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How to Build a Deck Around a Swim Spa?
We’re sharing the things to keep in mind when building a deck around your swim spa!
Table of Contents
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Swim spa deck numbers at a glance
$3–$30per sq ft
decking material, wood to natural stone
3materials
pressure-treated wood, composite, or stone
10,000+ lbsfilled
weight the deck must carry, verify with an engineer
You and your family have successfully gone through the process of purchasing a swim spa. You’ve carefully consulted with a team of experts to find the spa that is best for your home and your family. Now you will be able to swim, exercise, and relax right from the comfort of your backyard! But before you get to enjoy your spa, there’s one last step to keep in mind; where to place it.
Many people prefer to have their swim spa surrounded by a deck. A deck around your swim spa makes it more visually appealing, and accessible and more functional. While placing your swim spa on a deck is a preferable option, there are some things to consider in the process. We go over everything you need to know to answer how you can build a deck around a swim spa and share some backyard swim spa deck ideas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Swim Spa Deck
Building a deck for your swim spa is a rewarding project that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. A well-designed swim spa deck provides easy access, safety, and a smooth integration with your backyard. Follow these steps to create a sturdy and stylish deck for your swim spa.
Step 1: Plan Your Swim Spa Deck
Start by creating detailed swim spa deck plans. Measure the dimensions of your swim spa, including its height, width, and length, and determine how much deck space you want around it. Consider local building codes, which may dictate setbacks, railings, or permits. Sketch your design, factoring in access panels for maintenance and space for a cover, as these are critical for a swim spa in deck.
Step 2: Choose Your Materials
Select durable materials for decking around your swim spa. Common options include pressure-treated wood, composite decking, or natural stone. Each material has pros and cons, which we’ll explore in a table below. Ensure your materials are slip-resistant to enhance safety around water.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Cost (Per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | Affordable, widely available, easy to work with | Requires regular maintenance, can splinter | $3–$7 |
| Composite Decking | Low maintenance, durable, slip-resistant | Higher upfront cost, can get hot | $8–$15 |
| Natural Stone | Elegant, durable, complements landscaping | Expensive, heavy, requires professional installation | $15–$30 |
Step 3: Prepare the Foundation
A solid foundation is essential for a swim spa built in deck. Install a concrete slab or reinforced gravel base to support the spa’s weight, which can exceed 10,000 pounds when filled. Consult an engineer to ensure the foundation meets load-bearing requirements. Level the ground and mark the area for deck posts.
Step 4: Build the Deck Frame
Construct the deck frame using pressure-treated lumber or steel beams, depending on your design. Install support posts and joists, ensuring they align with your swim spa’s dimensions. Leave space for a trap door or removable panel to access the spa’s control panel, as accessibility is key for maintenance.
Step 5: Install Decking and Final Touches
Lay your chosen decking material, starting from the outer edges and working inward. Secure the boards with screws or hidden fasteners for a clean look. Add railings, steps, or lighting to enhance safety and aesthetics. Once the swim spa is installed, complete the top decking to fit snugly around it, creating a polished swim spa deck.
Creative Swim Spa Deck Ideas for Your Backyard
Transform your backyard into a stunning oasis with these backyard swim spa deck ideas. A thoughtfully designed deck can improve your swim spa experience, blending style and functionality. Here are some creative concepts to inspire your swim spa deck project.
Sunken Swim Spa Deck
A swim spa built in deck with a sunken design creates a sleek, modern look. By partially or fully recessing the spa into the deck, you achieve a smooth integration with your backyard. Add built-in seating or LED lighting for a luxurious touch.
Multi-Level Deck with Lounge Area
Create a multi-level swim spa deck with a dedicated lounge area for relaxation. Incorporate steps leading up to a higher platform with outdoor furniture, perfect for entertaining guests. This design maximizes space and adds versatility to your backyard.
Natural Stone Surround
For a rustic or elegant aesthetic, use natural stone or pavers for decking around your swim spa. Stone complements the water feature and blends beautifully with landscaping, creating a cohesive backyard swim spa deck. Pair with greenery for a spa-like retreat.
