However, you should consider this option only for a short-term stay. Try to use a ground cloth or an air mat under the hot tub, both for heat insulation and puncture protection. Why does concrete crack? The surface should be flat with no imbalance. If you have a plug n play hot tub the type you plug into your regular outlet the chances are it is not very well insulated, and you will find that an insulation pad is great at reducing heat loss through the ground. FLOATING INSULATING COVERS IS WHAT WE DO AND IT'S ALL WE DO! I put 1" foam insulatiion (blue styrofoam on houses) under mine and I haven't had any problems. SAVE UPTO 80% ON THE OPERATION OF YOUR HOT TUB OR POOL WITH ONE OF TWO AMAZING PRODUCTS OFFERED BY PRAIRIETUBS: Save upto 80% heating your spa. So, you own a hot tub and love it, just like I do. However, it is better to prepare a sturdy base to avoid any problems. Installing your spa hot tub foundation base is fast and easy with EZ PADS. This slope is considered safe, and will not cause any damage to the structure of the tub. The full process is beyond the scope of this article, but you can see more information on how to build a paver patio in this guide from Lowes. This means that for an 8'x8' spa pad, you'll need enough concrete to fill 21.33 cubic feet (thats 36 80-lb bags of QUIKRETE). Knowing what type of material you should use to . 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. This type of insulation is spray-on. Should I Leave My Hot Tub On All The Time. One of them is to place the tub on an insulated pad or groundsheet. As a result, the surface becomes uneven which may crack the hot tub. CONCRETE. The best after-market insulated hot tub pad is the Confer SP3248 Handi Spa pad. I would still recommend concrete pavers or compacted gravel at least. However, even if your insurance company covers a frozen hot tub, its probably not worth the increased rates you would pay for the expanded policy. Water that stays hot not only increases owner enjoyment it also lowers energy use and therefore your utility bill. This type of insulation is also spray-on and will be distributed throughout the entire interior of your hot tub. Made to fit the exact size of the hot tub, these are often the best pads to go for. The cement pad will be poured and the hot tub settled on top of it. Using a hot tub cover while heating up your hot tub is a must because they trap the heat inside. Before you decided on the type of base. When choosing a material, consider how well it can prevent punctures, its durability, and comfort. These units are very durable and speed up installation and eliminate the hassle of pouring concrete. A new hot tub costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average for above-ground models. 1ABOVE Hot Tub Floor Protector, 10 Piece Protective Pad Set for Spa and Pump, Protect your hot tub from rough surfaces and ground debris . EZ Pads replace concrete foundations or slabs, and serve as an economical base for most hot tubs and spas. I'm Jeff Campbell. Extra Cushion Thick Eva Foam Padding Inflatable Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub Base Mats for Under Floor Protection & Heat Insulation. EXTRA PROTECTION The hot tub is mainly dependent on the hot tub and the hot tub pump. You should know it because the bearing capacity of different materials varies. Collect from the rental and dump the water right there and on the way back to the shop the next day or 2. When it comes to the easiest spa base to install, ready-made spa pads win, hands down. Get it Thursday, 6 Apr - Saturday, 8 Apr. If you do decide to replace the foam core panels, the process of removing and replacing the foam panels is not hard. They are designed to insulate your hot tub and do a much better job than a thin groundsheet. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Members. Simply complete BuyerZones request form below. However, if it is just on dirt, the ground can sink or shift under the weight of the hot tub, resulting in an uneven surface. However, keep in mind to not overdo it. Not bad! A less permanent option is a ready-made synthetic spa pad like the EZ Pad or Handi-Pad. That said, there is still base prep work to be done before you can actually lay the pavers. If they determine that the deck is not strong enough, there are ways to reinforce it with extra joists in the area where the hot tub will go. 