Can a Hot Tub Sit on Gravel? (And Why to Use It)

While many people use their hot tubs on the ground, others decide to put them in a bucket or a container that floats. This is because there’s always some risk involved when using gravel as an underlayment for your tub. If you want to eliminate this concern, consider putting it on top of some additional padding like sand or small rocks which will serve as shock absorbers and protect your flooring from damage.

The “Can a hot tub sit on a gravel pad” is an interesting question. The answer is yes, but it’s not recommended. Read more in detail here: can a hot tub sit on a gravel pad.

What’s the deal with Gravel?

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First and foremost, we must examine the hot tub’s weight. The actual hot tub and its structure are quite light when there is no water or people in it. The majority of hot tubs are built of fiberglass or acrylic, both of which are lightweight and portable.

This leads individuals to believe that their hot tub doesn’t need a particularly sturdy foundation since it isn’t as hefty as they would believe. When you add a lot of water and a lot of people to the mix, the hot tub balloons to hundreds of pounds.

With so much weight, you’ll want to ensure sure the hot tub sits on a firm base.

Placement Options for a Hot Tub

Patio or deck are both good options. Hot tubs are nearly typically placed in this location. It’s practical, it looks wonderful on the deck, and it’ll be the focal point of any gathering. If you’re putting it on a patio or deck, consider the weight and make sure the structure is strong enough to sustain it; otherwise, you risk causing harm.
Surface that is completely flat. Do you have a grassy area in your backyard? Perhaps it’s simply dirt? While this may seem to be a reasonable option, the hot tub’s weight might cause the ground to sink or move over time, causing damage to both the hot tub and the ground.
Concrete. Concrete is one of the finest possibilities. It is reasonably simple and inexpensive to lay a slab of concrete in the backyard for your hot tub. It’s very durable and capable of supporting even the biggest and heaviest hot tubs.
Support pad for the hot tub. Some firms have developed mats specifically for supporting hot tubs. Of course, this is a great alternative, but it may not have the aesthetic features that someone is seeking for in a backyard addition.

Gravel is the most suitable material.

Concrete is clearly the second best option for hot tub location, but gravel is at the top of the list for many reasons:

Gravel can drain water, which is essential when working with a hot tub. Drainage is not possible with other placement materials. Water may be emptied from the hot tub using gravel, and it will drain quickly. If necessary, you may empty your hot tub into your pool.
Gravel is extremely attractive, and it may be used in almost any backyard. It goes with a wide range of backyard ideas.
Gravel is simple to set up. Gravel is a fast alternative that can be put in a few hours, as opposed to other solutions that may take longer.
Gravel, unlike concrete, does not break over time. This is because gravel, rather than lying on the surface, provides for excellent drainage. With all of the surplus water on the surface, concrete will fracture over time.
Gravel, unlike some other materials, will not move over time due to all of the little bits that make up a gravel basis.
Gravel will adapt to the shape of your hot tub, so you won’t have to worry about it becoming unstable or shifting over time. The gravel adheres to the foundation, forming a strong, sturdy seating platform.
Finally, gravel is inexpensive. It’s one of the less expensive hot tub bases, but it’s still strong and solid enough to support huge, heavy hot tubs.

How to Build a Gravel Hot Tub Foundation

Consider utilizing gravel as a hot tub’s foundation. It’s a great option, but you’ll need to know how to put it together. The following is a step-by-step guide on putting in a gravel hot tub base:

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You’ll need to know how big your hot tub is. Take precise dimensions of the hot tub. You’ll need a few additional feet around the hot tub to put gravel for drainage and cosmetic reasons.
Determine the location of the hot tub in the backyard. Make measurements on the ground using spray paint, a paint can, markers, and other materials. Make sure your boundaries are distinct.
You’ll start digging into the dirt at this stage to create way for the gravel layers. A shovel should be used to dig out at least 6 inches.
(Optional) Cover the bottom of the hole with a layer of landscape fabric. This is entirely optional, however it may aid in the control of weeds under the gravel.
Gravel should be used to fill up the excavated area. Some individuals like to cover the pit entirely with medium-grade construction gravel, while others prefer a pea gravel top layer. It is all up to you. Determine which wheelbarrow is ideal for this job.
Only 4 inches of medium grade construction gravel should be added if you’re going with pea gravel. The remaining space (2 inches) will be filled with pea gravel.
With your shovel, smooth off the surface. It’s critical that the hot tub rests on a level surface, so make sure all of the gravel pieces are flat and aligned on the corners.

Consider the following:

Always make sure you’re laying down a gravel foundation on a fully level and smooth area. Attempting to build your foundation on rough, hilly, or otherwise deformed ground may cause the hot tub to malfunction or be destroyed. A flat surface is essential for a good hot tub foundation.

Construction gravel isn’t very attractive. This sort of gravel may be used to fill the whole of your foundation, although it isn’t required. Fill the top of the pit with pea gravel or another refined gravel if you want a more stunning landscaping for your hot tub and garden.

Make sure you dig a foundation that is at least 6 inches deep, but no deeper than that. Drainage might be hampered if there isn’t enough gravel. The hot tub foundation may become overly soft with too much gravel, causing damage over time.

Make sure there is adequate space around the hot tub, especially if it has a gazebo area, to allow for drainage. There should be enough room to stroll a few feet outside the hot tub before returning to the yard/deck/patio.

To prevent damage, the gravel should be totally flat and level before installing the hot tub. Use your shovel to level things out and make sure there are no high areas.

Conclusion

Purchasing a hot tub is thrilling, but deciding where to place it may be difficult. You’ll need a sturdy structure that can support the weight of a hot tub. You may put your hot tub on a gravel surface with confidence. Before putting the hot tub on top, make sure the gravel is 6 inches deep and totally smooth and even.

The “hot tub base preparation” is a step that can be done to ensure that the hot tub sits properly on the gravel. It helps to prevent leaks and other issues.