An outdoor deck is a great way to enjoy nature and entertain family and friends, but what if you’re looking for something a little more? Do you want to add some “oomph” to your deck? The installation of a hot tub can greatly increase the use of your deck and make for a great place to relax at the end of a long, hard day.
But if you want to sink the hot tub into the deck, is that possible? Is there anything you need to know before you go this route? Keep reading to learn more about sunken hot tubs in decking.
Can I Sink A Hot Tub Into A Deck?
Whether you want to sink your hot tub fully or partially into the deck, you are probably wondering whether it can be done and if it is a good idea.
Ultimately, the answer is yes. You can sink your hot tub into your deck. However, you must take preventative measures to ensure you’re able to access the hot tub easily in the future for maintenance, repairs, etc.
A sunken hot tub in the deck can add a sophisticated look to your outdoor space, as it will keep the hot tub from being visually distracting and pulling the line of sight away from the garden or the rest of the area.
5 Things To Keep In Mind When Sinking A Hot Tub Into Your Deck
Sunken hot tubs are very visually appealing, but before you jump the gun and start the process, there are a few things that must be considered.
1. Access For Maintenance And Service
One of the most common mistakes people make when sinking a hot tub into their deck is failing to leave proper access for future maintenance and repairs. The control panel of the hot tub needs to be easily accessible by at least two technicians.
So, how do you do this? You can install the hot tub near the edge of the deck or use removable panels around it. Failing to ensure this access is available can lead to the removal of the hot tub when basic repairs need to be made.
Keep in mind that maintenance and service may need to be performed to areas of the hot tub other than the main control panel, and if you need any advice on this then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
For instance, if your hot tub is leaking, you will likely need to be able to access all sides of the spa. For this reason, it is often recommended to build some access hatches around the entire hot tub.
2. Power And Drainage Considerations
Aside from access to the control panel, you must keep in mind that the hot tub must be plugged in once it is placed.
Therefore, there needs to be space where the cable can run from the spa to an electrical connection. The closer the hot tub is located to the power source (be it a GFCI or household outlet), the better off you will be when it comes to issues down the road.
Further, to ensure your hot tub remains safe and healthy for use, you will need to perform regular cleanings.
Deep cleanings will require that the hot tub is completely emptied, scrubbed down, and filled back up. These are usually carried out 3 to 4 times per year.
Drainage issues can be a problem with sunken hot tubs, so you will want to deal with this type of issue initially. You want to ensure the hot tub can be emptied with the area that the spa is sitting in getting flooded.
Take rain and snow into consideration as well.
3. Spa Accessibility
Though a sunken hot tub in the deck is incredibly attractive, the truth is that it will be harder to get in and out of. This is especially true for those who may have mobility issues.
Some water is also likely to end up on the decking around the hot tub, which can make it slippery as well.
4. Choose the Right Cover Lifter
If you intend on using a cover lifter on your hot tub after it is sunk into the deck, it is important that you take care in choosing the right one. You must choose one that will not go further than ground level once the hot tub has been placed.
5. Leave It To The Professionals
While you may want to DIY the installation of a sunken hot tub in your deck, there are many things that can go wrong if you aren’t familiar with what you are doing. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you work with a professional hot tub service.
This will ensure the job is done right the first time with less of a risk of future issues.
Final Thoughts
A sunken hot tub is incredibly attractive when done correctly, but at the same time, the practicality of the installation must be considered. The last thing you want is to invest in a sunken hot tub installation only to have it come back to bite you later on.
Ultimately, as long as you can maintain sufficient access to the hot tub for maintenance and repairs, sinking a hot tub into your deck is completely possible and can add to the overall appearance of your outdoor space.
To ensure your deck is properly equipped to hold a hot tub and that the sunken installation goes smoothly, reach out to a professional hot tub service in your area. An expert will ensure that the installation is done right from the get-go, which includes leaving proper access for future maintenance and repairs. In the end, the investment will be well worth it.
You can also contact us at Elevate Decking for advice about hot tubs with decking.
