You could have already settled on a hot tub, or you could still be shopping for one. In either scenario, you’ll need to decide where the hot tub will go and have the site ready before using it.
Because of the significant weight that a hot tub carries, it is absolutely necessary to have a solid base for it. You definitely don’t want to put something that weighs several thousand pounds on top of grass or put the hot tub directly on the dirt. It will sink quite a bit, which will make a mess of your yard in the process. Additionally, it will cause wear and tear, which will eventually damage the structural integrity of your hot tub.
As a new hot tub owner, that would be a nightmare. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered; stick to this article until the end to know the best hot tub base you can use in your hot tub.
Factors To Consider When Selecting A Hot Tub Base
But hold on a second! You don’t want to settle with any old base for your hot tub. It needs to be tailored specifically to your hot tub and be of high quality. Keeping that in mind, the following is a list of things that you need to think about.
The Size And Weight Of The Hot Tub
Both the manufacturer and the design of a hot tub can affect the size, especially if it is a small hot tub or a big one. Common hot tub dimensions are between 5 and 9 feet in width, with heights between 29 and 39 inches. When picking a foundation for your spa, the spa’s size should serve as a minimum for the base. If you don’t, your hot tub is at risk of being raised on stilts, which can cause cracks and other damage.
The Location And Climate Of The Hot Tub
This is also an important consideration. Hot tub owners should avoid using a hardwood base if they are located in a humid environment. Also, keep in mind if the location is easily accessed should, the hot tub be delivered or moved to your home. Because once the base is put together and the hot tub is installed, it would be very difficult to move and transfer it to another location. You would also consider if you already have an existing patio or an existing deck to put it into.
The Type Of Surface The Hot Tub Will Be Placed On
A hot tub cannot be installed haphazardly; rather, you should put a hot tub on a surface that is stable, uniform, and level, such as a concrete pad, pavers, paving blocks, compact crushed stone, a commercial spa pad, or a deck or patio. In the alternative, if your hot tub is situated in your backyard, placing it directly on the grass will cause it to sink, which will be detrimental to both your grass and the exterior of the hot tub.
Personal Preference And Budget
In the end, everything comes down to personal preference. Let’s say you want it to have the same visual appeal as your backyard garden or swimming pool. Then you can choose something similar and one that you believe would make you feel the most at ease if you used it. The bases for the best hot tubs can be more expensive than others, so be sure you have all of this figured out before you start shopping for one. Budget is another factor to take into consideration.
Types Of Hot Tub Bases
Now that you already know what factors you should consider before installing your hot tub, here are some of the hot tub bases you can choose from.
- Concrete Slab: An easy concrete slab is one of the most typical hot tub bases. This can support the heaviest hot tubs and won’t break the bank. To complete the design, you can set it into the ground with a concrete slab or add a deck or patio.
Additionally, this will have greater consistency and levelness and are generally more highly recommended for use as foundations for hot tubs in a concrete hot tub base. A concrete foundation for a hot tub has a number of advantages, including a surface that dries out very quickly and is kind to the environment because the concrete does not contain any hazardous chemicals or solvents.
While sturdy, hot tub installation on a concrete basis is more labor-intensive and time-consuming than other solutions, but make sure it’s at least four inches thick and inclined slightly, so water doesn’t collect there.
- Poured-in-place Rubber Pad: This is a versatile and simple-to-install alternative that may offer adequate support and insulation, but it is possible that it may not be as long-lasting as a concrete slab.
In addition to this, it protects against harm that may be caused by the elements or by insects. As a result, the overall experience is more comfortable for the user because of the increased cushioning.
Because there is such a wide selection of base pads on the market, it is important to do some research before making a purchase. Think about the weather in the area in which you reside, the composition of the material the pad is made of, and how easy it is to clean.
Also, it is an optional addition that can protect the cladding of your spa from trash and rough surfaces while also increasing the heating effectiveness of the spa.
On the other hand, they aren’t exactly the most attractive base in the world. In addition, because they are in continuous touch with water, they could deteriorate over time and generate odor problems.
- Precast Pavers: Standard hot tubs can be supported by pavers at least two inches thick but no thinner than four inches. On the other hand, it is essential to ensure that the paver base and the bedding sand have sufficient depth to support the hot tub’s weight adequately.
This cosmetic alternative can be customized, and while it can give adequate support, it may not be as effective at insulation as a rubber pad. This is especially the case if you have minimal to no expertise working with landscaping or performing fundamental building tasks.
Recommended Standard Base
A concrete slab is typically considered the most suitable base for inflatable hot tubs because of its ability to withstand wear and tear and its capacity to hold the weight of the hot tub, as described above.
Concrete is a sturdy material that does not come at an expensive amount and is simple to install. If you are concerned about how it will look, you may easily conceal the “concrete” appearance by making the pad slightly larger than the footprint of the hot tub. This will do the trick. If there is visible concrete at the bottom that you find unattractive, you can also install a deck or patio trim around the outside of the area.
However, depending on the particular requirements and conditions of the hot tub, choices such as a rubber pad, gravel hot tub base, or pavers might be more appropriate.
Tips For Maintaining A Hot Tub Base
Even if you are using the best hot tub, knowing some tips to maintain it properly can help keep your hot tub in a secure position, extending its lifespan for a long time.
- Inspecting and maintaining the base of the hot tub on a regular basis in order to protect its stability and integrity
- In the event that it is necessary, base repairs or reinforcements should be performed.
- Place the hot tub in such a way as to ensure that the weight is distributed equally over the base.
- In order to avoid injuries or damage to the hot tub, it is important to check that the hot tub foundation is level and clear of any debris.
- Select a base material suitable for the environment in which the inflatable hot tub will be placed to protect it from deterioration or damage caused by the weather.
Conclusion
A hot tub base is just as important as the other equipment necessary to keep your hot tub running in pristine condition. Many hot tub owners want an affordable but durable base that can support even the heaviest hot tub. In this case, they should opt for a concrete base. Although you have to take note that the process of installation can be overwhelming.
On the other hand, if you want an easy installation that offers good insulation, then poured-in-place rubber hot tub pads are ideal for a full hot tub. The downside is that it may not be as long-lasting as the previous one. Lastly, precast pavers are good if you want a more customized base. Still, it may not be as quality as the concrete base. This is why a concrete base is still the top choice for the perfect hot tub base.
