A hot tub is a conversation piece and a great pool alternative for homeowners without the space or the budget. However, if your home has a deck, installing a hot tub on it will take careful planning, from electrical and plumbing access to structural support.
Keep reading to learn the key considerations and steps for framing a deck to support a hot tub.
Can a Deck Support a Hot Tub?
It is possible for some decks to support a hot tub, but there are a few caveats you should be aware of. A fully loaded hot tub can weigh as much as a small car, and that weight is concentrated in a relatively small area.Â
Consider the specific hot tub you’re looking to install. Does your deck’s load capacity exceed—comfortably—the tub’s full weight? If you’d need to rework your deck, would the costs to you be reasonable? And would it be easy to route electricity and plumbing to the tub?
If your answer to all three questions is yes, then it’s possible to add a hot tub without too many modifications. However, that represents a small minority of homeowners, and a standard deck won’t be enough to bear the load safely.
What Deck Can Support a Hot Tub?
The ideal deck for a hot tub is one specifically designed and built for that purpose.
An outright concrete slab is arguably the best option, capable of supporting even the heaviest hot tubs. However, if you want to set the tub on a wooden deck, you’ll probably need to have some modifications done. Reinforced framing, closer joists, thicker decking boards, and extra footings and support posts can make a big difference in how much weight the deck can support.
Generally speaking, it’s best to consult with a structural engineer or experienced deck builder to make sure your deck’s design can safely accommodate the specific hot tub you want. They can also recommend specific ways to improve the framing for more weight capacity.
Hot Tub Deck Framing: What to Keep In Mind
Here’s a list of all of the important elements of your hot tub’s deck framing. You’ll need to adjust these, or at least check that they’ll be alright for the tub’s needs.
- Tub size: The hot tub’s size is the starting point for all other decisions. Some models are simple and relatively lightweight, while others are heavy but luxurious. You should choose the tub you want early in the planning process, since changing models mid-construction can be costly and complicated to replan for.
- Deck load: You have two options depending on the space you have on and around your deck. One is to have your hot tub on a concrete slab and build a deck around it. The other is to install the hot tub directly on the deck with structural adjustments.
- Deck height: Your deck’s height should allow for safe entry and exit to and from the hot tub. Some decks have the same height as the hot tub, but this isn’t the best decision since it increases fall risk. It’s better to keep 18 to 24 inches of the hot tub above the deck’s surface.
- Electrical wiring: Without a power source, your hot tub would be nothing more than an overpriced kiddie pool. You’ll need an electrician to install the wiring necessary for its pumps, heaters, and controls. You’ll also need to install GFCI outlets that automatically cut power to the hot tub in case of a short.
- Plumbing: You’ll need to set up plumbing separately from your electrical connections so the two don’t come into contact with each other. Water going to and from your hot tub should also follow the typical standards for safety and code compliance.
- Repair and maintenance access: Every hot tub, no matter how expensive, will need service or repairs at some point down the line. You should design your deck for easy access to the tub’s motor, electrics, plumbing, and other internals.
- Privacy: Install your hot tub somewhere that’s hidden well away from neighbors but doesn’t compromise your ability to enjoy the open air. If that’s a tall order for your deck’s location and layout, you can use privacy screens and other similar pieces of furniture to get the same effect.
- Cost: Specific pricing for your hot tub will vary widely depending on your contractor, supplier, and specific framing design. Therefore, we can’t provide any specific numbers. However, you should look into as many possible options as you can so you have a full picture of your hot tub project’s financials.
How to Prepare Your Deck For a Hot Tub
Now that you know all the considerations you need to make, here’s the basic process for how to get your deck ready for a hot tub. Of course, every deck is different, and you probably won’t follow these steps to the letter.
1. Cordon Off Space For Your Hot Tub
Let’s say you’ve already chosen the specific hot tub you want to install. You’ll need to clear out its designated area well before it arrives. Doing this step early can help you visualize the space and keep measurements more accurate.
2. Prepare Structural Support
Depending on what supports you want or need, this step may involve a number of things, such as:
- Pouring concrete slabs
- Installing extra support beams and joists
- Adding extra footings or support posts
Unless your deck is already built to support a hot tub in the first place, you should make a new and separate platform for the hot tub since the weight far exceeds most decks’ standard load-bearing capacity.Â
A structural engineer should also be involved in this step to make sure everything goes in the proper spots.
3. Install Wiring And Plumbing
Once the structural support is in place, it’s time to run the necessary wiring and plumbing to the new platform. Licensed plumbers and electricians should handle the task of installing GFCIs, running filling and drainage lines, and waterproofing each connection for safety. Remember: electricity and water do not mix well together.
4. Install The Hot Tub
With the structure, power, and water in place, the hot tub should come in at the end of the process. Once the crew makes all the necessary connections, they should test each of the tub’s features to make sure the experience is seamless for you.
5. Finish the Surrounding Deck
Some projects involve a little finishing work after the hot tub is in place. You might install some more decking boards, add railings, place a canopy, or even build a gazebo or enclosed structure. Steps up to the tub that make access simpler are also a good idea.
