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can you put a hot tub on concrete

by Opal Pfeffer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Usually a concrete slab made to building code is suitable to hold a hot tub. However, many patios and other concrete slabs are pitched for drainage, which may make an unsuitable base for your hot tub. Second, your existing concrete slab must be in good condition.

Full Answer

Can you build a hot tub on a concrete slab?

Generally, hot tub slabs are less than 10 feet by 10 feet but base your decision on the size of your hot tub and the location. Excavate the location but don’t dig deeper than 4 to 6 inches, as a stable, concrete slab requires solid soil beneath it for stability. Step 2: Measure and cut your wood beams to fit the area.

What size concrete pad do I need for a hot tub?

The concrete pad’s dimensions should be at least the size of the spa. Most concrete slabs typically measure 8 feet by 8 feet. However, if you own a large hot tub, you’ll likely need to pour a slab that’s 10 feet by 10 feet. A solid cement slab that can safely support a fully-loaded hot tub must be no less than four inches thick.

How long to cure concrete slab before hot tub?

Is 10 days long enough for a 4" X 7' X 8' concrete slab to cure before I put a hot Tub on it ? A. If the concrete was 3000 psi concrete, came from a redi-mix concrete company, wasn't poured too wet (soupy), and you had a good compacted gravel sub-base, then yes.

Can an above ground tub sit on concrete?

Above-ground tubs are designed to sit on a concrete slab or a reinforced deck. But many in-ground tubs often include one or more recesses at the bottom that make it difficult to provide adequate support with a typical sand bed.

How thick should a concrete slab be for a hot tub?

How long should concrete cure before putting a hot tub on it?

What is the best base for a hot tub?

Can you put a hot tub on cinder blocks?

What surface do hot tubs rest on?

What to do if you don't have time to moisten concrete?

How to make concrete more resistant to cracking?

See 2 more

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What is the best surface to put a hot tub on?

A concrete surface is an excellent base for your hot tub as this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. If you have an existing patio made of concrete bricks, make sure it's in good condition and is level (not angled for drainage). A customized poured concrete pad is an even better choice.

Will 4 inches of concrete hold a hot tub?

The spa pad can be made of pressure treated lumber, synthetic lumber, concrete, bricks or cement patio blocks. A solid cement pad should be no less that 4 inches thick. This is something that the average homeowner may not want to tackle. The spa pad should be at least the size of the spa.

When can I put a hot tub on concrete?

When pouring a concrete slab for a hot tub, allow it to cure for 28 days minimally before placing a hot tub on it. This allows the moisture to be kept in the concrete, and putting weight on it prematurely will weaken the finished product with stresses and cracking.

How thick does the concrete need to be for a hot tub?

4″ thickThe minimum thickness safety requirement for a basic hot tub pad is 4″ thick reinforced concrete with a diameter of 6″ less than the diameter of the bottom of the tub. Therefore, a 5′ round straight sided wood hot tub would require a 4′ 6″ square pad. The type of ground underneath the pad should be stable as well.

What is the best foundation for a hot tub?

Concrete BaseConcrete Base Concrete makes a fantastic foundation for any top thanks to its long-lasting durability and sturdiness. For many hot tub owners, concrete bases are the preferred option as they are both economical and functional.

Can a hot tub sit on concrete pavers?

Hot tubs can sit on pavers because they are extremely durable and are made of high-density material. However, they should be perfectly flat, without ridges, and should be placed on sand or gravel on top of completely level ground.

Do I need a mat under my hot tub?

If you've placed your hot tub on a concrete base, which I highly recommend, you probably don't need a pad underneath the tub, but it will help in other ways. A hot tub pad will reduce noise by isolating the tub from the surface underneath as it can minimize vibrations.

Is a concrete pad required for a hot tub?

A hot tub requires a stable surface — whether it's a concrete slab, reinforced deck, or firmly compacted soil with crushed gravel. There's also the option to have the hot tub installed in the ground but that still requires a concrete vault.

How do you level a hot tub on a concrete slab?

Use Plastic Shims If your hot tub is out of level by an inch or less, consider using heavy-duty plastic shims to raise the low end. These shims are designed to be load-bearing and are an economical way to level your slightly off-kilter hot tub.

How much does a concrete slab for a hot tub cost?

Hot Tub Concrete Pad Cost A concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot or between $500 and $2,500 for a hot tub. Other options for a hot tub foundation pad are an existing patio, gravel base, pavers, reinforced deck, or plastic spa pad.

How heavy is an empty hot tub?

500 poundsIn general, a small two-to-three-person hot tub will typically weigh 500 pounds when empty, and somewhere near 3000 pounds when filled with water. If your spa is of a much larger variety, such as a nine or ten-person spa, the dry weight will be somewhere in the ballpark of 900-1250 pounds, and up to 8000 pounds filled.

Can I put a hot tub on my patio?

HOT TUB PLACEMENT CONSIDERATIONS. Your hot tub can be placed just about anywhere—outdoors or even indoors when practical. You can put it on a deck, patio, rooftop entertaining area, or even under a gazebo.

