You can see an example of that here: You can either pour the concrete directly onto dirt, or lay 4 inches of gravel down first. But getting this work done will obviously add to the installation costs, so it's something you'll need to factor into your budget for the project. Hot tub cost. And, because the EZ Pad is portable and movable it does not require a permit for placement. The energy-efficiency of your particular hot tub model, Whether or not you keep your spa cover on when you are not using your spa. One of the only complaints that people sometimes have about their hot tub is that it is too loud. (Yes, here's how & where). One of them is to place the tub on an insulated pad or groundsheet. The product goes in two thickness options 1/4 and 1/2. Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $600-$1,000 ($10 to $17 per square foot). The concrete gives the TubBlox their strength and the expanded polystyrene that are used in their construction gives them their insulation or R-value credentials. Bear in mind that incorrectly using a foam insulator can impact your warranty should you encounter any damage in your hot tub. You should at least consult or hire a professional to make sure you will get what you want. A universal compressor sound blanket can reduce the noise from the pump by around 5dB. Does anyone have experience with either? Truegrid Pro-Lite Pavers are designed for hard-duty use and can easily handle the hot tub weight even with 8 bathers. x 24 in. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers. Available in different pack sizes for any sized hot tub. I have arranged with BuyerZone.com to provide free quotes from all the best hot tub manufacturers with no obligation to buy. Pavers are another popular hot tub foundation. You can put a hot tub on concrete, pavers, wooden deck, prefabricated bases, and gravel. Most of a hot tub's heat loss is through the top, not the sides, since heat rises. the density and the vapor barrier, and we will manufacture and deliver your hot tub insulation replacement quickly. Take a Hot Tub Quiz. That means that if you have a smaller spa, you'll have some visible plastic pad around the edge. Why does concrete crack? This hot tub is made for 6 adults. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to know exactly when its safe to remove the frame. If you don't already have one, or are in the market for a new one, see The Cover Guy Reviews for the highest quality hot tub covers. For example, it is critical to make sure that the deck is capable of supporting the weight of the hot tub. It seems to be fine and I'm sure it hasn't hurt with a little extra insulation. 3-4 hundred a night, 40-60 nights a year. I would go with gravel or sand and put an extra layer of solid 2 inch foam insulation between the tub and the ground. Related: EZ Pad Review: Prep, Installation & Performance (With Photos). There are two things to note about the Confer Handi Spa Pad. If you want to maintain the temperature the best way you can, we highly recommend getting one of these products. They're available at great prices & various densities. Simple to install. Choosing an appropriate base is one of the most important parts of planning your hot tub installation. DIY Hot Tub Insulation. You have a lot of options when it comes to the style and design of pavers, and the good news is they don't need concrete to sit on. Whether your dealer calls it a spa pad, hot tub pad, foundation pad, or base pad he's describing the EZ Pad. Unlike the contractor route, you control the process. Written by HomeAdvisor. However, there is one exception: inflatable spas dont have a frame, and are therefore not picky about being placed on an even surface. A new hot tub costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average for above-ground models. Explore our article to find 5 hot tub foundations that match these characteristics the best. Try to use a ground cloth or an air mat under the hot tub, both for heat insulation and puncture protection. Bear in mind though, if you're not actually planning to show much (or any) base around the edges of your hot tub, building a pretty design with pavers may not be worth your time as most of the finished result won't be visible under the spa. Was it helpful? You should know: This is a golden rule. If you have an existing patio, this can be a great place to put a hot tubas long as it's big enough. Inflatable hot tubs are a great way to test the waters when investing in a permanent model. In fact, continually raising and lowering your hot tub temperature can amount to higher costs overall. For this reason, many concrete patios are not suitable for setting up hot tubs. Did you like the article? Building a wood hot tub platform seems difficult and impossible? You can also add a grid of Size #3 Rebar for extra stability and to stop any cracks from widening, which is recommended, but not strictly necessary. The good thing is, adding insulation to a hot tub isn't as difficult as you might think. As a general rule, an insulated pad for a hot tub is not necessary except for inflatable hot tubs. You can help to offset this problem by investing in a thermal spa pad to put down as a barrier, which will minimize the heat loss. Depending on where you live, you may also need a permit to install a concrete slab, as it may be considered a permanent change to your property. 75x75 Extra Large Hot Tub Pad - Inflatable Hot Tub Mat Outdoor Indoor - Ground Mat for Under Inflatable Hot Tub - Absorbent Spa Pool Ground Base Flooring Protector Mat. After pouring concrete, you should keep it moisturized for the first several days to ensure a proper cure. A hot tub floor protector is perfect to put under your inflatable Lay-Z spa, especially if the spa is on a slabbed patio. On the market, you can find both a specifically designed mat for a hot tub and some good and cost-effective alternatives. Knowing what type of material you should use to . Your email address will not be published. Protects water heater from damage. Usually, it is made of synthetic foamy material. . Here are some points to make it right. Follow these steps to Hi! The best after-market insulated hot tub pad is the Confer SP3248 Handi Spa pad. Your email address will not be published. New hot tub pad. Number 1 is, they dont hold the heat in very well. Made to fit the exact size of the hot tub, these are often the best pads to go for. Below you can find the list of suitable bases: In contrast with solid-frame hot tubs, inflatable ones can be placed on the ground. Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. This is not acceptable for a hot tub. MAX. Obviously, spa owners in our colder climates will want to . The best insulation for hot tubs is full foam, multidensity foam, barrier insulation or FiberCor. Pink insulation works really nicely when attached to the back of wooden panels. Remember that quality insulation for your hot tub protects your investment and reduces your energy costs. Premium or luxury salt water hot tubs cost $6,500 to $18,000. The real benefit of these is their temporary nature though. Convenience and savings make the EZ Pad THE innovative budget-minded solution for all spa, hot tub and swim spa installations. However, you do still need an absolutely flat surface to lay the pad on, otherwise the plastic can bow and won't be able to support your spa properly. The best after-market insulated hot tub pad is the Confer SP3248 Handi Spa pad. This is because most people look at the size and number of jets and then, of course, the price. EZ Pads are perfect for hot tub installations, portable spa installations, and as an inexpensive platform deck for swim spas. Your concrete pad must have the following characteristics; It must be level. When a hot tub lacks proper insulation, the equipment will have to work harder to generate more heat and properly distribute it throughout the water pic.twitter.com/3P8CJhuzuj. All previously reviewed options require some manual work or have waiting time or risks with getting an uneven surface. You will partially spray this around the inside of your hot tub. Just about anything conveniently available that helps achieve a stable level bed for the pad. You'll be pleased to know that all the above bases will work for any kind of hot tubinflatable spas included (yes, even gravel). Prefabricated spa pads save you time and money on construction. Hot tub insulation foam is usually made out of urethane and sprayed inside the cabinet. Name-brand water care at rock bottom prices. Your pumps and heater need a bit of air so that they stay cool, otherwise, they could end up overheating and breaking. The main cause of hot tub noise is vibration, so the more you can reduce this, the quieter it becomes. I'm Jeff Campbell. Suffer every time you get in or out of your hot tub, are afraid to slip? If you love your hot tub but you can't stand how much you have to pay for your energy bills each month, then it is likely that your hot tub isn't as energy-efficient as it could be. Installing your spa hot tub foundation base is fast and easy with EZ PADS. For those who don't want a permanent setup, these tubs may be a long-term solution. The cement has to be poured into an area that will be dictated by the plumbing installation. Foam flooring tiles are easy-to-assemble and do what they suppose to do. The most energy efficient hot tubs have reflective backed foam insulation. They tend to be rather poorly . Pavers also dont necessarily require an additional pad. As a rule, the minimum thickness of the concrete should be 4-6 (10.16 cm) to support the weight of the full hot tub. There are TWO aspects you should understand and remember while thinking of the hot tub base. This typically means a 6-inch layer of gravel, a 1-inch layer of sand, then the pavers themselves. The best options for insulating a hot tub are foam tiles, rigid foam board insulation, spa pads, or reflective insulation. Additionally, with decks, there can be heat loss both since its off the ground and since there are gaps in between the deck boards. Level. I got into the best ways to add insulation, and I included a step-by-step walkthrough of what I did to my hot tub. The concrete then needs to be poured into the frame, screeded, finished, and left to cure. We value your privacy. Spa prices depend on the size, quality, features, brand, dealer's overhead, and warranty. They were built a little pitched for better drainage. Our hot tub insulation will keep the heat in, and the bills low. Pay 4 instalments of $24.99 with Inarguably the most convenient hack for hot tub insulation, our hot tub foam bases are simple to assemble, completely portable, and will be instrumental in optimizing your spa temperature! If you're looking for something with high energy-efficiency that won't break the bank, we highly recommend going with full-foam. . The important thing is to make sure the screws aren't so long that you drill them past the side panels of your hot tub. Set the steps. Hot Tub Insulation Pad Patio & Garden Hot Tub Insulation Pad (1000+) +4 options $14.49 Hot Tub Spa Cushion Suction Booster Seat Back Pad Soft Comfortable Inflatable Booster Seat for All Spas and Hot Tubs From $12.35 Hot Tub Spa Cushion Suction Booster Seat Back Pad Soft Comfortable Inflatable Booster Seat for All Spas and Hot Tubs (Black) $52.95 White color. Your energy bill cost will depend on a number of different factors, including: If your brother who is a hot tub owner in West Virginia has a pretty low electricity bill, it might not make sense to use that as a reference if you're trying to determine your hot tub costs out in California. The material under the spa pad can be grass, dirt, sand, gravel, crushed rock or granite. Relax in your own premium portable hot tub. However, it is better to prepare a sturdy base to avoid any problems. Simply unpack your foam pads, assemble them like a jigsaw, and you're ready to go! Outdoor EVA Foam Ground Mats Tiles - Interlocking - 6pk 24sq ft - Camping Caravan Tent Toys Trampoline Pool HotTub. EZ Pads replace concrete foundations or slabs, and serve as an economical base for most hot tubs and spas. And unlike concrete, gravel won't crack over time. I think some people use 3 season spas in winter and get away with it, but I would assume the heating costs are higher than a 4 season tub, due to lower insulation. You can also purchase a spray-on foam insulator that ensures your hot tub retains heat. Pair all of this with thermal blankets and you'll have some of the best protection against heat loss on the market. Pro tip #2! Better insulation reduces the amount of work your spa has to do to heat the water and keep it hot. Level it a little, wet it, and compact it to make it flat, and hard. Bury in mind that you need to put the inflatable hot tub on the protective and insulation mat made of foam. The pads are durable, waterproof, and so rigid, you dont even need a concrete base. It is not strong enough to support the hot tub. The same applies to inflatable spas (see more on this below). Certainly not on sand your hot tub will sink into it! Sand is not the best option for the hot tub base. You may have to have a screwdriver to do this, though some models allow the cabinets to lift right off without any additional tools. In a recent article, I pointed out the alternatives, which you can read about here on my site by clicking the link. That is not true in the slightest. They're also pretty hard wearing, and won't crack like concrete can. pic.twitter.com/NEWDQzrnCg, Florida Leisure Pool & Spa (@flpoolspa) September 22, 2020. The gravel will be dumped into a frame made from 2x6 then leveled at 5". It comes down to what level of energy efficiency you are looking for and how much you have to spend. Theres nothing more you can do to improve on this. 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