Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: kel444 on August 22, 2005, 05:32:22 pm
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I'm looking at using gravel/pea (sp?)gravel as a base for my hot tub. I have some people coming this week to give me estimates on the job.
My question is this... How thick should this base be and what is the best material to put down on top of this ie pavers?
I would like to sound some what educated in this process!:)
If anyone has used this method successfully please tell me how you have done this?
Any help greatly appreciated!
Thanks as always!!!
Lor
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When we shopped, most mfg.s recommended 4" of reinforced concrete. Pavers, spa pads, decks, and the like may also be okay if they adequately support the spa. Check the warranty of any spa you are considering to see what they will or will not allow for a foundation.
Brewman
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Brewman,
I e-mailed marquis and they said that a sub-base if done correctly was fine. I've since e-mailed them back to find out what exactly this means. I've had the Hot Spring dealer and Saratoga Spa dealer say using 2 inch pavers are fine. I was hoping to hear from someone who has successfully used this method to see what they did in terms of their foundation (how deep there sub-base was and what it is made of.)
According to my e-mail the foundation will not effect the warrenty ..."the reason that we suggest it (4 in concrete base)is not so for the warrenty as we feel even if you put in directly on the ground it would be fine for the warranty period, but over the long haul 10, 15,20 yrs you may have issues."
Eventually, we will put a deck on to include an area for the tub. We can't afford both right now and I really need the therapy that the hot tub gives verses the deck!
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There are several people on this board who've used pavers as a spa base.
One or two may have even put their spa directly on the pea gravel.
Hopefully they will chime in and tell you what they did. A friend of mine just put his spa on a paver patio. If I run into him, I'll see what he used under his pavers. Some grade of crushed limestone, I'm guessing.
Maybe check with some patio contractors or landscape specialists to see what they'd recommend.
Important thing is to get base nice and level so it evenly supports the base of the spa.
Brewman