If you want to set up the tub for longer than a month, it is better to select more solid construction. A new hot tub costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average for above-ground models. If you place your inflatable hot tub on a hot tub pad, you reduce heat loss to the cold ground below. Another common method of insulating hot tubs is to spray foam the shell and around the inside perimeter of the cabinet. but use Thermaltech ULTRA (highest quality). But getting this work done will obviously add to the installation costs, so it's something you'll need to factor into your budget for the project. Inflatable hot tubs weigh less than hard-surfaced ones. It is seen pretty commonly in budget-friendly hot tubs. To add extra insulation, you can spray it around the hot tub's cabinet to trap in the extra heat that is generated by the heater and pumps. FREE Delivery. Bare Decor EZ-Floor Interlocking Flooring Tiles in Solid Teak, Let's Talk About the Costs of Installing a Swim Spa, EZ Pad Review: Prep, Installation & Performance (With Photos), How to Get a Hot Tub onto a Raised Deck or Balcony (Or Up Stairs! Some excellent ways to add more insulation to your hot tub includepurchasing a: Ultimately, the best way to insulate a hot tub is to pay a professional. Is it the best you can get? Collect from the rental and dump the water right there and on the way back to the shop the next day or 2. They are also strong enough to support the weight of the hot tub. If your artificial grass was laid over concrete, this would be fine, as long as you didn't mind damaging that patch of artificial lawn. Concrete is a strong and durable choice for a hot tub base, but it is permanent. The main cause of hot tub noise is vibration, so the more you can reduce this, the quieter it becomes. EZ Pads are perfect for hot tub installations, portable spa installations, and as an inexpensive platform deck for swim spas. These are prefabricated hot tub bases made from interlocking squares of plastic, about 2 inches thick, and designed to be strong enough to support the weight of a spa. A hot tub installation costs $158 and $547 for most models, or an average of $352. If this happens, you risk damaging the spa and voiding the warranty. Which hot tub vacuum cleaners to buy? However, the difference is that it is blown into your hot tub instead of sprayed on, meaning it does not harden within the hot tub's interior. A good hot tub base should be solid and durable. 77K views 10 years ago ezpadsvideo 110 subscribers Subscribe 92 77K views 10 years ago Hot tub spa pad is fast. Filter Cartridges. Different approaches to insulation technology exist. The bearing capacity depends on the material, joist spacing, joist overhang, soil type, and other factors. The world-strongest gravel grids made the gravel construction even more solid. Just about anything conveniently available that helps achieve a stable level bed for the pad. Compared to the CosySpa Hot Tub Flooring Protector you can also adjust the size of the pad and cut through it easily. But dont despair; there are things you can do to improve this, particularly if you want to use your hot tub in the cooler months. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. It is not strong enough to support the hot tub. Along with traditional concrete slabs, some options can save you time and money. Its important that a hot tub is installed on a completely flat surface, but a very minor slope is acceptable. A wooden deck is an elegant and comfortable solution. Gravel base an easy-to-make and cheap hot tub foundation, Prefabricated hot tub base time and effort saver. The concrete then needs to be poured into the frame, screeded, finished, and left to cure. And just like with a concrete slab, you should check local building codes to see if you need a permit to build a hot tub base using pavers. That said, there is still base prep work to be done before you can actually lay the pavers. ), recessing your hot tub or framing it within a deck, common methods for leveling your spa pad area, Buying an Inflatable Hot Tub: The Essential Pre-Purchase Guide, What Is the Best Cedar Hot Tub? The pad locks together with built-in connectors. Fill 3 with sand. For one, this floor protector is designed to protect the spa from getting punctures caused by contact with sharp debris, spikes, nails, or stones. One pack of 72 pieces is enough to cover 8*8 area. You need to consult with a specialist to be certain the deck can support the weight of the hot tub. (~2 tons). 2. The pads are durable, waterproof, and so rigid, you dont even need a concrete base. Replace the foam in your hot tub cover core with BeyondNice's foam core replacement pads. Installing a new hot tub or spa on concrete can be stressful, time consuming and costly when you are coordinating contractor bids, permit applications, site access details and inspections. That being said, if you have a flat concrete back patio that is totally level, theres no reason it couldnt just sit directly on the concrete. This is one reason it's generally recommended to keep any slope to a minimum. Xtingmeme Hot Tub Mat Show price The best choice for those who look for a durable mat that will last a long time and will not damage the floor. Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $0-$1,000+ (this varies a lot depending on exactly what work you need). What to put under an inflatable hot tub? If there is anything Ive missed, just leave a comment or drop me a line, and dont forget to check out those links to related articles here on my website. FREE delivery Apr 3 - 13. Fill 3 with gravel. #alwaysgreenconcrete pic.twitter.com/8Y7OFd4kxS, JohnnyBGood (@johnnybgoode83) August 12, 2016. However, for most hot tubs, the benefit gained from a pad is really not worth the effort. Deck tiles have a different texture and look. The ground is not solid enough to support the weight of the hot tub without deformation. Spa Chemicals. Extra Cushion Thick Eva Foam Padding Inflatable Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub Base Mats for Under Floor Protection & Heat Insulation. . Decks are a really popular feature to combine with hot tubs. Concrete pad This type of foundation is recommended whether or not your tub is an outdoor one or an indoor one. Fixing Leaks When new, most hot tubs are fairly well insulated. 100% full-foam insulators support the pipes by preventing any water leaks and reducing noise, so there are few to no vibrations. However, you should consider this option only for a short-term stay. Put over your spa to help to retain heat! Does anyone have experience with either? Does the retailer have better alternatives? Buy Now High Quality Insulation for your Hot Tub Enjoy your hot tub without breaking the bank with our premium quality hot tub insulation Hot Tub Insulated Jacket 140.00 GBP Inflatable Hot Tub Insulation Lid Best for winter: Bestway 60022E . , Copyright __ez.scxr.getDW(document).write(new Date().getFullYear())All Rights Reserved, link to Can You Add Insulation to a Hot Tub? There are other reasons you might not want to place an inflatable spa directly on the ground, such as damage to underlying grass, scratches or punctures on the spa itself, or excessive heat loss. When choosing a material, consider how well it can prevent punctures, its durability, and comfort. Certainly not on sand your hot tub will sink into it! There are several rules to follow while making a gravel hot tub base: Pro tip #1! Follow the manufacturer's instructions to know exactly when its safe to remove the frame. Whether you place the hot tub on the deck or recess it into it, it's great to be able to access the hot tub easily from the deck where you already hang out. The real benefit of these is their temporary nature though. This typically means a 6-inch layer of gravel, a 1-inch layer of sand, then the pavers themselves. (Simple DIY Solutions). A reflective foil barrier is typically placed on the back of the hot tub's panels, which is much like the radiant barrier you would find in a standard attic. Actually, it proposes advantages that non-other foundation has. The surface should be flat with no imbalance. Easy to assemble. While placing your hot tub on a deck is a great idea in many ways, there are several considerations that go into doing this safely. Measures 24 in. We'll take a look at that next. It heats up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and includes a timer that you can set up to 72 hours before you plan to use it. Depending on where you live, you may also need a permit to install a concrete slab, as it may be considered a permanent change to your property. High-quality insulation helpskeep your utility bills low and extend the life span of your hot tub. Hot Tub Covers. You can find some hot tub mats that are anti-slip and also absorb water like this one on Amazon. They work in tandem with hot tub covers to keep air from escaping and keep the water from evaporating. This could be something like paint, pavers, or something less permanent like these outdoor hardwood teak interlocking floor tiles: Another alternative is to build the concrete pad just large enough so that the hot tub covers it completely. After some time you will end up with an uneven surface. There are TWO aspects you should understand and remember while thinking of the hot tub base. Without proper insulation, your hot tub requires more energy to maintain the same temperature. When shopping for a hot tub, you should always look for a model that has full-foam insulation. Longest-lasting best value spa filters. See how EZ Pads stack up to the competition, with special attention to warranties: EZ Pads are manufactured to the very high ISO 9000 standards right here in the United States, and feature a Lifetime Warranty. The energy-efficiency of your particular hot tub model, Whether or not you keep your spa cover on when you are not using your spa. Related: Buying an Inflatable Hot Tub: The Essential Pre-Purchase Guide. There are other ways of reducing noise in fact, I wrote a recent article on this topic, and you can read it here on my site by clicking on the link. After that, you can put the hot tub just on the bare grid. Opens in . For those who don't want a permanent setup, these tubs may be a long-term solution. 75x75 Extra Large Hot Tub Pad - Inflatable Hot Tub Mat Outdoor Indoor - Ground Mat for Under Inflatable Hot Tub - Absorbent Spa Pool Ground Base Flooring Protector Mat. Installations indoors nearly always use a cement pad on which to base the hot tub. Obviously, spa owners in our colder climates will want to . Just like with real grass, placing a hot tub directly on artificial grass would result in permanent flattening of the grass fibersand potentially cause damage to the hot tub, depending on the surface beneath. We value your privacy. Upgrading Insulation on a Coleman Lay Z Spa Inflatable Hot Tub | Product Upgrade Family DIY 1.84K subscribers Subscribe 88 Share 26K views 3 years ago #DIY #colemansaluspa #familyDIY After 2. Soda Ash for Pool: 3 Best Products & Comparison with Baking Soda, Why Not Buying A Cyanuric Acid Reducer Is the