You have just bought a hot tub, and you cannot wait for it to arrive soon. You are excited and all set to enjoy it to the fullest. But every great plan starts with a foundation, especially your hot tub.
Although it would be easier if a hot tub could sit anywhere and stay fully functional and long-lasting, unfortunately, you cannot just place it onto the grass of your lawn.
Laying a solid and well-made hot tub foundation is a critical first step before you place a permanent hot tub.
When the hot tub foundation is well-thought-out, you’ll enjoy a lasting investment for many more years to come.
In this blog, we will walk you through the top choices for a hot tub foundation and how to make it happen.
Each foundation serves a different purpose and is dependent on your home and garden.
This guide will shed some light on the best hot tub foundation to suit your needs so you can start a good garden soak as soon as possible.
Why Is a Hot Tub Foundation Important?
Before looking at the different options for a hot tub foundation, let’s understand why a firm foundation is important for the safety and health of your investment.
The most significant reason you lie down a hot tub foundation is its weight. Do you know that a standard hot tub filled with water can weigh up to 5000 pounds or even more?
Yes, it is true!
A regular hot tub can hold up to 400 gallons of water, roughly weighing around 3500 pounds. That doesn’t include the added weight of the hot tub itself!
This much weight will naturally be unable to lie evenly on the grass or soft ground. Not only will it sink in, but it will also ruin your property in the process.
Besides the weight, your safety is another reason why it is necessary to install your hot tub on a sturdy foundation. Moreover, a rigid and solid base ensures the longevity and durability of your hot tub.
If you want to enjoy your hot tub for many more years to come, a suitable foundation is critical.
5 Different Hot Tub Foundation Options For Your Hot Tub
Let’s take a look at the 5 hot tub foundation types that will ensure your hot tub is placed properly and looks amazing.
Crushed Gravel
Crushed gravel is quite a popular choice for hot tub foundations, as well as one of the most affordable and versatile materials to work perfectly for all sorts of hot tubs. Moreover, it offers constant drainage, a huge plus point for many hot tub owners.
However, laying a crushed gravel foundation may require more work and effort than the other options available. Moreover, you have to be careful to choose suitable gravel and use it correctly to work flawlessly.
Here are the steps you have to follow to install a gravel foundation for your hot tub:
- Calculate the ground space that your hot tub will take up.
- Mark a specific area in your garden that is large enough to accommodate your hot tub. To be on the safe side, make sure to add in a few extra inches.
- Dig a six-inch-deep pit in the marked area. Be extra careful to keep the bottom as smooth and even as possible.
- Line the end of the pit with landscape cloth.
- Fill in the bottom four inches with medium-grade gravel.
- Top the remaining pit with smaller gravel.
- Rake it until it is leveled up.
Concrete Base
The second option that we will discuss is a concrete foundation, one of the most common foundations for hot tubs. It’s popular for its ability to support hefty weights. Additionally, concrete bases also keep the area nice and clean.
Concrete foundations are a bit more expensive than gravel foundations but are still quite affordable. They are more durable, smoother, have a more even surface, and are long-lasting.
Once you have installed a concrete foundation for your hot tub, you will not have to worry about it anytime soon.
The procedure of installing a concrete base is straightforward and quite similar to establishing a gravel foundation. Here is how to do it:
- Excavate an area that is big enough to accommodate the bottom of your hot tub. You will not have to dig in deep. A four inches deep pit would be enough.
- Now, build a frame inside your excavated area using 2-inch x 4-inch boards.
- Cover the bottom of your pit with around an inch of sand.
- Pour the entire amount of concrete over this sand.
- Level up the wet concrete and then trowel it once it starts to set.
- Make sure not to install your hot tub until the concrete becomes completely dry. This could take around four weeks.
Decking
If you don’t want to go the extra mile or spend more money installing a separate foundation for your hot tub, using your existing deck can be the best option.
Existing decking provides lots of great benefits, including a lovely aesthetic and clean look. Using a built-in deck means your hot tub is convenient and close enough for you to take a dip any time you want.
Keep in mind that not all decks are built strong enough to support the weight of a hot tub. Always get a deck inspection before using it as a hot tub to ensure the wood is in good condition and stable.
Your deck might need some additional framings or other reinforcements so that it supports your hot tub adequately. Therefore, it is best to get the services of a professional.
Your Patio
Another option for an existing hot tub foundation is your patio. Your patio can be the most convenient and comfortable spot for your hot tub! It can add some ambiance to your garden and looks great as it is already a part of your current home design.
However, like decking, you should first ensure that your patio is built strong enough to hold your hot tub sufficiently without imposing any hazard. You must make sure that your patio is level, as even a slight angle will interfere with providing a solid foundation for your tub.
You also need to check if your patio has any damages or cracks. It is best to catch up on the maintenance and repairing of your deck before moving ahead with installing your hot tub over it.
Pavers
Another attractive and economical option for a hot tub foundation is using pavers. Although they are not very durable or strong compared to gravel or concrete, they are very versatile and inexpensive– and they look fabulous!
If you use pavers as a foundation for your hot tub, you will have so many options to choose from. This is because there are many choices available in shape, size, style, and color. So, you can use the one that further adds to the beauty of your space.
However, the installation of pavers can be tricky. The stones must be installed correctly so that they provide enough and proper support to your hot tub. They need to be installed on level ground and work best with hot tubs with a flat bottom. – Prefabricated Foundation
If you don’t want to create a permanent hot tub foundation or dedicate an area of your garden to your hot tub, this is the best option for you. Pre-made or prefabricated foundations are a great hot tub accessory that works as a robust base for your hot tub.
The best feature of a pre-made base is its versatility. It also provides flexibility in location. Even though you can easily use it for outdoor areas, this option is the best choice if you want to set up your hot tub indoors.
With a prefabricated base, you will not have to do any major renovations to your property. These ready-made bases can be a bit expensive as compared to the other options available. Depending on the quality, size, and features, it can cost anywhere between $200 to $1000.
Enjoy Your Hot Tub With Proper Foundation
Installing a hot tub in your home is a fantastic idea as it is enjoyable for everybody! However, to fully enjoy your new hot tub, you must first install the proper desirable hot tub foundation.
All of the options that we have discussed above are great. No matter whichever you choose, the most important thing is to install it with perfection.
And this perfection can be delivered to you by Euphoria Lifestyle. Our hot tub specialists will work with you to ensure that you have just the proper foundation installed for your new tub.
So, contact us today and get the best services for all your hot tub requirements. Let us help you create the perfect retreat within your premises!
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