July 2020. This is one way that my engineer provided to reinforce my deck for my spa. Our first step was to knock out the nailed in blocks so we could add the additional beams to the deck. Now add a hot tub and you have a recipe for disaster without taking the proper steps to reinforce the deck structure to handle the added weight. Always hire a professional contractor to build your deck and follow all applicable codes and regulations. Having a deck in the backyard for parties, grilling, and that occasional family get-together is part of the stereotypical American dream. Unfortunately, plopping your hot tub directly on the grass would be a massive mistake. The Spa Guy Gives general Information on How to Reinforce a Deck to keep the deck from sagging or even falling. I have a five person Gatsby spa. How? I'm going to put a hot tub on the deck, on one end. Weight of the spa (empty) = 800 lbs. Copyright © 2021 INYOpools All rights reserved. Thanks! For demonstration purposes only. That’s about the size of a small pick-up truck. Concrete/cement. We then fastened the two joists together using three 2 1/2" deck screws every 2 feet. The edges of decks are more susceptible to bounce because there is an increased likelihood that people will gravitate to the edges of decks and the weight is less evenly distributed across the frame. How much weight can my deck support? And unless a structural engineer is at your home looking at exactly what it is you are planning to do, no single answer or response in this forum can be any more than a helpful suggestion to point you in the right direction. How to reinforce your deck for a spa/hot tub. It's easy to do. This was to help support the weight of the new spa. by Bob I have an 12x24ft deck,5/4 decking with 2x8 floor joists 16oc. He also recommended to add additional Ledger board fasteners to the ledger. Reinforce Deck For Hot Tub - Deck covers are especially ideal for entertaining! Also there is a risk of a freestanding deck folding like an accordion if it shifts at all with all that weight so anchoring it to the brick basement foundation would be for sure needed as well as lots of solid angled cross bracing under the deck. Using the values above, use the following formula to calculate the weight a hot tub will put on your deck: [Weight of Hot Tub + (Number of Gallons of Water x 8.34 lbs) + (Number of People Spa Can Seat x 185 lbs)] / # of Square Feet = Pounds Per Square Foot Here’s a link to a hot tub we’ll use as an example in the formula. Whether the hot tub deck is freestanding or attached, measure the area you want it to cover carefully so that you can purchase appropriate materials. My deck only had one fastener on the ledger (this is one area where it was under code). This is going to be the best reinforcement choice for the hot tub; It is recommended that you place the spa 10 to 12 inches above the decking to allow easy access in and out; Don’t forget to leave an accessible entrance to the hot tub for any needed repairs. Join in and write your own page! 3. We next placed a new joist butt up against the existing joist. We added an additional 4 fasteners to each area between the deck joists. This "How to Guide" is to show one possibility of reinforcing your deck so that it can properly support the added weight from your spa or hot tub. Step 3. I am about to undertake the same project. When you are deciding where to place a deck for a hot tub, remember that you will need to be able to access a water and electricity supply. I am looking to install privacy screens on my concrete patio. She would like it to be as high as possible, with.  Posted: 9/3/2013, Anonymous If you are building a deck, be sure to have the hot tub in the plans so that the initial construction work is sufficient. The first step is to talk to an engineer. Add that number to the previous total = … 2. 10. I used your DECK LOAD calculator (excellent tool by the way)to add more support piers. Hi, I will be putting a 5200 pound (with water, people, etc.) or doubling up the joists and going up the joists and go 16"o.c.? How? Deck reinforced. The hot tub is placed on the ground and the deck is built around it. But if you want to go the post and cement footing route, Beaulieu recommends consulting a professional to … Check with local building code to determine spacing requirements for posts. The eight-person hot tub, which has 72 jets, is filled with 490 gallons of water. Step 4. If you add cinder blocks make sure to put them on a flat stone base so they don't sink into the ground. I also want want to add more floor joists in the hot tub area. If you place your tub in the center of the deck you would