Theres nothing more you can do to improve on this. Final Verdict. The main cause of hot tub noise is vibration, so the more you can reduce this, the quieter it becomes. Posted October 11, 2006. Deck tiles have a different texture and look. One myth that we often hear is that you can lower your temperature after using your hot tub every time to save some cash. Sand is not the best option for the hot tub base. The best after-market insulated hot tub pad is the Confer SP3248 Handi Spa pad. It is a lot of math and calculations. This is particularly so for inflatable hot tubs which generally do not have great insulation on the bottom. 5 Most Solid and Durable Hot Tub Bases: an Expert Review, pick and prepare a place for setting up the hot tub. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. Secondly, the hot-tub floor protector acts as . Pads vary from flexible mats to rigid panels, so I hope in this article youve learned enough to decide what is best for you, and even if its worth installing a pad at all. Insulation provides an extra layer between your 104-degree water and the cold outside world. I personally have one of these, and I've been very happy with it. For example, it is critical to make sure that the deck is capable of supporting the weight of the hot tub. Site Prep produced a very detailed guide on how to build a gravel base. But if you're on a budget, we recommend the inflatable Coleman SaluSpa Miami. Concrete absorbs moisture from the environment. If it is higher than 2 feet, it will need additional support. You'll pay the least for inflatable options. Handi-Pad, Spa Installation and Protector Pad, Gray Brand: Confer Plastics 19 ratings -24% $17332 List Price: $229.01 Includes single spa pad measuring 32-inches-by-48-inches Eliminates need to pour a concrete pad Weatherproof and UV resistant No hardware Cleans easily with soap and water + + Total price: .99 Compare with similar items This will also be considered a permanent installation on your property, at least in much of the United States. That said, there is still base prep work to be done before you can actually lay the pavers. Get exclusive deals, discounts up to 40%, and hot tub & pool care advice. How to Replace Spa Cover Foam Panels. You should know it because the bearing capacity of different materials varies. This usually involves hiring a structural engineer. It's just not going to be level enough to support your spa evenly. Prefabricated spa pads save you time and money on construction. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. But with so many different hot tub foundation options available, how do you choose the right one? Yes, it will take more time to apply it and it will cost more, though if you want to protect your hot tub from heat loss in a cold climate, then it is the perfect product. You can understand that the gravel is compact enough when you can walk on the base without leaving a footprint. But dont despair; there are things you can do to improve this, particularly if you want to use your hot tub in the cooler months. It is made from recycled plastic, so it is a nice option if you care about the ecology. You should know: This is a golden rule. Upgrading Insulation on a Coleman Lay Z Spa Inflatable Hot Tub | Product Upgrade Family DIY 1.84K subscribers Subscribe 88 Share 26K views 3 years ago #DIY #colemansaluspa #familyDIY After 2. However, if it is just on dirt, the ground can sink or shift under the weight of the hot tub, resulting in an uneven surface. The hot tub is mainly dependent on the hot tub and the hot tub pump. For starters, if you want to add some extra insulation you can use spray insulation around the inside of the hot tub cabinet, which will trap in all of the heat that the pumps and heater generate. Bestway Inflatable hot tubs allow you to create a spa-like environment in your own backyard at a fraction of the cost of a traditional permanent hot tub. You can simply staple it on to get it working. Moreover it is waterproof. Its important that a hot tub is installed on a completely flat surface, but a very minor slope is acceptable. The product goes in two thickness options 1/4 and 1/2. This is because most people look at the size and number of jets and then, of course, the price. Spa tables, LED lights and more The gravel will be dumped into a frame made from 2x6 then leveled at 5". Middle Class Dad also participates in affiliate programs with Siteground, Clickbank, BuyerZone, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. You need to decide on a design, do some math to calculate how you're going to cover the area, then place as many pavers as you need on the ground next to each other to form the base for your hot tub. Warming Ability: Good. No concrete is