Pros and cons of a concrete base<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A concrete pad is one of the best and most popular choices for a hot tub base. Most hot tub manufacturers and stores recommend a concrete slab for its strength, durability, low maintenance, and long lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, some people dislike concrete for its poor aesthetics and its ability to crack in certain conditions. Because everyone’s circumstances are different, it’s important to select the right base for your needs. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of laying a concrete slab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Level<\/strong> \u2013 Creating a perfectly flat and level surface<\/a> is an absolute necessity for all hot tub bases. A level base ensures that the weight of the hot tub is distributed evenly. Cracks can occur in the hot tub shell in areas where there is a lack of support. Creating a level surface is easy to do with a concrete slab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drainage<\/strong> \u2013 Creating a slight gradient is also easy to do when laying concrete. A slope ensures proper drainage, allowing the water to run off instead of pooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long-lasting<\/strong> \u2013 Concrete can last anywhere between 30-100 years when installed correctly. This is likely to be a job you’ll only need to do once in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Durable<\/strong> \u2013 Concrete is by far the strongest and most durable base for a hot tub. Concrete is incredibly sturdy and resistant to most natural environments and chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost-effective<\/strong> \u2013 Concrete isn’t the cheapest option available, but its long lifespan makes it a great investment that works out to be very economical over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hidden electricals<\/strong> \u2013 Another benefit of concrete is that you can run the electrical conduits through the concrete before it’s poured. Setting your hot tub over unsightly cables is more aesthetically pleasing and much safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Combine with patio<\/strong> \u2013 Many homeowners opt to have the concrete slab poured as part of their existing patio, which retains the look and feel of your beloved backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fixed location<\/strong> \u2013 Not being able to relocate your spa is one of the biggest drawbacks of laying a permanent concrete slab, so ensure you find the perfect location for your hot tub before you pour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cracks<\/strong> \u2013 If you live in an area of the country with huge fluctuations in temperature, it can result in cracks forming the concrete. Concrete expands as it heats and contracts as it cools. If the concrete cannot expand or contract, it will likely crack. This is one reason why a concrete slab should be installed away from direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aesthetics<\/strong> \u2013 A concrete slab in the middle of your yard isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing of sights. However, there are solutions such as these attractive interlocking wooden flooring tiles<\/strong> Curing<\/strong> \u2013 The concrete slab needs 28 days to cure in order to provide maximum strength. You’ll need to factor in this time before the delivery of your new hot tub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expensive<\/strong> \u2013 Hiring a professional to lay a concrete slab can be pretty costly if you’re not able to do it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you can get to work laying your new concrete slab, there are several things you must take into consideration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are three fundamentals you need to get right when you lay a concrete slab to avoid issues such as cracking and pooling water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The concrete pad’s dimensions should be at least the size of the spa. Most concrete slabs typically measure 8 feet by 8 feet. However, if you own a large hot tub, you’ll likely need to pour a slab that’s 10 feet by 10 feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A solid cement slab that can safely support a fully-loaded hot tub must be no less than four inches thick. For maximum strength, I recommend a depth of six inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not excavate the ground deeper than six inches as the concrete slab requires the soil beneath to be solid enough to ensure stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that the surrounding area has been completely cleared of any bushes or trees. This is to ensure that there are no roots growing beneath the concrete, which could cause significant problems later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The concrete slab should slope 2\/3 inch per 10 feet (15mm per 3m). This gradient is to allow the water to run off, preventing pooling beneath the hot tub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ideal concrete mix should be a ready-mix that’s crack-resistant and has a compression strength of 4000 PSI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend QUIKRETE ProFinish Crack Resistant Concrete Mix<\/strong> The price to lay a concrete slab is going to vary significantly depending on whether it’s something you can do yourself or whether you need to hire a contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a concrete quantity and cost comparison of laying a concrete slab yourself. The total price is based on each 80-lbs (32.6kg) bag of concrete costing $6.17 in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Opens](\"https:\/\/hottubzone.com\/wp-content\/themes\/acabado-2\/img\/extlink.png\" "\\"Opens")
<\/a> to help it blend in with its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nConcrete pad requirements: Preparing for your concrete base<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Pad dimensions, thickness, and gradient<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pad dimensions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Thickness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Gradient<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Selecting the right concrete mix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a> as it meets all these requirements. Some of the benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
DIY<\/h4>\n\n\n\n