Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Hot Tub footings or pad?

I am setting a 5-person hot tub within a deck. The deck height is 40" and the tub height will be about 8" above that height so that there is one step up to the tub. I have holes for 4 - 10" x 3' footings ready for tubes and cement, but I'm wondering if a pad would be better. Frost line is 3' to 4' here in NE.

Also, I planned the frame to be 2x10's placed 12" OC. Is this strong enough? The tub weight will be 2580 lbs full.

dhoude,

Sorry, thought someone would respond to this before me, but watch, they'll respond after me!

I'm not sure if the tub is going to be on grade with only a 8" step or is the tub going to be on a wood frame structure allowing for an 8" step?

Either way, the tub on grade would be my choice. This would allow for any wood replacement or repairs, as well as being more stable, BUT... the 2x10@12" O.C. is more than adequate with beams under the tub!

Hope this helps

Thanks Doug...

Since then I have decided to go with a cement pad instead of the footings. My plan, unless I hear of a better one, is to anchor 2 double-2x10 beams to the pad with 2x10's @12" OC on the beams. The tub will sit on that frame. I have decided to do away with the "step up" so that access to the tub panel will no be blosked by additional joists.Does this sound right?

Does anyone know what the additive is for mixing cement with temps around 35? Is it Calcium? What is the correct mix?

dhoude,

I'm glad that you thought about the access panel for the hot tub. What you are proposing sounds fine. I really don't have the answer to your concrete question but call the cement plant or a concrete contractor - they can help.

Good luck on the project!