required! To make your decision easier, we will cover pros and cons of each spa base and provide installation tips. Still save upto 80% on heating. Sometimes this is enough to cause cracks itself, but the thawing that occurs after is often more commonly the problem. If you want to maintain the temperature the best way you can, we highly recommend getting one of these products. Available in different pack sizes for any sized hot tub. Compact the gravel every few inches and level it! Hot tub cost. 100% full-foam insulators support the pipes by preventing any water leaks and reducing noise, so there are few to no vibrations. But if youre looking for that bit of extra rigidity and perhaps a larger area to cover, there are a few alternatives available that are worth considering. However, keep in mind to not overdo it. If you're not using one, your heating system is working harder to heat up the water, costing you more on energy bills. When you need to support a heavy object like a hot tub, youll need to choose thicker paving stoneslook for ones at least 2 inches thick. Knowing what type of material you should use to . A hot tub pad - hot tub pads are one of the best ways of insulating an inflatable hot tub since usually, these types of spa have no insulation on their bottom. All previously reviewed options require some manual work or have waiting time or risks with getting an uneven surface. If the tub frozebecause of a mechanical failureinstead ofa user error, some insurance policies may cover it. Actually, it proposes advantages that non-other foundation has. Made from high-density polyethylene resin, this pad comes in convenient 32 x 46 sections that are easily clipped together to form a base virtually any size you want. You have a lot of options when it comes to the style and design of pavers, and the good news is they don't need concrete to sit on. Mine sure is. On the market, you can find both a specifically designed mat for a hot tub and some good and cost-effective alternatives. In terms of the type of insulation that you should use, it is typically a good idea to use a mixture of spray foam insulation and traditional pink insulation. Many owners use ProsourceFit Extra Thick Puzzle Mat to protect their hot tubs from hard surfaces as this product is made of durable EVA-foam and goes in two thickness options 3/4 and 1. Add additional pads as needed to increase your overall pad size. What's more, if you leave the spa in place for a long time, you will kill the patch of grass underneath. If you are concerned about heat loss, take a look at your lid. Buy Now High Quality Insulation for your Hot Tub Enjoy your hot tub without breaking the bank with our premium quality hot tub insulation Hot Tub Insulated Jacket 140.00 GBP Inflatable Hot Tub Insulation Lid One more factor to consider is that many owners of inflatable hot tubs tend to buy a solid option over time. Xtingmeme Hot Tub Mat Show price The best choice for those who look for a durable mat that will last a long time and will not damage the floor. We'll take a look at that next. Spa Accessories. If you place your inflatable hot tub on a hot tub pad, you reduce heat loss to the cold ground below. You may have to have a screwdriver to do this, though some models allow the cabinets to lift right off without any additional tools. If you prefer an inflatable hot tub, then you can place it on the smooth ground for a short-term stay. Just make sure that when you are applying this insulation, that you use gloves. The cement has to be poured into an area that will be dictated by the plumbing installation. If youve placed your hot tub on a concrete base, which I highly recommend, you probably dont need a pad underneath the tub, but it will help in other ways. This typically means a 6-inch layer of gravel, a 1-inch layer of sand, then the pavers themselves. To improve on this, you can either add more foam or use a thermal wrap, either inside or outside the cabinet. As I mentioned, one that I love, and it does have some excellent reviews, is the Confer SP3248 Handi Spa on Amazon. I insulated the floor of my cabinet, but wouldn't want anything under it that would hold moisture. Choosing a durable and solid base is a must to prevent it from cracking. If your spa is set to a consistent temperature all the time, as changing your temperature frequently can increase your bill. In this article, I look at the alternative types of pads and their uses. Can You Add Insulation to a Hot Tub? . The combined weight of the tub, water, and occupants can reach up to 6,000 lbs, so it's imperative that you have a stable support structure under it. It is made from hard plastic and can easily support the weight of the filled hot tub. For winter, we recommend adding more insulation to your hot tub and making sure your cover is free of cracks orother damage. Keep your hot tub area clean and tidy. Copyright 2021, ByRossi. Just click that link to read it on my site. Pro tip #2! 