have to add another beam between the two existing beams and make sure you have the correct number of footings under all three beams directly under the hot tub. Here, we’ll show you four fantastic hot tub base and foundation ideas, so you can enjoy your hot tub to the fullest: 1. How to Reinforce a Deck for a Spa / Hot Tub. We get this question a lot. The spa filled has 320 gallons or 2672 lbs. Hot Tub on Deck Considerations Weight of the Hot Tub. I just want to put up two 6x6 posts with Titan Wood Post Anchors, either 35 or 70 apart, I am building a 10'x12'deck (not attached to a ledger board). Dig holes for the cement footers that will support the hot tub. I used your DECK LOAD calculator (excellent tool by the way)to add more support piers. # of gallons of water (525) x 8.34 lbs (how much a gallon weighs) = 4,378.50. After adding a spa, plus water, plus people in the hot tub you can add around 6000 lbs to your deck. Build a Solid Deck Base to Support The Hot Tub Weight When it comes to structural support, the safest bet is a solid base independent of the deck. If the deck level is higher than the top of the hot tub, or the deck is built on uneven ground, the hot tub is placed on top of the deck. How has this worked for you? If 7 people sit in my hot tub that is an additional 1050 lbs. It is very simple and you can buy the materials at your local lumber yard. Just because you have a small hot tub doesn’t mean you don’t need a deck. After adding a spa, plus water, plus people in the hot tub you can add around 6000 lbs to your deck. Also, can you tell me how that is working for you and if you needed to do anything else?? Saved by Tara Volesky. This may require hiring an engineer to check things out and to reinforce the deck. … My engineer informed me that my current deck needed more support even before adding a spa or hot tub. Tall Decks and Hot Tubs. The deck is on concrete footings. All Rights Reserved. That is a total of 4,322 lbs. Unless you want to reinforce the entire deck, you just need to pick out a site where you want to put your tub and reinforce that part. Many people like to install their hot tub on a deck, and depending how high that deck is off the ground, you may be risking a catastrophe and injury. My plan was to pour concrete footings, then run doubled up 2x8 beams setting on the footings, My wife is a stroke victim, and she wants this deck to be as easy as possible for her to walk out on. How To Reinforce A Deck For A Hot Tub Estimating the Deck Load. Check local building codes to see what you are allowed to do. Step 5. Step 1. Since there is a need for close attention to the structural details, you … Hot Tub Cover Covered Decks Landscape Design Porch Ideas Fire Pits Yard Bts Patio Campfires. If you’re installing a hot tub on a pre-existing deck without professional help, you’re asking for trouble. Also, dig …  Posted: 7/21/2019, InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Figure 1 - Hot tub on raised deck. I have a deck that is low to the ground, but am wondering if I need to add cinder blocks for support or not. I also want want to add more floor joists in the hot tub area.What would be stronger; using 8"o.c. If you are planning to have your hot tub on a deck that adjoins your property, you may need permission from your local planning authority. It weighs more my truck. Decking. Install a concrete slab for the hot tub platform. The blocks needed to be modified due to the addition of the joist. (average 150 lbs). Maybe I need to double up my joists too - mine are 16" on center 2x10s. There’s no universal answer for this as each hot tub is slightly different. Install the piers in the holes. This is hard hard work.  Posted: 3/4/2020. I dont think you need to do anything, instructions for how to enable JavaScript in your web browser, Please click here to view our How To Install and Set up Your Hot Tub or Spa Guide, Please click here to view our Leisure Time Spa Chemicals, How to Reinforce a Deck for a Spa / Hot Tub. Hot Tub Weight. Before you pick a site on the deck, ensure the site is close … # people (8) x 175 (average weight of user) = 1,400 lbs. I just wanted to run these initial thoughts past the group. The Michael Phelps Legend Series LSX 900 is one of the largest hot tubs by Master Spas. Each fastener was 3 - 5/8" long. Any suggestions? Don’t become a headline.  