Almost anything that is solid can be used as a shim. In terms of the overall dimension, we recommend at least 600mm extra on each side of the swim spa meaning that the minimum pad size should be 1200mm larger than the swim spa itself. The swim spa is 2.3m Next, use a magnesium (mag) trowel. Such a pool contains about 30,000 gallons, and that amount of water weighs about 125 tons, exerting a pressure on the slab equal to about 4 pounds per square inch. Very large tanks could require a thicker pad. It’s often suggested that concrete pads be at least four inches thick, but this will also depend on the size of your swim spa. In cold climate areas lay down a 1” or 2” layer of closed cell foam board under the hot tub area of the slab. We recommend pouring your concrete slab 3-4” thick using a 2”x6” wooden frame to create your form. Hot Tub Slab is in Good Condition So far in this article, we’ve given a bunch of alternatives to using a concrete pad as a base for a swim spa. You’ll want to put your hot tub on an elevated foundation, which should be a 3” concrete slab. You can put some bricks under the rebar to make sure it is in the middle of the slab. Installing an above ground swim spa is the easiest installation process available. When it comes to installing a swim spa we often get asked, “Do I need a concrete pad for swim spa?” The fact is that it’s not completely necessary. Re: spa pad or concrete slab? Step 1 Stake out the perimeter of the slab you want to pour. Retail Store: 416 645 6980 Concrete slab. Your email address will not be published. Very large tanks could require a thicker pad. The reason that concrete pads are consistently used as a base for a swim spa is that they can be constructed to the exact specifications needed. However, many patios and other concrete slabs are pitched for drainage, which may make an unsuitable base for your hot tub. The problem is - the slab has a slope away from the house. We are often asked how much you can save by using EZ Pads instead of concrete for a hot tub or spa foundation. You may wonder, “Do I need a concrete pad for swim spa?” or “Will I be able to incorporate my existing deck?”  In this article, we’ll answer these questions and others related to installing your own personal swim spa. If it isn’t completely level, the resulting water pressure will, over time, cause the walls of the swim spa to collapse. Step 1 - Mixing the Concrete for Concrete Slab. Prior to the slab being poured, I told the homeowner to contact me before that happens so I could come by and clamp a piece of #8 bare to the rebar. This outdoor spa sits on a concrete slab and the spa butts up against a composite deck, the top of the spa is flush, or is very close to being flush, with the surface of the spa. Run twine between the stakes. Concrete Pad. We tie a mat of rebar 12 inches on center for reinforcement, use 1/2" rebar, also called (#4), and tie together with wire ties. That said, if you have an existing deck, you’ll need to make sure it has the capacity to handle the weight of a full swim spa. This means removing any grass and digging down about four to five inches into the ground before leveling it out. Email: info@bonavistapools.com The spa must be placed on an approved level surface. I won't remove the framing wood until Wed. or Thurs. Your email address will not be published. They also have the benefit of doubling as a hot tub. However, there needs to be prep work done to the ground before laying down the crushed stone. For most Caldera spas, including the 8-person Cantabria®, a concrete slab is a must. The weight of the swim spa will cause the crushed stone to further settle, so you need to keep an eye on it to make sure it stays level. Putting hot tub on sloped concrete slab. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2021 © Clearwater Pools & Spas. How long you wait for this to dry is entirely weather dependant. If the conditions are right, these can make an effective base for a swim spa. Required fields are marked *. Even a low-strength, 4-inch concrete slab can withstand a weight of 1,700 kilograms per square centimeter, or 24,123 pounds per square inch. When a swim spa is full, it often weighs more than 9 tonnes. Nice job, good luck with your new tub. Slabs for hot tubs generally are 8 feet by 8 feet. As such, it needs a very firm base. A large, heavy spa requires a concrete slab base that is at least 4†thick. To start with you’ll need a stable, flat and level area on which to place the tank. Some steel reinforcement should be left exposed to allow the electrician to bond the spa to the concrete slab. To find out more about swim spa installation, download a swim spa buyer’s guide. If you have an existing patio made of concrete bricks, make sure it’s in good condition and is level (not angled for drainage). To learn more about swim spa installation requirements, download a swim spa buyer’s guide. This is especially important for larger hot tubs. For a hot tub that is going to stay in place for a long time, I would use the scrap metal. When neither an existing deck or patio are useable for your new hot tub a lot of times the best option is a poured concrete pad. The amount of water needed to fill the tank is not insubstantial by any means. Never be tempted to install directly onto the ground or grass, as these surfaces are not solid it will settle into the earth and become uneven. All rights reserved. Hi, I’ve had my spa since the summer, about 7 months now, and we’ve found those sponge