A hot tub is a perfect oasis for a relaxing soak to cure your tired limbs after a long day of work and activities. If you want to install a tub in your home, you can do so in the yard or on your terrace.
However, there are several considerations that you need to factor in, such as a tub’s shape, style, and weight.
Before installing a tub, you need to consider the dimensions to determine the best location to place it. A full hot tub weighs heavily when filled with water.
Knowing the exact weight of a tub can be difficult because there are many variables to consider. This article will provide some indicators that will give you a rough idea of how much your hot tub weighs.
Why You Need To Know A Hot Tub’s Weight
You need to know the exact weight of your tub if you’re planning to install one in your house. For instance, does a tub on a wooden patio risk shattering the boards when it’s filled with water? It’s necessary to know if the weight of your tub can cause problems once installed in a specific location.
Alternatively, you might be worried about moving a tub where you want to install it. Hot tubs are usually delivered to your front door, so you need to plan to get them inside your house or into your yard.
On the other hand, you might be moving to a new place and are contemplating if you should bring your tub along. Knowing its heaviness can help you decide whether you want to get it or not.
Why Hot Tub Varies In Weigh
Since there is no standard hot tub weight, many factors contribute to the weight of a tub, such as the materials used to create it. Generally, tubs are manufactured using one or a combination of different materials.
Here are examples to help you understand how other materials contribute to the weight of tubs. Some factors that affect the weight of a tub include:
Size
Hot tubs come in different shapes and sizes to cater to customers’ preferences. They come in small, medium, and large sizes, influenced by two factors: how many people it can fit and the tub’s actual dimensions.
Number Of People Using The Hot Tub
Depending on the size, a tub has a specific number of occupants. A two-person hot tub is considered small, while a midsize tub has room for five to seven occupants.
Meanwhile, an eight-person hot tub is the largest and has a huge capacity.
What Makes A Hot Tub Weigh?
The weight of a tub can vary based on its setup, particularly the piping, number of motors and jets, water weight, and other factors.
Due to their vast size, hot tub shells significantly contribute to a tub’s weight.
Different materials are used to make tub shells, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. For example, transferring acrylic tubs will be extremely difficult; however, moving a plastic tub is easier.
What Is A Hot Tub Shell?
Hot tub shells are essentially water containers inside your tub. It can also determine how well your tub retains heat. The shell serves as the exterior of your tub; it needs to be sturdy enough to endure accidents and years of continuous use.
You can determine which tub is best for you by learning the materials used to make hot tub shells.
Here are some materials used to create hot tub shells to give you a better idea.
Acrylic
Acrylic is one of the most rigid materials for a tub shell; it weighs more than other materials like vinyl and wood. A single heated acrylic sheet is placed over a mold to create an acrylic tub shell, making it smooth and perfectly formed.
Once the acrylic has cooled, it is strengthened with a resin and fiberglass mixture to make it more durable. However, the downside of buying an acrylic tub shell is that it’s extremely heavy and expensive.
Wooden
In the past, old hot tub shells were made of wood, primarily from cedar and redwood trees. Nowadays, high-end hardwood tubs are still beautiful and highly durable.
A wooden tub will probably cost more than one made with a plastic shell. Using wood for tub sheets is not flexible since it can’t be sculpted into smooth designs, unlike synthetic materials like acrylic.
Furthermore, it most likely won’t hold heat as well as acrylic and will cost a lot more to operate. Wooden tubs can also be extremely heavy.
Vinyl
Some hot tubs are made using vinyl, similar to materials used for making swimming pools. Vinyl liner tubs are usually built inside pools; although inexpensive to manufacture, this material doesn’t hold heat well.
Due to its poor durability, it’s more likely to break and tear than other materials.
But in some cases, broken vinyl liners are possible to repair.
Rotomolded Plastic
Different plastics are used to make tubs; some include synthetic and rotomolded plastic. Rotomolded tubs are created by adding the plastic powder to a mold, heating it until it melts, and then rotating it until the coating covers the entire mold.
Far from the shiny surface of acrylic tubs, rotomolded plastic is lighter and leaves behind a matte finish. Rotomolded plastic produces a tub that is easier to move, allowing you to install it anywhere you prefer.
Rotomolded plastic tubs are also more budget-friendly than their acrylic counterparts.
Average Hot Tub Weights
An average hot tub can weigh around 600 pounds and hold two to three people, but it will weigh up to 300 pounds when filled with water. A 750-pound empty tub can accommodate a rough estimate of four to five people and can have a dry weight of 4,400 pounds with water. Tubs have different water capacities depending on their weight and dimensions.
While an 800-pound empty tub can accommodate six to eight people and weigh 5,500 pounds with water inside. These are commonly seen in swim spas alongside other small tub variants.
Is It Okay To Put a Hot Tub Indoors?
Yes, it is; however, it’s more complicated than installing a tub outside. An indoor tub requires more installation time than an outdoor one.
First, you need to consider the area where you’re planning to install your tub. You must have ample space to fit through door frames to reach your chosen spot.
A tub can cover an area of 26.72 square feet, approximately 58 pounds per square foot.
Once the spa is installed, assess the surrounding area because you’ll need the extra distance to move it around quickly for maintenance.
You should also situate your tub above a strong foundation that can support the heaviness of the tub.
Another thing you need to consider when installing a new hot tub is the plumbing. Even though most hot tubs have plumbing systems, you must regularly fill and empty the tub for maintenance.
Installing a faucet with an attachable hose line can help you fill and maintain the water levels in your tub. Outdoor tubs must have a great water capacity.
You also need to be mindful of ventilation. A strong ventilation system will reduce humidity brought inside by the full tub.
A moving company can also help you install your tub indoors.
Can You Install A Hot Tub Outside?
Outdoor tubs are easier to install than indoor tubs. Some even choose to have inflatable hot tubs for convenience. You just need a concrete slab as its foundation that can hold its total weight so it won’t collapse easily.
Ventilation and drainage are also easy when you install your tub outside. Any excess humidity your tub generates can simply evaporate, resulting in less maintenance. Installing your tub outside places it closer to where you can drain the water easily, like in your backyard.
You can also refer to your owner’s manual for more information on tub installation.
Conclusion
Hot tubs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The weight of each tub varies according to its size, the material it’s made of, its water content, and the number of occupants inside it.
When you know whether you want a large, medium, or small hot tub, you can start looking for areas for its installation.
Installing a hot tub isn’t quite easy as it seems. You must consider many factors, such as weight, material, and size. It can be a hassle for those who purchase a tub without measuring its weight.
To ensure that your hot tub is installed properly, seek the help of a professional.
FAQs
What makes hot tubs weigh?
The material they’re made of is a huge contributor to how a hot tub weigh.
Can you move a hot tub by yourself?
You can if it’s an inflatable portable hot tub since they’re hassle-free. However, if it’s made of heavier materials, you should not attempt to move your tub. Ask for assistance from other people.
How can you move a hot tub?
You can move an empty hot tub using a furniture dolly to carry it to your desired destination. Moving a hot tub requires manpower. Thus, you’re not advised to do it alone.
How much does a hot tub weight?
There is no standard weight for a hot tub, but its average weight is around 500 pounds when empty and 3,000 pounds when it’s filled with water. A large hot tub can weigh around 1,000 pounds and a doubled filled weight.
