A hot tub can be a rewarding addition to any home. When installing a deck mounted hot tub it is very important your deck is built to support its weight. A hot tub may weigh up to 1,000 lbs when empty and can weigh as much as 2 tons when filled with water. It is very important to account for this additional weight when building a deck. A deck professional can advise you on the proper methods for supporting your new hot tub.

Many people go wrong while deck building because supporting large loads is much more difficult than it seems to be. Not just the weight of the hot tub, but also the dimensions and electrical wiring required for the hot tub should be kept in mind by the deck builder at the time of deck planning and construction. Once, you have measured for your hot tub’s dimensional requirements, accounted for weight and identified a power source, you are ready to start the construction planning.

The next step is to decide on the extra support required for your hot tub. Make sure to add at least 3 feet in diameter to your deck i.e. if your hot tub is 9 feet in diameter then your deck should be at least 12 feet in diameter to be built properly. Next, you will have to dig foot holes in the ground to support the deck and then place proper footings in the dug holes. You will also need enough posts to support the hot tub’s full weight and the weight of the potential tub and deck occupants. If you are not comfortable at this phase, you should consult a professional.

If you have successfully accounted for the weight, power and design, you are all set to build a deck for your hot tub. Always keep in mind that the deck can be build on both sides of your home and you could also opt to build an free standing unit elsewhere on your property. Decide on a place that you are comfortable with but also make sure that plants, trees, and utilities do not become obstacles while deck building.

Though hot tubs can be a great addition to your home, they need to be built properly. If your deck is not designed properly and is not sturdy enough, it might collapse without notice or the structure could prove to be a very dangerous liability to your household. So if you do not have extensive deck building experience, make sure to consult a professional deck builder to build your hot tub ready deck.