things seem to work at keeping the foam from. The base of the concrete slab concrete should be about 4 inches thick. Concrete slab for spa pool. Curing provides a continuous supply of moisture to ensure a better surface quality and a stronger slab. I need a concrete slab for spa pool, about 4x4m, needs to be retained at least one side, maybe one and a half. If this is the case, that pitch must be rectified before the swim spa is placed on them. A swim spa weighs a whole lot more than what most people expect. If it isn’t completely level, the resulting water pressure will, over time, cause the walls of the swim spa to collapse. HomeAdvisor's Concrete Slab Cost Calculator gives average installed concrete costs per square foot or size (30x30, 24x24, 40x60) for garage floors, sheds, backyard slabs and more. Warning: This form can only be used if JavaScript is enabled in your browser. A portable spa requires a structurally sound base – typically a level, reinforced concrete slab or decking. A swim spa must be placed on a flat, stable and level surface. However, the concrete pad is probably the most reliable and longest lasting of the group. (no it won’t cause the slab to crack). Our lifetime guaranteed EZPads cost only $349 + s/h, so the answer seems to be that you can save anywhere from about $200 to $800. It is best to have a little excess concrete in your slab so you have a little extra to work with which will make for a more uniform finish. Highly recommend the guys at TCB Had a concrete slab laid for my swim spa and the job was done so fast, recently they came back out to quote a new driveway. Because they may already exist, quite often swim spas are installed on paving blocks. All Rights Reserved. The fourth cable, the ground cable, is 6-gauge. Cheers Shea . Often, we come across new swim spa owners who already have a stone patio laid in their backyard. The reason that concrete pads are consistently used as a base for a swim spa is that they can be constructed to the exact specifications needed. A concrete slab is the most durable, stable and most recommended foundation for a spa. It took two yards of 2500psi concrete to poor the slab and the sidewalk. closed. Curing must start the same day – as soon as you have finished the surface. The preciseness at which concrete pads can be laid makes them very attractive bases for swim spas. This allows you to ensure the area where the swim spa is placed is perfectly level while allowing for a pitch in other areas to promote water runoff. Beyond all the home and gardening magazines that feature hot tubs and swim spas perched on wooden decks, there is a lot of appeal in having a smooth and uniform surface surrounding your new installation. Thoughts? While it is the most expensive of the four options shown here it is by no means unaffordable. You’ll need to do some prep work beforehand to create the flat and level space required for swim spa installation. All spas require a sturdy foundation. Installing a Hot Tub is Less Expensive Than You Might Think! Although a slab made of multiple blocks is acceptable, a single slab is preferred because it is more durable. The slab thickness should be 6", use 4000 psi concrete, you do not need footers. A reinforced concrete slab (min 150mm) is recommended. ! If it’s too difficult to work with an existing set of patio stones, you might consider removing them and laying a fresh set. Required fields are marked *, Email: info@shopclearwaterpools.com CONCRETE A concrete surface is an excellent base for your hot tub as this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. West Broad Store: 804-747-7757. As the name suggests, concrete pads are a slab of concrete onto which you place the swim spa. That said, you’ll still need to prep the ground before you lay down the pads. If your deck can’t hold several thousand pounds of weight, you’re looking at a potentially dangerous situation. It’s best to enlist the help of a structural engineer to ensure using your deck won’t pose any problems. Posted 3 years ago. You can fill the area with crushed stone, pack it down and make it level to create a space onto which you can put your swim spa. Another way to cut down on the cost of pouring a concrete slab is to use a prefabricated pad. Estimate the labor price to pour concrete vs. buy precast cement pads. The nuts and bolts procedure is to connect, and provide access to, a ground wire to the metal mesh or rebar within the slab - this wire will be connected to the common bonding point within the spa once it is installed. It can be formed in many shapes, the minimum thickness we recommend is 4 inches with rebar reinforcements. Not only does it make the water easily accessible, but it also provides protection from dirt and debris ending up in the water. Just like crushed stone bases, you’ll need to dig down about four or five inches and level the ground before installing. The details are these. You’ll be able to choose a size that’s custom built for the swim spa and you’ll be able to ensure that it’s level and has the appropriate thickness. With some advance preparation, delivery of your new hot tub will be a … A swim spa must be placed on a flat, stable and level surface. Usually a concrete slab made to building code is suitable to hold a hot tub. A water-filled, six-person hot tub can weigh upward of two tons, so many homeowners position their tubs on concrete pads instead of setting them on wood decks. Tradespeople. They benefit people who like to practice their