Because the loads from the tub, the water, and the occupants can exceed 100 pounds per square foot—and most decks are designed to support combined live and dead loads of only 50 pounds per square foot—additional structural support is usually needed.
How strong should a deck be for a hot tub?
A deck designed to hold at least 100 pounds per square foot will support nearly any type of hot tub. However, many decks are designed for only 50 pounds of weight per square foot – this will not support some hot tubs and you’ll have to modify the supports beneath your deck.
Is a hot tub too heavy for a deck?
In general, most decks can withstand 100 lbs per square foot. So if a hot tub like the one in the example is under that weight, the average deck should be able to support it.
Can a normal deck support a hot tub?
Yes, you can put a hot tub on a deck. Decks built ground level up to 2 feet off the ground can support up to 100 lbs per square foot; sufficient for most hot tubs. But decks 2 feet or higher will need added support. The added support posts should be no more than 30″ apart & ideally placed in poured concrete.
How do you calculate pounds per square foot for a hot tub?
Divide the total weight of the hot tub by its square footage and you’ll come up with the load bearing weight per square foot required for your deck. (5700 pounds divided by 57 square feet equals 100 pounds per square foot.)
How do I build a deck strong enough to hold a hot tub?
A flat, level surface such as a concrete slab is the ideal location for a hot tub. If you’re building a new deck, the slab should be formed and poured at the same time as your concrete footings. A 3-1/2 to 4 inch slab is usually sufficient, experts say; however, larger tubs may require something more substantial.
How much weight can my deck hold calculator?
To determine the maximum load capacity of your deck, start by calculating its total area and multiply by 50 psf. So, a 100 sqft deck would be designed to support 5000 lbs.
How do you calculate deck load?
If your deck is built to code, then it is designed to hold a minimum of 50 pounds per square foot, of which ⅘ of that total is the “live” load. Therefore, a deck of 120 square feet multiplied by 50 shows that your deck can hold 6000 pounds, including the structure.
What size deck do I need for a hot tub?
While a 4×4 may be acceptable, 6x6s are recommended for decks up to 6 feet off the ground and 8x8s for heights greater than that to carry the additional load of a hot tub. The posts support the beam and transfer the load to the footings.
Can my floor support a hot tub?
If you consider that spa measures approximately 60 square feet, then the floor must be able to support at least 100 pounds per square foot. Floors in most homes can handle 125 to 300 pounds psf.
What size joist do I need to support a hot tub?
Standard 4×4 posts can be used for supports, and 2×8 joists will support the weight of most typical hot tubs. Check local building codes for footing requirements. Twelve inch on center spacing between joists underneath the hot tub will help provide extra support and 2×6 decking is preferred.
Will my decking hold a lazy spa?
Can my deck hold a hot tub? If you’re thinking of putting up an inflatable hot tub on your decking, have no fear! Wooden decking shouldn’t have any issues holding a tub full of water and people, as long as it’s close to the ground.
Can a wood deck support a inflatable hot tub?
Yes, any kind of hot tub, including inflatable hot tubs, can go on a wooden deck. However, if the deck is more than 2 feet off the ground, it will likely need additional support to hold the weight. Even inflatable hot tubs can still weigh up to 3,700 lbs full of water and people.
Will decking take the weight of a pool?
Remember, the deck will hold not only the weight of the pool but also the stresses of moving water.
Can composite decking hold a hot tub?
Composite decking can be built frame-within-a-frame which is a building method dedicated to handling the additional weight. This can be used when building a hot tub to make sure it doesn’t fall apart or collapse under the inclusive weight of the hot tub, water and people that sit in it.
What decking is best for hot tub?
ASA and other types of PVC decking will likely cost more up front but are the best option for keeping your hot tub deck structurally sound and visually preserved.
How much weight can a composite deck board hold?
However, Trex can be made into benches, planters, yard games, outdoor furniture, shelves, and more based on your imagination. Just keep in mind that its design carries a body-weight load across the span of 12 to 16 inches, and a typical deck is designed to support 40 pounds per square foot.