2. This means that for an 8'x8' spa pad, you'll need enough concrete to fill 21.33 cubic feet (thats 36 80-lb bags of QUIKRETE). After pouring concrete, you should keep it moisturized for the first several days to ensure a proper cure. These units are very durable and speed up installation and eliminate the hassle of pouring concrete. We have thought of everything! A good hot tub base should be solid and durable. When choosing a material, consider how well it can prevent punctures, its durability, and comfort. After some time you will end up with an uneven surface. If you want the stability of concrete, but are not a fan of the look, you can always cover it with something to give it a different feel. One more advantage is that it gives a better feeling to your bare feet while standing on them. Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the best-known brands! Pro tip #2! Using 2 - 3" of foam on the base of your hot tub will help to keep heat in effectively, and more than that will be even more effective. Get it Thursday, 6 Apr - Saturday, 8 Apr. They are designed to insulate your hot tub and do a much better job than a thin groundsheet. Insulation just doesnt have that wow factor. Easy to assemble. The concrete gives the TubBlox their strength and the expanded polystyrene that are used in their construction gives them their insulation or R-value credentials. If you went for the cheapest, you might want to reconsider if you intend to use your hot tub in wintertime. As a rule, the minimum thickness of the concrete should be 4-6 (10.16 cm) to support the weight of the full hot tub. Vibration comes from the pump, so when this kicks in during the night to circulate the water, it can potentially be quite a nuisance to any nearby neighbors. Additionally, with decks, there can be heat loss both since its off the ground and since there are gaps in between the deck boards. This depends on the overall quality of your hot tub and how it was insulated. Your email address will not be published. Not very pretty. Reinforcing the deck is not a DIY project, especially for beginners in construction and building. A great choice for round inflatable spas is the CosySpa Hot Tub Flooring Protector: In most cases, you cannot place a hot tub directly on the ground, whether on dirt or grass. Truegrid Pro-Lite Pavers are designed for hard-duty use and can easily handle the hot tub weight even with 8 bathers. Presenting you 30+ fun accessories to enhance your hot tub experiences with family and friends! All you need is a screwdriver to attach the different sections of the spa pad together, and then provided you have a flat area, you can literally place the spa pad on top of any kind of surface: grass, dirt, patio, gravel, concrete, you name it. Related: EZ Pad Review: Prep, Installation & Performance (With Photos). As the first option is more cost-effective. Below you can find the list of suitable bases: In contrast with solid-frame hot tubs, inflatable ones can be placed on the ground. Name-brand water care at rock bottom prices. 75x75 Extra Large Hot Tub Pad - Inflatable Hot Tub Mat Outdoor Indoor - Ground Mat for Under Inflatable Hot Tub - Absorbent Spa Pool Ground Base Flooring Protector Mat. Lay it down with no gaps and check over time. You may even want to place a radiant barrier on the backside of your hot tub's panels. Insulating a hot tub can reduce vibrations and noise, lower your heating costs, and boost heat retention. As an example, if it has a flat bottom, then tonne over 1 sq metre applies an even pressure of 10 kPa. Unlike the contractor route, you control the process. In a recent article, I pointed out the alternatives, which you can read about here on my site by clicking the link. You can also add some reinforcement to the slab, however, in most cases, it is not necessary. FREE delivery Apr 3 - 13. Different hot tub manufacturers use different kinds of insulation, including: Here are a few reason why we would recommend these different types of insulation. The upper part of the pad is classically felt, and the base is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is non-slip and waterproof. EXTRA PROTECTION If you have a plug n play hot tub the type you plug into your regular outlet the chances are it is not very well insulated, and you will find that an insulation pad is great at reducing heat loss through the ground. Easy access to electrical or plumbing lines if they go under the hot tub. The ground is rarely even and not strong enough to support the hot tub. If you