Can You Put A Hot Tub On A Rooftop Deck? (Find Out Now!)

Creating a backyard oasis with a pool or hot tub is fun. But what if you want to get creative? Can you put a hot tub on a rooftop deck, or should you put it somewhere else? Here is what you need to know.

You can put a hot tub on a rooftop deck if the foundation is sturdy enough. However, you must place some vessels a specific distance away from your house. It all depends on the tub’s design. So, check the owner’s manual for more information and secure your deck first.

Put your hot tub virtually anywhere that’s flat and secure. You can choose an indoor or outdoor location as long as it’s practical and safe. So, stick your warm water vessel in a designated room of your house. Or put one on the patio, deck, or rooftop for swanky entertaining.

Some homeowners place their hot tubs under lighted gazebos for protection from the weather. And you can put a gazebo up on a rooftop deck too. But the best spot for your tub depends on several factors, not just the foundation. Consider your home layout, the landscape, the weather, and your personal preference as well.

It’s crucial to follow hot tub building codes, especially when installing a unit on your rooftop. That’s because each state requires different criteria for homeowners. However, most municipalities adopt similar laws for hot water vessels, swimming pools, and other luxury installments.

In most cases, you must keep your hot tub at least five feet away from your property line. Measure from the edge of your tub to your property line to ensure accurate placement. And be sure your rooftop deck doesn’t stick out too far. If it does, you might not be able to move your tub up there.

TIP: As a general rule, make sure there are at least three feet of space on each side of your vessel.

It’s legal to put a hot tub on a rooftop deck if you follow all building codes for your state. But you should still worry about sturdiness when installing your vessel. That’s because there’s a difference between a traditional rooftop and a roof deck.

A roof deck is a customized patio that a homeowner constructs on top of their house. You use various deck-building materials to create a platform fit for sitting and entertaining. And that means you have to use trusses and other support beams to secure the structure.

Your actual rooftop is not the same. Homebuilders support traditional roofs with the ceiling and wall beams. And while roofs might be weak in certain spots, you can typically build many things on top of them without extra work. So, either build sturdy roof decks or find a better place for your hot tub.

All hot tubs are different, so none of them weigh the same. However, a small tub usually weighs about 500 pounds without water. Once filled, the weight can jump to over 3,000 pounds. And the bigger your tub gets, the heavier it will be.

Large hot tubs can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds empty. But when you fill them with hot water, they reach up to 6,000 pounds or more. And if your roof or rooftop deck can’t stabilize that kind of weight, you could have an accident.

TIP: Make sure you build a deck out of materials that can withstand heavy weights and water exposure.

Related Questions

What Are the Power Requirements for a Hot Tub?

Make sure you have enough power going to your hot tub no matter where you install it. Most residential hot tubs require 110v to 220v electrical connections. However, some are “plug-and-play” models. That means you can hook them up to your exterior outlets for instant access.

What Does It Cost to Have a Hot Tub Installed?

The cost of professional hot tub installation varies. Some retailers offer free installation with your purchase, but others don’t. So, ask the store for more information. And expect a bill for a few hundred dollars otherwise because professional help is never cheap.