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Inflatable hot tubs are an affordable alternative to more costly hardshell hot tubs. And if you take proper care of them, an inflatable hot tub can last several years. One of the keys to maintaining your hot tub is ensuring that you place it on the proper surface.
What to Put Under an Inflatable Hot Tub
So, what should you put under an inflatable hot tub? It’s an excellent question, and there are several contributing factors. I’ll share different options for placing your inflatable hot tub in this article.
Grass
Grass is an ideal surface on which to place an inflatable hot tub due to its soft and supportive nature. The nice thing is that most people in the market for a hot tub have a backyard with plenty of grass. It’s also highly cost-effective.
The grass provides a cushioning effect that helps to protect the hot tub from punctures and tears. Additionally, grass acts as a natural drainage system that helps to prevent water from pooling underneath the hot tub.
This helps keep the hot tub in place while preventing your lawn from becoming waterlogged, which could cause your grass to die. Furthermore, the natural setting creates a beautiful and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax and soak.
Paving or Patio Stones
Paving stones make a great base for an inflatable hot tub due to their durability and stability. As long as they’ve been installed properly, paving stones provide a flat surface that helps keep the hot tub in place, even when it is filled with water.
In addition, paving stones are weather-resistant, which makes them ideal for outdoor use, as they can withstand sun, wind, and rain without fading, cracking, or becoming damaged. The paving stones’ hard surface also helps prevent water from seeping into the ground.
Paving stones can be easily cleaned and maintained, keeping the area around the hot tub looking neat and tidy. Lastly, paving stones are more practical and affordable than installing a concrete base.
Rubber Pad
A rubber pad is an excellent surface for an inflatable hot tub due to its durability and protection. The rubber material provides a non-slip surface that helps to keep the hot tub in place, even when it is filled with water.
Also, rubber acts as a barrier, helping to protect the hot tub from punctures and tears caused by sharp objects on the ground. It’s weather-resistant and long-lasting, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. A rubber base is also easy to clean and maintain, so you can easily keep the area around the hot tub looking neat and tidy.
Concrete Pad
A concrete pad is perhaps the most durable surface for any hot tub. The hard concrete provides a solid, level base. Concrete is also highly weather-resistant and can withstand sun, wind, and rain without fading or cracking, making it an ideal choice.
But while concrete is low maintenance and easy to clean, it’s also very expensive to install unless you already have a concrete base that you can use. If you want the strongest base without breaking your budget, I’d consider using paving stones instead of a concrete pad.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the surface you use for your inflatable hot tub, you should place a mat directly underneath the tub for added protection. Fortunately, hot tub mats are lightweight and cost-effective. I’ve placed a link two popular hot tub mats below, for you to consider:
Beeplove Hot Tub Mat (74″ X 72″)
Meitola Hot Tub Mat (90″X102″)
FAQs
Balconies, on average, can only hold 40-100 lbs per square foot, depending on their construction.
An inflatable hot tub filled with water can weigh between 2700 lbs and 3700 lbs. In other words, placing an inflatable hot tub on a balcony is not a good idea.
With the proper support underneath, you may be able to place an inflatable hot tub on a deck, although many people choose to place their hot tubs on a solid base next to their deck.
A hard-shelled hot tub can sit on some types of gravel, as long as the base is level. However, an inflatable hot tub should not be placed on gravel. Instead, place level paving stones on top of the gravel for a smoother, more solid base.
You want to be comfortable in and around your hot tub. Without question, foam tiles are the most comfortable material to walk on underneath the hot tub. Their soft and comfortable fabric is easy and gentle to walk on but isn’t always the best option depending on the ground surface.
A hot tub mat is another comfortable option that can be placed on solid and level ground, like concrete. It’s affordable and protects from sharp objects, but it doesn’t do so well when it comes to insulation or longevity.
Remember, as much as carpet or foam sounds like the perfect base for your inflatable hot tub, they could be the worst, depending on the ground surface. For example, neither are great options for uneven ground.
