How to Build a Hot Tub Deck?
These days, outdoor living spaces have become the go-to place for relaxation and recreation. For many, an outdoor deck space creates an oasis of relaxation. Homeowners can better enjoy life while getting the rest they deserve. With this trend, it’s no surprise that hot tub decks have grown.
A hot tub deck is a great feature. However, building hot tub into decks can present a number of challenges during construction. is hot tub deck construction difficult? It depends on a lot of factors, but if you’re a homeowner who likes to enjoy your deck year-round, a hot tub deck is definitely worth it.
Adding a hot tub or spa can change the look and style of your deck, but you’ll need to plan this project carefully. If you’re wondering how to build how to build a hot tub, read this guide to find all the answers to your questions about hot tub decks.
Table of Contents
Can You Put a Hot Tub on Deck?
Simply put, you can absolutely build hot tub into deck, but can your outdoor deck handle 100 pounds per square foot? That’s roughly twice the weight of a regular deck. So before you start building a hot tub project, check the structure of your deck and leave it to the professionals.
Hot Tub Deck Plans
Generally, hot tubs are self-contained. Therefore, it can be installed anywhere as long as there is enough structural support, and you can choose the best location yourself.
Consider a Professional Decorating Contractor
Unless you are well-versed in structural building engineering and electrical codes, hire a professional deck contractor to complete your project. Not only can a professional contractor safely incorporate a deck with a hot tub, but they can also offer suggestions to improve hot tub deck plans.
Choosing the Right Hot Tubs
There are a wide variety of hot tubs available on the market, so choosing the right hot tub can be difficult. Be sure to measure the exact specifications of the hot tub, especially its dimensions and weight when filled with water and fully occupied. Only then will you be able to calculate the support needed for the hot tub deck?
Typically, an 8 x 8 foot hot tub weighs about 5,000 pounds, including water and people. When making your selection, you may find that the terms “hot tub” and “spa” are used interchangeably. There is one difference though, a spa is a permanent structure that is attached to a pool or larger area. For optimal stability and insulation of hot tub decks, purchase a “full-foam” hot tub.
Calculate the Necessary Structural Supports
In order to have your plans approved by the local building department, you must show that the deck can support the hot tub when it is fully loaded. In some cases, hot tub deck plans must be approved by a professional engineer before they can be considered.
To measure the strength of your deck, first calculate the load. First, find the sum of the WEIGHT of the hot tub, the weight of the full tub (8.3 lbs/gallon), and the weight of the maximum number of occupants (185 lbs/person). Then divide the sum (in pounds) by the footprint of the tub (in square feet). For example, a standard 8 x 8 ft (64 sq. ft.) hot tub weighs about 5,120 lbs. fully loaded. You’ll need decking that can support at least 80 pounds per square foot, though most experts recommend at least 100 pounds per square foot.
Choosing Materials for Hot Tub Decking
Whether you’re refurbishing your deck or building a new one, you’ll need to choose the material for your hot tub deck.
Composite decking: Today’s composite decks have come a long way, such as Trex decking and EVODEK decking, which are more flexible and waterproof. Composite decks require no heavy maintenance, just an occasional wash with soap and water to maintain their beauty and performance. EVODEK offers homeowners a 25-year warranty to ensure that their decks look and perform well.
Pressure-treated wood: Wood is the most common deck material because it’s inexpensive and readily available. But you’ll need to resand or paint it every two or three years. It’s also prone to cracks and splinters, and it’s not waterproof.
Cedar: This wood feels good on bare feet and is fairly weather-resistant. But like pressure-treated wood, it needs to be sanded and stained regularly to maintain its appearance and performance. Cedar lasts longer than traditional lumber decks, though.
More Durable & Waterproof Composite Decking CPD-05
EVODEK unique two-tone art color technology gives you a stunning natural wood look so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Determining How Hot Tub Decks Should Be Installed
The way a hot tub is installed depends greatly on the height, size, and weight capacity of the hot tub deck.
Ground Level Hot Tub
If the hot tub is already installed on a concrete slab, it is best to leave it in place and extend the deck. If the existing deck is not strong enough to support the entire hot tub, a ground level hot tub is the most appropriate choice.
Above Ground
If the existing deck can support the hot tub, you can build the hot tub directly into the deck, saving more money and time than other installation methods. Just make sure that the hot tub doesn’t get in the way of normal use and that you have enough room to maintain the hot tub deck.
Recessed
Installing a recessed hot tub on your deck can give your hot tub deck a more luxurious look and save you more space. However, recessed hot tubs require either a concrete base or a wood structure. This is a more costly installation than the previous two options.