The Do’s and Don’ts Of Swim Spa Decking
Finish Decking After Spa Installation
When you choose to build a deck around your swim spa, you also want to make sure it doesn’t affect the swim spa installation in the future.
It is recommended to not build the top level of the deck before the swim spa installation. Of course you’ll want to start deck construction well in advance before your swim spa’s delivery day. However, on delivery, it can be difficult to lower the spa into a hole. It will be much more convenient to build the decking boards up to the swim spa’s height. This will ensure the process is carried out smoothly and without any errors.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“Frame and lay your decking up to the height of the spa, but hold off on the final boards around the shell until the spa is delivered and set. A swim spa is long and heavy, and our delivery crews need open room to lower it into place, not a finished frame to thread it through. Once it is running, you close the deck in tight around it for that clean built-in look.”
Right Foundation
The foundation of your swim spa depends greatly on how high you want your spa to sit out of the deck. In order to achieve the desired height for your swim spa, you will have to put a concrete slab into the base of the deck.
To make sure your swim spa and deck are according to the height you desire, make sure to take measurements properly. Consult your builder or engineer to cross check they have the correct measurements and build the foundation accordingly.
Ensure Accessibility
Your deck should increase your swim spa’s accessibility, not act as a hindrance. No matter what design you choose for decking, you need to ensure there is enough accessibility for servicing.
Swim spas are equipped with an access panel that controls all its components including the pump, heater, and jets. A service technician should easily be able to access this panel in order to carry out proper operation and maintenance.
Your deck should include a trap door or removable panel, that can easily be moved aside when required for service.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“The deck we get called back to is almost always the one that looks perfect and boxes the equipment in underneath it. On a swim spa, every pump, heater, and jet lives behind one access panel, and eventually a technician has to open it. Build a removable hatch right over that panel and fasten it with screws instead of nails, so a routine service visit never turns into pulling up finished boards.”
Room For Cover
A cover is essential to protecting your swim spa and ensuring its longevity. While deciding on the measurements of the deck, be certain that there is ample space for the cover to be lifted and placed on the swim spa.
Swim Spa Deck FAQs
Can you put a swim spa on a deck?
Yes. A swim spa can sit on or be built into a deck, and a well-designed deck makes the spa more accessible, functional, and attractive. The foundation is what matters most: a filled swim spa can exceed 10,000 pounds, so the deck needs a concrete slab or reinforced base beneath it, and a structural engineer should confirm the framing meets load-bearing requirements before you build. Leave a removable panel for service access and room to lift the cover on and off.
What is the best decking material for a swim spa?
It depends on your budget and how much upkeep you want. Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable at about $3 to $7 per square foot but needs regular maintenance and can splinter. Composite decking runs $8 to $15 per square foot, resists slips, and is low maintenance, though it can get hot in the sun. Natural stone is the most elegant and durable at $15 to $30 per square foot but is heavy, expensive, and usually needs professional installation. Whatever you choose, pick a slip-resistant surface for safety around water.
How much space should you leave around a swim spa deck?
Leave enough clear space to lift the cover off and set it down easily, and plan a trap door or removable panel over the spa’s access panel so a technician can reach the pump, heater, and jets. Measure your swim spa’s height, width, and length carefully and confirm the figures with your builder before framing, so the finished deck fits snugly around the spa without blocking service or the cover.
Interested In Getting A Swim Spa?
Are you interested in getting a swim spa for your backyard? Epic Hot Tubs has top-of-the-line swim spas and can help you choose one that is the perfect fit! Our experts can also work with you thoroughly to determine where you should place it and help you through the entire installation process. Contact us today or visit our Durham or Raleigh Swim Spa Showrooms!
Have questions, or want to see options in person? Stop by any of our five North Carolina showrooms and talk it through with our team: Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, Charlotte, or North Charlotte. We are open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.
About The Author:
Richard Horvath
Hot Tub & Spa Expert
Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard.
