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Why It’s a Bad Idea to Build a Deck Around Your Hot Tub
Thinking about building deck space around your new hot tub? You might want to think again. While it might look great, this decision, if not planned properly, can lead to a few tricky problems.
Thinking about building deck space around your new hot tub? You might want to think again. While it might look great, this decision, if not planned properly, can lead to a few tricky problems. You might run into issues with your hot tub installation, a deck that takes up a large amount of backyard space, and ongoing maintenance that is much more difficult than it needs to be.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why servicing your hot tub becomes a nightmare
- The hidden costs and safety risks
- Smart alternatives for a hassle-free setup
Before you grab those tools, read on to discover why building a deck around your hot tub might be a bad idea. Don’t let a beautiful idea turn into a costly mistake.
Importance of Considering Accessibility
Getting to your hot tub to service it and perform regular maintenance is super important. You’ll be changing filters, cleaning surfaces, and checking on your equipment on a regular basis. If you add a deck that makes accessibility tricky, then you’re going to experience frustration week after week.
Not all wooden decks are like this, of course. Some have removable deck boards that create an access panel. But if you don’t plan one of these solutions, your wood deck might become a bit of a hassle every month.
Difficulty in Servicing
One of the primary concerns with building a deck around your hot tub is the difficulty it creates when servicing the unit. Hot tubs require regular maintenance, such as checking the water’s chemical balance, cleaning filters, and servicing pumps and heaters. When a deck surrounds the hot tub, it can obstruct access to essential components, making it challenging for technicians to perform routine maintenance and repairs. This can result in increased maintenance costs and time delays, as the deck may need to be partially dismantled to reach the hot tub’s internal parts.
Increased Cost and Time for Repairs
The restricted access caused by a deck surface can lead to significant additional costs and delays when repairs are needed. If a technician cannot easily access the hot tub, they may need to spend extra time removing parts of the deck, which increases labor costs. Moreover, the hot tub might be out of service for an extended period, waiting for the deck to be dismantled and then reassembled after the repair. This inconvenience can be frustrating for hot tub owners who want to enjoy their spa without frequent interruptions.
What about when the hot tub repair guy isn’t also a deck builder? Your deck might not get put back in the shape it was in before it needed repairs. How frustrating!
Want to plan your budget? Read this guide to know how much an in-ground hot tub costs.
Structural Challenges
Building a deck is a little more complicated than just nailing a few bits of wood together. Especially if you want an elevated deck! Then you’ll need concrete deck footings, a structural plan to support the weight, and you’ll probably be hiring a deck contractor to do the building.
Weight Considerations
Hot tubs, when filled with water and people, are incredibly heavy. The added weight on the deck can pose significant structural challenges. Without proper deck reinforcement, the weight of the hot tub can cause the deck to sag or even collapse over time. This not only poses a safety risk but can also lead to costly repairs and potential damage to the hot tub itself.
Are you prepared for the construction of something that needs to support three or four tons? That’s the weight of a fully filled eight-seater hot tub.
Curious about hot tub weight? Read our article about how many gallons of water in a hot tub. Or learn how much a hot tub weighs here.
Support and Reinforcement Needs
Building a deck to support a hot tub requires careful planning and additional support structures. Standard decks are typically not designed to hold the immense weight of a hot tub. Therefore, the deck must be reinforced with additional beams, joists, and footings to ensure it can safely support the hot tub’s weight. This reinforcement increases the initial construction costs and can complicate future maintenance and repairs.
Safety Concerns
Decks can cause a few issues. These aren’t unique for decks, but a deck can be a little less safe than a hot tub on the ground. Let’s take a quick look at why.
Slip and Fall Risks
Water from the hot tub can easily spill onto the deck, creating slippery surfaces that increase the risk of slips and falls. To mitigate this risk, non-slip surfaces and regular maintenance are necessary. However, maintaining a safe, non-slip deck around a hot tub can be labor-intensive and costly. The constant presence of water can also lead to mold and mildew growth, further complicating the cleaning process and posing health risks.
