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Expert: - 1/12/2010


Question
Hot Tub and aquarium
Hot Tub and aquarium  
QUESTION: Roger

I live in a two story penthouse of a highrise building made of concrete and rebar. I just lifted with a crane a hot tub and a large aquarium. Before I fill them I want to make sure that my floor can handle the weight.

Hot tub
Dry weight - 700lb
Filled weight - 5845lb
Add the weight of up to five people - 1000lb
Total weight - 7545lb

The hot tub will be located in one corner of an open terrace 15x23 without a ceiling. There is a support beam close to the location but not exactly underneath it. It will be located in one end of the room.

The aquarium is made of glass (96x44,29)
Dry weight - 1500lb
Water weight - 4372b
Substrate and rocks 1000lb
Steel frame, filter and other equipment - 1000lb
Total weight - 6872lb

The aquarium WILL be sitting on top of a support beam, the columns it will be sitting in are 12"x24", The room is 12'x17' with columns in each corner. The stand is made of steel and it has six legs.

My building is about 40yrs old and they were built quite strong back in those days.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Jan,

I'm sorry I can't give you a positive answer at this time.  You didn't tell me the sizes of the hottub but the picture helped.

The tub appears to be about 6' x 6' and rests on an area of 45 s.f. which will support approx. 6,000 lbs.  I suggest you contact your local building official and inquire about the code requirements before you install the tub.

The aquarium is also very heavy - because of the height but only occupies approx. 20 s.f.  Thats 340 lbs per s.f. which is excessive.

I'm sorry but I think you are at risk of a structural failure.

Roger
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

Floor layout
Floor layout  
QUESTION: Wao... Thanks for your input Roger. I'm glad I haven't filled up anything yet.

My apartment has two floors and I could reinforce the area from the first level as the Hot Tub and aquarium will both be on the second level.

I have attached a floor layout of the area with measurements I took myself. I should be getting a copy of the blueprints this week. I will have them looked over by a civil or structural engineer.

What could I do reinforce the areas?

Thanks again for your input.

Answer
Hello Jan,

The floor layout was helpful.  There is probably a beam between all the columns.  The aquarium is in a good location to distribute the weight.  However, the Hot tub placement is questionable.  The patio area floor is probably a cantilevered element and I would be concerned about the allowable load in this area.

It is good that you have a structural engineer look at the plans and conditions.  (A civil engineer is concerned with water, waste water, survey, siting, paving, etc.)  The structural engineer will make calculations including live loads to determine the best placement of the hot tub.  He may also recommend methods of adapting the existing structural members to accommodate the tub.  If the concentrated weight is too much, perhaps he can design a base that will re-distribute the weight.

Good luck.

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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