DIY Network

Hot Tub: Base Installation From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-413

After choosing the round cedar hot tub, host Paul Ryan chooses a location for it adjacent to the deck of the house. A pre-poured, solid concrete pad will ensure the structural stability of the hot tub.

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A backyard getaway that can be enjoyed everyday of the year!

Time: 16 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 3 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.

Materials:

Hot tub kit
Hole saw
Impact wrench
Plumber's glue
Silicone

Base Installation

1. Begin by finding a location to place the hot tub. Have a concrete base for the hot tub poured on the site (figure A).

2. Look over all of the pieces of the hot tub kit (figure B).

3. Start by laying out the treated lumber (figure C). You will build the unit on an elevated platform (figure D).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

4. During the assembly of the hot tub, it’s important to keep the wood dry. If it gets wet during construction, swelling will occur and it may not seal properly.

5. Before sliding the two base pieces together, drill a couple of outlet holes that will recirculate the water. Come out about 5" from the edge so the holes will be covered by the bench and make them 36" on center (figure E). When using a hole saw, only cut halfway through on the front. Then, cut on the back so that you do not blow out the hole and splinter the edges (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

6. Install the suction fittings in the base. Apply a bead of silicone to the hull fitting (figure G). Then, hand tighten it, so it is snug, but not over tightened (figure H).

7. Plumb the two suction fittings together. Connect them together with PVC pipe and PVC glue (figure I).

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

RESOURCES :

Integral Color
Brand Name: Creative Concrete & Building Supply
Color: Tan

Powder Release
Brand Name: Creative Concrete & Building Supply
Color: Dark Brown

Concrete Sealer
Brand Name: Vexicon
Model #: Certivex AC1315
Color: Clear

Stamping Tools
Brand Name: Creative Concrete & Building Supply
Model #: Large Random Flagstone

Manufacturer: Creative Concrete & Building Supply
1608 E. Cliff Rd.
Burnsville, MN 55337
Telephone: 1-888-861-9314
Contact: Scott Fronk
Website: www.creativeconcretesupply.com

24" Square Patio Stone
Brand Name: Aggregrate Finish
Model #: 0032210
Color: Ebony

Manufacturer: County Materials
1203 70th Ave.
Roberts, WI 54023
Telephone: 1-800-207-9962
Contact: Paul Bewley, Branch Manager
Website: www.countymaterials.com

Traditional 6' Wooden Hot Tub
Brand Name: Roberts Hot Tubs
Model: 6 X 4
Type: Cedar

6' Wooden Circular Bench
Brand Name: Roberts Hot Tubs
Type: Cedar

Extreme Insulating Spa Cover
Brand Name: Extreme
Color: Brown

Natural Gas Heater
Brand Name: Pentair

Cartridge Filter
Brand Name: Pentair

2 Speed Pump
Brand Name: Pentair

Manufacturer: Roberts Hot Tubs
2343 Welcome Ave.
Richmond, CA 94804
Telephone: 1-800-735-5290
Contact: Andrew Harris, V.P.
E-mail: Andrew@rhtubs.com
Website: www.rhtubs.com

Wood Chips
Manufacturer: Hedberg Landscape Supplies
1205 Nathan Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Telephone: 1-763-545-4400
Contact: Pam Davis, 1-763-545-4400
Website: www.hedberglandscape.com

GUESTS :

Robert Ghelerter
Roberts Hot Tubs
2343 Welcome Ave.
Richmond CA, 94804
Telephone: 1-800-735-5290