What size slab do I need for a hot tub?

For most DIY concrete slabs, the best material to use is a ready-mix crack-resistant concrete mix like QUIKRETE. A concrete base for a spa should be around 4 inches thick. This means that for an 8'x8' spa pad, you'll need enough concrete to fill 21.33 cubic feet (that's 36 80-lb bags of QUIKRETE).

Can a hot tub sit on patio stones?

Hot tubs require a level base that is able to support the weight of the hot tub when it is filled with water and bathers. You can use a concrete slab, gravel, a deck or patio pavers as options to support your hot tub.

Is a concrete pad required for a hot tub?

A hot tub requires a stable surface — whether it's a concrete slab, reinforced deck, or firmly compacted soil with crushed gravel. There's also the option to have the hot tub installed in the ground but that still requires a concrete vault.

How do you reinforce a deck for a hot tub?

0:352:06How to Reinforce a Deck for a Hot Tub Spa The Spa Guy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay so reinforcing the deck is very very simple basically all you going to do is just get you aMoreOkay so reinforcing the deck is very very simple basically all you going to do is just get you a good flat spot under it put your pylons. Down. You're going to what. We do is hang the joist.

Concrete Cure Time - before placing a hot tub on it

I have a new concrete back patio. At some point we would like to place a hot tub on it. How long should we wait before doing something like that. The concrete pad is 4" thick, 3000 psi with rebar. How long should we wait to insure it has the time to fully cure before placing that much weight on it or covering an area that size.

Hot Tub on concrete slab

Hi, I am Mike Day, owner of Day’s Concrete Floors, Inc. in Maine, where I've been working with concrete for 40 years now, and this website is where I can share with you all the knowledge and wisdom I've gained from installing all kinds of decorative concrete, concrete floors, concrete overlays, stained concrete and also fixing cracked or spalled concrete.

Size of Concrete slab for hot tub - Everything About Concrete

Hi, I am Mike Day, owner of Day’s Concrete Floors, Inc. in Maine. I've been working with concrete for 40 years now, and this website is where I can share with you all the knowledge and wisdom I've gained from installing all kinds of decorative concrete, concrete floors, concrete overlays, concrete slabs and also fixing cracked or spalled concrete.

What Sort Of Base Do I Need For A Hot Tub? - Hot Tub Focus

Have you been wondering what sort of base or foundation you need to stand your new hot tub on? I thought I would do some research into the best hot tub bases and here’s what I came up with: So, what sort of base do I need for a hot tub? A concrete base is ideal, alternatively a terrace or ...

Putting Concrete Blocks Under a Hot Tub | Home Guides | SF Gate

Install an 8-inch-thick layer of clean washed sand in the excavation where the tub installs with a shovel. Do not compact the sand bed. The weight of the tub filled with water will compact the bed.

What Are the Alternatives to Putting a Hot Tub on Concrete?

A concrete slab is a common base for a hot tub but it isn’t the only base deemed suitable. There are different hot tub bases that a hot tub can be placed on, so it’s all about your hot tub and your choice.

How Many Bags of Concrete Do I Need for a Hot Tub Slab?

It depends on how large your hot tub is. A smaller hot tub needs a concrete base of 270 square feet. For a 270 square feet base, you need about 180 concrete bags (80lbs).

How Long Should Concrete Cure Before Putting a Hot Tub on It?

You should let the concrete cure 28 days before placing a hot tub on it. After the initial set of concrete, it takes 48 hours to dry enough so people can walk on the surface. After 7 days it can easily hold slight car traffic. And it takes 28 days for concrete to fully dry.

What Is the Best Base for a Hot Tub?

Generally, the best base for hot tubs is a concrete slab. The concrete slab is usually set up by first digging about 2 feet or more into the ground and then filling the space with gravel before pouring the mixed concrete paste. When the mixture solidifies, you will end up with a very strong base for any hot tub.

Is cement the same as concrete?

The terms concrete and cement are used mutually in our society, they definitely aren't the same. Cement is a major ingredient used to make concrete

Can Concrete Be Poured In The Winter? What Temp. is too Cold?

Is it safe to pour concrete in the winter? Concrete can be poured in the winter if the proper precautions are taken. Use blankets to protect from freezing.

How close to your house should you place a hot tub?

The steam and moisture from the tub may seep into the windows, and the walls promoting mildew and rot. You should also be sure to place it at least 12 feet away from any overhead cable and telephone lines or light fixtures.

What is the best foundation for a hot tub?

A concrete slab is an excellent foundation for your hot tub. A slab can easily support the weight of your jacuzzi and guests, is waterproof, and can be built to the exact size that you desire. Pouring a slab is also cheap and straightforward if you know what you are doing.

How long does it take to pour concrete?

Overall, pouring a slab of concrete can be completed in a few hours with the help of a friend. Compared to a deck or grass, it is more stable and will hold up great to general wear and tear. It’s low maintenance and won’t break your bank account, too, so what are you waiting for? Your new hot tub oasis is just one concrete slab away.