How to Build a Deck for a Hot Tub?
Hot tub deck construction is a big job, so consider consulting a building department or consulting a professional before you begin.
Prepare the Installation Site
Determine where the deck will be installed, then clear the site of sod and vegetation. Dig out, level and compact the soil where you plan to install the hot tub. Keep the ground sloped properly to prevent water from pooling under or around the deck. You will also need to hire an electrician to add or upgrade electrical service to power the hot tub.
2. Foundation
Use a board to mark out the layout lines for the deck, then use a tape measure, level, and plumb bob to find the footing locations. Mark each footing location with nails and tape (spray paint). The footing holes were then excavated to the proper depth and cardboard forms were inserted into the holes and made level. Then fill the forms with concrete and level the top. Wait for the concrete to harden and install the column or beam connection brackets.
3. Laying the Hot Tub Pad
The hot tub must be supported by a 3- to 4-inch thick concrete pad. Identify and mark the corners of the pad just as you would locate the footings. You’ll want to consider the overall height of the hot tub, the height of the deck, and the height difference between the tub and the deck. Spread sand on the ground using concrete blocks, or construct a form and fill it with concrete, then install the pads.
4. Installation of Divider Boards
Determine the height of the deck, subtract the thickness of the board, and draw a horizontal line. Use screws to fix the divider along the horizontal line, avoid placing screws at the joist joints and make sure the screws are strong enough.
5. Installation of Support Posts
Measure from the top of the post bracket to the top of the ledger board and subtract the height of the beam. This length is the length of the support column. You need to make sure the support post matches the footing, square up the post, and screw in the post bracket.
6. Install the Beams
Next, it’s time to install the deck beams. Attach the beams to the post or foundation beam brackets, centering the beams left and right. Make sure each beam is level and completely free of wobble. After confirming that the beams are perpendicular to the dividers, attach the beams to the posts using brackets.
7. Install Deck Joists
Draw vertical lines where the deck joists meet the beams and install the joist hangers along the vertical lines. In general, joist spacing is usually 16 inches for wood decking and 12 inches for composite decking. Where hot tubs are supported, joist spacing for hot tub decks should be smaller.
8. Installation of Baffles
The installation of battens between joists can effectively prevent them from warping and twisting. Installing battens around the perimeter of the deck strengthens the deck and helps support the boards at the edge of the deck. Therefore, battens are very important for hot tub decks.
9. Install Railing Posts
If you are planning to install railing for a composite deck, then you will need to install railing support posts. Use screws or bolts to secure each post to at least two structural members. When securing the posts, use trigger clips to hold them in place.
10. Installing the Deck
It’s time to install the deck boards, before you begin please apply butyl tape to the joists and beams to prevent rot. Install the boards in order from left to right, making sure each end of the boards falls over the deck joists. Keep the deck ends overhanging at the edges for subsequent cuts. After all boards are secured, draw a line with chalk, then use a saw to cut to length and keep the deck spacing consistent. Whenever possible, use hidden fasteners instead of traditional screws for fastening.
11. Install Box Deck Steps (Optional)
A box step is a great option for a hot tub deck because it can be used as a bench or table. However, it is important to note that you need to comply with local building codes. In general, steps should be no taller than 7-3/4 inches and no shorter than 4 inches. The height difference between the tallest step and the shortest step should not exceed 1/4 inch.
Tips for Building a Deck and Hot Tub
Choose Composite Decking for Better Traction
Before the project begins, make sure you choose composite decking that offers more traction because water will inevitably run off the deck when using a hot tub. Choosing a deck that does not provide firm friction will increase the risk of people slipping and falling.
For your hot tub project, it’s worth considering EVODEK’s Boardwalk Decking program. That’s because our Boardwalk Decking composite decking can provide more traction than other products. Our composite decks have a deep textured surface that not only provides aesthetic appeal but also adds extra friction.
Ensure Access to Decks Under Hot Tubs
When building hot tubs on decks, always keep ongoing maintenance in mind. While composite decks require very little maintenance, you still need to clean them regularly. When building above-ground hot tubs, make sure there is an access point under the deck. An access point below the deck allows the homeowner to easily check the electrical system of the hot tub. Adding access points after the hot tub decks project is complete can be costly.
Ensure Adequate Structural Support
In the article above, we recommended that you use a flat concrete slab for your hot tub foundation. This is because in most cases, it can withstand the weight of the hot tub. Placing the hot tub on composite decking requires more work. As mentioned above, you need to calculate the required structural support. Calculating the required structural support will help you with your hot tub deck design and ensure that you don’t have any problems afterward.
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