Can a Hot Tub Go on Decking?

Some homeowners are using their decks as secondary living spaces with the addition of a hot tub, but do they need to be on decking? Yes and no. On one hand, by placing your deck overtop an existing structure like a garage or patio you can avoid major structural changes if you’re not sure it’s feasible to make them without compromising safety. But on the other hand, there is some concern that having such heavy components so close together could place undue stress on both structures.

A hot tub can go on a deck, but there are some precautions that must be taken in order to make sure the deck is able to support the weight of a hot tub. Read more in detail here: how to reinforce a deck for a hot tub.

Putting a Hot Tub on a Deck

When it comes to having a hot tub built on your deck, the most important factor to consider is weight. Whether you’re constructing a totally new deck only for your hot tub or putting it on an existing deck, you’ll need to be sure it can support the weight. This is also true when it comes to installing a barbeque deck.

When filled with water and carrying many people, hot tubs may weigh hundreds of pounds. When you break that weight down to pounds per square foot, you’ll see that most hot tubs can be readily supported by a deck that meets all building codes.

Using the following calculation, you may figure out how much your hot tub will weigh at its heaviest:

Total Weight of Hot Tub = Dry Weight + Water Weight + Human Weight

The manufacturer will specify the dry weight of the hot tub. This is the weight of the hot tub when there is no water in it.

The water weight is calculated by multiplying the number of gallons the hot tub can hold by 8.35 pounds, which is the average weight of 1 gallon of water.

Multiply the maximum number of persons the hot tub can carry by their average weight to get the human weight. In this case, 175 pounds is typically a fair bet.

You’ll need to divide the total weight of the hot tub you’re buying by the size of the hot tub in square feet after you’ve determined the greatest overall weight. The number you come up with will help you figure out how to build the best deck for your hot tub.

For example, if the hot tub is 50 square feet and weighs 4,000 pounds when full, it weighs 80 pounds per square foot. At the very least, be sure your deck can handle that much.

Before installing a hot tub on any kind of decking, it is typically necessary to speak with a structural engineer. They’ll inspect your deck to make sure it’s sturdy enough to support the hot tub in question, and they’ll devise a plan for any necessary modifications.

A concrete slab at least 4 inches deep under the decking is the greatest kind of support for a hot tub. The concrete is solid enough to support the weight of the hot tub without causing any harm.

If you have a raised deck, you may need to install support joists and beams underneath it to increase the deck’s weight capacity. A deck elevated just a few feet can often support 100 pounds per square foot, which is sufficient for most hot tubs.

Aside from structural support, ensuring that your deck is exactly level prior to installing a hot tub is critical. You don’t want all of the water weight to be concentrated on one side of the hot tub, since this might harm the inner layer.

Additionally, if you have an inflatable hot tub, the procedure will be considerably simpler.

Other Points to Consider When Building a Hot Tub on Your Deck

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Room to Move: There should be enough room around your hot tub for you to easily remove and replace the cover. Due to a limitation of space, everyone should be able to get in and out of the hot tub without difficulty.

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Deck Spacing: The spacing between the deck boards should be large enough to allow any sloshed out water to pass through, but not so large that a toe may get caught in it. A quarter-inch is typically an excellent starting point.

Smooth and sanded: The last thing anybody wants is a splinter in their foot when strolling to and from the hot tub. To avoid one, make sure your deck’s surface is smooth.

Install it near a door: The further the hot tub is from your door, the less likely you are to utilize it. Even in freezing weather, if you want to get the most out of your hot tub, keep it as near as possible so it’s fast and simple to get in.

Install a Privacy Screen: If you’re concerned about nosy neighbors, you may want to consider installing a privacy screen on your deck to keep prying eyes at bay. When you’re being watched from across the yard, it’s tough to unwind.

Materials for Decking

To construct your deck, you may employ a range of different components. When it comes to a hot tub, some of these materials are better than others. Read our other post to learn more about the differences between 5/4 and 2/6 decking.

Several Decking Materials to Consider:

Wood Composite
Wood that has been pressure treated
Western Red Cedar (Cedrus niger)
Ipe Wood

Using a composite material made from wood fibers and other components for your deck is a low-maintenance option. While it only has to be cleaned three times a year at most, it is also prone to damage. This kind of material isn’t recyclable or sandable. If you have a full sun deck, newer composites are considerably better at keeping you cool.

Decking made of pressure-treated wood is a cost-effective solution. This kind of wood is prone to warping and only has a 15-year life expectancy. After usage, it may be recycled.

Western Red Cedar (Cedrus niger) is a recommended option when it comes to hot tub decking. It is softer, which reduces the chance of getting any splinters. It is also insect and fungus resistant. This wood will last on average 30 years. If you want a certain color you will have to stain it every 2-3 years. Otherwise, it will turn a natural gray.

Ipe wood has a life expectancy of 40-50 years, making it one of the most durable woods available. It’s from Brazil, and there aren’t many knots to bother with. It’s also low-maintenance, requiring simply oiling once or twice a year for care.

Choosing a material for your deck may be tricky, and you should get expert advice to determine which is ideal for you. There may be something that is ideal for your environment and circumstances that you are unaware of.

Make Your Deck a Luxurious Retreat

Putting a hot tub on the deck is a popular option for many people. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to put a hot tub on your deck provided you take the necessary precautions to guarantee it’s ready. You may even build a gazebo to house your hot tub.

If you’re unclear how much weight your present deck can support, you should get expert advice from a structural engineer. When contemplating installing a hot tub on your deck, having someone competent in the area of deck design and construction take a look is also quite beneficial.

All you have to do now is make sure that everyone who could be going for a bath is safe while doing so. You can have the hot tub of your dreams right outside your back door after you’re sure you’re up to code.

The “how much weight can a deck hold” is an interesting question. The answer will depend on the type of decking, but in general, it should be able to hold up to 1 ton.