Hot tub, summer in the city.
The oncoming sweltering summer months are certainly a great time for a splash in the pool or ocean, but for homeowners with decks – the starry summer nights could also be prime time for a relaxing dip in a hot tub or sauna.
Adding a hot tub under your deck can add an entirely new level of relaxation and luxury to your home. If you have a deck that’s begging for an upgrade – or that recently gained a fully-functional and customizable living space below thanks to a quality deck drainage system – the installation of a new hot tub could be a great way to make the most of that space.
But before you leap into the deep end and launch the installation process, there are a few important things to consider.
- Structural Considerations. There are certain structural considerations to keep in mind when adding a hot tub under your deck. For example, you’ll need to make sure there’s enough clearance between your underdeck ceiling and the hot tub for proper installation and maintenance. You may also want to think about how your hot tub will be serviced and drained, and plan accordingly. Think about the layout of your underdeck space and where the hot tub will fit best and consult a professional contractor if you’re unsure about any of the structural details.
- Privacy and Aesthetics. Installing a hot tub under your deck is a great way to create a relaxing and private space for you and your family to enjoy. But think through the aesthetic details before you get started. Screening or fencing around the hot tub area can create a sense of privacy (which is not only important for the bathers – but also for your neighbors and may even be mandatory with some HOAs). Also, consider how you can incorporate the hot tub into the overall design of your expanded outdoor living space. Custom lighting or landscaping will create a beautiful, inviting, and relaxing environment for a dip at any time of the day or night.
- Budget and Maintenance. Before committing to a hot tub under your deck, you’ll want to think about budgetary requirements. Hot tubs are not exactly the cheapest creature comfort to purchase and install, and they also require ongoing maintenance and upkeep, including cleaning, balancing chemicals, and equipment upkeep. Make certain you’re prepared for the ongoing costs of owning a hot tub before you, pardon the pun, make the plunge.
- Protecting Your Investment. Homeowners adding a hot tub under their decks will want to take steps to protect this investment from moisture buildup and damage. In addition to ensuring sufficient airflow to ward off mildew and mold and installing your hot tub close to a drain, homeowners should install an over-joist deck drainage system. These systems are designed to capture and direct rainwater into collection gutters keeping the deck frame and the area beneath the deck clean and dry.
DEK Drain’s TOPSIDE® system is the most effective, durable, and versatile system available on the market today. Ideal for both new decks and existing structures, this water- and weatherproof solution is designed to protect your deck’s framing, prolonging its life – and the life of everything beneath it.
Thinking of adding a hot tub under your deck? Reach out to the DEK Drain team today to find out how our systems can help you protect your investment while paving the way for a stellar summer.