Putting your hot tub on pavers is a good idea to try out. However, you need to know this; paver base is not as cost-effective as gravel base and concrete base.
According to the guideline here ‘What Is The Best Base For A Hot Tub?‘, pavers are good to use as a spa base and they give you the flexibility to add extra design to and around the surrounding of the hot tub.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that you would spend more on pavers than concrete and gravel bases.
So, if you have been wondering whether you can put a hot tub on the pavers, the answer is yes. You can do it but ensure that you install it the right way.
There are some technicalities you need to understand before choosing the right pavers for your hot tub. To avoid costly mistakes, you can hire the service of a seasoned professional to do the installation for you.
How much weight can a paver patio hold?
The number of weight pavers can carry depends on the type of material the pavers were made with. Generally, pavers can carry up to 8,000 lb/ft2 and even more.
On the other hand, your hot tub cannot weigh more than 8,000 lbs. The maximum weight a hot tub can have is around 6,000 lbs.
So, pavers can comfortably carry your hot tub. Where the major challenge is encountered is the installation. Installing your pavers with the right materials is a very important factor.
If it is not done well, you might end up having unstable pavers, a situation that is not good for your spa.
Can you lay pavers on just sand?
Yes, you can lay pavers on sand, but there is more to it. What type of sand are you using to lay the pavers? What amount of sand is needed under the pavers.
These are important factors to put into consideration when installing your hot tub. The type of sand and the quantity you used to lay the pavers will determine how well the pavers will serve you.
If you choose the playground type of sand for the paver base you will find it difficult to have a stable base because it is too fine and can easily wash away. On the other hand, masonry sand can prevent lateral drainage because it does not compact well.
Are pavers high maintenance?
If your pavers are properly installed, they are a low-maintenance base. The most important thing is installing them properly.
As long as the pavers have a stable foundation, you may not need to do any serious maintenance work on them for years. All you need to do is always keep the surface clean by sweeping with a broom and washing with water.
To properly wash the pavers, you’d have to use water and vinegar. White vinegar helps to clear off the dirt. Apply the vinegar on the surface and allow it for about one hour. Then wash it off with clean water and see how attractive the patio will look again.
Even when the paver patio develops faults, it is a lot easier to fix than that of a concrete patio. For a concrete patio, you may need to replace everything which will cost a lot.
How do I keep my pavers from moving?
One thing you must avoid is an unstable paver foundation. If the patio foundation is unstable, the weight of the hot tub can sink it.
Also, it can lead to frequent maintenance issues, if not well managed.
Using the right base for your pavers will save you a whole lot of stress. Most times, what makes pavers move is the type of sand they sit on.
The best sand to use for the pavers is the washed concrete sand. Also, ensure that you screed it smooth to a uniform depth of about 2.6-3.6cm. You can also use edge tools to prevent it from moving.
How thick should the sand be under pavers?
The quantity of sand to use under your pavers shouldn’t be too much or too little. A thickness of about 1 inch is enough to carry the pavers.
You may be wondering if you can put too much sand under the pavers. Yes, if the thickness of the sand is more than 1inch it may be too much for the pavers.
And having excess sand under your pavers may lead to misalignment of the pavers because some of the sand particles will fill up the joints, making them uneven.
This can create waves during the installation of the patio.
What is the best material to put under pavers?
A perfect material to put under the pavers must not trap excess moisture under the pavers. Also, the material should be coarse and compact enough to form a stable foundation.
You don’t want to use the playground or masonry sand that will create an unstable foundation or poor drainage system under the patio.
If water cannot easily drain through the foundation, it will make puddles form on the patio surface. This can cause damaging erosion.
According to The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, washed concrete sand is the best material to lay under the pavers. This type of sand is coarse and enables proper drainage of water.
Moreover, it locks with the pavers and seals up the joints. This feature helps it to create a strong and stable foundation for the patio.
Do you wet sand before laying pavers?
You don’t need to wet the sand before laying the pavers. Wet sand will make the process difficult because even with tamping, you can’t have a stable base.
Make sure that the sand is dry so that it can be stable during tamping.
Even if you manage to install the pavers, it will take a longer period for the pavers to set.
What to put under pavers to prevent weeds?
There are a lot of materials you can put under your pavers to prevent weeds from growing through them. Chemicals can also be used to permanently stop weeds from growing under the pavers. .
Salt and vinegar can also be used to permanently stop weeds from growing. Polymeric sand can also do the job for you.
Do you need gravel under pavers?
Putting gravel under the pavers is not necessary as long as you use good sand for the base. However, you can integrate gravel to provide a better drainage system. To learn more about the advantages of gravel base, check
What Gravel Is Best For A Hot Tub Base?
Moreover, it helps to provide stronger support so that the base doesn’t sink when the hot tub is placed on it.
