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. The lid is where you lose most heat, and this is one of the easiest fixes. 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. CLICK HERE to see the Confer pad on Amazon. No, one exception is inflatable tubs for a short-term stay. You can use drywall screws to secure stable connections. Explore our article to find 5 hot tub foundations that match these characteristics the best. They are made from high-density polyethylene and provide a stable and level surface for the 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. As the first option is more cost-effective. Then, calculate how many cubic yards of gravel you'll need, accounting for at least 4 inches of gravel. Lifehack! ByRossi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Its important that a hot tub is installed on a completely flat surface, but a very minor slope is acceptable. There are many different waysmanufacturers can choose to insulate their tubs. Hot Tub Owner HQ is owned and operated by Jeff Campbell/Middle Class Dad. As a general rule, an insulated pad for a hot tub is not necessary except for inflatable hot tubs. It measures 24 in. 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. Put pavers on it. America's #1 Hot Tub Pad Gets Rave Reviews! . A stable and level hot tub pad is necessary for the structural integrity of the hot tub frame and shell. Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $400-$500 (around $8 per square foot). When choosing a material, consider how well it can prevent punctures, its durability, and comfort. Fill 3 with gravel. Just ordered a new hot tub and this pad has 2" of slope over 8 feet. I got into the best ways to add insulation, and I included a step-by-step walkthrough of what I did to my hot tub. All previously reviewed options require some manual work or have waiting time or risks with getting an uneven surface. In fact, continually raising and lowering your hot tub temperature can amount to higher costs overall. There will also be plastic grass between the tub and insulation but if it would be better I could cut that around it. But many hot tub manufacturers, particularly in the inflatable market, supply mats to suit their own brand. Be certain that you don't block off any of the vents that are within your hot tub so that cool air from the outside can easily flow in. 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. I insulated the floor of my cabinet, but wouldn't want anything under it that would hold moisture. High-quality insulation helpskeep your utility bills low and extend the life span of your hot tub. You'll be able to enjoy your hot tub without worrying about the cost. I put 1" foam insulatiion (blue styrofoam on houses) under mine and I haven't had any problems. Your email address will not be published. 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. Not only will it increase the overall energy efficiency of your hot tub, but it will also reduce the amount of noise that your hot tub makes and protect the wood on your deck. You can also purchase a spray-on foam insulator that ensures your hot tub retains heat. Just make sure that when you are applying this insulation, that you use gloves. Or fastest delivery Mar 30 - Apr 4. 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. Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. It is on my deck, then I put down 1/2" marine grade MDO plywood, then the foam, then the hot tub. Hot tub cost. Cement Pad. This slope is considered safe, and will not cause any damage to the structure of the tub. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. They tend to be rather poorly . It can also be susceptible to cracks, particularly if you have a lot of temperature variation where you live. If it does not, cut it to size. Hot Tub Covers. It will shorten the lifespan of the hot tub. If it is purely down to how well the insulation retains the heat, foam insulation is by far the most efficient, but thermal wrap, which can be in the form of rigid Styrofoam or polystyrene, is more convenient if you want to fix it inside the cabinet. Unsubscribe anytime. Name-brand water care at rock bottom prices. Only in some cases. Something to bear in mind in general when it comes to inflatable spas is that they have less insulation on the underside to stop heat escaping into the base than then a regular spa, where the shell is raised off the ground. Pavers around a hot tub pad #Dundalk pic.twitter.com/pcq4UfhrQZ, Hardscape Builder (@PaversWallsMD) March 5, 2022. They were built a little pitched for better drainage. See how EZ Pads stack up to the competition, with special attention to warranties: EZ Pads are manufactured to the very high ISO 9000 standards right here in the United States, and feature a Lifetime Warranty. 3 - Hot tub pads A more expensive way to add more ground insulation is to buy a hot tub pad. Inflatable hot tubs weigh less than hard-surfaced ones. It's for a shed, but the basic idea is the same: Although it's often called a gravel pad, it's important that you use crushed stone or gravel, and not pea gravel or river stone. ( By "properly constructed", we mean a hot tub pad with at least 4" of crushed stone and a retaining border to keep the stone in place.) You should also make sure that the concrete has the ability to withstand 115 pounds of weight per square foot. This is important because you need to make sure any rain water or overspill from your hot tub is able to drain away from the base. 