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Construction Industry/Will my deck support a Hot Tub

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Expert: - 12/21/2009


Question
Hello,
   I am looking at purchasing a hot tub to put on my deck.  I am assuming I will have to add some support but I am not sure how to determine the load capacity of my deck.  I have a cement pad with 2x8 sitting right on the cement with 2 ft spacing supporting the 2x6 decking itself. The hot tub would be around 5,000 lbs and 7ftx7ft.  

Answer
Hello Anthony,

Your hot tub is too heavy for your present framing.  Your tub will hold about 250 gallons of water and the overall distribution is about 100 lbs per sq.ft.  Don't forget, put six people in the tub and that increases the load!  Your deck, as built will support about 35 lbs per sq.ft.

You could add more 2"x8" joists or framing members (approx 8" on center) under the tub to provide additional support for the static weight of the tub.  However, you may want to consider cutting an opening in the deck to allow the hot tub to sit directly on the concrete slab.  If necessary you can but a layer of styrofoam (say 2" thick) on the slab to cushion the hot tub.

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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