Posted: 9/2/2013, Anonymous (8.35 lbs / gallon). We then added ledger board fasteners to the existing deck ledger. There is actually a specific formula that can help you determine the weight of your spa, and whether your deck is supported enough to hold it: [Weight of Hot Tub + (Number of Gallons of Water in Your Tub x 8.34lbs) + (Number of Total People Hot Tub Can Seat x 175lbs)] / Number of Total Square Feet of Your Tub = Your Pounds Per Square Foot hot tub on my existing 12’ by 30’ deck (circa 1990). Please keep in mind that there are many different decks and different ways to support your deck. My spa started off at 600 lbs. A friend of mine is in a rental property and suggested improvements be made to the deck during a remodel and that the landlord “reinforce” the deck for a hottub. The hot tub or spa may be sitting fully on the deck, or it may have been recessed into the deck, as shown in Figure 1, but either way, the deck structure and its foundation is supporting the weight. © 2004-2019 Decksgo.com. Join in and write your own page! So buckle up — I’m going to unpack it for you and give you the information you need to see whether your deck can support a hot tub. Fiberon – Decks and hot tubs: What you need to know before you build […] snarky says: March 31, 2018 at 10:32 pm . Using 12” on center joist spacing will strengthen the frame throughout the deck. I also hired carpenters to come out and make sure the job was done correctly. Strengthening a Deck For a Hot Tub. My engineer recommended to add an additional joist to each of the existing joist on the deck where the spa would be sitting. I would double your joists and add extra footing supports. Adding joists will help distribute the weight for the addition of a spa. The first step is to talk to an engineer. Importance of Expert Guidance. When you add a spa or hot tub to a deck you are adding a lot of weight. I know I need to reinforce the deck. When it’s full, the hot tub weighs nearly 7,100 pounds. We held the joist in place with a clamp before fastening them together. Building and reinforcing a wood frame deck to support a hot tub has got to be one of the most common challenge a homeowner faces. Simply click here to return to Pools and Hot Tubs Forum. The perimeter is also where rails are attached to the deck frame. Privacy Screens -How High Can I Go With Titan Wood Post Anchor? Before you start using your hot tub, it’s absolutely crucial that you give it a sturdy base. It's easy to do. The area under the hot tub should be framed as a separate system, with its own footings. First, decide on where you want to place the inflatable tub. Total height of low level ground level deck. decking support - Reinforced deck is working great- three years now. Next additional joist hangers were placed on the house side to give more support between the joist and the ledger. I would however place two beams under the hot tub area supported on 6x6 posts sitting on concrete footers. Thank you for this information. Add those 2 numbers = 5,178.50. Will my deck support a hottub building construction diy how to build a hot tub platform with pictures wikihow platform deck with material list step by instructions hot reinforcing deck to support hot tub ton lawns unlimited coleman hot tub review. Dig Holes for the Footers. Simply click here to return to. While aluminum deck covers are appealing and simple to wash, they are pricey and can dent. First, we need to figure out exactly how much the hot tub will weigh. 2x10? In reality, When you put in a beautiful, custom made deck cover to your house, you're making an investment in the whole value of your dwelling. Please feel free to comment about your experience with your spa or hot tub.Please click here to view our How To Install and Set up Your Hot Tub or Spa Guide, Terry Haney Collect Your Materials. I have an 12x24ft deck,5/4 decking with 2x8 floor joists 16oc.I'm going to put a hot tub on the deck, on one end. If your deck is more than 2 feet off the ground and/or you know eventually you want a full-sized hot tub, it’s a good idea to go ahead and reinforce your deck. Better to have that extra support and not need it, rather than the other way around. We finally nailed the blocks we took out back in place. If you decide to install your hot tub on an elevated deck you will need to be sure the deck is structurally sound and able to support the tub. The size of your hot tub will determine the length of the 4x4s that you mount … Step 2. Gravel. The tops of piers have ridges cast into them to stop the joists they … Small Hot Tub Decks. How to reinforce a deck for a hot tub. 4. 6000 lbs to your deck fastening them together installing a hot tub, which has 72 jets, filled... Not need it, rather than the other way around how to reinforce a deck for a hot tub to your deck LOAD calculator ( excellent by... 2672 lbs, the hot tub platform 320 gallons or 2672 lbs the.. 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