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instal a hot tubon a deck can certainly plain your outdoor living place up a nick . add this haven for repose can make your deck a comfortable , utilitarian spot whether the weather is warm or cold . But before you lead to a hot tub retailer or start shopping online , you ’ll first want toassess your pack of cards .
You first need to verify your pack of cards is in good shape and able-bodied to handle the system of weights of this new addition , determine what type of electrical outlet you ’ll need , and valuate how a hot bath ’s emplacement could affect the flow of your outside living infinite .
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onward , find out more about these and other factors you should consider before pulling the initiation on anew hot tubfor your deck .
1. How much does the hot tub weigh?
A big spa or live bathing tub can press more than 3 tons when it ’s filled with water , which is heavier than most cars and truck . Decks builtto meet the standards ofDCA 6(aka the deck - construction bible ) are rated to handle 50 pounds per hearty foot . you’re able to determine if your pack of cards will be able-bodied to support the exercising weight of your desired hot tub by making a ready calculation .
separate the weight of the blistering bath ( admit the water and maximum number of occupant ) by its total straightforward footage . If the number is below 50 , the deck should be able to concur it . While this method acting is useful for giving you a rough thought of a deck ’s potential weighting capability , it ’s always a good idea to have it assessed by a professional , as not all decks are build to code and manyolder deckscould profit from some morphological enhancement .
2. What size of hot tub is best for my deck?
While a health spa or hot tubful may be a welcome addition to your outdoor living place , installing one involve sacrificing a skilful clump of your deck distance . Before purchase a red-hot tub , programme for its size . Using the dimensions of the red-hot tub you ’re consider , create a cardboard mental representation to screen out where you might place the tub , or practice painter ’s tape to mark out a space on the deck .
Pay attention to how the red-hot tub will affect the flow of traffic on the deck of cards , firm and deck entrances , and if it will allow space for otherdeck furniture .
3. Does the age of the deck matter?
The structural integrity of a deck of cards changes as it weathers and ages , which can touch its power to contain the free weight of a red-hot bathing tub or resort hotel . decompose joists or damage decking are often not potent enough to back up the weight of a hot tub .
With this in mind , it ’s crucial to have a professional inspect the condition of thedecking , joist , hanger , bolts , and screws to make trusted they are in right enough condition to hold the added loading of a hot tub and make any repair and geomorphological additions if want .
4. What types of utility access are needed?
When planning the location of a hot tubful , determine how you will power the hot bathtub so that you are n’t tempted to snake corduroys dangerously across the pack of cards . A hot bathing tub necessitate anelectrical outletto power its heat element and pump , with most models requiring a 240V electric assemblage . It also involve access to a water generator to fill it , so consider the proximity of aspigotthat will allow for you to run a hose to the tubful to fill it or periodically top it off .
If neither of these are already installed and approachable to the emplacement you plan to rate the hot tub , then the cost and time needed to install them must be factored into the overall project .
5. How much will it cost?
When most people commence research the cost of set a hot bathing tub on their deck , they typically only look at the cost of the hot tub or spa itself . There are often other costs associate with the addition of a newfangled hot bathtub , however .
Your pack of cards may need maintenanceor the summation of footings and supports for carry the weighting of the red-hot tub . You also may want to extend wiring outside to the deck to power the hot tub , which requireshiring an electrician .
These repairs and upgrades could add significantly to the overall toll of the project . As such , assessing the morphological integrity and utility needs of the deck of cards during the planning process is crucial to deflect surprisal expense .
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6. What about delivery and installation?
While thehot bath companyshould be creditworthy for moving the red-hot bathing tub onto the pack of cards , you ’ll still take to check with the company about their rescue insurance and design some of the logistics of the induction .
The delivery may ask the manipulation of a wild leek or crane to move the hot vat from the pitch fomite onto the deck of cards . ensure there is enough room to allow access to your deck to perform the installation .
7. How do you prep the deck surface?
The improver of a spicy tubful on your deck means you ’ll have more multitude walk around on the surface without shoes on . If the decking is onetime , it may have splinters and raised jailor or nail heads that present jeopardy for the barefooted .
Before contribute a hot tub , reckon repairing nicks , sliver , and raised screws in the decking . It may also be a undecomposed time to refinish the forest with a fresh coating ofdeck stainto protect it from water that spatter out of the spa .
8. When should I consider a recessed hot tub?
Instead of the deck offer financial backing , a small miniskirt - deck of cards with its own ground or concrete pad is custom - build underneath the deck of cards to support the hot tub . Also , if the hot tub does n’t arrive with a lockable cover , the International Residential Code stipulates that barrier for entry must be put in place .
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Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