How much does a hot tub weigh in 2021?

July 9, 2021 By Christina. One of the hardest steps in buying a hot tub is choosing where to install it in your yard. Weighing up to 6,000 pounds when filled, a hot tub requires a strong and reliable foundation to support it. Luckily, concrete slabs are the perfect base for your hot tub and are straightforward enough to pour yourself.

Why is it important to have a stable foundation for a hot tub?

Having a stable foundation for your hot tub ensures that you can safely entertain. When placed on an unstable surface, like grass, your hot tub may sink or shift, therefore compromising its security and making it unsafe to use. A concrete slab is a great option because they are custom made to fit your hot tub’s size and can support heavyweight.

Can you pour a concrete slab for a hot tub?

Pouring a concrete slab for your hot tub will be much easier if you’re familiar with using concrete and power tools or know someone who can help you. Though any novice can have a go at it all by themselves, pouring a slab can get tricky and is better done as a two-person job.

Can you put a hot tub too far away from your house?

Keep in mind that placing it too far has its disadvantages too, most obviously that if you live in a colder environment, it may deter you from using your hot tub at all. You should also consider where your hot tub will get its power from; placing it too far from your house may limit your options and make it complicated to power.

How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab for a hot tub?

A concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot or between $500 and $2,500 for a hot tub. Other options for a hot tub foundation pad are an existing patio, gravel base, pavers, reinforced deck, or plastic spa pad.

What is best to put under a hot tub?

Now that you know why it’s so important to give your hot tub a base, let’s look at four of the best base and foundation ideas.

Do I need gravel under my concrete slab?

Because concrete is a very porous material, it will absorb any moisture that it contacts. This can cause pooling. Without crushed stone, pooling water will settle under it and erode your slab. Adding a layer of crushed stone will add proper drainage, as well as create a barrier between your slab and the ground.

Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?

No, you do not need rebar for a 4 – inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4 – inch -thick slab cast on the ground and in permanent contact with it will float and rebar is not required. Rebar is recommended on concrete measuring 5 – 6 inches thick.

Does a hot tub pad need rebar?

Some concrete contractors say no mesh or rebar is necessary, others say mesh is enough, and others recommend the rebar which provides the most strength.

How far does hot tub have to be from house?

In some areas, including Minnesota and California, you must set the tub back at least 5 feet from your property line. For an above-ground hot tub, measure from your property line to the edge of the tub’s structure. If your hot tub will have its top flush with the ground, measure the tub as you would a swimming pool.

Can you put a hot tub on a concrete slab?

Hot tubs do not have to sit on concrete. They can be placed on wooden decks, paver stones, gravel beds, or spa pads. Just don’t place a hot tub directly on the ground or on a wooden deck that was not built to support the weight of a fully-loaded hot tub.

What is an above ground tub?

Above-ground tubs are designed to sit on a concrete slab or a reinforced deck. But many in-ground tubs often include one or more recesses at the bottom that make it difficult to provide adequate support with a typical sand bed. Putting concrete blocks at critical locations in the sand provides the necessary support.

How to make a concrete block wall?

Place 8-inch by 8-inch by 16-inch concrete blocks at the areas that need support, with the open cells of the blocks facing up similar to building a block wall. Tap the upper edges of the blocks lightly with a rubber mallet to seat the blocks in the sand. Fill the cells of the blocks with clean sand.

How to compact a sand bed?

1. Install an 8-inch-thick layer of clean washed sand in the excavation where the tub installs with a shovel. Do not compact the sand bed. The weight of the tub filled with water will compact the bed.

How to determine which sections of a bed need concrete blocks for support?

Determine which sections of the bed need concrete blocks for support by observing the indentations. Typical areas are at steps and at seats, and these are identified by a lack of indentations.

How thick should a concrete slab be for a hot tub?

A concrete slab designed to support the weight of a hot tub should be 4 inches thick minimally.

How long should concrete cure before putting a hot tub on it?

When pouring a concrete slab for a hot tub, allow it to cure for 28 days minimally before placing a hot tub on it. This allows the moisture to be kept in the concrete, and putting weight on it prematurely will weaken the finished product with stresses and cracking.

What is the best base for a hot tub?

The best base for a hot tub will be a concrete pad that is at least 4 inches thick. The concrete should be allowed to cure for 28 days minimally and be level.

Can you put a hot tub on cinder blocks?

You can use cinder blocks for support, but you should not solely rest a hot tub on cinder blocks.

What surface do hot tubs rest on?

Some of the most common surfaces hot tubs rest on are level concrete slabs or reinforced decks.

What to do if you don't have time to moisten concrete?

If you don’t have time to do moist curing, another option is to use a cover that can trap and slow the evaporation of the moisture in the concrete mix.

How to make concrete more resistant to cracking?

You can increase the structural integrity of the concrete and make it more resistant to future cracking by paying attention to it in the days after it has been poured.

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