he used composite on his deck. What did you use Payton? You said you're going to stain it so I assuming wood?
Our tub is in the warehouse and has been for weeks. We thought we would be done by now and we haven't even started! When we got the estimate on the screened room they said from start to finish about 3 months. I said, good grief...our "winter" will be over and we still won't be in the tub (I'm in Orlando). It's frustrating. But like my daughter says, "it's all good" and I'm sure it will be when we're done.
Payton, I know you're in Georgia, I have a brother in Decatur. Vinny, are you in NJ?
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We used pressure treated wood for the deck.
We live not too far from Decatur, GA. Used to live in NJ though.
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So, Payton...you used PT wood. You said you are staining it, do you then put a sealer on it? I would love to go composite but I just think it will be too expensive.
We're going to go to Lowe's or Home Depot and see if they'll do a deck design for us. Then my husband is going to build it. If ours comes out any where as nice as yours and Vinny's, I'll be very happy.
I'll let you know as we proceed. Thanks for all your help.
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So, Payton...you used PT wood. You said you are staining it, do you then put a sealer on it? I would love to go composite but I just think it will be too expensive.
We're going to go to Lowe's or Home Depot and see if they'll do a deck design for us. Then my husband is going to build it. If ours comes out any where as nice as yours and Vinny's, I'll be very happy.
I'll let you know as we proceed. Thanks for all your help.
I am installing composite. It was about 2X the price and the Railings are much more than that. But, it looks great. I'll post pic's tomorrow.
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Great...look forward to seeing your pics.
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Thinking of getting a telescopic enclosure for my pool and spa. Thought pretty expensive depending on size an height.
They would keep water from evaporating and waste of chemicals.
Can open from either end or in the center see thru polycarpnate see thru material that is used for bullit proof vests.
Mantaine heat in winter several degrees.
SemperFi
Dick
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I used composite on my deck. And yes, it is more expensive. I'm thinking long term. I hope to reap the benefits of never having to stain it or paint it or dealing with splinters since it's not supposed to dry out and crack.
To clean: soap, water and wire brush once a year or as needed is their recommendation.
At least, I hope so! ::)
Phil
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Bodyaches...sound really nice but way out of my budget. Just a simple screened room is more than I thought it would be.
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I guess we're just going to have to compare cost. I don't like the idea of staining, sealing, etc. so we may just have to "bite the bullet" and spend the money for the composite.
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Copycat,
Here is an web site for this enclosure.
www.ameracover.com
SemperFi
Dick
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Cappycat,
I saw these enclosures over the weekend when I was looking for gazeebos and thought of you. :) I don't know anything about them, but compared to some of your prices, they seem reasonable and look like they have a good warranty and whatnot.
http://agidomes.com/domes.html#
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cappykat,
Yes, I live in NJ. I'm actually a transplanted New Yorker.
I agree what Phil said - I used composite initially for the lack of maintenance, which was my wife's idea. I could have bought less expensive composite but since the screen room was going on the deck I wanted something more "bug Proof" and the stuff I used is more bug proof.
I also built the deck WAY OVER specs since I'm a big guy and wanted the safety in a beefed up deck. My friend who's helping me was chuckling during the whole deck install process because of it. But I walked onto a deck that bounced when I stepped onto it (I'm not THAT big)and it unnerved me to have it do that.
Composite railing IS VERY EXPENSIVE!!! One of the reasons I went the vinyl railing route was because of the expense.
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Brookenstein, I appreciate your thinking about me when you saw these. I checked out the website....very interesting. I don't know what the height is or whether it would pass code requirements and inspection but something else to explore.
Thanks!
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Cappykat, I am having a company stain our decks, fence and lattice. I am too lazy to do all that work! LOL. They will put a sealer on it as well that protects it from weather and such. We stain the deck every 2 years for the walking surface and every 4 years for the railings. Good luck with your choice!
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HAAA!!! My husband is quite the "do-it-yourselfer" and he's quite good...but this is like going thru a buffet line where your "eyes are bigger than your stomach".
We have visions of grandeur and we may have to downsize them...LOL!!
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When it's all said and done, you guys will be happy with whatever you decide on. The main thing is the spa! Everything else is a bonus, lol. Good luck and post some pics when your planning begins.
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I'll post pictures once the process begins. Thanks, again. Your's and Vinny's decks inspired us to go that way. We found a great website http://www.decks.com/PhotoSearch.aspx
and got a lot of good ideas from it.
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I am installing composite. It was about 2X the price and the Railings are much more than that. But, it looks great. I'll post pic's tomorrow.
PICTURES UNDER CONSTRUCTION
SHOULD BE ALMOST DONE TODAY. MORE TO COME
(http://img319.imageshack.us/img319/2565/92205c4at.jpg)[/img]
(http://img319.imageshack.us/img319/2535/92205b5lh.jpg)[/img]
(http://img319.imageshack.us/img319/5129/92205a1ie.jpg)[/img]
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Brookenstein, I appreciate your thinking about me when you saw these. I checked out the website....very interesting. I don't know what the height is or whether it would pass code requirements and inspection but something else to explore.
Thanks!
They should pass most code regulations. They are made by visscher bros and then the dome roof is installed by AGI
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xqqqsme...the deck looks really good. After reading so many posts saying to try the spa outside before putting in inside...that's what we've decided to do.
We're going to look at PT and composite. It might be worth it to spend the extra money for better long-term benefits. We'll just have to see on that one.
We've got a design and we're going to go to Lowe's or Home Depot to get them to actually design it. We're gathering estimates, so hopefully we'll get started in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks for all the input!