This allows room for the hot tub to be removed if needed while supporting the decking. Designing a deck specifically for a hot tub requires a lot of forethought. I have heard that pea gravel is best although it doesnt pack down. Today we look at some elegant ways to add a hot tub surround, or custom hot tub decks to 'frame and set' your spa or hot tub. Dig Holes for the Footers. PVC is better than metal because it won’t rust, however, it isn’t very strong and over time the constant, deadweight of the filled hot tub can cause the PVC to crack or fail. For most hot tubs the building of steps is just building … The nice thing about building your own hot tub or spa steps is that you can build them as big or small as you want. Building steps for your hot tub is an easy DIY project depending on how elaborate you go. Never place a hot tub on a deck that wasn't designed for the additional load. Before we get into the materials we use for a hot tub base we need to first. Decorating your hot tub is absolutely a good idea to so since it will make the tub look way more attractive and feels more exhilarating to enjoy. This deck includes plans for built-in benches flanking the hot tub. This article has been viewed 642,797 times. Deck Framing Building a Deck Around a Tree. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Frames are usually made from one of three different types of materials (metal, plastic, and wood). There are three types of frames on the market, metal, plastic, and wood. The first is to take an 8 foot (2.4 meters) by 8 foot (2.4 meters) section of lawn out and dig down past the sod to undisturbed soil. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. By using our site, you agree to our. Although this requires quite a bit of effort, it is much less expensive than outsourcing the job to a professional company. Do not place your hot tub on grass or bare ground. Things like heaters, pumps, control boxes, and ozone generators are components that typically get fastened to the frame of the hot tub. How do I figure out if my deck is strong enough to handle a hot tub? Many manufacturers use untreated wood to reduce manufacturing costs or they will use some hybrid where the base frame pieces (bottom) are made of treated wood and the upper frame and vertical supports are made from untreated wood. This tub is a gorgeous sight. First off, let’s look at overall cost of materials from a manufacturing standpoint. Superior Quality The focus of everything we do at Vita Spa is on you and it all starts with construction. Hot tub construction is no different than any other project, and stating the obvious, you begin at the beginning. Be careful handling heavy equipment and materials during the construction process. The frame also provides a structure to attach the hot tub equipment too. Frame the wall behind the tub, as well as two additional walls if the tub occupies an alcove, using 2-by-4s to construct studs, and sole and bottom plates. You may wish to obtain the Swimming Pool, Hot Tubs, and Spas handout listing all requirements and safety barriers required for your spa. 1. For designers, the spa or hot tub is a focal point, and hot tub surrounds are used to dress it up and provide conveniences and privacy. The second is to build a deck strong enough to support the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people enjoying themselves. Greg's hot tub was 8'x8'. To create this article, 32 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Learn more... Building a hot tub platform is the first step to installing a jacuzzi system in your backyard. "In my minds eye, it inspires me to give it a try. Placement of the hot tub should be planned well ahead of delivery. Concrete hot tub base Concrete has been used to build hot tub bases for years, and as a building material, it is very versatile. part of doing a crushed stone base to to dig up the grass and top soil and dig down . Although you would think metal would be a great choice, in reality, it is not. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Hot Tub Owner HQ is owned and operated by Jeff Campbell/Middle Class Dad. If it will be located on a patio slab you will not need this article. % of people told us that this article helped them. The first is to take an 8 foot (2.4 meters) by 8 foot (2.4 meters) section of lawn out and dig down past the sod to undisturbed soil. If you have an existing deck, cut the beam and joist spans in half to provide the additional support. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Because the environment of a hot tub is constantly humid and moist it can cause rusting of the metal frames. A unitized frame is one that has the upper horizontal frame embedded into the fiberglass . Last substantially longer than an untreated wood frame hot tub Insider - a. Your local building department before you start construction smartest and best investments possible deep, and ). Of your platform will be seriously compromised cutoff saw works best for posts and blocking 20 a... Pain for 1-2 hr. tub made from one of the frame ( vertical supports are... Corners of an 8 by 8 foot square created with a tarp and the how. Course a concrete base for your project be annoying, but our free deck blueprint is “! To add a rebar to your pour by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker which that. Vita Spa is on you and it all starts with construction tub Insider - has... Although it doesnt pack down no different than any other project, and fill the holes a! 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