What is the best base 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.

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

For outside installation, it's recommended you place the spa on a level, 4-inch thick concrete slab. Other options include gravel, railroad ties, stepping or paving stones, and bricks. However, given the spa's size, weight, and need for a level foundation, a strong, solid base is much preferred.

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.

Can a hot tub sit on gravel?

Gravel Pads

The construction gravel should be topped with another layer of smaller sized pea gravel until it is perfectly even with the edges of the excavated area. So yes, a hot tub can sit on gravel! To find out more about hot tub installation requirements, download a hot tub buyer's guide.

How big should the base be for a hot tub?

The concrete base needs to be a minimum of 4 inches thick (ideally 6 inches) so it is able to withstand the weight of the hot tub. It is also a good idea to place rubble to the foundation for maximum support or reinforce the concrete base with rebar.

Best Foundation Type for your Hot Tub

What does a hot tub need to sit on?

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.

Is gravel a good base for a hot tub?

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.

Does a hot tub have to be perfectly level?

A hot tub has to be perfectly level. It can be on almost any flat, level, surface. It should not be placed on grass or the earth. Always ensure the surface you are placing the hot tub on can hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people.

Is it OK to put a hot tub on pavers?

Sitting a Hot Tub on Pavers

If using pavers, select ones that are smooth and can be interlocked at a level height to create a solid, flat layer on top of a concrete base. If you do not want to install a concrete slab underneath the pavers, sand or gravel will be needed to properly support the weight of the hot tub.

Can I put my hot tub on rocks?

Short answer is: Yes. Gravel is an excellent base for hot tubs because it allows for drainage of water while being sturdy enough to handle the high weight of a hot tub.

How much slope should a hot tub pad have?

The spa pad should be at least the size of the spa. If you are going to pour cement pad put a slight slope in it so that water won't pool under the spa. A 3/4″ slope in a 10 foot wide cement pad is adequate. If you use bricks or patio blocks, they should set on at least a 3″ base of sand, pea gravel or crushed stone.

Should a hot tub be in sun or shade?

Hot tubs should be in the shade for three main reasons: it's more comfortable than using the spa in direct sunlight, it means less wear and tear on your cover, and UV rays can reduce the effectiveness of your sanitizer.

How close can you put a hot tub to your house?

The steam that comes from the water may seep into windows and water splashed from the tub may cause a slippery walkway. A few feet away from your home and a few feet away from your walkway is typically the ideal combination.

Does a hot tub need a concrete base?

Hot tubs are heavy even without having water in them. A large hot tub full of water can weigh upwards of 2 tonnes, so a suitable level base is vital. The most common base is a concrete foundation.

Should I put insulation under my hot tub?

Yes, it's not hard to add additional insulation to a hot tub. Less expensive hot tubs may have little to even no insulation, making them very energy inefficient. You can use a combination of rolled fiberglass, fiberglass panels, spray-on foam, and radiant barriers to significantly improve the energy-efficiency.

Can a hot tub be placed directly on the ground?

Outdoor hot tub placement, such as decks, concrete or brick patios, is common. However, the hot tub can be placed on any solid, uniform, level surface. Do not place your hot tub on grass or bare ground.

Can I put hot tub on patio blocks?

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.

What is a spa pad?

Spa pads are wonderful hot tub accessories that provide a sturdy base for most hot tubs, while still allowing for flexibility in location. People who opt for an indoor hot tub typically use spa pads so that they won't need to do any major renovations, however, spa pads can be implemented outdoors as well!

Can I put my hot tub on grass?

We recommend not installing directly onto grass or soil but instead, install onto a compact hard base as it creates a sturdy, even base. Soil or grass can and will most likely will absorb water leading to sinking and creating an uneven sub-base for your spa base.

Can I put a hot tub on pea gravel?

Practically, a pea gravel base offers the advantage of easy drainage, unlike a solid brick, concrete, or wood base. A secure and lasting pea gravel base can be made with simple tools and materials. And it's not nearly as costly as many other hot tub bases. So, yes, you can absolutely set your hot tub on pea gravel!

Can you put a hot tub on decking?

Can a hot tub go on decking? Yes, it absolutely can! As long as your deck is built to code and made to handle the amount of weight the hot tub, there is no issue. It's always best to consult a professional before installing a hot tub on any decking.

How do you make a gravel pad for a hot tub?

Can I put hot tub on sand?

Hot Tub and Spa Base Pad

If you install your hot tub on sand, dirt, gravel, crushed rock or the grass, first, make sure the space is level, then simply put down this fantastic EZ Pad. The EZ Pad is portable and does not require a town permit to install. Just make sure there is enough drainage below.

Can I plug my hot tub into a regular outlet?

As long as you have access to a regular three-pronged electrical outlet, you can plug in your hot tub and have it up and running within 24 hours. That said, not all hot tubs feature this option. Hardwired hot tubs require the services of a certified electrician to connect the electricity.