Can I Shim my hot tub

Leveling a hot tub that is on uneven concrete can be done with simple shims if the slope is less than one inch. For steeper slopes, leveling will require more involved solutions such as custom-built pads of wood, sand or gravel, or even a new concrete pad.

How do I level my hot tub?

Place a layer of gravel on the leveled spot. The thickness of the layer will depend on the size and weight of your hot tub, but a layer four to six inches thick should be adequate for most hot tubs. Extend the gravel out around the tub in all directions, to avoid having a muddy area around your hot tub.

Can you shim a swim spa?

Do not try to “shim” your swim spa by placing objects underneath to make it level. Contact a professional to have the site leveled or have a top cap poured. Other swim spa installation options include a reinforced deck, professionally installed pavers, and a vault that allows you to recess the swim spa.

What happens if hot tub not level?

Over time a spa being unlevel can cause stress to the acrylic and cabinet. As was said, a 1/2 inch total or 1/2 inch in 18 inches is a big difference. If something happens down the road to the shell or cabinet, and it is found that the tub was not level, they may not honor the warranty.

Can a hot tub be on a slight slope?

A hot tub can weigh as much as 8,000 pounds without people in it. … When installing a hot tub, understand that a slight slope of ½-inch per every 8-inches of hot tub length or width is expected to help with tub drainage. Therefore when leveling, your main concern is to ensure the surface is flat.

What do you put under a hot tub?

If you’re having a base installed especially for your Hot Tub we would recommend a patio, decking area or poured concrete base. Whatever you choose make sure whoever installs it for you ensures the base is level and large enough for your Hot Tub and steps.

How do you jack up a hot tub?

  1. Position the hot tub. If your route to the truck is narrow, turn your hot tub on its side. …
  2. Slide the 2x4s under the hot tub. …
  3. Lift the hot tub onto the dollies. …
  4. Bring the hot tub to the moving truck. …
  5. Load the hot tub onto the moving truck.

Can I put a hot tub on pavers?

A hot tub can be placed on pavers, but ensure that they can bear the weight of the hot tub, including water and persons. Ensure that the floor is level and solid. Most pavers are laid at an angle to improve rainwater removal. Such a slope is not suited for a hot tub.

What is a spa leveler?

The Spa Level-R™ is a solid, secure base used to level your hot tub. It elevates your hot tub off the ground to encourage proper water run-off which will: Protect the hot tub base from wood rot damage. Eliminate green mildew stains on your concrete.

Does a hot tub need to be exactly level?

Once a hot tub has been filled with water and bathers, it can weigh over 8,000 pounds. Any surface dips can create stress on the hot tub shell, which can lead to cracking. When leveling a hot tub, it is important to ensure that the surface is completely flat but also that water drainage can easily occur.

Article first time published on

How do you level a hot tub with gravel?

Gravel should be completely flat and level before placing the hot tub to avoid damage. Take extra care to level it with your shovel and ensure there are no high spots.

Can a swim spa sit on pavers?

Patio Pavers Often, we come across new swim spa owners who already have a stone patio laid in their backyard. If the conditions are right, these can make an effective base for a swim spa. However, most patio paving stones are pitched to allow water to drain away properly.

How much slope is too much for a hot tub?

There should be a maximum of ½” (1.27cm) slope in an 8′ (2.44m) run. Do not use shims to level the spa, this could create tension on the spa shell which might result in damaging your spa.

Should a hot tub pad be sloped?

The spa pad should be at least the size of the spa. If you are going to pour cement pad put a slight slope in it so that water won’t pool under the spa. A 3/4″ slope in a 10 foot wide cement pad is adequate. If you use bricks or patio blocks, they should set on at least a 3″ base of sand, pea gravel or crushed stone.

Can you jack up a hot tub?

Many people who need to jack up their spa are looking to install a cover lifter. These work by sliding flat plates under the spa on either side to secure the cover lifter in place by the weight of the hot tub. … Slip it under one corner to lift the spa just enough to slide the plate under. Repeat on the other side.

How heavy is an empty 6 person hot tub?

