What is the Best Foundation to Put Your Hot Tub On?

When planning your hot tub installation, there are various foundations to choose from that will provide your spa with the structural support it needs. Many people take the route of having a concrete pad installed, as it is incredibly reliable; however, below, we will provide you with what you need to know about the best base structures for your hot tub installation.

Choosing a Base Structure to Put Under Your Hot Tub

Choosing a foundation for your hot tub is an essential part of the installation process. Before you can bring it home, you’ll want to make sure you have plans for where the hot tub will be and what materials will be used to ensure the safety and security of the spa and all those around. For many people, the ideal base structure under a hot tub is a concrete pad at least 4 inches thick. For others, a reinforced deck, gravel beds, paver stones and firmly compacted soil are better options. There are various approaches you can take to ensure the structural integrity of your hot tub is sound, and it matters more that you’re adding one of the items mentioned above than which one you decide on. Ultimately, you should keep in mind that a hot tub should never rest on grass or natural earth because problems will arise as the earth shifts or things start to move around. By installing something like a reinforced deck or concrete pad, your hot tub will have a reliable structure to live on for many years without you needing to worry. If you’re unsure how to approach this part of the process and for a better idea of which materials to use, you can reach out to a spa dealer near you.

A Hot Tub on Paver Stones

When choosing paver stones to put under your hot tub, it’s important to remember that you’re selecting ones that are perfectly flat without any ridges. Once you’ve found the ideal stones, you will need to dig about 4 to 6 inches, level the ground, and put sand or gravel down to place the paver stones on. There are a few things to note when it comes to using pavers:

• They are highly dense and provide more support than concrete slabs or wood.
• They make any foreseeable maintenance easier. For example, if you need to access buried plumbing or electrical lines, they are easy enough to move and put back once you’re done.
• Many different design opportunities (such as colours, shapes, sizes, etc.) come with this option.
• They are incredibly quick to install, as you can have them laid down in a few hours.

A Hot Tub on Reinforced Decking

When choosing reinforced decking, because there are many different approaches you can take, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, it’s likely you won’t need any additional support if the deck is less than two feet from the ground. It’s essential to keep in mind that, once filled with water and people, a hot tub will weigh significantly more than without those things. This is why it’s important to ensure that the deck you’re installing can hold that much weight. The higher the deck is from the ground, the less it can hold. However, if you’re installing a surface-level deck, you shouldn’t have to worry, as they can generally hold much more weight without a problem. If you’re looking for more insight into which approach would be best for you and your home, then reaching out to a professional is your best bet. 

While there are various options on the market to ensure your spa has a solid base to rest on, a concrete pad is the best option for a hot tub. To learn more about choosing the perfect hot tub for you and your family, download our free buyer’s guide.