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Q. I want to install a hot tub on my deck. I know the existing deck will not support it. The existing deck is 24' x 12' with 4 x 4 posts, 2 x 6 ledger, beams and joists. I have the existing deck attached to the house, a beam down the center and one on the front. The highest elevation is about 30 inches.

What I thought about doing in the area the hot tub is use six 6 x 6 posts (2 in the rear, 2 in the middle, and 2 in the front) with two 2 x 12 beams placed on top of the 6 x 6's. For joists I was going to add two additional 2 x 6's to the existing 2 x 6's to make 6 x 6 joists. My post will sit on concrete footings, each about 30” to 36” deep. The hot tub measures 85" x 85". Do you think I will have enough support? The hot tub full is about 5,000 lbs.

A. There are several things to consider, and some things you need to investigate.

Let’s start at the bottom. Your concrete footings need to do several things. The bottoms need to be below the frost line (as defined by your local building code). They need to distribute the weight that they are supporting, so they need broad bases (also defined in local codes or specified by an engineer). They need to be solid, and generally you would put a framework of rebar in the bottom. They need to extend above ground level so that any wood framing that is supported does not come in contact with the ground. If pressure treated lumber is used (highly recommended), this may not be necessary. The posts need to sit in saddles or brackets designed to anchor them to the concrete piers.

If you are going to set the hot tub on the deck, you will want to make sure that the ledger on the house is securely attached with bolts or lag screws that are tight into the house framing. A 2 x 6 is a bit light for a ledger, but may be ok. I usually support a hot tub on a mini deck that is then surrounded by the walking deck. This way, you can recess the hot tub into the deck to allow for easier entry and exit. The benefit of this will depend on the design of your hot tub model. If you do set it down into the deck, be sure to allow for equipment access panels.

The decking itself needs to be of a material that will not deteriorate. The decking under the hot tub will likely be wet almost all of the time, depending on the climate where you live. You don’t mention the spacing on your joists, but be sure that it is sufficient to support the load.

Check the specifications on the underside of the hot tub. Some models concentrate the load and some distribute it. Your tub support should take this into consideration.

Make sure you have cross bracing, bolted ledger, and joist hangers on the ledger. When pumps and blowers are running, there will be vibration and over time things can come loose if they are not properly connected.

You should be able to find a reference book or info on the web that will give specific engineering data so that you can be absolutely certain that you have designed strong enough.

 
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