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. 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. You can use it both around the hot tub and put it underneath. These units are very durable and speed up installation and eliminate the hassle of pouring concrete. Now, your hot tub doesnt have to sit on a concrete base. Like our homes, we insulate the floor, walls and the attic, to create a warm pocket inside. Preparing a good base will save you many nerves and time in the future. So, exactly how much electricity does a hot tub use? Is it the best you can get? Plus, you can also cut them so that they fit around the hot tub interior. To cover 8*8 (64 square feet), you need to get one pack of the Truegrid Pro-Lite Pavers. Spa steps starting at $99.95. For winter, we recommend adding more insulation to your hot tub and making sure your cover is free of cracks orother damage. 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. Usually, posts should be no more than 30 inches apart. It is made from recycled plastic, so it is a nice option if you care about the ecology. Compared to the CosySpa Hot Tub Flooring Protector you can also adjust the size of the pad and cut through it easily. More than likely, your insurance provider won't cover afrozen hot tub. 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. When it comes to smaller hot tubs, such as two-person models, you . Just like with real grass, placing a hot tub directly on artificial grass would result in permanent flattening of the grass fibersand potentially cause damage to the hot tub, depending on the surface beneath. Crushed gravel on the other hand is jagged and textured, which is what allows it to form a solid base when compacted. Insulation must be very useful if hot tubs are to maintain heat. Copyright 2021, ByRossi. If you're like me, you've probably wondered can you add insulation to a hot tub? This is particularly so for inflatable hot tubs which generally do not have great insulation on the bottom. Grand Rapids inflatable spa. Hot tubs need insulation to maintain their temperature. Installing a new hot tub or spa on concrete can be stressful, time consuming and costly when you are coordinating contractor bids, permit applications, site access details and inspections. This helps make the hot tub more energy efficient while reducing vibration and noise. This typically means a 6-inch layer of gravel, a 1-inch layer of sand, then the pavers themselves. Premium or luxury salt water hot tubs cost $6,500 to $18,000. Did you like the article? 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. x 2 in. x 2 in. 1. And weather delays can complicate the entire process even more. Inflatable hot tubs are a great way to test the waters when investing in a permanent model. Posted October 11, 2006. By consulting a professional, youavoid problems that are a byproduct of beginner mistakes, includingmold growth and malfunctioning products. I'm sure most of you realize that heat rises, therefore a good fitting spa cover with at least 4 or 5 inches of ridged board closed cell foam insulation is the recommend level of hot tub insulation for maximizing heat retention. Concrete absorbs moisture from the environment. Dennis. The latter can damage the vinyl. It uses a whopping 290 gallons of water to fill it. Replace the foam in your hot tub cover core with BeyondNice's foam core replacement pads. Made to fit the exact size of the hot tub, these are often the best pads to go for. Step-By-Step Traditional Hot Tub Insulation Open Your Cabinetry: The first thing that you will want to do is open the cabinets on your hot tub. DIY Hot Tub Insulation. FiberCor is the most costly compared to the other products listed here and is one of the newest insulation system products on the market today. Mine sure is. Moreover it is waterproof. However, there is one exception: inflatable spas dont have a frame, and are therefore not picky about being placed on an even surface. Made of durable polystyrene foam. One pack of 72 pieces is enough to cover 8*8 area. Easy-to-assembleDurable1 pack of 6 pieces covers 8*8 spaceNon-slip. It's relatively cost-effective and easy to install, plus it's very good for drainage. Hot Tub Noise Reduction Using Plywood Under The Hot Tub The first step to hot tub soundproofing is to try using plywood under your hot tub. MAX. It is crucial to note that you should never overdo this, though. Best for winter: Bestway 60022E . Hi, Im Peter Rossi, a professional hot tub designer and founder of ByRossi. The 8 Best Above-Ground Pools of 2023. If your spa is set to a consistent temperature all the time, as changing your temperature frequently can increase your bill. After some time you will end up with an uneven surface. 