don't already have one, or are in the market for a new one, see The Cover Guy Reviews for the highest quality hot tub covers. Unsubscribe at any time. Create a route for the power to reach the hot tub. A flat surface is also important so that you dont have dips under or around your spa where pools of water can form. Most of a hot tub's heat loss is through the top, not the sides, since heat rises. Cover works with round, 4-person Intex Bubble Massage models; Keeps your hot tub toasty-warm in between uses, saving energy and saving you money. Because it is "full-foam," it will fill the entirety of your cabinet so that air is not able to leave it. Concrete pad This type of foundation is recommended whether or not your tub is an outdoor one or an indoor one. Truegrid Pro-Lite Pavers are designed for hard-duty use and can easily handle the hot tub weight even with 8 bathers. There are a few things that we recommend buying if you want to insulate your hot tub, including: There are many kinds of spa insulation on the market. Why does concrete crack? Plastic Pads: Plastic pads are lightweight and easy to install for hot tub installations. Gravel base is a strong and easy-to-set-up material to support your spa. You'll be pleased to know that all the above bases will work for any kind of hot tubinflatable spas included (yes, even gravel). The best options for insulating a hot tub are foam tiles, rigid foam board insulation, spa pads, or reflective insulation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to know exactly when its safe to remove the frame. It measures 24 in. No size adjustability: most spa pads are quite large, so it is hard to adjust the size just for the size of the hot tub. Wooden decks often let sound seep between the slats where air passes through. With only two layers of vinyl and around 18 inches of air between them, there isnt much to stop the heat from escaping through the sides. Soda Ash for Pool: 3 Best Products & Comparison with Baking Soda, Why Not Buying A Cyanuric Acid Reducer Is the Best Solution, Sodium Bisulfate: Top 4 PH Downs For Stress-Free Pool Maintenance, 4 Best Pool Timers To Save Your Money On Electricity Bills, How To Get Sand Out Of Pool: Proven Methods Only, Hot tub base: essential things to know beforehand, Concrete foundation a classical and durable solution. It should be noted that, on average, a hot tub will add around $25 to your energy bill each month. Otherwise, stress fractures could occur due to uneven weight distribution. However, if you dont have a flat surface, you will either need to excavate an area for the spa pad to sit in, or you can fill dips with gravel until you have a level place for the spa pad to go. Can I use sand as a base for the hot tub? After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Hot tubs need insulation to maintain their temperature. Choosing the base type and its construction are aspects you should consider before installing the hot tub. There are a few different types of insulation alternatives available for hot tubs. For those who don't want a permanent setup, these tubs may be a long-term solution. The surface should be flat with no imbalance. As a result, the surface becomes uneven which may crack the hot tub. A wooden deck is an elegant and comfortable solution. However, for a more visually pleasing appearance, you may prefer to stick to a maximum slope of 1/16 inch per foot, which will result in a more even waterline. This is what most manufacturers or hot tub stores will recommend. Written by HomeAdvisor. All Rights Reserved. We value your privacy. You can also add a grid of Size #3 Rebar for extra stability and to stop any cracks from widening, which is recommended, but not strictly necessary. If they determine that the deck is not strong enough, there are ways to reinforce it with extra joists in the area where the hot tub will go. A hot tub floor protector is perfect to put under your inflatable Lay-Z spa, especially if the spa is on a slabbed patio. At the low end of the market, the hot tub cabinet is only partially filled with insulation, which is usually a urethane spray foam on the shell of the tub. Usually placed just near the home that increases your comfort and privacy, Reinforced deck can handle 7-8 person hot tub, The most expensive option (around $15 $30 per square foot). Spa Chemicals. Cement is a good conductor of heat- but you have a couple inches of wood between the heated side of the cabinet and the cement. Cost-effective (Starts from $3-6$ for concrete pavers, with the average around 10 $17 per square foot, and can reach up to 30$ for flagstone), Can be a little time-consuming while laying them down. Compact it to make a level surface. Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs - Hot tub base - Made the exciting purchase of a hot tub now have to figure out what kind of base to put it on. When the ice melts, this causes shrinkage, which can result in cracks in the concrete. We highly recommend getting a hot tub pad to place below your hot tub. It comes down to what level of energy efficiency you are looking for and how much you have to spend. New hot tub pad. Premium or luxury salt water hot tubs cost $6,500 to $18,000. Insulated spa covers also help protect your tub during colder months. But as an inflatable spa owner, you also have an extra choice available to you: you can put an inflatable hot tub directly on grass. Barrier insulation uses a spraying method, though it does not completely fill the hot tub's interior, allowing air to travel through the hot tub cabinetry. The same applies to inflatable spas (see more on this below). The most vital thing about a concrete slap is that it should be leveled. However, you should consider this option only for a short-term stay. For example, gravel and pavers are cheaper and give good drainage. Related: Buying an Inflatable Hot Tub: The Essential Pre-Purchase Guide. If you are looking for a pad that perfectly matches the footprint of the round hot tub then the CosySpa Hot Tub Flooring Protector is your favorite. (~2 tons). Crushed gravel on the other hand is jagged and textured, which is what allows it to form a solid base when compacted. Synthetic Hot Tub Pad (best for portability) Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $595-$600 A less permanent option is a ready-made synthetic spa pad like the EZ Pad or Handi-Pad. Without proper insulation, your hot tub requires more energy to maintain the same temperature. Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $600-$1,000 ($10 to $17 per square foot). Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Others are rigid interlocking tiles that make up the size and shape you want. Once you've chosen your pavers and come up with a design for your hot tub base, you need to build up several layers before you're ready to put the actual pavers down. Which hot tub vacuum cleaners to buy? There are a couple of ways that you can insulate your hot tub. Moreover, the concentrated pressure on one side decreases the hot tub lifespan. Many patios are built a little pitched for better drainage. You dont want stagnant water forming around your hot tub where mosquitoes could breed. All that is necessary to install the EZ Pad is a level well-drained area. Unsubscribe anytime. Only in some cases. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can insulate your inflatable hot tub using hot tub pads, foam sheets, ground mats, or even old carpet. They're available at great prices & various densities. However, it is better to prepare a sturdy base to avoid any problems. There are a few ways to insulate your hot tub. While placing your hot tub on a deck is a great idea in many ways, there are several considerations that go into doing this safely. Grand Rapids inflatable spa. Uninsulated hot tubs are more expensive to operate, and their components tend to wear out faster. However, you do still need an absolutely flat surface to lay the pad on, otherwise the plastic can bow and won't be able to support your spa properly. Before you decided on the type of base. But electrical wiring is another matter. And just like with a concrete slab, you should check local building codes to see if you need a permit to build a hot tub base using pavers. Follow these steps to Hi! Concrete is a strong and durable choice for a hot tub base, but it is permanent. Pavers are another popular hot tub foundation. Compared to barrier insulation, this is a bit more expensive. It is not strong enough to support the hot tub. . The world-strongest gravel grids made the gravel construction even more solid. High-quality insulation helpskeep your utility bills low and extend the life span of your hot tub. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. Firstly, you should be certain that the place is leveled. 