Can You Put A Hot Tub On Gravel?
A hot tub is one of the most luxurious ways to relax during the colder months, but where should you have it installed? Can you put a hot tub on gravel?
Putting a hot tub on gravel is both safe and recommended. Install the gravel on a flat, spacious area with 2 feet of room around the perimeter of the tub. Check your hot tub’s warranty plan to make sure a gravel installation won’t void the coverage.
Continue reading to learn if it’s possible to put a hot tub on gravel and the best way to go about completing this project. Additionally, we’ll cover some disadvantages regarding positioning your hot top over the top of a gravel road.
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Is It Possible to Put a Hot Tub on Gravel?
Gravel is a durable and stable surface, and it can typically hold up to 1,000 pounds per square foot. Does this make a suitable material to put a hot tub on?
Yes, you can put a hot tub on gravel. In fact, it is the preferred surface for your jacuzzi. This is because it allows for adequate water drainage while being able to support the bulky structure of a hot tub.
It’s a fairly quick and easy clean installation process that provides more room for activities around the tub. Due to the smaller pieces involved, gravel is also less likely to crack like concrete or shift like rocks.
On the contrary, if you choose to have your hot tub over grass or dirt, it will require additional preparation.
How to Put a Hot Tub on Gravel
Now that you understand gravel is the way to go, let’s walk through the steps of how to put a hot tub on gravel.
First, do you have an existing gravel surface in mind? If not, you’ll need to create one.
To lay a gravel surface and install your hot tub, follow these steps:
- Measure the area where you would like your hot tub to sit. It’s important that you leave enough space for people to move around the tub and for the water drainage hose (2-3 feet around the perimeter is perfect).
- Remove all of the vegetation in the designated area and dig out the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
- Next, you can place landscaping cloth to act as a barrier between the dirt and the gravel. This isn’t necessary; it just adds a layer of stability and would enable you to remove the gravel more easily in the future.
- Add the gravel of your choice to the hole and use a rake to level it out. Pea gravel and crushed stone are great options.
- Once the surface is prepared, have your hot tub delivered and set it up in the correct spot. Make sure to read the owner’s manual before filling it with water.
If you’re not comfortable setting up the tub on your own, you may want to have it delivered and installed by a professional. After this process is complete, fill the hot tub with water, let it heat up, and your backyard sanctuary is ready for use!
The best part of using gravel is you don’t have to wait for anything to set or dry. Once it’s poured and leveled, your machine is ready to go on top.
Disadvantages to Putting a Hot Tub on Gravel
As we’ve definitely established, putting a hot tub on gravel is the preferred surface. However, it isn’t without its disadvantages.
The following are cons associated with putting a hot tub on gravel:
- Gravel is extremely heavy.
- It can wash away on uneven surfaces.
- Construction gravel isn’t aesthetically pleasing.
- The warranty could be voided.
Gravel Is Extremely Heavy
Gravel can weigh a ton; therefore, it may take you some time to lay it down properly.
Additionally, if you need to move it for any reason like to sweep underneath or apply a sealant, this could be quite a challenge.
It Can Wash Away on Uneven Surfaces
If you live in an area where the soil shifts and moves with the seasons, it might not be a good idea to put a hot tub on gravel. This is especially true if there’s no landscaping cloth to act as a barrier.
A solid, flat ground is of the utmost importance for a gravel installation.
Construction Gravel Isn’t Aesthetically Pleasing
If you’re looking for a landscaping option that will add some pizzazz to your yard, gravel might not be the best choice. Although it can be colorful, it typically doesn’t have the same clean look like other materials.
Tile and pavers will cost a bit more, but they definitely rank higher on the scale of visual appeal.
The Warranty Could Be Voided
Most warranty programs require that the product be installed on a solid surface.
If you’re worried about the warranty on your hot tub, you might want to reconsider installing it on gravel. Many plans do not cover damages caused by an uneven surface.
Check with the company to see if gravel qualifies as unstable.
Related Questions
Can you put a hot tub on a balcony?
The main challenge with putting a hot tub on a balcony is making sure you have an adequate drainage system.Since balconies are typically elevated, the water could flow over the edge and create a mess. Additionally, most balconies are not made to withstand the weight of a hot tub, so there is a risk of structural damage.Check with your HOA or builder first to see if this feat is even possible.
Can hot tubs run all the time?
Yes, a hot tub is actually designed to run all the time. Just make sure it stays covered to prevent debris from falling inside and to maintain the temperature when you aren’t using it.The last thing you want to do during cold winter months is turn off the tub and let the water sit. If the water freezes, you’re going to face costly repairs.
Are hot tubs safe during pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women should avoid both hot tubs and saunas.Raising your core temperature too high can be harmful to the unborn baby.
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To Sum It Up
The main advantages of installing a hot tub on gravel are that it’s a simple process, resists damage better than other surfaces, and is inexpensive.
The disadvantages include weight, possible erosion over time, and a rather bland look.
Consult a local contractor to see if gravel is the right surface for your hot tub!
Emily is a copywriter with over five years of experience in crafting content for the home renovation and remodeling industry. She loves house projects, whether it be painting a room or tweaking small design elements to transform a space. Her favorite aesthetic is french modern because of its clean lines and airy feeling! When not writing, Emily loves to travel and check out architectural details all over the world.
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