If you are someone seeking to install a hot tub, then this article is for you. In the course of this article, I will explain all you need to know about how level your hot tub should be.
In general, a slight slope is okay for your tub. The maximum slope your pool should be on is 5 degrees.
Can a hot tub be slightly unlevel?
If you are someone looking to install a hot tub, one of the major concerns you will have is where to place it. One of the challenges you can experience is finding a level surface to place it on. If you live on a slope or hillside, this may be impossible at times. As a result, you could be tempted to place it right there regardless of the terrain.
So to answer the question above, as much as possible, avoid putting a tub on unlevel ground. A slightly unlevel ground might not pose too much of a problem. However, when the hot tub is very unlevel, issues could arise.
Hot tubs are designed to carry a lot of weight, ranging up to thousands of pounds. This is because of the weight of the water and also of the people that will be bathing inside.
As a general rule, hot tubs should always be installed on level surfaces. This is because, due to the hefty weight that it is carrying, cracking can occur.
Another disadvantage of placing it on an uneven surface is that it can cause the water level to be uneven.
These are important factors that I will discuss in detail, so read on.
What happens if the hot tub is not level?
In continuation of what was being discussed above, the first thing to note is that placing your tub on an uneven surface can cause it to crack. Hot tubs are built with a wooden frame beneath an acrylic shell.
As a result, an uneven surface can put one side of the tub under undue stress and tension. The shell is not built to withstand such pressure. Due to this undue stress, stress fractures can begin to happen in both the frame and shell.
Therefore, when placing your hot tub, you can decide to place it outdoors on your deck or patio. Preferably, they should be made out of concrete or brick. In fact, most flat surfaces, as long as they are level with no dips, are good.
Another reason you should avoid unlevel surfaces is this. The water level will be uneven. A lot of issues can arise from this.
One of the issues is that your tub’s jets might not be covered completely. So certain jets would be louder than others.
Another issue that could arise is that your water wouldn’t heat up evenly. Some parts of the tub would end up being hotter than others. This can lead to scalding and burns.
In addition, uneven hot tubs can cause your hot tub to wear unevenly. This will also shorten the lifespan of your tub’s components.
How much slope is too much for a hot tub?
The answer to this question might not be so definitive. A lot of factors can affect how much slope is good enough for your hot tub installation. Some of these factors could include your personal preference, the hot tub‘s make, and even the location.
However, the maximum your hot tub should have is a 1/2-inch (1.27cm) slope in an 8-foot (2.44m) run. On average, a slope of 5 degrees shouldn’t cause any issues or problems for most hot tubs.
You are encouraged to have a slightly steep slope, especially if you live in a frigid region that has cold winters. This will cause the snow and ice to drain away more easily. Regardless, always consult a professional or expert before going ahead with creating any slope at all.
Can you put a hot tub on a hill?
Despite the fact that you live on a hillside, your landscape shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the benefits of a hot tub. You don’t have to give up on your dreams of owning a hot tub regardless of the sloping terrain. There are ways that you can overcome that obstacle and still get to experience all that a hot tub has to offer without any hassle. Let’s dive into it.
- Dig a level location: On that hill, an option to have is to create a level location. This you can do by removing some soil from the slope and creating space big enough to contain your hot tub. You can pour in concrete or gravel to give the place a strong foundation. This will prevent it from sinking.
Because the ground could shift, consider putting a retaining wall on either the high or low end of the slope. This wall will help to keep the soil in place, preventing any damage to your hot tub.
- Build a deck: Building a deck is a good alternative. Wooden decks with good support and quality wood can be used. If you intend the deck to be up to 2 feet above the ground, then you will need to create additional support posts every 30 inches.
Also, ensure that the ground does not shift. If the ground shifts, then it will require you to use shims to level it.
- Invest in an Inground Hot Tub: For an inground hot tub, you will need to dig a large enough hole. First, mark where you want to build. Then add an additional 30 inches all round. This will give you space to install wiring and plumbing.
Once the hole is dug, you can pour in the concrete, and then you can allow it to set. Next, you make conduits for the wires and plumbing. The final step is then installing the hot tub. This might require getting a professional to do it for you, particularly concerning the wire connection and plumbing.
How do you level the ground for a hot tub?
Before leveling the ground for a hot tub, there are some things to consider. You must consider the drainage of the place. Ensure that it is not in a location that will be affected by run-off.
Also check for shrubs and undergrowth. They could unseat the hot tub after a while. You should also ensure that it is close to a water supply. In addition, your hot tub should be installed close to an electrical panel or outlet.
Now to the leveling. There are various ideas you can implement while installing:
- Concrete: Installing concrete slabs is a perfect way to level the ground. Concrete is guaranteed to hold the weight of your tub. For larger tub sizes, you can reinforce the concrete with steel rods. Reinforced concrete can support weights of up to 115 pounds per square foot. The concrete slabs should be about 3 inches wider on the sides.
- Shims: Shims are another alternative to leveling the ground. Shims can come in plastic, metal, or wood forms. Though the plastic and metal forms are preferred due to the fact that they don’t rot. Most hot tubs come with shim points to enable easy fixing. However, keep in mind that some brands do not recommend shimming. This is because their tubs were not built to allow shim installation. Your hot tub warranty could be voided as a result. If your hot tub doesn’t come with shim points, don’t attempt it. It could put stress on your tub, leading to cracks and fractures.
- Gravel: Pouring in gravel is an excellent way to level your ground. Gravel provides a firm foundation for all tub sizes. Make sure you properly compact the ground before pouring in the gravel. This will prevent settling. In addition, gravel provides good drainage for when water splashes from your tub.
What should I put under a hot tub?
There are many options you can use as your hot tub base:
- Concrete slabs
- Pavers
- Gravel
- Decking
- Hot tub pads
What is the best base to put a hot tub on?
Gravel is the best base you can use. There are some reasons for this.
Gravel can hold up any tub of any size without issue. As long as the ground is well compacted, you wouldn’t experience any issues. Also, gravel doesn’t cost much to procure. It is cheaper than concrete.
Gravel is also good for drainage. When you want to drain the tub, gravel can provide ease of drainage. In addition, gravel doesn’t crack like concrete over time.
How thick should a slab be for a hot tub?
Concrete slabs should be at least 4 inches (10 cm) thick. This will generally hold a hot tub of any size.
Can you put a hot tub on the deck?
Yes, you can. As mentioned above, wood decking can be used as a base for your hot tub. Just make sure it has enough support.
Can I put my hot tub on the grass?
You should avoid putting your hot tub on grass. Grass isn’t strong enough to hold up the weight of your tub. Over time, it can cause your tub to begin to settle unevenly. This can cause stress on your hot tub, leading to cracks and fractures.
Can I put a hot tub on the pavers?
Yes, you can. Stone pavers can hold the weight of your hot tub comfortably without issues.