Best Solution, Sodium Bisulfate: Top 4 PH Downs For Stress-Free Pool Maintenance, 4 Best Pool Timers To Save Your Money On Electricity Bills, How To Get Sand Out Of Pool: Proven Methods Only, Hot tub base: essential things to know beforehand, Concrete foundation a classical and durable solution. If something authentic then the pavers or wood deck is your favorite. we leveled all this gravel and put together a mat for the HOT TUB that is on its way pic.twitter.com/K691RRczok, sierra, spooky murder victim (@jazzdaddyspcl) November 21, 2020. However, there is one exception: inflatable spas dont have a frame, and are therefore not picky about being placed on an even surface. Concrete absorbs moisture from the environment. Your project can be done right, on time, and below budget with a minimum of effort and expense. Lay it down with no gaps and check over time. Related: How to Get a Hot Tub onto a Raised Deck or Balcony (Or Up Stairs!). Relax in your own premium portable hot tub. Timber decks and gravel surfaces can damage the base of your hot tub if you have to drag it around to position it. Reduces Chemical Loss: Yes. Hot tubs need insulation to maintain their temperature. But electrical wiring is another matter. We highly recommend getting a hot tub pad to place below your hot tub. Cheap hot tubs are generally not well insulated when they leave the factory. 78 Inch Diameter 21 Pcs Hot Tub Mat Interlocking Hot Tub Flooring Protector Foam Ground Patio Tiles Bathroom Flooring Spa Hot Tub Pad Non Slip Pool Floor Mat for Outdoor Balcony Shower (1/4 Inch) 4.7 (29) $17090. One of the only complaints that people sometimes have about their hot tub is that it is too loud. The 8 Best Above-Ground Pools of 2023. . They tend to be rather poorly . You may have to have a screwdriver to do this, though some models allow the cabinets to lift right off without any additional tools. Otherwise, stress fractures could occur due to uneven weight distribution. Unlike the contractor route, you control the process. FiberCor is the most costly compared to the other products listed here and is one of the newest insulation system products on the market today. Location that will ensure free access to the motor for service. The latter can damage the vinyl. The beauty of this type of insulation system stops heat loss, all while providing a bit of structural support. There will also be plastic grass between the tub and insulation but if it would be better I could cut that around it. Why does concrete crack? For use with water heaters. On the market, you can find both a specifically designed mat for a hot tub and some good and cost-effective alternatives. Uninsulated hot tubs are more expensive to operate, and their components tend to wear out faster. These hot tubs can strain the checkbook. Compact the gravel every few inches and level it! Simply unpack your foam pads, assemble them like a jigsaw, and you're ready to go! More expensive hot tubs have full-foam insulation that fills the whole cabinet, including the pump and plumbing. With 120 jets and a digital control panel that you can reach from inside the hot tub, you can adjust the settings while staying in luxurious comfort. (Yes, here's how & where). At the low end of the market, the hot tub cabinet is only partially filled with insulation, which is usually a urethane spray foam on the shell of the tub. This depends on the overall quality of your hot tub and how it was insulated. MAX. Below you can find the list of suitable bases: In contrast with solid-frame hot tubs, inflatable ones can be placed on the ground. Just click that link to read it on my site. However, bear in mind that the smallest size pad they can form is going to be 8 by 8 feet. To cover 8*8 (64 square feet), you need to get one pack of the Truegrid Pro-Lite Pavers. If you're interested in recessing your hot tub or framing it within a deck instead, the deck itself won't have to support the weight of the spa. They are also modular, which means they will work for larger spas, or even swim spas. Can I use sand as a base for the hot tub? Put medium-grade gravel under and then add some pea gravel above. Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs - Hot tub base - Made the exciting purchase of a hot tub now have to figure out what kind of base to put it on. You can also add some reinforcement to the slab, however, in most cases, it is not necessary. Like our homes, we insulate the floor, walls and the attic, to create a warm pocket inside. Do you need one at all? Just an area of flat, even, and firm ground will be enough to support your hot tub. It's just not going to be level enough to support your spa evenly. For installing the Truegrid, you should firstly put 3-4 of cracked stones and level it. They were built a little pitched for better drainage. Actual gravel is smooth and rounded which means it won't lock into place properly, and will be able to shift around under your spa. I insulated the floor of my cabinet, but wouldn't want anything under it that would hold moisture. . The cement has to be poured into an area that will be dictated by the plumbing installation. Put pavers on it. Spa steps starting at $99.95. If your budget isn't something that you need to worry about, FiberCor is what we recommend. Your pumps and heater need a bit of air so that they stay cool, otherwise, they could end up overheating and breaking. The main rule for any base is to be solid and level to support the hot tub weight and prevent cracking. You should at least consult or hire a professional to make sure you will get what you want. After having. Easy access to electrical or plumbing lines if they go under the hot tub. Typically,it's not a good idea to lay pavers directly on dirt. That R2 or so is probably good enough. Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. This makes them the perfect choice if you live in rented accommodation or cannot make a permanent change to your property for whatever reasonor if you want to be able to take the spa pad with you when you move. Hot tub insulation foam is usually made out of urethane and sprayed inside the cabinet. A hot tub pad will reduce noise by isolating the tub from the surface underneath as it can minimize vibrations. But hey, this is your first foray into hot-tubbing next time, you can upgrade to something better. This modular system eliminates the need to pour concrete. Something to bear in mind in general when it comes to inflatable spas is that they have less insulation on the underside to stop heat escaping into the base than then a regular spa, where the shell is raised off the ground. Spa Accessories. [3] Most modern tubs are self-contained, meaning you won't have to run any plumbing in order to get the tub up and running. But many hot tub manufacturers, particularly in the inflatable market, supply mats to suit their own brand. EZ Pads Inc.is the recognized leader in quality pre-fabricated hot tub pads and spa pads. Below we prepare a short comparison table between the most popular types of foundations. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. It is on my deck, then I put down 1/2" marine grade MDO plywood, then the foam, then the hot tub. Some are flexible mats, providing insulation but little structural support. There are many different waysmanufacturers can choose to insulate their tubs. Moreover it is waterproof. Was it helpful? The last thing you want to have happen is to break your deck, and then your tub, upon installation. Our top pick is the Lifesmart Bermuda, a four-person hot tub with comfy bucket seats, a waterfall feature, and color-changing LED lights. This means that for an 8'x8' spa pad, you'll need enough concrete to fill 21.33 cubic feet (thats 36 80-lb bags of QUIKRETE). Explore our article to find 5 hot tub foundations that match these characteristics the best. To improve on this, you can either add more foam or use a thermal wrap, either inside or outside the cabinet. In this article, I look at the alternative types of pads and their uses. Just ordered a new hot tub and this pad has 2" of slope over 8 feet. Outdoor EVA Foam Ground Mats Tiles - Interlocking - 6pk 24sq ft - Camping Caravan Tent Toys Trampoline Pool HotTub. You should use a 3-4 level to check the evenness of the foundation. If you look for a short-term placement you can set it up even on gravel. Hot Tub Steps. Come dive in with us as we explore the ins and outs of how you can add insulation to your hot tub to make it more energy-efficient. Here are our top picks that will make your slab look better. People have had surprising luck by simply taking a sheet of exterior-grade plywood and placing it under the hot tub. Choosing a durable and solid base is a must to prevent it from cracking. Ads another layer between floor and water heater. Final Verdict. Level. A concrete base for a spa should be around 4 inches thick. One myth that we often hear is that you can lower your temperature after using your hot tub every time to save some cash. Plastic pads are also good at providing insulation and preventing heat loss, which can help to reduce energy costs. It is crucial to note that you should never overdo this, though. You'll need to hire contractors to install the pad (unless youre handy enough to do this yourself) and be comfortable with the fact that your hot tub's location won't be able to change easily once it's in place. Others are rigid interlocking tiles that make up the size and shape you want. Cement is a good conductor of heat- but you have a couple inches of wood between the heated side of the cabinet and the cement. How to Replace Spa Cover Foam Panels. Pro tip #1! Sand is not the best option for the hot tub base. As a rule, the minimum thickness of the concrete should be 4-6 (10.16 cm) to support the weight of the full hot tub. 5. It should lay flat. Appearance (depends on taste, but it is not so stylish as other options). Here are four hot tub foundation ideas that will ensure your hot tub is positioned correctly and looks great. Spa prices depend on the size, quality, features, brand, dealer's overhead, and warranty. This is not acceptable for a hot tub. All you need is a screwdriver to attach the different sections of the spa pad together, and then provided you have a flat area, you can literally place the spa pad on top of any kind of surface: grass, dirt, patio, gravel, concrete, you name it. For pavers to last, the area under them should be excavated, leveled, and compacted. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but just know that you can tell they are plastic on close inspection, and you may not care for this aesthetic in your yard. Your concrete pad must have the following characteristics; It must be level. I would go with gravel or sand and put an extra layer of solid 2 inch foam insulation between the tub and the ground. Reflective foam acts like a mirror to bounce radiant heat back into the spa. As I mentioned, one that I love, and it does have some excellent reviews, is the Confer SP3248 Handi Spa on Amazon. A stable and level hot tub pad is necessary for the structural integrity of the hot tub frame and shell.