78 Inch Diameter 21 Pcs Hot Tub Mat Interlocking Hot Tub Pad Foam Ground Hot Tub Flooring Protector Inflatable Hot Tub Mat Non Slip Pool Spa Floor Mat for Outdoor Balcony Shower (1/4 Inch) 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (52) $53.99 $ 53. The Original Spa Pad EZ Pads Inc. was the first manufacturer to identify the need for a pre-fabricated portable spa pad. Get priceless advice for all hot tub types. Plus, thermal floating blankets are very inexpensive, making them an excellent choice if you are on a budget. Is it the best you can get? With 120 jets and a digital control panel that you can reach from inside the hot tub, you can adjust the settings while staying in luxurious comfort. When shopping for a hot tub, you should always look for a model that has full-foam insulation. But getting this work done will obviously add to the installation costs, so it's something you'll need to factor into your budget for the project. EZ Pads are perfect for hot tub installations, portable spa installations, and as an inexpensive platform deck for swim spas. Apparently, gravel will settle a little reducing stress on the hot tub low points on the hot tub letting them sink. For one, this floor protector is designed to protect the spa from getting punctures caused by contact with sharp debris, spikes, nails, or stones. The lid is where you lose most heat, and this is one of the easiest fixes. So, exactly how much electricity does a hot tub use? Lifehack! Concrete is also not the most attractive choice if you care about aesthetics. You'll need to hire contractors to install the pad (unless youre handy enough to do this yourself) and be comfortable with the fact that your hot tub's location won't be able to change easily once it's in place. Gravel pads are one of the most popular shed foundation options. Related: How to Get a Hot Tub onto a Raised Deck or Balcony (Or Up Stairs!). Hot Tub Insulation Pad Patio & Garden Hot Tub Insulation Pad (1000+) +4 options $14.49 Hot Tub Spa Cushion Suction Booster Seat Back Pad Soft Comfortable Inflatable Booster Seat for All Spas and Hot Tubs From $12.35 Hot Tub Spa Cushion Suction Booster Seat Back Pad Soft Comfortable Inflatable Booster Seat for All Spas and Hot Tubs (Black) $52.95 Hot air & hot water rise. Pre-Made Base If the thought of reinforcing your deck, pouring gravel or mixing concrete isn't appealing to you, you might want to consider purchasing a pre-fabricated base. Compare with the quoted 300 kPa for 10% . Level. Different approaches to insulation technology exist. White color. Finally, you pour the gravel into the frame and tamp it down to compact it until it forms a solid base. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but just know that you can tell they are plastic on close inspection, and you may not care for this aesthetic in your yard. If you look for something simple and durable then you should choose between a concrete or gravel base. Depending on where you live, you may also need a permit to install a concrete slab, as it may be considered a permanent change to your property. x 24 in. Choosing an appropriate base is one of the most important parts of planning your hot tub installation. I'm Jeff Campbell. But hey, this is your first foray into hot-tubbing next time, you can upgrade to something better. You can use it both around the hot tub and put it underneath. Replace the foam in your hot tub cover core with BeyondNice's foam core replacement pads. Even bring it partialy full, finish filling and start heating. Unsubscribe easily. You might consider insulating the underside of your hot tub, even though it is not as efficient as making sure the inside of your cabinet is filled. Outdoor EVA Foam Ground Mats Tiles - Interlocking - 6pk 24sq ft - Camping Caravan Tent Toys Trampoline Pool HotTub. This type of insulation is spray-on. You can also get a floating spa blanket to add more heat retention. Your energy bill cost will depend on a number of different factors, including: If your brother who is a hot tub owner in West Virginia has a pretty low electricity bill, it might not make sense to use that as a reference if you're trying to determine your hot tub costs out in California. Our top pick from Amazon among hot tub bases is a Confer Handi Spa Pad. How much does the hot tub weigh, and over what area is that weight distributed? Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $250-$450 ($4 to $7 per square foot). Just an area of flat, even, and firm ground will be enough to support your hot tub. Pay 4 instalments of $24.99 with Inarguably the most convenient hack for hot tub insulation, our hot tub foam bases are simple to assemble, completely portable, and will be instrumental in optimizing your spa temperature! For this reason, many concrete patios are not suitable for setting up hot tubs. EZ Pads make your hot tub or spa installation an EASY and satisfying experience. 3. Proper hot tub insulation will help achieve this goal. Obviously, spa owners in our colder climates will want to . This will make your hot tub more energy efficient. To add extra insulation, you can spray it around the hot tub's cabinet to trap in the extra heat that is generated by the heater and pumps. . The EZ Pad hot tub/spa pad provides a solid level foundation base that evenly distributes the weight of the hot tub, required for warranty compliance and for optimal performance of the jets and filtration system.