Hot Tub Recessed Into Deck

Think about leaving 12 to 14 of the tub protruding above the deck surface.

Hot tub recessed into deck. It can also be a pain literally to climb and crawl in and out of a hot tub that s built flush to a deck. Access panels or removable steps are easy solutions for tubs placed on the deck s surface. And when the cover is off you run the risk of having kids and perhaps intoxicated older folks unintentionally walking or stumbling right into your open tub. Keeping your hot tub covered when not in use will save energy prolong the life on the spa and avoid unnecessary hot tub maintenance.

You ll use one type of wood that s cut into a uniform shape and size. Setting a hot tub on gravel or timbers that can settle over time when the tub will be surrounded by a deck or other surfaces is not the best idea. Access to recessed hot tub decks if you are planning on installing a deck surrounding a hot tub or spa that is set on top of a concrete pad you will need to create an access hatch for the hot tub electrical hookup pump and controls. If you want to add some detail you could create multiple levels.

The gap should be small enough to prevent your toe from entering but large enough for water to drain and the wood to expand and contract. When the hot tub is recessed into the deck we frame to accommodate an access hatch the size of the spa access panel typically 4 feet by 3 feet that leads to the electrical hookup pump and controls. This is the first element to discuss with your design team. The first step to any recessed hot tub is coordinating all water runoff by building a large pit in the backyard.

If the intent is to recess the hot tub or spa into the deck you can construct a separate support system for the hot tub or spa with posts or piers laid out in a grid of no more than 30 inches from center to center where the hot tub or spa will be supported. When recessing your hot tub into a deck leave about 16 18 rise above the deck to allow for the cover to fit over the hot tub when not in use. No matter how or where the tub is installed there must be access to the motor for servicing. In order to do this you will have to frame out an opening in front of the hot tub access panel.

As for spaces between the deck and the hot tub you need to factor in among other things soaker safety and lumber longevity. Get the space prepared pour a concrete pad that s a minimum of 4 and make the pad level. For a recessed spa your builder may opt to frame out an access hatch or otherwise leave room around the tub s edge so that the unit may be lifted straight up from its space. If your yard can t easily accommodate that kind of structure a hot tub might be difficult more costly or even infeasible to install.