Concrete pavers look good and give your patio an upbeat vibe that is a step ahead of a traditional concrete slab. However, they are more expensive than concrete so you want to make sure they will not be damaged when you add things like a hot tub.
Read further below to find out more about how to maintain your pavers and make sure your hot tub fits well on them.
What Is a Paver?
Pavers, also called cement pavers or concrete pavers, are composed of cement, sand, gravel, and coloring pigments. The mix is formed into different shapes and sizes to look more like natural rocks. They are vibrated and then cured so they are highly durable, even under the weight of a hot tub.
This is why they are also popular for driveways. Many pavers have a lifetime warranty as well.
Why People Love Pavers
Concrete pavers are less expensive and more available than real stone pavers. Yet, they have an upscale prestige to them which is similar to brick. However, pavers are more durable than brick, although not as durable as cobblestone.
Concrete pavers come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors so they can fit virtually any home design. However, they are also uniform enough that installing them is a pretty simple process.
Things to Do To Install a Hot Tub
Nothing can be taken lightly when you are dealing with improving your home. Failing to research or making an impulsive decision can cause you some grief along with some expensive repair bills later.
While pavers can take the weight of a hot tub without a problem, there are some things you need to do first to make sure your hot tub is installed correctly so both the tub and the pavers remain undamaged.
Check for Level Surface
First, make sure the patio is level. This is important when considering installing a hot tub. Many pavers are laid in a way so rainwater runs off. That means they are laid on a slight slope. This isn’t a good fit for a hot tub.
Your hot tub could get more buildup if it’s on an uneven surface. An uneven surface also makes it tough to clean or drain it. The hot tub should be sitting in full contact with all the pavers when it’s installed. You can’t fix a level with things like temporary wedges.
Check Your Paver Rating
Make sure your pavers are rated to hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. Most hot tubs weigh 200 pounds or more empty. Adding water and people could push it well over 1,000 pounds and usually, the weight will top 2,000 pounds.
A Possible Solution
One way some people install hot tubs on their pavers is to use a gravel base. The pavers are laid out with the gravel filling up the spaces. This is a good approach because it allows water splashing out to drain rather than pooling under the hot tub.
Experts say you should use permeable pavers for this situation.
The area should have a gravel base that is six inches thick with 2-inch thick pavers installed.
The paver base must be wider than the hot tub area and also cover the immediate area around the hot tub. This is so you won’t step on gravel.
The Cost of Installing a Hot Tub on Pavers
The average cost of installing a hot tub, including the basic installation, the electrical wiring, a concrete pad, and delivery, ranges from $4,000 to $15,000. This is beyond the price of the hot tub.
A gravel pad is going to be the cheapest avenue with the materials and installation of the pad costing between $250 to $750. Concrete and pavers are a step up from that costing anywhere from $500 to $2,500.
The wooden deck option is the most expensive and can cost between $4,000 ad $10,000 because the deck will need to be reinforced and use only certain types of wood that will support a hot tub.
You could save some money by providing the hot tub pad yourself. Laying out gravel or pavers can be a DIY project. The most important aspects of the project are the surface being level and allowing for runoff and drainage.
FAQs
What kind of pavers should I put under my spa?
The type of pavers you use matters when it comes to installing a spa tub. Pick smooth pavers that interlock and result in the same, level height. That way you create a flat, solid surface for your hot tub.
What are good bases for my hot tub?
Besides paver stones, you can use a concrete patio, a deck as long as it’s reinforced, crushed gravel, or a prefabricated pad. The only place you can’t put a hot tub is on grass.
How heavy is a full hot tub?
A smaller tub that fits two or three people can weigh 500 pounds empty and 3,000 pounds when filled. A tub that fits up to six people weighs around 1,000 pounds empty and 6,000 pounds after it’s filled.
Can you put a hot tub on flagstone?
Yes, a hot tub can be installed on flagstone. The problem is that flagstone is a sedimentary sandstone and can flake after it absorbs moisture. It can also be damaged with chlorine. A metamorphic sandstone would be better.
Can there be a slight slope on a surface where a hot tub sits?
There can be a little slope without affecting your hot tub’s functions or cleaning. It must be no larger than a 1/2 inch slope over an 8-foot stretch. It is more important that your surface area doesn’t have dips, unevenness of stones, or sags.
Conclusion
Installing a hot tub on your pavers is possible but it’s not as easy as just placing the hot tub on the surface. You need to make sure you use the right type of pavers, have a level surface, and allow for drainage.
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