Most homeowners want their decks to be the coziest and most chilled places. It is the perfect spot for outdoor hosting, basking as you read a book, watching the sunrise or sunset, or enjoying nature’s beauty if your deck has a good view.
You might even contemplate taking the coziness of your deck by adding a deck.
But is it possible to add a hot tub to your deck? The answer is yes; you can add a hot tub to a deck. However, it would help if you considered aspects such as the hot tub’s size and weight relative to your deck’s strength and age.
- It’s possible to install a hot tub on a deck. However, it is vital to consider your deck’s load-bearing capacity and size.
- A deck’s load-bearing capacity is determined by footing size, soil type, joist spacing, and joist overhang.
- Other factors to consider when installing a hot tub on a deck are the project’s cost, privacy, water and electricity access, and the age of the existing materials on your deck.
- Engaging a structural engineer when installing a hot tub on a deck is crucial to assess its structural integrity and advise how it can be reinforced.
- The installation styles for a deck hot tub are recessed, ground-level, and above-ground hot tubs, and the choice of the installation style depends on preference, the weight-bearing capacity of a deck, and the deck’s layout.
This article discusses the factors to consider when installing a hot tub on your deck. We also discuss the types of hot tubs to consider for a deck.
Factors To Consider When Installing a Hot Tub on a Deck
Here are essential considerations when installing a hot tub on a deck.
1. The Hot Tub’s Weight
Most decks can handle 50 pounds weight per square foot. However, such decks may not support all hot tubs, and you may have to reinforce the deck to handle the hot tub’s weight.
However, if your deck’s load-bearing capacity is 100 pounds per square foot, it can handle almost any bathtub.
A deck’s load-bearing capacity is determined by footing size, soil type, joist spacing, and joist overhang. For example, when determining whether the deck can support a hot tub, you can calculate the total weight of the tub when it has water and a maximum number of occupants.
Afterward, divide the tub’s weight by the deck’s total square footage.
If the result is less than 50, the deck cannot hold the hot tub. However, if the resulting figure is more than 50, the deck may be ideal for installing the hot tub.
While this method can give you a rough idea of your deck’s capacity to hold a hot tub, it is best to engage a structural engineer in such a project to get an accurate picture of your deck’s structural integrity.
2. The Size of the Deck
While your desire might be for a six-occupant hot tub, the size of your deck might only allow for a three-occupant tub. It is best to take measurements of your deck when shopping for a hot tub to determine if it would fit in the deck.
It is also vital to assess how bringing in a hot tub will affect the layout of the furniture on the deck, the entrances to the house, and the overall traffic on the deck.
3. Proximity of the Deck to a Water Source
Without a doubt, you’ll need water for the hot tub, and you’ll also need to drain it occasionally. But first, you must assess whether you have a tap or fixture that will provide water to fill the tab and if it’s within an accessible distance where you can attach a hose.
Establishing where you’ll drain the water when it’s due for a change would be best.
If unavailable, it is best to factor in the time and cost of fixing the tap and drainage system.
4. Cost of the Project
The hot tub cost is usually just the tip of the iceberg. Other costs, such as adding structural support, installing electrical wiring, and putting up the water source and drainage system, also come into play.
Sometimes, you may also have to hire a crane to lift the hot tub from the delivery vehicle onto your deck, especially if you’re installing it on the second floor of your home.
You may also have to refinish the deck with a waterproof stain to prevent water damage. Again, it is best to factor in these extra costs of the project so you can prepare your finances.
5. The Age of the Materials on the Deck
As the deck ages, its structural integrity will reduce due to the rotting and weathering of some deck boards. A deteriorated deck cannot safely support the weight of a hot tub.
While you might not need to replace it entirely, you may change the deck boards and add a few more beams for reinforcement.
In addition to wearing out, some older deck designs might need enhancement because they do not comply with the deck building code.
6. Access to a Power Source
A hot tub requires a reliable power source for its heater, pump, and filter. Therefore, it is best to hire a reputable electrician to do the wiring for the hot tub.
7. Privacy
As you plan on where to position the hot tub, it is vital to consider privacy. Assess whether the deck is too accessible to pets, children, or nosy neighbors who might distract your relaxation time.
Evaluate what your choices are for enhancing the tub’s privacy.
Installation Styles for Hot Tubs on a Deck
Installing a hot tub on a deck is a complex process that requires you to engage an installation professionally and seek the advice of a structural engineer. Doing this will be vital in avoiding common hot tub accidents.
There are three styles to choose from when installing a hot tub on a deck. The style choice depends mainly on your deck’s configuration and load-bearing capacity. Here are the installation styles:
1. Recessed
This style is for people who don’t like the look of a hot tub sitting on top of a deck or if an elevated deck cannot support the tub’s weight. The installation contractor cuts out a segment of the deck and then constructs a solid footing underneath it, such as a concrete slab where the hot tub will sit.
This gives the hot tub an in-ground, stylish, and luxurious look. However, the installation team must leave room for the hot tub cover and access to the hot tub’s service panels.
2. Above-Ground
For this style of hot tub installation, all the weight of the tub sits on the deck’s surface. Therefore, this style requires you to reinforce the deck to handle the tub’s weight safely.
3. Ground-Level
This hot tub installation style combines elements of both recessed and above-ground styles. It is ideal for decks with weird configurations that cannot support a hot tub’s weight. It is installed in the same as a sunken hot tub. However, while a sunken hot tub is sunk fully into the deck, the ground-level hot tub is sunk partially.
Conclusion
There you have it; installing a hot tub on a deck is possible. However, it is vital to consider the load-bearing capacity and size of your deck, the project’s cost, privacy, access to water and electricity, and the age of the existing materials on your deck.
In addition, it is vital to engage a structural engineer to assess the structural integrity of your deck before installing a hot tub.
You can create the perfect spot for relaxing after a long day or week by making the right considerations and engaging a professional hot tub installation team. Adding a hot tub to your deck might increase your property’s resale price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Reinforce My Deck To Hold the Weight of a Hot Tub?
You can add beams between existing beams and more joists between the existing ones. Also, consider adding concreted deck footings below the deck’s surface.
Additionally, consider adding ledger board fasteners to the current deck ledger.
Do I Need a Permit When Installing a Hot Tub on My Deck?
Depending on your local municipality, you may have to obtain a permit before installing a hot tub on your deck.
Most city municipalities will require that you adhere to the local electrical and plumbing codes and that the tub has a safety barrier, especially for tubs more than two feet deep. You must check with your local authorities before starting your project.
Can Installing a Hot Tub Ruin a Wooden Deck, and How Can You Prevent Such Damage?
If a deck cannot bear a hot tub’s weight and no reinforcement has been added, the tub can damage the deck.
Also, the wood on the floor may start to warp due to the constant splashing of water from the hot tub. Finally, it would help if you adequately reinforced the deck to handle the hot tub’s weight.
Also, it is important to refinish the seal on a wooden deck to prevent water damage.
