What is the Best Base for an Inflatable Hot Tub?

Inflatable hot tubs are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost advantages, however, they come with lots of unknowns and one of the most common is – what is the best base for an inflatable hot tub?

Choosing the right foundation (or base) for your spa to ensure you get the most out of your inflatable hot tub experience.

Some common mistakes include;

• uneven surfaces which can make your hot tub uncomfortable and promote water loss.
• sticks and stones underneath the tub which can lead to puncturing your hot tub base or.
• setting up your hot tub on a deck or patio without considering the load bearing that the tub full of water is having on the structure below which could lead to property damage or even injury.
• Choosing a space that is not big enough for your hot tub once its inflated.

It’s your choice whether you choose your surface before or after you purchase your inflatable hot tub. Buying your hot tub first may restrict where you can put it due to its dimensions and can result in a less desirable location however you may have plenty of space and this may not be a problem for you. Purchasing your hot tub after identifying the space may restrict you in the shape and size of the hot tub you can purchase. Personally, I prefer to choose the location first as this ensures I will choose the right hot tub for me.

Related articles

• 5 Steps to Setting up Your Inflatable Hot Tub
• 8 Best Inflatable Hot Tub Surround Ideas
• Quick Guide to Inflatable Hot Tub Set Up and Maintenance

Some common bases or foundations for your hot tub includes decks or balconies, concrete surfaces, gravel surfaces and for a temporary solution your grass or lawn can be used (please read below for more on this).  

Decks or balconies

An entertainer’s dream, we would all love a hot tub on our deck and while this option is utterly possible and a fan favorite it is important to consider the structural integrity of your deck or balcony to prevent damage to your house, to your hot tub or injury to yourself. You will need to consult a qualified professional to ensure the integrity of your deck or balcony while considering the load bearing that your hot tub full of water will have on the structure. Other considerations include making sure there is sufficient drainage to allow water to run away from your home.

Concrete Base

A level or flat concrete pad is one of the safest options for your hot tub surface. Whether you are pouring your own concrete pad or having a profession pour it for you, make sure that the concrete surface has sufficient depth to avoid movement and cracking remembering a full hot tub can weigh upwards of 3,000 pounds depending on its size. Its important to make sure that your concrete slap extends a few inches beyond the dimensions of the hot tub ensuring that the weight of the hot tub is evenly spread across the surface. When planning your concrete surface do not forget to contemplate beautifying the space by considering tiling around the area or adding in some tasteful garden beds.

Gravel Base

Similarly to concrete foundations, gravel surfaces are a safe option and require a level pad, be certain to make sure that the gravel is deep enough to avoid sinking or movement. Like all other surfaces the area needs to be big enough to suit the dimensions of your hot tub typically at least a few inches wider on all sides. Given the makeup of gravel stones can make their way to the surface so it is recommended that you place a suitable addition film or layer between the gravel and your hot tub to prevent any stones coming through the hot tub base, CosySpa Hot Tub Flooring Protector is designed specifically for this purpose.

Grass Base (temporary only)

Considered a temporary option only, if you have a level grassy or lawn space you could set up your inflatable spa on it however remembering that your hot tub weighs more than 3,000 pounds so beware that leaving it for prolonged periods of time on lawn can result in the earth below the spa sinking which could ultimately damage your spa and its components not to mention killing your grass. Just like all other surfaces you need to make sure you find a surface that is level and big enough to suit your hot tub.

Final Thoughts

Finally, as you can see there are quite a few options for you to choose from when considering the foundations for your hot tub and it really comes down to what space you have available, what resources you have and where you want to put the hot tub. If DIY is not your thing than make sure you consult a professional to avoid any unwanted mishaps. Don’t forget to make sure that you have adequate power supply available to you wherever you decide to place your inflatable hot tub as this could lead to an expensive afterthought.