Spa pools and swim spas are great for relaxation and fitness, but for them to provide the best experience, a solid foundation is needed. It might appear daunting, especially if you're undertaking this task for the first time. But no worries; this guide has you covered with everything you need to expect from building a base for a spa pool or swim spa.
But first, let's answer an important question...
Having a sturdy base for your spa or swim spa isn't just about the initial setup. The spa base plays a big role in maintaining the performance and durability of your investment. Plus, it significantly eliminates the risk of potential damage.
Here are three reasons why a solid base for your spa pool or swim spa is crucial:
The average spa presents a significant load for any foundation to support. Even our smaller spas can weigh up to 2000kg when filled with water and occupants; some of our larger spa pools can reach 3000kg, and our swim spa up to a whopping 7000kg.
So, if you put your spa on a soft surface such as grass, sand, pebbles or dirt, without a spa pad or base it will put If you place your spa on
a soft surface like grass, sand, pebbles or dirt without a spa pad or base, it will place excessive stress on your spa, causing it to distort and/or crack.
Refer to your spa brochure or our website for dimensions and approximate filled weights of Sapphire Spas models. For example, the specifications on myChillout spa page show that it weighs 1535kg when it's full of water plus the weight of the people in the spa. Remember to take the weight of the occupants as well.
Your spa's warranty becomes invalid if it's damaged due to an improper foundation. It's your responsibility as the owner to make sure the spa is correctly installed.
So, whether you're choosing a concrete slab or timber decking to support your spa pool, we strongly recommend the use of a licensed contractor. For more details about warranties, check out this helpful guide to the ins and outs of spa warranties.
Think of a spa base as the buffer between your spa’s water heat and the cold ground. When you install your swim spa or hot tub directly on the earth without any insulation or barrier, you end up with a rather unequal heat exchange.
Essentially, the warmth of your spa water tries to balance out with the colder soil, making your water cool down quicker and forcing the heaters to work harder. This can be especially problematic during the chillier months when the ground temperature drops significantly.
But with a proper spa base in place, it acts effectively as a thermal guard, helping to keep the warmth precisely where you'd like it – in the spa!
A concrete slab is the best way to provide a solid foundation for a spa pool or swim spa as it provides an even, level surface, free from cracks or hollows. To be more specific, a reinforced concrete slab that's at least 100mm thick is the most suitable foundation for your spa. The best base for a swim spa is a concrete slab that's increased to a minimum of 150mm thickness.
In both cases, you must ensure this base is an even, level surface that's free from cracks, doming or hollows. No fall/gradient is to be present within the spa footprint; the concrete surface should be finished with a perfectly flat screed. That's why it's important to have a certified concreter on board because they would be familiar with all these requirements.
Make sure your hot tub base extends at least 200mm beyond the spa size for good stability. It helps keep everything steady and secure for your hot tub setup. Leave about 600mm of clearance all around the spa for easy access and maintenance.
Here are the steps needed to prepare a solid, level concrete foundation which will remain stable for the life of your spa.
Your tradesman will prepare a level surface large enough to extend approximately 200mm on all sides of your spa cabinet dimensions. This will help to provide stability and prevent cracking of the concrete.
They'll level the space by removing any uneven grass, debris and clumps of dirt and adding rocks for stability before pouring concrete.
Always check with local conditions, but these are the minimum suggested reinforcement specifications for concrete spa and swim spa slabs:
The contractors or spa installers will ensure the spa area is perfectly level, without any slopes. They'll need to finish the concrete surface smoothly using a flat screed.
If there's a conduit for electrical connections, the installers would clean the concrete around it, preventing any raised areas that could interfere with the spa base.
Caption: See how smooth and level the surface is once the spa base has been properly installed. This level of smoothness and rigidity ensures the spa's longevity and resilience against potential damage from uneven surfaces and excessive wear and tear.
A flat base is essential not only for keeping water inside your spa or swim spa but also for the safe and long-lasting performance of your spa. If the spa doesn't sit perfectly flat, draining it completely becomes impossible, affecting its functionality and lifespan.
However, if you do want to create any fall/gradient across the slab, it needs to be outside the spa footprint. The entire area on which the spa cabinet rests needs to be flat and level; no slope or gradient is acceptable, as this may cause the spa frame to warp and twist, thus voiding the warranty. Any drainage channels need to be installed outside of the spa footprint (see diagram).
Now that the base is prepared to perfection, you are ready to take the next plunge - the spa installation. This is indeed an exciting step, as it brings you one stride closer to your refreshing aquatic experience. Follow the steps in this guide to spa installation in Australia, which covers everything from delivery to electricals, fencing and council approvals.
Find local spa installers here to help you navigate the process of selecting and fitting an impeccable base for your spa pool or swim spa.
If you're planning to put your spa on a deck, it's a good idea to check with a structural engineer. They can make sure your deck can handle the spa's weight. If you decide to go for it, we recommend putting the spa on a concrete slab first and then building the deck around it.
View completed spa base and decking projects for spa decking inspiration by Sapphire Spa retailers.
And that's all there is to it! Once your timber decking is complete, you will now have a resilient, aesthetically appealing, well-drained base for your hot tub/spa pool, swim spa or plunge pool.
This base will not only safeguard your investment from unnecessary damage but also greatly enhance the lifespan and functionality of your spa. However, do remember that the building process might vary to some extent depending on the specific model and size of your hot tub or spa.
Explore our spa pool, swim spa and plunge pool collection and book a test dip at your local Sapphire Spas retailer. Give us a call at 1300 069 772 if you have questions, or go through our spa installation planning guide for more details.
