Are you planning a new deck and considering installing a spa or hot tub on it? There are few things in the world that are more refreshing than being able to step into a spa in your new outdoor living space! While we could spend some time on the wellness benefits of a new spa (there are many!), the purpose of this article is to outline the things for you to take into consideration as you go through the planning and design process.
Select your Spa/Hot Tub First
Before you start designing your deck project, we recommend taking the time to choose which spa you are going to purchase. Why does it matter? Your deck must be designed and built based on how large and heavy your spa is going to be. More about this in a moment. Here are some steps to take when looking for your perfect spa.
-Research which manufacturer is best. There are many brands to choose from and you will want to decide which one is right for you. What is your reason for wanting a spa? Which features are important to you? Is price or quality more important? Are there differences in the time and cost of maintenance among brands?
-Personally visit reputable dealers. Don’t just research online; take the time to meet dealers and see their products in person.
-Be sure to get information about what it will take to have your spa delivered to your new deck. What will it cost? What will it require from you?
Structural Support
Concrete slabs are structurally best for your new spa. Most spas can be installed on a 3 ½” – 4” concrete slab, although larger spas may need a thicker slab. If your slab will be underneath your new deck, it should be poured at the same time as your deck footings.
If you prefer to have your spa installed on top of your new deck, your contractor (if you have one) will be able to help calculate the structural needs of your deck based on the weight of your spa. How do you calculate the necessary structural weight? Add up the dry weight of your spa + its water capacity (1 gallon of water is roughly 8.3lbs) + the number of occupants multiplied by the average weight per person (185 lbs).
Here is an example from Fiberondecking.com (sourced from jlconline.com):
-A 56-sq ft hot tub with a dry weight of 855 lbs. can hold 420 gallons of water and seat 6-7 people (average weight per person = 185 lbs.).
-855 lb. tub + 3500 lbs. water + 1295 lbs. for 7 occupants = 5655 lbs. total weight
-5655 lbs. divided by 56-sq ft. = 101 lbs. per square foot = design load the framing must be able to support
If your deck will be high in the air, your contractor will be required to get engineer approved plans for the structure of your deck. If your deck will be closer to the ground, your contractor will be able to use beam design charts, a calculator, or other software to determine the correct structural plan for your deck.
Design Your Deck Around Your Spa
Now it’s time to design the layout of your deck and all the features you will want to include! Here are some things to keep in mind while you determine your design.
-You will want to have plenty of room around your spa to lift the cover and make sure that it can function properly for adequate airflow.
-Consider the flow of traffic around your spa. Will there by many people using it or just a couple? Will you want built in seating around your spa area?
-Orient your spa in relation to the elements. Will you want your spa to be under roof? Will you want your spa close to a door with a short distance back into the house (think freezing temperatures)?
-Is privacy important to you? Will you want privacy screen or privacy wall built into your deck?
-You will want to have adequate lighting for getting in and out of the spa, as well as getting back to the house. Where and how will you want lighting incorporated into your deck build?
-Position your spa in an area that affords the best scenery.
-Consider using composite or PVC decking. Composite decking is water resistant, low maintenance, and will not splinter, crack, warp or fade.
-Make sure your spa’s control panel is accessible for future troubleshooting.
Electrical Needs
Your spa will have some important electrical requirements. Either you or your deck contractor will need to have a licensed electrician on site to handle the electrical installation and permit. Since water and electricity are dangerous together, your spa will need a GCFI outlet. A GCFI outlet (ground-fault circuit interrupter) will shut down the system if any change to the electrical current is detected.
Smaller spas can run off of a 110 v / 20 amp outlet, but larger spas will require a bigger 220 v / 50 amp outlet. Having a nearby emergency shutoff is also required by code (5-15ft away).
In conclusion, when considering having a spa installed on your new deck, we recommend getting the help of licensed professionals! If you have more questions regarding your spa and deck design process, give our team at Wymore Deck and Fence a call! We would be delighted to help you.
