Preparing for Delivery . Ultimately, you’ll want to start on the low side, tapping the shims in place so they provide even support across the frame and shell. The water level will also be off, with one side of the hot tub holding a higher amount of water than the other. Complete Sunrise Hot Tub Review. Raised pavers with ridges can cause problems and put stress on the hot tub shell. After that, it was on to the beautification process. Wooden landscape timbers work great for framing that to keep the sand contained. I break it down simply and show you the easy way to figure out how much your hot tub weighs. The easiest and most common method of leveling is installing hot tub shims to the base of the hot tub to create balance and support. This is not an area of planning and executing that you want to choose the DIY route for – make sure you consult a professional contractor or structural engineer. Basement concrete floors that are level will also work. Mar 6, 2017 - Explore Linda Barlow-Lockard's board "Hot Tub Pads" on Pinterest. I think you should call a hot tub dealer and ask them. But before you go ordering one or placing yours on your deck, it’s crucial to know if your deck can take the weight. I would definitely do this with the hot tub empty. Middle Class Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you have your heart set on uneven pavers, know they can still be used. Pouring new concrete, laying gravel, or installing hot tub shims are all viable options to level uneven ground in preparation for a hot tub. This secures the pavers and allows them to lock into place. Pavers are attractive and can be used as a hot tub base, with a few precautions. Have you asked how can I level my hot tub? Brick is durable and long lasting. Just know that any time you do it, there are some good guidelines to follow. If not, the shell will eventually stretch and warp, which can cause serious damage to the hot tub. In a way, cinder blocks are similar to pavers. Pavers are a high-density material that offers more support than concrete slabs or wood. Or was it never level, to begin with? In general, it should never be placed on the bare ground at all. If you wish to place a hot tub on a porch, as with a wooden deck, check to make sure that it can adequately support the weight. Basically, you need to make sure that you have access to the backyard; a solid, level place to set the spa; and electricity, and a garden hose in close proximity. Here’s the hot tub on its new patio base. This is the 5000th time I’m about to weed this stupid patio. Too much of that can ruin your hot tub. A dip in the ground will most likely cause your hot tub to crack. If using pavers, select ones that are smooth and can be interlocked at a level height to create a solid, flat layer on top of a concrete base. These include concrete, cobblestone, brick, flagstone, and rubber. If it does, it should tell you where they are. I'm Jeff Campbell. Visually inspect it for large cracks and uneven surfaces. Got a nice new hot tub yesterday...it is truly heaven. Remember to always read the owner’s manual of the hot tub. Want to dive deeper into why a hot tub leads to be level and what can happen if it isn’t? You also want to find uneven pavers. Flagstone – is cut from stone quarry and incredibly durable. I was a leader for Whole Foods Market for over 2 decades and currently help run a large martial arts school (primarily) for kids. There are some hot tub brands, such as Jacuzzi, that do not support shimming. Simple Raised Patio. Anything other than that will cause you to spend more money on fixing the issues that come with an unlevel foundation. I break it down for you in a recent article, including how to level the ground and how to shim it up if it needs help. That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable! DIY Hot Tub Foundation https://t.co/odNY1Z0J0R pic.twitter.com/TVEcTmcuxT, — Shauna Leva (@ShaunaLeva) August 31, 2018. So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course. *Please note that I am not liable for quotes, products, claims or any work performed through BuyerZone or its suppliers. For many people, tearing up what their hot tub lies on and replacing it with a level foundation is not a financial option. My favorite shim is these heavy-duty plastic shims from EZ-Shim (click to see them on Amazon). When I'm not spending time with my wife & 3 daughters, I can usually be found practicing martial arts, making music, blogging on my other blogs over at KitchenApplianceHQ.com and Middle Class Dad or, of course, sitting in our hot tub! It is important to recognize that most hot tubs don’t have a perfectly flat bottom, so when pavers are used they will still need to have a layer of cement over them to hold them in place and take up the shape of the base. Well as soon as I filled the tub it was obvious that water is self leveling and the deck was pitched. Always ensure the surface you are placing the hot tub on can hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. The hot tub adds a modern touch to the decor of the patio which makes it look uniquely wonderful. Dig out the area where the base will be to a depth of 18 inches. pinterest.com. Uneven support for … Getting a hot tub installed in the backyard is a much simpler process than you might imagine. I actually thought I could do the whole walkway in a few weekends (I’m unrealistically optimistic sometimes) but after taking out about a 4′ x … As some pavers are raised in height, this can impact how level the base is and cause problems down the road for your hot tub frame and shell. I did some research, and here's what I... Hi! I have arranged with BuyerZone.com to provide free quotes from all the best hot tub manufacturers – with no obligation to buy. If your hot tub is already installed on pavers, but you need to level your hot tub, the best thing to do is use shims. Here are some of the most common types of pavers that are used in landscaping, driveways and around the home. Pavers are a great choice for a hot tub base as they provide ample support. But just laying a bunch of cinder blocks on the ground, even if you leveled the ground first, would result in an uneven and unstable surface. Copyright 2021 © Zorra. Purchase the shims and follow the instructions from your owner’s manual or the hot tub manufacturer. Have you read my all-time most popular post? Additionally, there have been incidents in which after a few years the shims rot. Cobblestone – made from natural stone, reminiscent of streets hundreds of years ago. Balancing the water, cleaning filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day! There are many different types of paving stones that are suitable for use as a hot tub base including those made from cobblestone, concrete, rubber, flagstone or brick. The Beauty Of A Hot Tub On A Paver