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Discussion Forum

strengthing deck for hot tub?

Ken | Posted in General Discussion on July 19, 2008 03:26am

Hi,

Have a low (2′ high) deck/porch. What would be the best way to strengthen the deck for the higher load? Dead weight at capacity would be 4,350 pounds, including tub, water, and people.

Tub itself is about 7′ by 7′.

I’m thinking a number of concrete blocks with 4″ by 4″ risers to cross beams but don’t know if that’s even close to adequate. Can’t pour a slab. Soil is probably disturbed loam.

Thanks,
Ken

++++++++++++++++++

What goes up must come down unless it gets into a stable orbit.

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  1. EricGunnerson | Jul 20, 2008 12:46am | #1

    The three things I'd think about are:

    1) Are the joists sized and spaced sufficiently close together for the expected weight?

    2) Is the beam sized okay for the weight?

    3) Is there enough footing/bearing capacity to support the weight?

    If by "concrete blocks" you mean "pier blocks", you can get enough support for them but you may need a lot of them. That does have the advantage of reducing the beam span, so you'd probably be okay there. You need the new pier blocks to sit on compacted undisturbed soil for the to bear the weight.  If you don't think you can do that, I'd try to dig a number of off footings (8x8 up to perhaps 12x12") and then pour concrete with a saddle connector in it.

    1. Ken | Jul 20, 2008 03:38am | #2

      Thanks Eric,I figured the same thing on the beams, got to strengthen them. Gonna need to do something about the compacted soil for the new piers as I have a 2' crawlspace to do this in. Unless, of course, I pull the decking up and go at it from the top.

      1. EricGunnerson | Jul 20, 2008 06:24am | #3

        If you are careful about how you dig the soil and don't disturb it too deep, you can compact the top inch or so pretty well with something handheld like a small sledge.

    2. Piffin | Jul 20, 2008 06:46am | #4

      One more to think about - are we invited to the pool party? 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

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