- Dig to a depth of 4 inches. Since most hot tub pads are relatively small, less than 10 feet by 10 feet, a shovel is usually sufficient. ...
- Measure and cut two-by-four lumber to form the frame to hold the wet concrete. The inside frame dimensions should match the desired pad size. ...
- Attach the two-by-fours at the corners, using a cordless drill fitted with a screwdriver bit. Insert two 3-inch screws at each corner.
- Square the frame by measuring from corner to corner. The measurements should be exact. If they’re not, adjust the frame until they are.
- Level the top of the frame, but maintain an imperceptible slope to allow water to drain away. The standard concrete slab slope is 1/4 inch per lineal foot. ...
- Insert and attach wood stakes on the outside of the wood frame to keep the frame from shifting. ...
Full Answer
How do you make a gravel hot tub pad?
- You need to know the dimensions of your hot tub. ...
- Decide where you’re going to place the hot tub in the backyard. ...
- At this point you will begin digging into the earth to make room for the gravel layers. ...
- (Optional) Place a layer of landscape cloth on the bottom of your hole. ...
- Fill in the excavated area with gravel. ...
What is the best base for a hot tub?
Your Hot Tub Base: 6 Options
- Cement Pad. Installations indoors nearly always use a cement pad on which to base the hot tub. ...
- Cement Pavers. Outdoors and, occasionally even indoors, a base can be made with cement pavers. ...
- Gravel Beds. For outdoor hot tubs, gravel beds are a definite possibility. ...
- Concrete Foundation. ...
- Prefabricated Base. ...
- Decking. ...
What is the best foundation for a hot tub?
Which Foundation is Best for a Hot Tub?
- Concrete Base. Concrete makes a superb foundation for any hot tub on the market because concrete provides a solid foundation.
- Patio Base. Do you currently have a patio? ...
- Deck. Do you have space on your deck? ...
- Pavers. Many homeowners will choose to place their hot tub on pavers because, to put it simply, it’s a great option.
How much does a hot tub pad cost?
Hot tub electrical installation costs $800 to $1,600 to install a new circuit, outlet/subpanel, and wiring up to 100'. A hot tub concrete pad costs $500 to $2,500. Hot tub delivery costs $200 to $500 or $300 to $1,500 to move with a crane. Get free estimates from hot tub installers near you or view our cost guide below.
How do you build a hot tub pad?
0:0214:56Buying A Hot Tub - From Building a Pad to Electrical - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to cut two of these to be 89 inches to account for the three and a half inch widthMoreAnd we're going to cut two of these to be 89 inches to account for the three and a half inch width of these four by fours these are pressure treated four by fours. It's perfect 89.
What is best to put under a hot tub?
If you're having a base installed especially for your Hot Tub we would recommend a patio, decking area or poured concrete base. Whatever you choose make sure whoever installs it for you ensures the base is level and large enough for your Hot Tub and steps.
What kind of concrete do you use for a hot tub pad?
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).
How thick does a hot tub pad need to be?
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.
What base should a hot tub sit on?
Concrete Base This tends to be a common approach for hot tubs becuase it offers strong support for the weight and also keeps the area nice and clean. Concrete is solid, not overly expensive and is quite easy to lay.
Does a hot tub have to be on a concrete pad?
A hot tub does not have to sit on concrete and can be placed on any stable, level surface that will not become unstable due to moisture or weight. Those surfaces include wooden decks, paver stones, gravel beds, or spa pads.
How do you make a concrete pad?
1:134:34Learn how to pour a concrete slab - DIY with MARSHALLTOWNYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin installing either wood or metal stakes placing them 2 or 3 feet apart on all sides. Next. You'MoreBegin installing either wood or metal stakes placing them 2 or 3 feet apart on all sides. Next. You'll want to determine the height of your slab. Simply pick an elevation at one corner.
Do you need rebar for hot tub pad?
A small 4”-thick pad supporting a fireplace or hot tub, however, should be reinforced. Remember, the steel helps prevent cracking when weight is unevenly distributed, or the slab isn't well supported.
How thick should a spa slab be?
A reinforced concrete slab of at least 100mm (4”) thick is a suitable foundation for your spa; this must be increased to a minimum of 125mm (5”) thick when installing swim spas. You must ensure this base is an even, level surface free from cracks or hollows.
