As a new hot tub owner, you should not settle on a poor hot tub installation ground if you don’t want your hot tub to get damaged easily, especially since it can be a bit pricey of an investment.
You should never put it in the grass as a foundation. An even and level surface is essential for your hot tub. It must be strong enough to hold not just the spa itself but also the pressure of the water and the people who use it.
This is the reason why a concrete slab is a top choice for a hot tub foundation.
If you don’t know how to do that, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Tune in to this article until the end to know how to pour a concrete slab for a hot tub.
7 Steps To Pouring A Concrete Slab For A Hot Tub
A concrete slab is an excellent choice because it can accommodate significant weight and can be fashioned to precisely suit the dimensions of your hot tub. To start pouring a concrete slab for your hot tub, here are the steps that you can follow.
Step 1. Prepare The Materials Needed
To get started, you will need to ensure that you have all of the necessary items to pour a concrete slab:
- Shovel
- Wooden stakes
- Screws for ready-mixed concrete of 3 inches
- Electric Saw Electric Drill
- a measuring tape and a level
- Two-by-four wooden beams
After you have made sure you have all the necessary tools and materials, it is time to decide where you will put your slab. Before getting started on any project, you must contact your area’s building authority to see whether you require a permit. When selecting a plot of land to construct, it is essential to look for one that is level.
Step 2. Take Measurements
Mark off the perimeter of the slab with the stakes. Slabs for hot tubs are often smaller than 10 meters by 10 meters, but you should choose based on the dimensions of your hot tub and the location. Excavate the area, but don’t go any further than 4 to 6 inches, as the foundation of a stable concrete slab should be made of solid soil.
Step 3. Cut The Wood Base On The Measurement
Take accurate measurements, then cut the wood beams to suit the space. Construct a frame out of them by driving two screws measuring three inches into each corner of the structure. The interior measurements of your frame must be identical to the proportions you want your slab of concrete to be.
Step 4. Secure The Frames Of The Slab
To ensure the frame is secure and won’t be moving around while the remainder of the pouring procedure is completed, drive wooden stakes into the ground. Before pouring any wet cement, you should first check to ensure that the frame is level using your level.
Step 5. Pour The Mixture
Make a layer of gravel or sand that is between 1 and 2 inches thick at the bottom of the frame. Now, start preparing your ready-mix concrete by following the directions provided by the manufacturer. When pouring the mixture into the mold, make sure to press the concrete into the crevices and tap around the borders to expel any air bubbles that may have formed.
Step 6. Level The Surface
Screed and level the concrete’s surface by using a beam that is two inches wide and four inches long. To get rid of any excess wet cement and to ensure that the finish is even, slide it backward and forth over the surface of the slabs as you move across it.
Step 7. Wait For It To Dry Up
Now comes the simple part: put your feet up, relax, and watch the concrete dry. If you want to be sure that the slab is dry and stable before placing your hot tub on it, you need to spend at least two days removing your frame before doing so. After that, you should wait another 28 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Concrete Slab?
A concrete pad is a popular choice for hot tub foundations. This is the standard recommendation made by manufacturers and hot tub retailers.
A hot tub base made of concrete is sturdy and long-lasting but cannot be removed. If you aren’t handy, you’ll have to hire professionals to set up the pad for you, and you’ll have to accept the fact that you can’t move the hot tub around once it’s positioned.
In terms of the costs, the spa floor 8′ x 8′ can be expected to run you between $400 and $500 (or about $8 per square foot).
A concrete slab is a huge addition to your property, and based on where you reside, it may necessitate permission for installation.
Can You Pour A DIY Concrete Slab?
The ideal material for most do-it-yourself concrete slab projects is a ready mix or fully prepared crack-resistant concrete.
It is recommended that a spa have a concrete base that is approximately 4 inches thick. This indicates that constructing a spa pad measuring 8 feet by 8 feet will require sufficient concrete to fill a volume of 21.33 cubic feet, equivalent to around 36 bags weighing 80 pounds each.
The first thing that must be done is to construct a frame using 2-by-4 lumber. You can also add a grid of Size #3 Rebar for additional stability and prevent any fractures from spreading, which is encouraged but not strictly necessary. This will stop any cracks from getting larger.
What To Consider Before Pouring A Concrete Slab?
Before beginning the installation process, the weight of your hot tub is the first item you need to consider.
Regarding the amount of weight that a surface can support on an individual square-inch basis, every ground has a maximum capacity, regardless of whether it is a concrete structure or a wooden deck. The combined weight of the water in a hot tub and its occupants can add up to hundreds of pounds.
If you choose to use a spa pad or a concrete slab as the base for your hot tub, you will need to verify that it is strong enough to sustain the weight of your tub.
You should use a concrete slab at least 4 inches thick as your spa pad if you were using one. The number of additional inches that should be added to the base depends on the hot tub size.
In addition, you need to check that the concrete has the strength to bear about 115 pounds of mass per square foot when placed. When it comes to more compact versions of hot tubs, such as those designed for just two people, you might be able to live with spending less. Using this average, however, is crucial for hot tub models that can accommodate four people or more.
How Big Of A Concrete Pad For Hot Tub?
It is recommended that the hot tub pad be at least as large as the spa itself. If you are going to lay a cement pad, make sure to give it a gentle slope so that water will not collect directly under the spa. A slope of three-quarters of an inch in a cement hot tub pad ten feet wide is sufficient.
How Many Inches Of Concrete Do I Need For A Hot Tub Pad?
The diameter of the spa pad must be at least 6 inches less than that of the diameter of the bottom of the hot tub to comply with the minimum thickness safety requirements for a basic hot tub pads, which is 4 inches of reinforced concrete thick.
Will 4 Inches Of Concrete Hold A Hot Tub?
A concrete slab that is at least 3 – 4 inches thick will serve as the most suitable foundation. A minimum of 28 days should be permitted for the concrete to cure before the surface can be leveled.
Is A Spa Pad Necessary For Installing A Hot Tub?
The typical foundation for a hot tub is a slab that conforms to the requirements of the building code. However, because many patios and other concrete blocks are sloped for drainage, they may not be an appropriate footing for your hot tub because of this. Second, the slab that you already have must be in satisfactory condition.
How Much Does It Cost To Purchase A Slab For A Hot Tub?
The price of the base for your hot tub can range anywhere from $0 to over $1,000, depending on whether or not you have a sturdy foundation for your hot tub and whether or not you choose to construct a bespoke decking for your hot tub. As a point of comparison, the pricing range for spa pads is between $100 and $500, and the price range for concrete slabs is between $900 and $2,000.
Conclusion
Your hot tub would do well on a concrete slab. In addition to being waterproof and able to be fashioned into any size you need, a slab also makes it easy to sustain your hot tub and its guests, allowing you to use your hot tub safely. Laying a slab is an easy and inexpensive project if you have the proper equipment and know what you’re doing.