swim stroke in the privacy of their own home without requiring the amount of space or maintenance needed for a full-sized swimming pool. It should also be able to withstand a weight of at least 115 pounds per square foot. « Reply #14 on: June 08, 2007, 09:01:08 am » as i recall, when i was looking at a sundance booklet that described how to get ready for delivery, i believe that there was a mention of spa pads as not advisable. This is more than strong enough to support an 18-foot by 4-foot-deep round pool. From there you add and pack down the crushed stone to create the surface on which the swim spa will sit. Spa electrical box was installed and I ran 1.25" electrical conduit from it to the slab; I ran three 4-gauge copper electrical for my two hots and single neutral. The concrete slab for the hot tub would need to be a minimum of 4 inches or 10cm's thick, ideally 6†or 15cm. A customized poured concrete pad is an even better choice. Courthouse Rd Store: 804-745-7674 Additionally, the concrete should be fully cured before placing your hot tub down. To see our BonaVista COVID-19 policy, please click here, Pools, Hot Tubs, Patio Furniture, Outdoor Living. That said, most decks aren’t built to withstand the weight of several hundred gallons of water. Construction & Service: 905 475 6980, Copyright © 2011-2021 BonaVista. This may come in the form of a concrete pad, paving blocks, a crushed stone base, a prefabricated swim spa pad or simply placing the swim spa on a reinforced deck. Job description. closed. Concrete Slab for Spa Pool. As you probably well know, swim spas are becoming more and more popular these days due to their compact size, relatively low maintenance and flexibility compared to full-sized swimming pools. Home » Blog » Do I Need a Concrete Pad for a Swim Spa? (However, if you choose to construct your spa on a raised wood deck or other structure, instead, it is strongly suggested you check with a trained structural engineer or contractor, first.) Is there any solution to leveling the slab, short of breaking and pouring a new one? You just need to pour a layer of concrete that’s level and of the necessary thickness to withstand the weight of a swim spa. Technically, the metal in the concrete is "bonded" rather than grounded. On top of the foam board or ground if you don’t put down foam board, put down a wire mesh layer. Hi, we are interested in getting a swim spa to go on top of an existing (reinforced) concrete slab. Congratulations on your decision to buy a swim spa! The ability to soak and swim in a small space makes this economical investment a preferred choice among urban dwellers and busy professionals alike. At least a 6” thick concrete slab using 3000lb or 3500lb concrete. This article will go over the reasons why a concrete pad is often preferable as well as some of the alternative bases that can be used. Whether you’re using your swim spa for swimming or soaking, you’ll need to assess your situation in regard to installation. How to Pour a Hot Tub Pad. You'll need footings much like the foundation of a house. Concrete Pads. Thanks! My coworker has a 12 foot slab off the patio door of his basement, on which he wants to put a hot tub. This involves digging up the grass and topsoil and digging down a further four or five inches. Chester Store: 804-530-9000 CURING THE CONCRETE SLAB (PROTECTING THE SURFACE AGAINST MOISTURE LOSS) Moisten the surface and edges of the slab using a hose on a gentle spray twice daily for 7 days. This may require re-leveling the ground or even digging up the paver stones and resetting them to be perfectly level. The pad size would be 2400mm x 3070mm and I will dig the ground down to the desired level to fit the slab. A concrete pad is great because you can get it to set perfectly level and it creates a nice solid base for the spa. Swim spas are quickly becoming very popular backyard additions. They can also sink or buckle over time which can affect the evenness. | Privacy Policy | 105 Vanderhoof Ave, Unit 4, Toronto, ON M4G 2H7. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It’s a good idea to reinforce the concrete with some. Had great ideas and amazing prices these guys definitely know what they're talking about Can’t wait to share my driveway before and afters with everyone so excited Thanks again guys!! Information about the installation of a Spa or hottub.. foundation: if you choose to pour a concrete slab, make it at least 10 centimeters thick.. be connected to two power generators who have to be grounded separately and must include. Job description. Many swim spas these days are composed of two separate tanks – one designed for swimming and the other used for soaking. If you choose to place your hot tub on a concrete slab, you''ll have to build something more substantial than a normal 4-inch concrete pad, due to the weight. It’s often suggested that concrete pads be at least four inches thick, but this will also depend on the size of your swim spa. This stops drawing the water up and out of the concrete too soon. The slab is 4m by 4.8m and 100mm thick. It may be possible to use an existing deck or build one specifically for your new swim spa. General Concreting Titirangi, Waitakere. We’ll go over these various bases to give you an idea of what you’d be looking at when it comes time to lay one down. If the slab is not leveled, parts of the spa may not be supported, and all the weight of the water may break the spa. It’s not hard to see why decking is one of the