Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - hot tub placement

i have a new hot tub 8ft by 8ft. i want to set it the easiest way possible and build my existing deck to it. can i set it on the ground, or do i have to pour a pad? i do not want to build a deck under it, as that would make it even taller. will have to cut into a hill of hard packed georgia red clay, any ideas on the easiest/cheapest way to do this?

I know a little bit about Georgia red clay, the kind you can carpet right over in the summer when it is dry, but you need a hoist to pull you out of when it is wet in the winter?!! The water in your hot tub will be about 62 lbs per cubic foot which is alot of weight to add to an already heavy piece. I would absolutely install a concrete pad given the fact that it is heavy, with water it probably weighs a ton or more, and you are filling it with water which may slop out, leak or otherwise get to the soil below, and water is something our good ol' georgia red clay loves to drink up then turn slippery, sticky soft. A maddock/pick may become your best friend if you don't have a bobcat to dig up the footing for the pad. If you do dig it by hand, water the soil (not too much though) to make it easier to dig up, just make sure it dries out before you install the concrete pad. Good luck!!

but i know you are right. looking for an easy cheap way to get around it. i can rent the bobcat for @ 175/day, spend most of that learning how to use it, :confused: and tear up the yard:mad: or maybe rent a tiller and do it that way. how thick should the pad be?

I would put in a pad 8" - 12" thick, you have to remember there will be a lot of weight spread out over the 8'x8' tub area. Dig 12" footings (footings should be 2' wide) around the perimeter and have an 8" interior pad. Pour all of the concrete at one time. If digging a 12" deep hole is easier, then bring the pad area up to the 8" elevation with stone and place a poly vapor barrier on top of the stone. $175/day is the going rate around ATL for a bobcat and they are fun to use once you learn the controls. You just spent a fair amount of money for your hot tub, you don't want to see it ruined by not installing it properly. The total installation if you do it yourself should run between $400 and $600 depending on how long you keep the bobcat. Look for jobsites near you and ask the people there if they can give you a quote on a weekend job or ask neighbors and co-workers for references.

Check the electrical code for Pools & spas. The wire embedded in the concrete needs to be bonded to the ground of the power system for the pool.

really hated to hear how thick the pad should be, cannot get a cement truck back there, was going to mix it in place, that is a lot of concrete! oh well, have spent 2 weeks since it got here deciding where to put it, gonna only do it once, and right. i have an electrician (buddy) to do the power, got some 10/3 with ground underground rated, will bury in 1 inch pvc, coming up into non fused outdoor disconnect, then will come out with sealtite flex into the tub. he also mentioned a ground stake.

We are currently tub shopping, and all I can say is ask the tub manufacturer. Most have requirements for the base that the tub will sit on, or you will void the warranty (assuming new tub here). When putting it on a slab, seems most tub manufacturers are requiring 4" slabs.

As for the wiring, 10 seems pretty light from what I've seen recommended also. I think most are recommending 6/3. Also double check your electric codes, most require a GFCI at your disconnect, and have min/max distances from the tub for the disconnect.

hvac4u:
In regards to the bobcat: rent a tractor with a front bucket and hydrostatic transmission rather than a bobcat. I used one for the first time last summer and it took me no more than 10 minutes to get the hang of it (no exaggeration!). Also does a lot less damage to the yard because you steer it.
Also could use the bucket for hauling concrete if you take it easy. Don't remember what rental cost was, but I think it was slightly cheaper than bobcat.

Bruce