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Suppose this is the first time getting a hot tub; you would want to know all information regarding its installation and maintenance. One common question asked by newbies is, “Does Hot tub require leveling?”
Just like every other above-ground pool, hot tubs do need leveling. They are built with woods and acrylic shells to hold hundreds of pounds when filled with water. This weight is meant to be distributed evenly across all edges and the center of the tub.
If the water weights are not distributed evenly, the walls and shells will collapse, potentially causing damage to your tub. Therefore, leveling is essential when installing your hot tub.
Have no worry. This article will guide you through how to level a hot tub on a patio.
Hot Tub on Existing Unleveled Patio
You have just ordered your hot tub to be installed on your existing patio. However, the design was an afterthought. It is sloppy and not intended for your hot tub. Well, you have no choice but to find means to level out the slope.
You may be lucky enough to find the slope a little steep, say an inch or less. This can easily be leveled using shims. Sometimes hot tub owners never bother when the steep falls at an inch or less. Instead, they install it, and it works perfectly for them. However, at all costs, make sure your patio is perfectly leveled.
Situations when you have a steep that’s more than an inch, you risk your enjoyment and that of the life of your hot tub. So, what options do you have left to level your concrete patio?
You have numerous options. You can use custom-built pads, gravel, or woods or entirely create a new concrete deck. However, the latter will take time and would require much money to execute.
You could also put a call through to your closest contractors, chip out the cheque, or take up the weekend work to save a little penny for yourself. It’s never easy to dig up concrete, but some handy homeowners can do that.
On the other hand, if the patio is far larger than the hot tub, you can as well measure out the portion where the tub will be seated. Pour fresh concrete into the existing slab to create a leveled surface for the tub. Remember to scrape off the surface of the existing slab to enable the new concrete to adhere properly.
How To Level a Hot Tub on Concrete?
If you have an uneven concrete patio, it would be best you make plans to level the concrete before installing your hot tub. It’s not just a norm; it is a necessity. So, how do you go about that? Keep reading as we explore the steps to leveling your concrete.
- The first step is to get yourself kitted with goggles and protective gloves;
- Clean the concrete with a chemical and allow the chemical to stay on the concrete for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing off;
- Take a pressure washer to clean off remaining particles that resulted from the chemical;
- Build around the concrete a wooden frame with a 2-by-8 lumber board. You can make use of an inch nail to join the frame to the board;
- Apply oil inside the frame to keep them from being sticky to the leveling compound that will be used;
- Make sure the frames are firm and not shaky. This can be done by placing a wooden stake 2 feet apart;
- One more time, go through the instructions in the concrete bonding product and make sure you prepare and dilute the compound based on the instructions. Apply with a paintbrush;
- Then goes the application of the self-leveling concrete. Mix thoroughly before application;
- Allow enough time for the concrete to be leveled. Then smooth with a trowel and wait for it to dry off completely.
Can I Use Shims for Hot Tubs Leveling?
Yes, you can use shims to level hot tubs. It is only applicable when you have an unleveled deck that is an inch steep. Instead of incurring so much cost in breaking and replacing the concrete patio, you can easily use shims to find your way around.
Most hot tubs these days come with shim points. An excellent way to find out if your product has one is to go through the manufacturer’s manual. If your tub has shim points, the manufacturer will definitely show you where they are located and how to use them.
However, some hot tub brands, such as jacuzzi, do not come with shims, and the manufacturers advise against using one. Well, they have their reasons. It doesn’t mean it won’t work when you use them. But taking up the risk could put your warranty on the line.
If at all you want to use shims for durability, I will advise against using wooden shims. They don’t last because they rot away over time. So, it would be best if you make use of heavy-duty plastic shims. They are durable and can hold up the weight of your hot tub even when filled with water and people.
Can Hot Tubs Be Left on A Slope Concrete Patio?
People often overlook slight steep slopes from concrete patios because they look insignificant and later realize their mistakes when the tub is filled with water.
Hot tub concrete patios need to be 100% leveled, maybe not 100% accurate. But it shouldn’t be sloppy to make the weight of your water bend to one side of the tub.
If you notice an inch of sloppiness on your concrete deck, try leveling with shims. Quality shims are available at Amazon and they can save you a whole lot of damages.
Conclusion
Leveling your hot tub is an essential requirement to your tub installation. There are several ways to go about that, whether you choose to use shims or build a new concrete slab, always make sure it leveled to perfection for your safety and the safety of your tub.