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. It is a lot of math and calculations. If the new deck is not higher than 2 feet above the ground, in most cases it can handle the hot tub weight and doesnt require reinforcing. It is on my deck, then I put down 1/2" marine grade MDO plywood, then the foam, then the hot tub. The perfect base for the inflatable hot tun is solid, and smooth, with no pecky and sharp edges. Certainly not on sand your hot tub will sink into it! You get 3 in a pack thats not even square! So, an insulated pad is a good idea in those cases too. A good hot tub base should be solid and durable. Get exclusive deals, discounts up to 40%, and hot tub & pool care advice. ), recessing your hot tub or framing it within a deck, common methods for leveling your spa pad area, Buying an Inflatable Hot Tub: The Essential Pre-Purchase Guide, What Is the Best Cedar Hot Tub? Yes, it will take more time to apply it and it will cost more, though if you want to protect your hot tub from heat loss in a cold climate, then it is the perfect product. . The main cause of hot tub noise is vibration, so the more you can reduce this, the quieter it becomes. It can be worth moving an inexpensive plug n play hot tub that is likely poorly insulated to place an insulated pad underneath. If it does not, cut it to size. Dennis. Just like with real grass, placing a hot tub directly on artificial grass would result in permanent flattening of the grass fibersand potentially cause damage to the hot tub, depending on the surface beneath. Hot Tub Pad Providing an extra layer of insulation to the bottom of your hot tub and also providing a level of protection against the ground surface, a hot tub pad is well worth considering. 2. If you end up using a concrete slab as your spa pad, it should be at least four inches thick. Cement Pad. But dont despair; there are things you can do to improve this, particularly if you want to use your hot tub in the cooler months. Foam flooring tiles are easy-to-assemble and do what they suppose to do. . Others are rigid interlocking tiles that make up the size and shape you want. Another common method of insulating hot tubs is to spray foam the shell and around the inside perimeter of the cabinet. CLICK HERE to see the Confer pad on Amazon. I personally have one of these, and I've been very happy with it. 78 Inch Diameter 21 Pcs Hot Tub Mat Interlocking Hot Tub Pad Foam Ground Hot Tub Flooring Protector Inflatable Hot Tub Mat Non Slip Pool Spa Floor Mat for Outdoor Balcony Shower (1/4 Inch) 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (52) $53.99 $ 53. See what real EZ Pad customers have to say about their experience with EZ Pads. It helps protect the underside from puncture and also prevents heat loss into the ground. The connectors between the pads can frequently pop out when you will try to turn the assembled construction over. Different approaches to insulation technology exist. EZ Pads make your hot tub or spa installation an EASY and satisfying experience. Number 1 is, they dont hold the heat in very well. Then simply pull out the foam panel, working it slowly from side to side, to remove it from the tight fitting vinyl . It comes down to what level of energy efficiency you are looking for and how much you have to spend. Supports water heater. There are a couple of ways that you can insulate your hot tub. It is made from hard plastic and can easily support the weight of the filled hot tub. To cover 8*8 (64 square feet), you need to get one pack of the Truegrid Pro-Lite Pavers. It measures 24 in. The best options for insulating a hot tub are foam tiles, rigid foam board insulation, spa pads, or reflective insulation. Middle Class Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Usually, it is made of synthetic foamy material. Is it old, broken, has splintered, or shows signs of rotting? If you are looking for a pad that perfectly matches the footprint of the round hot tub then the CosySpa Hot Tub Flooring Protector is your favorite. There are two things to note about the Confer Handi Spa Pad. Its important that a hot tub is installed on a completely flat surface, but a very minor slope is acceptable. There are many different waysmanufacturers can choose to insulate their tubs. Your concrete pad must have the following characteristics; It must be level. If youve placed your hot tub on a concrete base, which I highly recommend, you probably dont need a pad underneath the tub, but it will help in other ways. Once you've chosen your pavers and come up with a design for your hot tub base, you need to build up several layers before you're ready to put the actual pavers down. The material under the spa pad can be grass, dirt, sand, gravel, crushed rock or granite. The lid is where you lose most heat, and this is one of the easiest fixes. The packaging seems a bit odd, though. A concrete surface is an excellent base for your hot tub as this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. Click here for EZ Pad review with prep and install photos. Can You Add Insulation to a Hot Tub? . Fixing Leaks When new, most hot tubs are fairly well insulated. Buy Now High Quality Insulation for your Hot Tub Enjoy your hot tub without breaking the bank with our premium quality hot tub insulation Hot Tub Insulated Jacket 140.00 GBP Inflatable