Raymond WhitneyTo begin, we have to make sure that we take into account how much the hot tub weighs. The actual hot tub and its framework are both relatively lightweight when there is no water or anyone inside of them.
The majority of hot tubs are constructed out of lightweight materials such as fiberglass or acrylic, both of which are easily relocated due to their low weight.
This leads individuals to believe that their hot tub does not require as much of a robust base as it might otherwise, given that it is not as weighty as one may expect it to be.
However, when you factor in plenty of water and the number of people, the weight of the hot tub increases by a significant amount.
Because of this, it is imperative that the hot tub be placed on a sturdy base in order to prevent it from toppling over.
Why Gravel?
To begin, we have to make sure that we take into account how much the hot tub weighs. The actual hot tub and its framework are both relatively lightweight when there is no water or anyone inside of them.
The majority of hot tubs are constructed out of lightweight materials such as fiberglass or acrylic, both of which are easily relocated due to their low weight.
This leads individuals to believe that their hot tub does not require as much of a robust base as it might otherwise, given that it is not as weighty as one may expect it to be. However, when you factor in plenty of water and the number of people, the weight of the hot tub increases by a significant amount.
Because of this, it is imperative that the hot tub be placed on a sturdy base in order to prevent it from toppling over.
Alternatives for the Location of the Hot Tub
- Patio or deck. This is almost often the recommended location for the installation of hot tubs. It will be the focal point of any parties that take place, not just because it is practical but also because it looks fantastic on the deck. When setting something on a deck or patio, you need to take into account the weight of the item and ensure that the surface can adequately support it; otherwise, you run the risk of causing damage to the structure.
- Flat surface. Do you have a patch of grass in the backyard that I can sit in? Maybe just dirt? The weight of the hot tub can actually cause the ground to sink or move over a lengthy period of time, which can cause damage to both the hot tub and the earth. While this may seem like a reasonable option at first, it actually causes harm to both the hot tub and the ground.
- Concrete. Concrete is an alternative that should be considered. The installation of a slab of concrete in the backyard for use with your hot tub is not overly difficult or expensive and can be done with relative ease. It is exceptionally durable and is able to sustain even the largest and heaviest of hot tubs.
- Pad for support in a hot tub. There are firms out there that have designed and manufactured pads specifically for the purpose of supporting hot tubs. It goes without saying that this is a great choice, but the aesthetic elements that a person is wanting to add to their backyard could not be met by this option.
Gravel is the Best Option
Gravel is the ideal option for positioning a hot tub, despite the fact that concrete is, without a doubt, the one that ranks in second place. Here are a few of the reasons why:
- Gravel’s drainage properties make it an ideal substrate for a hot tub. Drainage is inhibited by the use of alternative placement materials. Water from the hot tub can be easily drained onto the gravel. In the event that you need to, you can also drain your hot tub into your pool.
- Gravel may be used in almost any garden and still look excellent. It goes well with many different styles of outdoor spaces.
- Installation is simple using gravel. Gravel, in contrast to other solutions that can take more time and work to install, can be put in place in a matter of hours.
- Gravel, in contrast to concrete, will not eventually break. This is because gravel facilitates extensive drainage, as opposed to simply sitting on the top. If too much water is left on the surface of concrete, cracks will form over time.
- Because of the numerous little particles that comprise a gravel basis, gravel is not susceptible to shifting over time in the same way that other materials can be.
- Gravel will compress to the shape of your hot tub, preventing it from shifting or becoming unsteady. The gravel compacts to provide a level surface upon which to sit.
- Plus, gravel doesn’t break the bank. It’s one of the more reasonably priced alternatives for bases, yet it’s still strong and stable enough to support even the heaviest hot tubs.
How to Install a Gravel Hot Tub Base
Is a gravel pad for your spa in the plans? Wonderful option, however setting it up properly requires some expertise. Here is a detailed description of how to lay a gravel pad for your hot tub:
- Know how big your hot tub is. Get precise dimensions of the spa by measuring it. If you want to use gravel for drainage and aesthetics, you’ll need a few extra feet of space around the hot tub.
- Locate a suitable spot in the backyard for the hot tub. Use spray paint, a can of paint, markers, etc. to make ground-level measurements. Mark off clear boundaries.
- In order to make way for the gravel layers, excavation work must now commence. Dig down at least 6 inches with the shovel.
- In order to prevent soil erosion, landscaping fabric can be used as a lining for the bottom of your hole. This is not required, but it can help prevent weeds from growing in the gravel.
- Put gravel back into the hole you dug. Some folks may want to use pea gravel as a finishing layer on top of the medium-grade construction gravel used to fill the hole. The choice is entirely yours. Determine which wheelbarrow is ideal for this task.
- You need only 4 inches of medium-grade construction gravel if you choose the pea gravel option. Pea gravel, to a depth of two inches, will be used to complete the fill.
- Apply some pressure with your shovel and level the ground. In order to guarantee that the hot tub is sitting on a perfectly even surface, you need lay down a gravel base and carefully adjust each corner stone until it is flat and aligned.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Always work on a perfectly level area when laying a gravel foundation. If you try to build your hot tub’s foundation on uneven ground, it could be damaged or fail to function as intended. The foundation of your hot tub should be on a flat, even surface.
- It’s true that gravel used in building projects doesn’t exactly appeal to the senses. You can fill your entire base with this gravel if you choose, but you don’t have to. The top of the pit can be filled with pea gravel or similarly refined gravel for a more aesthetically pleasing setting for your hot tub and backyard.
- Dig a hole deep enough for a 6-inch base, but no deeper. Inadequate gravel might cause drainage problems. The hot tub base could become damaged over time if too much gravel is used.
- Also, even if you choose a hot tub with a gazebo, there needs to be adequate space around it for water to drain. It’s important to have room to exit the hot tub and take a few steps back to the yard, deck, or patio.
- Before setting up a hot tub, make sure the area where it will sit on the gravel is totally flat and level. Make sure there are no high spots by carefully shoveling them down.
Conclusion
While the acquisition of a hot tub is certainly caused for celebration, the question of where to install it can prove to be a formidable obstacle. A hot tub’s high water pressure and weight necessitate a sturdy foundation.
Put your hot tub wherever you like, even on gravel. Before putting the hot tub on top of the gravel, make sure it is level and at least 6 inches deep.
