What is the best base for a hot tub

You may have chosen your new hot tub or you may still be looking to buy. In both cases at some point you will want to choose where the hot tub will sit and you will want to ensure that your site is prepared. Hot tubs are heavy and it is important to ensure the base is solid in order to support the weight. In this guide we will explain the different hot tub base options, how to prepare the ground for your hot tub and some other considerations to make sure your installation goes well and to make sure that your hot tub sits nicely in its new home for many relaxing years to come!

Hot Tub Base Options

Concrete Base

This tends to be a common approach for hot tubs becuase it offers strong support for the weight and also keeps the area nice and clean. Concrete is solid, not overly expensive and is quite easy to lay. If you are worried about how it will look then simply make the pad slighty bigger than the footprint of the hot tub and this will hide the 'concrete' look. You can also add a deck or patio trim around the bottom if there is visible concrete that you find unsightly. 

We recommend a concrete pad that is at least 10cm thick. We also recommend the concrete to be sloped at 1.5cm per 3.5m, this ensures water runs off the pad and prevents pooling. 

Patio, Block Paving and Other Existing Stone Surface

Most patios, block paving and other surfaces are already reinforced and will be able to take the weight of a hot tub placement. If you are unsure then you may need to consult a specialist in this area. The benefit of using an existing area is of course cost saving but there is also a time consideration as less preperation is required. It is worth ensuring the stones are level and also worth ensuring the drainage is ok as you do not want water to pool under the hot tub. 

Decking

Decking is a very popular option for a couple of reasons in our opinion. It looks great and it is nice underfoot when getting in and out the hot tub. One drawback to using decking is longevity as most decking has a short lifespan however with new composites on the market this is less of an issue. Another drawback is vibration/noise from the pump. Decking attached to a house can increase noise and vibration from the spa pump. To alleviate this, look at hot tubs like our Highlife or Limelight range that include silent circulation or also consider the use of Hot Tub Floor Matting to help reduce the impact of vibration.

If you are looking to install a hot tub on decking then you must consider the strength of the support underneath and consult a specialist decking installer. You need more joists to support a hot tub than on a normal deck and you will need to ensure the foundations below are sufficient, whether this is concrete or another type of hardcode. 

Other Bases

Having read the above you will realise the positives and negatives of certain surfaces and some of the factors that you need to consider. As a general rule, as long as drainage is good, the surface is relativley flat, solid and will take the weight of a full hot tub then it should be absolutley fine. 

Here are a few examples of other foundations that we have placed our hot tubs on just to give you an idea of how many options there are!

FAQs

Can a hot tub go on grass?

A hot tub CANNOT sit directly on grass or earth. A hot tub holds too much weight to sit on grass. It will inevitably sink, the environment beneath the hot tub will be wet and untidy and it could lead to rot if you have a wooden framed spa.

Can you put a hot tub on gravel?

A hot tub be placed on gravel as long as it is is thick enough to support the weight of the hot tub and depending on the surface below. If the surface under the gravel is quite solid and the layer is secured by shuttering then it should not be an issue. Larger type shingle is probably better than small pea gravel as it is more solid and will support the spa better. 

Is it easy to move a hot tub once it is down?

A hot tub can weigh 250kg-750kg dry however with the right tools, equipment and labour they can be moved quite easily. If it is a slight nudge then 2 people should be able to do this when it is dry. If you want to move to another location in your garden then it is best to contact a company with the right moving equipment to ensure no damage and/or injury. 

What does a hot tub weigh when full?

As a guide, the largest hot tub in our range, the Hot Spring Limelight Prism weighs a hefty 3085kg when it is full and as a comparison the Freeflow Mini, the smallest hot tub in our range weighs 710kg when full of water. As a very vague guide, an average 5 seater hot tub weighs between 1500kg and 2000kg. Please check with the manufacturer or supplier of the hot tub you are purchasing for the full specification to ensure your base is suitable for the weight. 

Can you sink a hot tub into the ground?

Yes you can sink a hot tub into the ground but if you are sinking a hot tub or partially sinking it then the main considerations are drainage and access to the service panel. If you simply drop a hot tub into a hole with no drainage, there is a risk that the hole could get flooded and this could create danger and damage the hot tub components. You can prevent this by using a sump or other drainage feature within the hole itself. In terms of the access panel, you will need to speak to the hot tub retailer or manufacturer to establish what panel needs access in order to make sure that your hole allows access for service and maintenance.

Can a hot tub be put on a balcony?

Yes a hot tub can be placed on a balcony but only with the correct planning. You will need to consult a structural engineer to ensure your balcony can take the weight of the hot tub, the water and the users.