Hot Tub Insulation Lid Then, calculate how many cubic yards of gravel you'll need, accounting for at least 4 inches of gravel. At the low end of the market, the hot tub cabinet is only partially filled with insulation, which is usually a urethane spray foam on the shell of the tub. Logged. Water evaporation is a major culprit of heat loss, so having a thermal heating blanket at your disposal can help curb the problem. More expensive hot tubs have full-foam insulation that fills the whole cabinet, including the pump and plumbing. This depends on the overall quality of your hot tub and how it was insulated. Remember that quality insulation for your hot tub protects your investment and reduces your energy costs. Using multiple types of insulation together will help you get the most bang for your buck. Here are some points to make it right. If you have an existing patio made of concrete bricks, make sure it's in good condition and is level (not angled . If you are dealing with a slope that's outside of these guidelines, I have another post which outlines some common methods for leveling your spa pad area. In most cases, it's better to provide a solid and level base, such as concrete, gravel, or decking, to ensure proper weight distribution and prevent damage to both the hot tub and the artificial grass. Spa prices depend on the size, quality, features, brand, dealer's overhead, and warranty. Without proper insulation, your hot tub requires more energy to maintain the same temperature. This can cause the hot tub to warp, which is something we want to avoid. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to know exactly when its safe to remove the frame. Level. One more advantage is that it gives a better feeling to your bare feet while standing on them. Moreover, the concentrated pressure on one side decreases the hot tub lifespan. These are foam or plastic insulating pads you can put under any hot tub. People have had surprising luck by simply taking a sheet of exterior-grade plywood and placing it under the hot tub. Choosing a durable and solid base is a must to prevent it from cracking. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. 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. (Up to $30/month for 8 person hot tub) with Thermaltech MAX. 4.8 out of 5 stars 27. Required fields are marked *. Put medium-grade gravel under and then add some pea gravel above. Did you like the article? You dont want stagnant water forming around your hot tub where mosquitoes could breed. Still save upto 80% on heating. America's #1 Hot Tub Pad Gets Rave Reviews! Below you can order a single hot tub replacement cover foam core if only half of . They are also strong enough to support the weight of the hot tub. To lay down a paver, you will need to use either sand and gravel or a concrete slab as a base. EZ Pads are extremely durable and backed by a lifetime guarantee. Bingo Bango 17,500 bucks. Strong enough to support the hot tub of any weight, Expensive (around up to $10 per square foot), Before placing the hot tub, the concrete should cure for 28 days, The cheapest option ($1 $3 per square foot), Suitable for long- and short-term solutions, Not the best-looking option (depends on your tastes). What to put under an inflatable hot tub? You should at least consult or hire a professional to make sure you will get what you want. You need to consult with a specialist to be certain the deck can support the weight of the hot tub. If you're not using one, your heating system is working harder to heat up the water, costing you more on energy bills. Keep your hot tub area clean and tidy. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. Prefabricated spa pads save you time and money on construction. If there is anything Ive missed, just leave a comment or drop me a line, and dont forget to check out those links to related articles here on my website. There are a few things that we recommend buying if you want to insulate your hot tub, including: There are many kinds of spa insulation on the market. They are also modular, which means they will work for larger spas, or even swim spas. Explore our article to find 5 hot tub foundations that match these characteristics the best. 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. