Does a hot tub need a concrete pad?

Does a hot tub need a concrete pad?

A level concrete pad or a reinforced deck are the most common surfaces hot tubs are installed on. However, depending on the spa model you use, you may not need to pour concrete.

Does a hot tub have to be perfectly level?

Yes, a hot tub needs to be level. Most hot tubs are made of a wood frame under an acrylic shell. While they are designed to hold thousands of pounds when full of water and people, they are built to distribute that weight evenly. If a hot tub is not level, that can cause stress fractures in both the wood and the shell.

Can you put a hot tub on a gravel base?

A gravel pad will also resist shifting due to its composition of several tiny pieces. … So yes, a hot tub can sit on gravel. As long as the surface is stable and level, a gravel base should pose no problems for your hot tubbing needs. To learn more about hot tub installation, download a hot tub buyer's guide.

Can you use gravel as a base for a hot tub?

Using pea gravel as a base for your hot tub has some distinct advantages. From an aesthetic standpoint, gravel can complement a variety of types of landscaping. From a practical standpoint, a pea gravel base offers the advantage of easy drainage, unlike a solid brick, concrete or wood base.

How do you make a gravel hot tub pad?

Dig out an area several inches deep and make sure the ground at the bottom is pressed flat. Fill the hole with gravel and press it down to make sure it will not shift or sink once it has weight on it. The gravel will conform to the shape of the bottom of your tub to hold it firmly in place.

How flat does a hot tub base need to be?

What does “reasonably level” mean? While it's okay to have a slightly sloped pad (most patios are built to slope away from the house), there should be no dips, sags, or unevenness in the pad; particularly for above ground hot tubs. We recommend that there should be no more than a ½” slope per 8” run.