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Hot Tubs continue to be very popular and a properly designed
deck is necessary to not only hold the deck, but create easy
access to the hot tub. Hot Tub decks need be very strong as
the average hot tub when filled can weigh as much as a car.
This usually means an extra beam or two and 6x6 posts,
spaced closer together, and shorter joists spans.
The tub can sit on top of the deck with stairs or platforms
up to it, be partially sunken, or sit on a lower level with
one or more sides butting up to the main deck. This creates
an easy entry point aiming for the top of the tub to be
about 16" above the main deck. Even elderly can now sit down
on the top rim of the tub and swing their legs in.
Hot Tubs can also be fully sunken or flush mounted to the
deck, but a hot tub that is fully sunken is the most
difficult, and dangerous, to enter and could be a hazard for
small children.
Remember to keep the distance to the house or mud room as
short as possible, for those cold winter sprints from the
house to the tub, as a good hot tub will be used year round.
A privacy wall is also a good
idea for hot tub decks especially higher decks. Also,
remember to allow space for the cover lifter and access
panels. A 7' by 7' hot tub will use up at least a 10' by 10'
area of your deck. So keep that in mind when deciding how
big to build your deck. |