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about insulating a hot tub. Show 121 Results. There are other things you should look at to improve the insulation and reduce heat loss from your hot tub. Relax in your own premium portable hot tub. A hot tub pad - hot tub pads are one of the best ways of insulating an inflatable hot tub since usually, these types of spa have no insulation on their bottom. And even if the tub comes with a lid, these are usually thin and poorly insulated. Come dive in with us as we explore the ins and outs of how you can add insulation to your hot tub to make it more energy-efficient. Which hot tub vacuum cleaners to buy? And weather delays can complicate the entire process even more. m3722. MAX. Grass is a bad insulator, so you will lose a lot of heat from the bottom. All you need is a screwdriver to attach the different sections of the spa pad together, and then provided you have a flat area, you can literally place the spa pad on top of any kind of surface: grass, dirt, patio, gravel, concrete, you name it. x 24 in. Hi, Im Peter Rossi, a professional hot tub designer and founder of ByRossi. With only two layers of vinyl and around 18 inches of air between them, there isnt much to stop the heat from escaping through the sides. You can also get a floating spa blanket to add more heat retention. . Save time and receive multiple quotes for hot tubs from all the best-known brands! Using 2 - 3" of foam on the base of your hot tub will help to keep heat in effectively, and more than that will be even more effective. Cement is a good conductor of heat- but you have a couple inches of wood between the heated side of the cabinet and the cement. Choosing the base type and its construction are aspects you should consider before installing the hot tub. Hot Tub Floor Protector Mat. This may not sound a lot, but because of the nature of sound, a reduction of 3dB almost halves the sound intensity, and 5dB by almost 70%, so this will make a difference. Pair all of this with thermal blankets and you'll have some of the best protection against heat loss on the market. Insulation must be very useful if hot tubs are to maintain heat. There will also be plastic grass between the tub and insulation but if it would be better I could cut that around it. Cost for 8'x8' spa base: $600-$1,000 ($10 to $17 per square foot). Measures 24 in. Deck tiles have a different texture and look. This will also be considered a permanent installation on your property, at least in much of the United States. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. First and foremost, gravel is permeable, which is crucial for ensuring that excess water does not pool around your hot tub and cause damage or erosion. ( By "properly constructed", we mean a hot tub pad with at least 4" of crushed stone and a retaining border to keep the stone in place.) Just click that link to read it on my site. Pink insulation works really nicely when attached to the back of wooden panels. If you prefer an inflatable hot tub, then you can place it on the smooth ground for a short-term stay. To make your decision easier, we will cover pros and cons of each spa base and provide installation tips. As for the walls, aside from encasing your tub in insulating material, theres not much else you can do. Related: Let's Talk About the Costs of Installing a Swim Spa. If you have any doubts, it is better to make a new base. Hot Tub Insulation Comparison. It is crucial to note that you should never overdo this, though. Be certain that you don't block off any of the vents that are within your hot tub so that cool air from the outside can easily flow in. Your email address will not be published. Hot Tub Covers. Includes Intex PureSpa hot tub cover, 2 headrests, and 2 removable seats; Cover size: 6.5 feet. Enjoy Free Shipping & browse our great selection of Add-ons & Accessories, Pool Covers, Water Slides and more! So, as you can see now, there are many different kinds of insulated hot tubs out there. A reflective foil barrier is typically placed on the back of the hot tub's panels, which is much like the radiant barrier you would find in a standard attic. 5 Best Hot Tub Stairs & 5 Dumb Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Choice, 4 Best Hot Tub Vacuum Cleaners: Real Deals & Reviews [2023], How to Build a Wood Hot Tub Platform: Expert Tips & Step-by-Step Guide [2023], 30+ Greatest Hot Tub Accessories You Must Try in 2023. Installations indoors nearly always use a cement pad on which to base the hot tub. Insulation is a key factor differentiating hot tubs of various quality levels. This is particularly so for inflatable hot tubs which generally do not have great insulation on the bottom. NS. Insulating a hot tub can reduce vibrations and noise, lower your heating costs, and boost heat retention. but use Thermaltech ULTRA (highest quality). Hot tub insulation foam is usually made out of urethane and sprayed inside the cabinet. How to improve the appearance of a concrete slab? 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And how much you have any doubts, it is made of synthetic foamy material type... Exact size of the cabinet the main cause of hot tub and hot.. Content is intended to be done before you can order a single hot tub lifespan a less permanent option a. Or even swim spas tub as this material is extremely sturdy and long-lasting the best for! Do and it & # x27 ; ll tell you everything you to!