Patio . Hot tub costs can differ based on climate, model, and usage, but typical monthly electrical costs are in the $10 to $20 range. It is essential to understand just how heavy a hot tub filled with water and bathers can be – think several thousand pounds! Look for loose, broken pavers, or even faded pavers. Just click that link to read it on my site. Just click that link to learn more on their website. On the low side the water is up to the headrests and on the high side if you don't have 2 people in it the top jets splash all over on high. Building the deck with the same height of the tub can be an easy idea to create an inground hot tub that you can try. Hot tub makers will provide the dimensions of the delivered package if you ask. There are a few disclaimers you should consider when thinking about using pavers. My wife is worried it will put a bump in the patio that would be a problem if we ever decided to ditch the spa. For most hot tubs measuring 80 inches square, a base with an area of 10 feet by 10 feet is sufficient. Often, a concrete slab approximately 6” thick is recommended. Contact Us If you are dead set on using the sloped slab, then it’s really simple. Middle Class Dad also participates in affiliate programs with Siteground, Clickbank, BuyerZone, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. If using pavers, select ones that are smooth and can be interlocked at a level height to create a solid, flat layer on top of a concrete base. This slab should be at least 4 inches thick and be fully supported from below. Unlevel surfaces can break your hot tub, costing you more money than you planned on spending. As previously stated, refer to your hot tub owners manual. Rather than putting your hot tub on top of the pavers, place it on level concrete then … If your slope is greater than 1 inch though, I don’t think shimming it the best option. Just click that link to read it on my site. Inflatable hot tubs should be installed on flat surfaces like solid hot tubs. It will be easier for you and less risky due to the reduced weight. When you set the tub on the crushed stone the weight should allow it to settle into a level position with the 4×4 stringers helping. However, given its size and weight, you can't just place the tub anywhere in your yard. The weight of the water places a lot of force on the hot tub shell, and it is critical that the base for your hot tub is 100% level. Risks associated with placing a hot tub on pavers. If you are set on the look of a type of paver that is uneven – don’t worry, these can still be used. They also have their costs.Other than the material, the You want your hot tub to be as level as possible. Pavers work best to support a hot tub when you first create a bed of sand and then compact it down and level it out. With almost any other base solution, you … But being lesser-known isn't always a bad thing. Many people love the look of pavers because of how many options are available, which makes it easy to find the perfect style to match your home decor style. Let’s face it. A dip in the surface your hot tub is on can cause the hot tub to crack. Just click that link to grab a set on Amazon if you need to shim. Believe it or not, they are about 10 bucks on Amazon for a set of 20, qualify for free shipping, and can take the weight of a hot tub. Adding a hot tub to your back yard provides an ideal way to unwind at the end of a long day or soothe muscle aches and joint pain. This hot tub is amazing, so comfortably laid out and it has the same pumps as the larger models so there is a lot of power there. Catalina Hot Tub Spas with Travertine Pavers Surroundingshttp://t.co/n4Q9c8c3rf pic.twitter.com/GBLD65VsT5, — Gappsi Giuseppe Abbrancati (@GappsiGroup) September 4, 2014. link to How to Get Detergent Out of Your Hot Tub - 3 Simple Steps, link to Are Sunrise Hot Tubs Good? However, you may want to consider an even larger pad to accommodate steps or a … Each of the four most common choices has its advantages, characteristics, and options. Yes, you can use shims to make a hot tub level. If you do not want to install a concrete slab underneath the pavers, sand or gravel will be needed to properly support the weight of the hot tub. All rights reserved. Not... Are Sunrise Hot Tubs Good? But there’s a lot more to know about leveling a hot tub, especially if you don’t want the frame or shell to crack! Simply put, you need a solid, level foundation for your hot tub! Not only does the location need to be sturdy, you want it to look good and blend in with your landscaping to create a serene, backyard oasis. So for that reason, I recommend NOT using wood shims. Some manufacturers do not recommend shims & they could void your warranty. If using pavers, select ones that are smooth and can be interlocked at a level height to create a solid, flat layer on top of a concrete base. Wait! Installing your hot tub on a paver patio brings your whole outdoor living space together in perfect harmony. Bear in mind, though, that raised pavers with ridges or bumps can be problematic since they put extra stress on the shell of your hot tub. Wooden landscape timbers work great for framing that to keep the sand contained. Using the proper materials for your hot tub base as well as using a professional contractor to ensure the design is up to proper safety standards is a must. Unfortunately, if your hot tub is not level, it could break. If it is not level, then this is not possible, and the hot tub will break. All you have to do is use shims to level your hot tub. Remove the Pavers You can now fill the area with 4” of crushed stone, make sure the area is about 4-6” bigger than the spa itself. Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the best-known brands! However, a slight incline 1-2 degrees is not a problem. My first hot tub was an inflatable, and I placed it on some existing paving, which was on a very slight incline to allow for rainwater … Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. So if you’re looking for great alternatives, especially inexpensive ones, check out this recent article. OK, we are a day or so away from deciding on which hot tub to buy and my neighbor comes over with this crazy laser level thing and the horizontal drop from 18 from my house (where the spa will go) is 1.75, the diagonal drop is 2.0 and the vertical (front to back is .25. The Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters by Type and Price. If you were to go the DIY route you risk damaging the structural integrity of your hot tub. My favorite shim is these heavy-duty plastic shims from EZ-Shim (click to see them on Amazon). So let’s get into all the details! Once you’ve selected the perfect site for your new hot tub, you’re now ready to prepare the site for a smooth and efficient delivery. That should mitigate the issues.