Tubs Built Into Deck

[IknewIwasright]

We are thinking about building a deck around the hot tub and I am wondering how many people have done this and how did you maintained accessability to the working parts. Any help would be appreciated.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

We are thinking about building a deck around the hot tub and I am wondering how many people have done this and how did you maintained accessability to the working parts. Any help would be appreciated.

#1) I highly suggest you do not totally sink it in but rather leave the spa bartop about 12-15" above the deck. This allows you to use a cover lifter and makes it MUCH easier to get in and out of the tub as the seat will be about at the same level as the deck.

#2) you'll need total access to the front. Usually you just build a false floor in front that can be removed so someone cen get down to teh equipment. I'd say you want it to open at least 30" back from the tub.

I assume drainage won't be an issue.

[Wmartin]

I knew, great question, I need some recommendations myself. We bought a fixer upper home and have an addition going in this spring. With that we are building a new deck and the I thought, if we were ever going to do it right, now is the time to get a spa and build a "spa wing" so it doesnt cut into our needed deck space.

Our kitchen and family room exit 1 story up in the back yard. The deck and the spa will be 10-12 ft off the ground.

1) I would like to sink the tub, but would it be hard to do maintenance?

2) I bought a Sundance Optima, and service space recommendations for that model?

3) If you have access to the front panel, is that enough, how would you get to a leak in the back?

Since this deck is being built knowing we have a tub coming in, what recommendations would you have for the design

1)Drainage

2) Filling it with water?

3) any other?

Thanks

[Guzz]

Also when sinking a spa or surrounding it with deck think of worse case scenarios, what if you ever have to remove it, placing some lifting straps under the spa could cause you fewer headaches down the road.

[sharkman009]

If the deck is high enough we sometimes build a crawlspace around the spa so we can get to all of the spa sides. Usually we build a trap door in front of the equipment area and as Guzz said leave yourself a way to lift it out if you need to sometime down the road.

[Amanda]

I would like to suggest an access door around all sides if possible. There is not only the equipment section but plumbing throughout the entire spa. In a "worst case" scenario, it would be best to not have to lift your spa out of the deck to fix a simple leak.

[Brulan1]

I would like to suggest an access door around all sides if possible. There is not only the equipment section but plumbing throughout the entire spa. In a "worst case" scenario, it would be best to not have to lift your spa out of the deck to fix a simple leak.

Yeah usually a dealer will tell you straight out that there is a lift charge if that needs to be done.

[mjs]

Suggestions for "I knew" and "martin"; from a spa owner (not a sales person), engineer, and one who's dome something similar:

First of all - the suggestions above are all good; and some I'll repeat here:

1. Your MUST have relatively easy access to the side with the equipment. I accomplished this by building a section of removable decking (three approximately 3 f 3 ft sections), and a pair of removable joists.

2. You should have some way of getting access to the other sides.

- One way is to build in 2-3 ft removable section on a second side, and;

- build your primary support structure "oversized". Then if access to the last two sides is required, you can empty the tub and push it to gain access.

3. I love my current tub-and-deck arrangement; the tub is "sunk in" about half-way, putting the seats about even with the deck. This was done p[artly to avoid blocking windows, and partly so the tub wouldn't look like a giant monstrosity on my deck.

4. If you have a high deck, be sure the spa support structure is sufficiently sturdy AND complies with local codes. Somre localities prohibit tieing this type of structure to a house.

[Brulan1]

Suggestions for "I knew" and "martin"; from a spa owner (not a sales person), engineer, and one who's dome something similar:

First of all - the suggestions above are all good; and some I'll repeat here:

1. Your MUST have relatively easy access to the side with the equipment. I accomplished this by building a section of removable decking (three approximately 3 f 3 ft sections), and a pair of removable joists.

2. You should have some way of getting access to the other sides.

- One way is to build in 2-3 ft removable section on a second side, and;

- build your primary support structure "oversized". Then if access to the last two sides is required, you can empty the tub and push it to gain access.

3. I love my current tub-and-deck arrangement; the tub is "sunk in" about half-way, putting the seats about even with the deck. This was done p[artly to avoid blocking windows, and partly so the tub wouldn't look like a giant monstrosity on my deck.

4. If you have a high deck, be sure the spa support structure is sufficiently sturdy AND complies with local codes. Somre localities prohibit tieing this type of structure to a house.

You might as well buy just the shell from (BRADFORD) to your specs (customize) and buy a seperate filter and heater. The tub would look wonderful in the deck and wouldn't have to worry about lifting it out of the deck when it needs to be repaired.