Electrical Hazards
Hot tubs require electrical components to operate, which must be installed with careful consideration of water proximity. A deck can complicate the installation and maintenance of these electrical components, increasing the risk of electrical hazards. Ensuring that electrical systems are properly grounded and protected from water is essential for safety. However, the presence of a deck can make it difficult to inspect and maintain these systems, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
Aesthetic and Practical Issues
Many people think a deck will improve the aesthetics of their home. While this can be true, it’s not an automatic thing. An in-ground or freestanding hot tub with landscaping and outdoor furniture could be a much nicer looking alternative.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining a deck around a hot tub involves regular cleaning to prevent water damage, mold, and mildew growth. The constant exposure to water and chemicals from the hot tub can degrade the deck materials over time, requiring frequent repairs or replacement. Additionally, cleaning around the hot tub can be challenging, as debris can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas between the deck and the hot tub. This can lead to an unsightly and potentially hazardous environment.
Read this article to estimate your own cost of hot tub maintenance.
Limited Design Options
When building a deck around a hot tub, design options can be limited by the need to accommodate the hot tub’s size and shape. This can result in a deck that looks awkward or does not blend well with the overall landscape design. Furthermore, any future changes to the hot tub or deck layout can be difficult and expensive to implement, as the entire structure must be considered. This lack of flexibility can be frustrating for homeowners who want to update their outdoor space over time.
Alternatives to Building a Deck Around Your Hot Tub
Thankfully, you have a load of options for the type of installation you want. With a bit of planning, skill, and creativity, your backyard design can come to life and become the oasis you’re dreaming of.
Freestanding Hot Tub Options
One practical alternative to building a deck around your hot tub is to place the hot tub on a separate platform or slab. A freestanding hot tub platform provides numerous benefits, including improved hot tub accessibility and easier maintenance. With a dedicated platform, service professionals can easily access all sides of the hot tub, ensuring that routine maintenance and unexpected repairs are handled efficiently and without the added cost of dismantling a deck.
Moreover, a freestanding platform can be designed to accommodate the hot tub’s weight, eliminating the need for extensive deck reinforcement. This setup also offers flexibility in design, allowing you to integrate the hot tub into your outdoor space without compromising on aesthetics. By choosing a freestanding platform, you can avoid many of the structural challenges and safety concerns associated with building a deck around your hot tub.
Landscaping Solutions
Another alternative is to use landscaping to integrate the hot tub into your yard. Creative landscaping can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space while providing easy access to the hot tub. For example, you can create a stone or gravel path leading to the hot tub, surrounded by plants and decorative elements that complement your garden design.
Landscaping allows for better hot tub accessibility and maintenance, as there are no structural barriers obstructing access to the hot tub’s components. Additionally, this approach offers more design flexibility, enabling you to create a cohesive and visually pleasing outdoor environment that seamlessly incorporates the hot tub.
Incorporating Both Options
For those who desire the look of a deck without the associated drawbacks, combining a freestanding hot tub platform with thoughtful landscaping can be an ideal solution. This hybrid approach allows you to enjoy the aesthetic benefits of a deck-like appearance while ensuring easy access for servicing and repairs. By strategically placing plants, pathways, and decorative elements, you can create a functional and beautiful outdoor space that meets all your practical needs.
Want to know even more? We’ve got a whole list of really good hot tub deck ideas.
FAQ
What are the most common servicing needs for a hot tub?
Regular hot tub servicing includes checking and balancing the water chemistry, cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting and servicing pumps and heaters, and ensuring the proper functioning of electrical components.
How much extra cost does a deck add to hot tub maintenance?
Building a deck around a hot tub can significantly increase maintenance costs due to the need for partial dismantling during repairs, increased labor time, and potential structural reinforcements.
What are the best materials for building around a hot tub?
If you choose to build around a hot tub, using durable, non-slip materials such as composite decking, treated wood, or stone can help reduce maintenance and safety risks.
Are there any safety certifications required for decks around hot tubs?
Yes, decks around hot tubs should adhere to local building codes and safety standards, including proper electrical grounding and non-slip surfaces to ensure user safety.
Wrap Up
Our team of friendly experts has talked with hundreds of people who have installed outdoor decks or opted for some kind of landscaping solution. We’ve seen some absolutely beautiful installations and heard some appalling ideas!
If you’re planning your own hot tub setup, get in touch. We can walk you through the installation process and help you think through your alternatives.
Ready to purchase a hot tub in NC?
Call us at 888-884-3742 or fill out the form below to get in touch with a member or our team.
About The Author:
Manny Brambila
Pool & Spa Expert
Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.