How do you make a gravel pad for a hot tub?
1:445:32How to Build a Crushed Concrete Hot Tub Spa Base - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe jagged edges of crushed concrete interlock and create a rigid stable structure p-gravel may beMoreThe jagged edges of crushed concrete interlock and create a rigid stable structure p-gravel may be tempting. But it is not recommended p-stones being small round and smooth can easily slosh.
Is it OK to put a hot tub on 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.
How much slope should a hot tub pad have?
If your spa's pad is slightly sloped it will not affect the performance of the spa or its structure, however, there should be no dips, sags, or unevenness in the pad. Most patios are built to slope away from the house for drainage purposes. There should be no more than a ½” (1.27cm) slope in an 8'(2.44m) run.
How do you prepare the ground for a hot tub?
A hot tub should not be placed on soil. Instead, it will need a concrete base, a crushed stone or pea gravel base, pavers or a deck with adequate structural support. Again, your dealer can put you in contact with professionals who can do all the necessary site preparation.
What to put under hot tub on decking?
A concrete slab is effective at supporting a hot tub. This must be installed along with the concrete deck footings of your deck. For most, a slab four inches thick should suffice, unless one decides to get a very large hot tub then something thicker should be poured.
How much gravel do you need under a hot tub?
You will need at least 4” of crushed stone (gravel) to properly support a hot tub. With 4” of stone, there will be enough gravel to lock together to form a solid base under the spa. If your site is on a slope, you can certainly add more than 4” of stone to build up to level (more on that below).
Can you put a hot tub on dirt?
Can I put a hot tub on dirt or in the grass? A hot tub should not be placed on soil or on a lawn. Instead, it will need a solid platform to support all of the weight. Exposure to wet soil and grass will reduce the life of your hot tub and expose it to insects and moisture.
Concrete Base Pad
If you choose this, it is an excellent base for your hot tub. This kind of base pad is well-known as the strength of hot tub base pad. The base pad is very sturdy, strong and long-lasting in materials included. To make this base pad hot tub, certainly, you have to prepare the materials needed such as an amount of sand, cement, gravels and water.
Decks
It is an easy choice for you when you decide to use the deck base pad for your hot tub. This base pad is a similar type of floor at the house. The deck is a solid and level that is constructed in the outdoor. The deck usually connects to the house or a building.
Crushed Stone
It is a simple one to get the hot tub base pad at your home. Actually, you just need a crushed stone that you can buy in lots of store building nearby. Firstly, you prepare the space that you will build to be hot tub base pad.
Paver Patio Installation
This hot tub base pad can you build at home with easy constructions. Many people use the base pad using the paver patio installation to get a simple way. Certainly, the paver patio uses a solid base material that enables hold the hot tub strongly. You can also set this base pad not just for the hot tub but the larger construction will be better.
Ground Level Deck
This base pad is less than 12″ above the ground, so it is easy to build it. For this, you can make the base that is connected to the balcony at your house. The ground level building needs some considerations. If the door is low, actually you have to dig a few inches of soils that can allow you in building the frame.
Prefabricated Spa Pad
Based on the “prefabricated spa pad” actually is a sale hot tub base pad. The prefabricated base pad is a pre-made plastic pad. Moreover, you can buy this base pad at the stores that provide the hot tub kits. To use the base pad hot tub, it is as same as the others hot tub base pad. You need the enabling space that is good for placing the hot tub.
Best in most cases: Concrete
A concrete pad is one of the most common types of hot tub base. This is what most manufacturers or hot tub stores will recommend.
Best for portability: Synthetic Spa Pad
A less permanent option is a ready-made synthetic spa pad like the EZ Pad or Handi-Pad.
Best for durability: Gravel
Gravel is an excellent choice for a hot tub base. It's relatively cost-effective and easy to install, plus it's very good for drainage. This is important because you need to make sure any rain water or overspill from your hot tub is able to drain away from the base. And unlike concrete, gravel won't crack over time.
Best for the view: Deck
Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $0-$1,000+ (this varies a lot depending on exactly what work you need)
FAQs
It’s very important that a hot tub is installed on a completely flat surface. This is because you need to ensure the weight of the spa is distributed evenly, so that the frame doesn’t shift or bow once it’s filled, or when it’s being used. If this happens, you risk damaging the spa and voiding the warranty.
