Raymond WhitneyA backyard hot tub can be a tranquil haven where you can unwind and unwind.
Consider the weight and size of the tub before deciding where to place it.
According to the size and construction material of the hot tub, it can weigh anywhere from just under 100 pounds to more than 1000 pounds.
Before water is added, a hot tub typically weighs 500 pounds.
Filling the same 500-pound hot tub will result in a total weight of nearly 3000 pounds.
We’ll talk about how the weight of the hot tub, the water, and the people using it affects the installation process in this article.
For those of you considering purchasing a hot tub, we’ll go over the various sizes currently on the market.
There Is No One Hot Tub Weight
The weight of a hot tub will vary depending on a variety of factors, so let’s examine what causes these discrepancies:
The Composition of the Hot Tub Affects Weight
The type of material used in the construction of a hot tub will have an impact on its overall quality, price, and weight.
Most hot tubs are constructed of one or more materials.
Examples of how different materials affect weight are provided below to give you an idea of how they differ.
Based on a four-person midsize hot tub, these weights will increase or decrease based on the size of the tub you purchase.
Size
A hot tub’s weight is directly related to its size.
Customers can choose from a variety of hot tub designs to fit their needs.
It is common for hot tubs to come in a variety of sizes, from small to large.
Two factors are used to determine this:
- The maximum number of people it can accommodate
- For the tub’s dimensions, see
Number of Occupants
Here is a breakdown of hot tub sizes and the maximum number of people they can hold:
- Small Hot Tub – 2 to 4 people
- Midsize Hot Tub – 5 to 7 people
- Large Hot Tub – 8 people or more
Hot Tub Dimensions
You can tell if you have enough room inside or outside your home to install a hot tub by examining its various dimensions.
The average weight of these sizes of hot tubs, excluding plastic blow-up models, is shown in the chart below.
Don’t Forget to Figure in the Water Weight
Be certain that the area where you intend to put the tub has enough structural integrity to support its weight of it when it is filled with water after deciding on its size and material.
In just a moment, we’ll talk about water weight in greater depth.
What Type of Foundation is Best to Support a Hot Tub?
Types of Hot Tub Foundations
We know that hot tubs can weigh over 3000 lbs when they are filled with water.
This does not take into account the weight of the hot tub’s occupants.
When purchasing a four-person hot tub, make sure to account for the combined weight of the four people who will be using it.
In order to prevent the hot tub from sinking into the ground or damaging a foundation that is not strong enough to support it, some form of support will be required.
It may be best to use a concrete slab to support the weight of a hot tub.
Concrete should be at least four inches thick, and a six-inch base material should be placed beneath it.
Make sure your contractor is aware if you plan to add anything other than a hot tub to the slab, as the thickness of the concrete may need to be thickened.
Pavers Bricks
A hot tub can also be supported by paver bricks or concrete.
The six-inch base material is also needed to help support the pavers.
Materials that can be used as a starting point include:
- Sand
- Pea gravel
- Crushed rock
The hot tub can be installed without the paver bricks over the gravel in some cases.
Decking
Hot tubs can also be supported on a deck when concrete is not an option.
Most decks built less than two feet above the ground can support a hot tub without difficulty.
However, the decking can become unstable as you go higher.
The higher the deck is built, the more it needs to be reinforced.
Maintaining a safe area for a full hot tub requires the help of a professional.
Spa Pad
A hot tub is supported by a spa pad, which is made up of interlocking plastic squares.
For the most part, you can find them in stores that also sell hot tubs.
They are built to withstand at least 100 pounds per square foot of weight.
How Much Weight Does Water Add to a Hot Tub?
Figuring In Water Weight
Hot tub weights can vary greatly depending on the size and materials used to build them.
Observe how the weight changes when water is added to the equation.
This is critical because of the dramatic weight gain that occurs when the hot tub is filled with water.
The final weight of the hot tub with water must be taken into account when calculating the amount of support it will require. Each gallon of water weighs 8.34 lbs.
This explains why adding water to a hot tub increases its weight significantly.
Of course, the larger the hot tub’s dimensions, the more water it will take to fill it, and the heavier it will be.
The chart below shows how much a hot tub weighs after it has been filled with water.
Is a Crane Required When Installing a Hot Tub?
Installing a hot tub in the backyard typically does not necessitate the use of a crane.
A hot tub cart is used by companies that sell and install hot tubs to transport them to the installation site.
There are times when a hot tub cart isn’t the best option and a crane is the better option.
It may be necessary to use a crane if the soil is too wet or if there is not enough room for the cart to move outside.
When a crane service is needed, the cost of the installation is usually tacked on.
How to Calculate the Weight of a Hot Tub
- Manual: With the dry weight, water capacity, and other specifications provided by the manufacturer, most hot tubs come with a manual.
- Manufacturer’s Website: If you’re looking for specifics, you can always do a search on the manufacturer’s website. If you know the model number, you can get a PDF copy of the manual by searching for it online.
- Calculate: A hot tub’s water capacity and its dry weight can be used to figure out how much it weighs when filled with water. Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon. Add the hot tub’s dry weight to the water capacity (gal) to arrive at the hot tub’s maximum weight capacity.
Conclusion
It is possible to find hot tubs in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
The weight of a hot tub is determined by the material it is made of, the water it contains, the weight of its occupants, and the unit’s size.
As soon as you’ve decided on a size for your hot tub, you can begin looking into whether it’s possible to get it installed.
A hot tub addition involves many considerations, as you can see.
Consider the weight and size of the hot tub before making a purchase.
If you’re planning on installing a hot tub, it’s best to have a professional inspect the area first.