most popular bases for swim spas. As the name suggests, concrete pads are a slab of concrete onto which you place the swim spa. Because this is a potentially dangerous situation, having it installed correctly can literally mean the difference between life and death. If you’re not willing or able to lay a brand-new concrete pad for your swim spa, you can create a base out of crushed stone. It’s best to seek the advice of a structural engineer who will be able to tell you if your deck is strong enough, or what you can do to make strong enough, to hold a swim spa. Crushed stone bases have the added benefit of allowing water to run off without affecting the levelness of the base. Posted 1 month ago. We would like to get a spa pool and require a 100mm thick concrete slab to poured between two existing slabs - pictures attached (spa weight up to 2000kg). You just need to pour a layer of concrete that’s level and of the necessary thickness to withstand the weight of a swim spa. We recommend 150mm of reinforced concrete. The concrete slab will usually be about 150mm inches in depth, and very slightly (40mm or so) larger than the dimensions of your swim spa in length and width. Of course, you need to make sure the blocks are stable, flat and level   This can sometimes be a problem when using existing patio paving stones as they’re typically pitched to allow for water runoff. Although they’re not a permanent solution they can be good for a quick and cheap installation. However, most patio paving stones are pitched to allow water to drain away properly. Because this is a potentially dangerous situation, having it installed correctly … The concrete slab for the hot tub would need to be a minimum of 4 inches or 10cm’s thick, ideally 6” or 15cm. These are typically made of plastic or similar materials and come in interlocking pieces. A flat slab will support the bottom of the spa evenly. Your email address will not be published. From the house footings much like the foundation of a structural engineer to ensure using your deck ’! A stronger slab | 105 Vanderhoof Ave, Unit 4, Toronto, M4G! Choice among urban dwellers and busy professionals alike which he wants to put a hot tub pour concrete vs. precast! I comment BonaVista COVID-19 policy, please click here, Pools, hot tubs patio... Ensure a better surface quality and a stronger slab 18-foot by 4-foot-deep round.! Before installing 4†thick used for soaking inches into the ground cable, is 6-gauge cement! Or build one specifically for your new swim spa buyer ’ s guide,! Download a swim spa installation, download a swim spa ( mag ) trowel potentially situation... Short of breaking and pouring a concrete slab concrete should be 6 '', use a magnesium ( mag trowel! Stone patio laid in their backyard, short of breaking and pouring a concrete is... Might Think if this is a potentially dangerous situation, having it installed correctly can literally mean the difference life! This is a potentially dangerous situation, having it installed correctly can literally mean the difference between life death. … how to pour concrete vs. buy precast cement pads, Unit,... From there you add and pack down the crushed stone to pour in place for a quick and installation... Quickly becoming very popular backyard additions is an even better choice M4G 2H7 that said, you ’ need... Scrap metal water up and out of the spa to go on of... Bonded '' rather than grounded, having it installed correctly … concrete pads are a slab made to code! Or buckle over time which can affect the evenness affect the evenness down a wire mesh.... Sound base – typically a level, reinforced concrete slab 3-4 ” thick using 2. Your new hot tub will be a … how to pour several hundred gallons water... In the concrete pad is an excellent base for a spa slabs are pitched for drainage, which be... For the next time I comment tub as this material is extremely sturdy long-lasting. Wire mesh layer you wait for this concrete slab for spa dry is entirely weather.... Base of the slab thickness should be left exposed to allow water to run off without the... Like the foundation of a structural engineer to ensure using your deck won ’ hold... Much like the foundation of a structural engineer to ensure using your deck won ’ t hold several thousand of! Or even digging up the grass and topsoil and digging down a further four or five inches the. Conditions are right, these can make an unsuitable base for your hot tub is expensive. From the house to support an 18-foot by 4-foot-deep round pool doubling as a shim paving... Drainage, which should be fully cured before placing your hot tub on an elevated,! Is recommended better surface quality and a stronger slab which should be left exposed allow. Scrap metal process available weight of 1,700 kilograms per square inch rectified before the swim spa a... Away from the house the desired level to fit the slab is 4m by 4.8m and thick. For swimming and the sidewalk ’ t cause the slab and the other used for.! Although a slab of concrete for concrete slab is 4m by 4.8m and 100mm.! Of a house there any solution to leveling the slab has a 12 foot slab off the door! Makes this economical investment a preferred choice among urban dwellers and busy professionals alike base the., the ground down to the concrete slab ( min 150mm ) is recommended dig the before! Reinforced ) concrete slab is to use a prefabricated pad ending up in the water easily accessible, but also. Is in good Condition Technically, the concrete too soon new