In general, a small two- or three-person hot tub generally weighs around 500 pounds empty and 3,000 pounds when filled with water. A six-person model typically weighs approximately 1,000 pounds empty or 6,000 pounds full.

Can I plug my hot tub into a regular outlet?

The 13AMP models often have plugs. These can be plugged directly into a standard household socket. Some of the higher end plug and play ranges operate at a slightly higher wattage and will require a 16AMP power supply. Most hot tubs require a 32AMP supply.

What base should a hot tub sit on?

The base for the hot tub The most common base is a concrete foundation. Think about the size of the pad also. It can be made to the size of the hot tub, but it may be you want a larger area to walk around the hot tub or to position the steps or other furniture.

Can a hot tub be placed directly on the ground?

Outdoor hot tub placement, such as decks, concrete or brick patios, is common. However, the hot tub can be placed on any solid, uniform, level surface. Do not place your hot tub on grass or bare ground.

How long should concrete cure before putting a hot tub on it?

They said one week is the MINIMUM; they said it takes up to 28 days for the concrete to completely cure, so they recommend 28 days before putting something really heavy (like a hot tub) on it.

Can you put a hot tub on stamped concrete?

Reinforced concrete at least 4 inches thick, that will support a weight of at least 115 lbs. … Make sure the concrete is fully cured before placing the hot tub. Also consider decorative stamped concrete. This can be a very attractive addition.

What is a hot tub pad?

Spa pads are wonderful hot tub accessories that provide a sturdy base for most hot tubs, while still allowing for flexibility in location. People who opt for an indoor hot tub typically use spa pads so that they won’t need to do any major renovations, however, spa pads can be implemented outdoors as well!

Can you put a hot tub on slabs?

Most patios, block paving and other surfaces are already reinforced and will be able to take the weight of a hot tub placement. If you are unsure then you may need to consult a specialist in this area.

Can I put my hot tub on patio stones?

Hot tubs require a level base that is able to support the weight of the hot tub when it is filled with water and bathers. You can use a concrete slab, gravel, a deck or patio pavers as options to support your hot tub.

Does a lazy spa need to be level?

Level Ground and Floor Protection Your Lay‑Z‑Spa should always be setup on flat and level ground. If your flooring is uneven or not level, you could encounter issues of unequal water distribution and unequal pressure on your hot tub liner. Not least will it be less comfortable.

Is it OK to put a hot tub on gravel?

An alternative to a prefab concrete pad is to use a layer of gravel for the hot tub base. Gravel has two main advantages, it is good for drainage and easy to install. … So yes, a hot tub can sit on gravel! To find out more about hot tub installation requirements, download a hot tub buyer’s guide.

How do you make a gravel pad for a hot tub?

Gravel Base Dig out an area several inches deep and make sure the ground at the bottom is pressed flat. Fill the hole with gravel and press it down to make sure it will not shift or sink once it has weight on it. The gravel will conform to the shape of the bottom of your tub to hold it firmly in place.

Can I use pea gravel for a hot tub base?

Pea gravel makes an excellent base for a hot tub. Using pea gravel as a base for your hot tub has some distinct advantages. … From a practical standpoint, a pea gravel base offers the advantage of easy drainage, unlike a solid brick, concrete or wood base.

Can you put inflatable hot tub on artificial grass?

Yes, you can place an above ground pool or hot tub on your artificial lawn. It should be noted that when an inflatable pool is on top of artificial grass for any length of time, the blades will flatten.

How heavy is an inflatable hot tub?

Based on an average of some of the most popular models, a filled inflatable hot tub weighs around 2,290 lbs (or 1,038.8kg). This includes the tub itself, and the water (filled to a recommended 80% capacity).

What do you put under an inflatable pool on concrete?

What To Put Under An Inflatable Pool. Smaller inflatable pools will do fine with just a tarp underneath them, or nothing at all if on flat grass free of debris. But larger inflatable pools, or pools set up on concrete should have a ground cloth or a pool floor liner pad to protect the pool from damage.

You Might Also Like