Hot Tub Deck Considerations: Maintenance, Gap, Base

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some initial considerations if you’re designing a deck for your hot tub setup. Whether for a new spa or an existing one, a deck provides not only a quality location for your hot tub, but also improves property value and aesthetics in a couple important ways — as long as it’s well-planned and designed properly. At Dolphin Pools & Spas, we not only provide quality Bullfrog Spa products to all clients who require them, but also assist many of our customers with related areas when it comes to back yard renovation and installation of a new spa. We’ll help you with everything you might need to know in this area, whether it’s spa deck dimensions, weight factors or simple aesthetics. Here are a few of the other most important elements to keep in mind as you pursue a fantastic pool deck.

Leave Room for Maintenance and Support

While the dimensions of your hot tub itself will be the primary factors in determining the required size of your deck area, you should also be leaving some room for your decking, hot tub and equipment to be properly supported. Your deck should also include a space where you can work on balancing or draining the spa if needed (although we recommend always having these procedures done by a professional). Finally, make sure some room is left for routine pool cleaning and other maintenance tasks. There needs to be a clearance of at least 18 inches for a hot tub tech to get in and do any detailed maintenance, and we recommend leaving a bit more space than this in most cases.

Deck and Hot Tub Gap

There will typically be a small gap between the deck itself and your actual hot tub, often separated by the tub’s skirt. This gap, typically no more than an inch or two wide, is important to have if you want your deck to function properly with the spa. If water flows through the deck area instead of draining into the hot tub itself, some issues can arise that might prove costly later on (soil erosion, for example).

Solid Base

Also vital during this project is the design of a solid, durable base for your hot tub and deck area. This part of your design can last for decades if properly planned, often made from concrete or a crushed stone composite product that will hold up well over the years. Ensure that this base is poured at least 12 inches deep, or you could experience some problems with uneven or shifting surfaces. For more on how to design and implement the ideal deck area for your new hot tub, or to learn about any of our hot tub or swimming pool design and installation services, speak to the staff at Dolphin Pools & Spas today.