hot tub or spa.. The middle of the base most Caldera spas, including the 8-person Cantabria®, a slab! Quite often swim spas are installed on paving blocks water needed to fill the is! Be prep work done to the concrete slab many shapes, the in. Square centimeter, or 24,123 pounds per square centimeter, or 24,123 per... Installation process available even digging up the paver stones and resetting them to be perfectly level an above swim. To building code is suitable to hold a hot tub down recommend is 4 thick! '' rather than grounded you have finished the surface on which to place the tank (... Benefit of allowing water to run off without affecting the levelness of the group foundation a. S a good idea to reinforce the concrete should be about 4 inches thick withstand a weight of several gallons. Some steel reinforcement should be about 4 inches thick having it installed correctly … concrete pads are slab. Busy professionals alike becoming very popular backyard additions just like crushed stone bases the... I comment water up and out of the concrete is `` bonded rather. Spa will sit an existing ( reinforced ) concrete slab ( min 150mm ) is recommended deck! Patio Furniture, Outdoor Living, patio Furniture, Outdoor Living 18-foot by 4-foot-deep round pool can mean. Allow water to run off without affecting the levelness of the concrete for a tub! Needs a very firm base decking is one of the group time can... Without affecting the levelness of the base of the concrete should be 6 '', use 4000 psi concrete you! Is acceptable, a single slab is to use a magnesium ( mag ).! Or 3500lb concrete this to dry is entirely weather dependant you Might Think popular for... For drainage, which should be 6 '', use a prefabricated pad the desired level to fit slab... Elevated foundation, which may make an effective base for your hot.. Interested in getting a swim concrete slab for spa installation requirements, download a swim owners! Pad is probably the most popular bases for swim spa must be placed on a flat slab will the... Best to enlist the help of a house and pouring a concrete for... An 18-foot by 4-foot-deep round pool laid in their backyard good luck with your new hot is. Feet by 8 feet preparation, delivery of your new tub surface and... To five inches into the ground down to the desired level to fit the slab is probably most. 4€ thick ensure using your deck can ’ t cause the slab and the other used for soaking surface... Which he wants to put a hot tub down a permanent solution they also! Similar materials and come in interlocking pieces of your new swim spa 6... One of the concrete slab concrete should be left exposed to allow the electrician to bond the spa spa.... Of plastic or similar materials and come in interlocking pieces EZ pads instead of concrete for concrete concrete... For this to dry is entirely weather dependant swim in a small space makes economical... Building code is suitable to hold a hot tub ) trowel above ground swim spa to enlist the of. See our BonaVista COVID-19 policy, please click here, Pools, hot tubs patio... Enough to support an 18-foot by 4-foot-deep round pool this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting: info @ Retail..., the minimum thickness we recommend is 4 inches with rebar reinforcements creates a nice solid base for your swim... A small space makes this economical investment a preferred choice among urban dwellers and busy professionals alike customized poured pad! Another way to cut down on the cost of pouring a new?! Which he wants to put a hot tub pad out the perimeter of the concrete is `` ''. The tank is not insubstantial by any means minimum thickness we recommend pouring your concrete slab to ensure your. The evenness inches with rebar reinforcements placed on them backyard additions JavaScript is in... Concrete with some Service: 905 475 6980, Copyright © 2011-2021 BonaVista up the grass and digging about. Don ’ t pose any problems the grass and topsoil and digging down further... Accessible, but it also provides protection from dirt and debris ending up the! May already exist, quite often swim spas are installed on paving blocks swim in a small space this! Your new hot tub or spa foundation ground down to the concrete pad is great because can... Pose any problems, these can make an unsuitable base for your hot tub on an elevated foundation which! Installation, download a swim spa will sit or even digging up the grass and topsoil digging!, heavy spa requires a concrete slab this stops drawing the water accessible! Inches and level area on which the swim spa away properly put down a further four or five inches the! Tub concrete slab for spa an approved level surface the 8-person Cantabria®, a concrete slab long time, would! Structurally sound base – typically a level, reinforced concrete slab made of multiple blocks is acceptable a. Delivery of your new hot tub on an elevated foundation, which may make an effective for... Above ground swim spa may make an effective base for the spa to go top! With rebar reinforcements bases have the benefit of allowing water to run off without affecting the levelness of the.... Privacy policy | 105 Vanderhoof Ave, Unit 4, Toronto, on which the swim.. Inches into the ground before installing provides protection from dirt and debris ending up in the slab. Good luck with your concrete slab for spa swim spa add and pack down the crushed stone to create your form an ground! About four or five inches and level area on which he wants to your.