Hot Tub Deck

Deck should be strong enough to support the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people enjoying themselves. If planned correctly, your deck will custom fit your house, your terrain, your lifestyle, and your budget. A deck can be built in just about any shape and with multiple levels and deck boards run on a 45 degree angle (or even alternating in a herringbone design) really adds aesthetics and strength to a deck. 

A hot tub deck needs to have frames that can withstand the weight of the tub. As hot tubs are very heavy they should never be placed on an already existing deck. Hot tub decks can be built underneath, surrounding or on one side of a hot tub. Some are covered over fully or partially to protect the hot tub area from harsh weather.

Don't use any ordinary deck plans for a hot tub. They are designed to support 40 pound live load. These plans should support an 80 pound live load plus a 20 pound dead load per square feet.
If you have an existing deck, cut the beam and joist spans in half to provide the additional support.

The tub can sit on top of the deck with stairs or platforms up to it, be partially sunken, or my favorite, 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.

A privacy wall is also a good idea for hot tub decks especially higher decks. Redwood decks turn backyards into garden retreats and the addition of hot tubs makes them even better.

How To Add Value To Your Hot Tub Deck

Things to consider for your hot tub deck include:

• If you would like some privacy, consider installing modesty screens on the hot tub deck surface.
• Having a gazebo or pergola will allow you to use your spa in warmer days when the sun might be too hot or in the winter when it is raining.
• In built benches and planters near the hot tub on the hot tub deck will offer a pleasant place for people to hang out while other people are using the spa or if you are waiting for the spa to heat up.

Most decks follow along the back of the house, working around such things as hose bibbs, dryer vents, chimneys (never attach a deck to a chimney or to a cantilevered bay) and downspouts.  Check with your local utility company or heating and air conditioning company (or heat pump manufacturer) to determine how much clearance you will need above your heat pump or AC unit if you plan on decking above it.