Can I Put a Hot Tub on My Existing Deck?

Getting a new hot tub? Are you wondering “Can I put a hot tub on my existing deck?” There are so many reasons that having your hot tub on your deck would be convenient. Your outdoor deck is where you naturally gather with friends and family, relax with a drink or a book, and prepare and enjoy outdoor meals. Placing a hot tub on your deck would enhance the space and make it even more enjoyable. Additionally, having your hot tub in such close proximity to your house means that you would probably use it more often. But can your existing deck support the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people? Let’s take a look at what you need to consider before you install your new hot tub on your existing deck.

Have a Licensed Contractor Inspect Your Deck

An average-sized hot tub can weigh up to 5,000 pounds when filled with water and people. That’s a lot of weight! Your first order of business is to get a licensed contractor to come out and inspect your existing deck and evaluate how much weight it can support. If your deck is less than two feet off the ground, you may not need additional support. However, decks that are high enough to crawl under may need to have reinforcement beams and posts added to provide support for the weight of a hot tub.

How Much Space Will the Hot Tub Take Up?

Another consideration before placing a hot tub on your existing deck is how much space it will take up. If placing a hot tub on your deck means that there will no longer be enough room for seating and other furniture, you may want to think twice about placing a hot tub there.

Is There a Source of Water on the Existing Deck?

Clearly, you need a source of water near your hot tub. If you are thinking of placing your new hot tub on a second-story existing deck, be sure there is a spigot handy. Also, the water from the hot tub will need a place to drain every 3-4 months when you perform routine maintenance on it.

Other Options

In many cases, a hot tub can be installed on an existing deck. However, after evaluating the size of your existing deck, how much weight it can hold, and the cost of reinforcing the structure, you may decide that placing a hot tub on it is not a good idea. Don’t despair if this is the case in your situation. There are other options available. You could place your hot tub on a concrete pad adjacent to your deck, with stairs from the deck leading down to it. It would still be in convenient proximity to both your deck and your house. Some people with second-story decks find that placing their hot tub on a concrete pad under the existing deck is a viable option as well. “Can I put a hot tub on my existing deck?” The answer is that you probably can. Always consult a professional contractor first, and if cost or other considerations preclude that choice, you may still have other appealing options. The very best way to get started is to work with the hot tub experts at Fronheiser Pools. We partner with the top professionals in the industry to make certain that your hot tub foundation meets local building codes, is safe, and well-constructed to support the weight of your hot tub. Once your new hot tub concrete pad is ready or your existing deck is properly reinforced, Fronheiser Pools will deliver that new hot tub for you to enjoy for years to come.

Fronheiser Pools

Providing quality products for your outdoor living lifestyle since 1965.