Hot Tub area? Ideas needed.

[Ian H]

I have a hot tub coming mid March and plan to put it where we previously had a pool.

This is the area being prepped for the pool:

Basically grit sand over old slabs with plastic grass on the top. It’s flat but not level, you could tell this when the pool was full.

So i’m thinking to either:

1. Dig out an area about 3mtrs square and put a level/flat concrete base there and cover it with the grass

2. To cut the grass, lift the slabs, make a level/flat frame from decking so there’s a step and then pour concrete behind that. I could then stick the grass back on the top.

3. As per 2 but leave the slabs in place.

4. Lift the grass, level the sand, replace the grass. With that i’d be thinking the sand might wash away during heavy rain.


Once the base is done I would like to make a frame that could have a removable roof to protect from rain/sun but not sure where to start with that. I saw this online but it’s a bit ugly:

Any thoughts on what’s best?

Thanks

 

[pilsbury]

The hot tub will be a fair weight. I'd want a concrete pad for it myself. So I'd go for number 1. Anyhow, what are you doing lording it up in a hot tub? You started swinging or something?

And yes, that roof will spoil the ambience.... although not removable I'd go for a timber framed 4 hip jobbie with some wooden shingles....

 

[Mottie]

I have a sex pond coming mid March and plan to put it where we previously had a pool.

Corrected it for you.

 

[Ian H]

The hot tub will be a fair weight. I'd want a concrete pad for it myself. So I'd go for number 1. Anyhow, what are you doing lording it up in a hot tub? You started swinging or something?

And yes, that roof will spoil the ambience.... although not removable I'd go for a timber framed 4 hip jobbie with some wooden shingles....

Option 1 it is We had a weekend away and had one so thought we would try one at home. I saw a good deal on a 2018 model going cheap, bartered the price down then ended up getting the latest model for the cheap price because they had non of the older ones left

Corrected it for you.

Sex Pond I’ll tell the 2 older kids that only me and their Mum are allowed to use the Sex Pond

 

[pilsbury]

Sex Pond I’ll tell the 2 older kids that only me and their Mum are allowed to use the Sex Pond

You don't want to be saying that sort of stuff..... I've seen Rochdale in the news

 

[Ian H]

You don't want to be saying that sort of stuff..... I've seen Rochdale in the news

Worst town in the world was the last I heard

 

[martin hill]

Soon to be swingers and the neighbours soon to be into voyeurism. Do you store your car keys in a bowl by any chance. I'd go for a timber framed affair like this but build yourself at a fraction of the cost. LV LED lighting inside. Reclaimed timber merchant in heywood thats on ebay that i have had so great timber off.

https://dunsterhouse.co.uk/atlas-op...bPaxsEpopeJkwLpTctM5xCleg28j26ERoC7e0QAvD_BwE

Dont forget one of these too. lol

 

[Ian H]

Do you store your car keys in a bowl by any chance.

Sure, doesn’t everyone?

I’d love one like that but it would need to be on rails so I could slide the whole thing over. That would be cool

 

[martin hill]

Hi Ian. You build that frame work from timber But have a canvas style roof like you have on a pack away gazebo. I looked into for a bar area in the garden. You can buy just the spare roof covers in different sizes. Here's one.

https://www.wayfair.co.uk/garden/pdp/freeport-park-replacement-canopy-vday7738.html?piid=43274472.

You measure the inside and height and build frame accordingly. Around the edge put in eyelets on the covering and anchour points on the frame. to keep tight fit.

 

[martin hill]

https://www.attwoollsmanufacturing.co.uk/ultimate-wooden-gazebo-1/ This give you an idea of want i was planning. Now decided to redesign roof on my bbq to have a bar and seating area opposite so it be all one roof over.

 

[JP_]

I'm planning to get a hot tub too, just a cheap inflatable one though. We still don't have a bath, so really looking forward to a long soak with a cool beer!

Wasn't going to do much for a base though, just clear soil a bit, membrane and smooth pebbles / shingle. Hoping that would be enough. A patch of artificial grass does seems like a good idea though.

I am planning to build a simple pagoda to go over it, then put in some sort of basic fabric blind, will find a pic as can't explain it ...

 

[martin hill]

I'm planning to get a hot tub too, just a cheap inflatable one though. We still don't have a bath, so really looking forward to a long soak with a cool beer!

Wasn't going to do much for a base though, just clear soil a bit, membrane and smooth pebbles / shingle. Hoping that would be enough. A patch of artificial grass does seems like a good idea though.

I am planning to build a simple pagoda to go over it, then put in some sort of basic fabric blind, will find a pic as can't explain it ...

Hi Jon i'd be inclined to put a layer of sharp sand under the grass. Put raised decking round it so you can either get in or sit on the side and dip your toes.

 

[Ian H]

They all look good, I like the Wayfair one and at £30 it’s within my budget. We do have a metal framed similar thing but I reckon it’s too flimsy to be up permanently.

I’ll have a think once the base is in

 

[Ian H]

I’m on with the base today.


I’ve peeled the grass and sand back, lifted the slabs and dug it out to 4 or 5”.

I’m going to build a frame from 4x1, get that perfectly level then infill that with concrete.

Couple of things I’m thinking:

1. Should I dig a bit deeper and put 25mm of Celotex under it or would that be a waste of time and money?

2. Does it need a DPM or could I just lay the concrete onto the membrane if I fold that back over?

Thanks

 

[martin hill]

Hi Ian. Late reply but hows the drainage in this spot. Be careful the base area can't get waterlogged. I'd say 25mm would be a waste of time dont they use that
General Purpose Polystyrene under concrete floors and that's usually 75mm at least.