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). You can also add some reinforcement to the slab, however, in most cases, it is not necessary. But hey, this is your first foray into hot-tubbing next time, you can upgrade to something better. In this case, people usually cut or build an opening in the deck, and pour a concrete slab under the area where the spa will sit. When you buy a thermal heating blanket, place it on the surface of your spa water. I have owned 4 hot tubs going back to 2005, and learned a lot through trial and error. Finally, you'll need to add joining sand between the pavers to keep them evenly spaced. The best insulation for hot tubs is full foam, multidensity foam, barrier insulation or FiberCor. Keep your hot tub area clean and tidy. Crushed Gravel. Just an area of flat, even, and firm ground will be enough to support your hot tub. After that, you can put the hot tub just on the bare grid. Plastic pads are also good at providing insulation and preventing heat loss, which can help to reduce energy costs. As an example, if it has a flat bottom, then tonne over 1 sq metre applies an even pressure of 10 kPa. This depends on the overall quality of your hot tub and how it was insulated. You get 3 in a pack thats not even square! If the tub frozebecause of a mechanical failureinstead ofa user error, some insurance policies may cover it. The ground is not solid enough to support the weight of the hot tub without deformation. This type of insulation is spray-on. The full process is beyond the scope of this article, but you can see more information on how to build a paver patio in this guide from Lowes. When the ice melts, this causes shrinkage, which can result in cracks in the concrete. Synthetic spa pads are a very cost-effective type of hot tub base. The good thing is, there are a few ways that you can save money on your hot tub, including: As you can see, there are a few easy things that you can do to save money and make the cost of hot tub ownership far less expensive. But with so many different hot tub foundation options available, how do you choose the right one? 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. 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. Strong enough to support the hot tub of any weight, Expensive (around up to $10 per square foot), Before placing the hot tub, the concrete should cure for 28 days, The cheapest option ($1 $3 per square foot), Suitable for long- and short-term solutions, Not the best-looking option (depends on your tastes). Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $0-$1,000+ (this varies a lot depending on exactly what work you need). Pro tip #2! But it is certainly advisable for inflatable hot tubs, which can easily be moved once drained. 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. 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. You can also get a floating spa blanket to add more heat retention. EASY TO CONNECT Composed of 21 foam tiles which are easily put together, simply slot all middle & outer pieces into place to form your circular ground protector sheet. The material under the spa pad can be grass, dirt, sand, gravel, crushed rock or granite. There are several rules to follow while making a gravel hot tub base: Pro tip #1! Measures 24 in. Pair all of this with thermal blankets and you'll have some of the best protection against heat loss on the market. They also have no frame, so the requirements of a perfectly even foundation are not so strict. The perfect base for the inflatable hot tun is solid, and smooth, with no pecky and sharp edges. Pavers are stone or concrete slabs, often square, which are usually around 1-2 feet in size (though you can also buy them in all kinds of custom shapes and sizes). Get priceless advice for all hot tub types. We value your privacy. Having prepared your base, lay your insulation pad over this and install your newly arrived hot tub. It is seen pretty commonly in budget-friendly hot tubs. Add additional pads as needed to increase your overall pad size. 3-4 hundred a night, 40-60 nights a year. The main cause of hot tub noise is vibration, so the more you can reduce this, the quieter it becomes. Not so strict i did to my hot tub you care about ecology... And preventing heat loss on the market 1,000+ ( this varies a lot depending on exactly work. So many different hot tub Owner HQ is owned and operated by Jeff Campbell/Middle Class Dad pieces is enough support... Plus it 's relatively cost-effective and easy to install, hot tub insulation pad it 's very good for drainage just make that. 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Helpskeep your utility bills low and extend the life span of your hot designer... The surface of your hot tub frame and shell to keep them evenly spaced, 40-60 a... To note that you should never overdo this, the quieter it becomes some the... Spa is set to a hot tub retains heat the ice melts, is! Of gravel you 'll need to add insulation, that you should never overdo this, the it..., multidensity foam, multidensity foam, multidensity foam, multidensity foam, barrier insulation or FiberCor ll be to. Without deformation that ensures your hot tub pad # Dundalk pic.twitter.com/pcq4UfhrQZ, Hardscape Builder ( @ PaversWallsMD ) March,. To buy a thermal heating blanket, place it on the other hand jagged... Built a little pitched for better drainage sq metre applies an even pressure of 10 kPa Protector you also!
