What Can I Put Under My Inflatable Hot Tub: 5+ Great Base Ideas

As a new hot tub owner, you may be asking yourself, What can I put under my inflatable hot tub?.  Great, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you will discover the following:

• What to avoid to prevent problems
• What you can use as a base for your inflatable hot tub
• Where to place your inflatable hot tub
• And more…

If you are a first-time owner of an inflatable hot tub, you may be wondering how you can set it up properly so that it can last longer.

Just like other hot tubs, an inflatable hot tub needs a good enough barrier to separate your hot tub’s liner from the ground itself. This way, the lifespan of the hot tub will be prolonged.

Of course, you can just leave it like that on the ground in your yard. But that is not always the best solution.

What to Consider When Installing an Inflatable Hot tub

Having a hot tub at home comes with its benefits and feels like you have a mini spa at your home. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an area for your hot tub.

Ease of Access and Maintenance

Ease of access simply means that need to place it in a place where people can easily get in and out of it quickly especially if you are going to be using the hot tub regularly.

Placing the hot tub at the far end of your garden involves a long walk to access it. If unless you want to be having a bea utiful view of the garden and also have some privacy.

A hot tub needs maintenance once in a while. It should be placed in an area where it’s easy to reach and do maintenance, especially in cold weather. You need to have easy access to the control panel and other components.

Also Read:

Can you put a hot tub on a balcony?

Drainage

The drainage is another important factor to consider. You will need to drain the water at some point and it’s common to have an accidental overflow.

So it’s good if the hot tub is near a draining system. If you need to place the hot tub on a wooden deck, then ensure you use an oil-based sealant to prevent any rotting damp or mildew from forming.

Stay Away from Slopes

The area where you place the tub needs to be even and completely flat. Placing it on a slope will compromise the structural integrity of the hot tub and it will likely collapse with enough water.

If you notice that while filling the hot tub, the water starts to flow more to one side of the hot tub, then you need to move it to a different location or adjust the base to make it even.

Get a Firm Inflatable Base

In addition to being level, the surface beneath an inflatable hot tub must also be sturdy and firm. Once filled with water, the tub will weigh quite a lot, and this weight will shift around as people get in and out of the tub.

Avoid sandy or muddy areas that will shift around when you place the inflatable hot tub on it.

Use a Mat for Additional Protection

As additional support, Whatever base you eventually choose for your inflatable hot tub, place a ground mat or cloth underneath it. This will protect the bottom of the hot tub from damage.

Inflatable Hot tub Base Ideas

These are inflatable hot tub base ideas to help you install your hot tub.

1). Grass

Most homeowners have grass in their yard. This is one of the most common surfaces used for an inflatable hot tub base. Grass has a soft texture that provides the hot tub with enough cushioning.

But before you place the inflatable hot tub on it, make sure there are no objects like broken glass or pieces of wood underneath that can pop or damage the hot tub.

You will need to add a ground mat or cloth underneath to strengthen the insulation. It is also important to note that keep the inflatable hot tub at the same spot on the grass for a long time will kill the grass. So, it’s important to move it once in a while.

This will prevent you from killing the grass or having to buy grass-enhancing spray for the grass.

2). Concrete Pad

Another great material to use as a base is a concrete pad. But before you settle for a concrete pad, you need to check the surface for a level. This will fix any unbalance issues on the ground.

The other issue to look out for is the thickness of the concrete pad to ensure it can support the weight of the hot tub.

Additionally, the concrete surface should be the size of the hot tub or bigger. Anything too small will create an uneven layer on the ground.

Also, though these characteristics have nothing to do with the construction of the foundation, they must be considered:

• You should have constructed your concrete and ensure that the concrete would have dried before the delivery of your tub. Not only will this make you start using your hot tub immediately but it will prevent the concrete pad from breaking/cracking.
• If you are not good with DIY stuff, then get a home improvement server provider to help you.

3). Paving Slabs

This is another great base for inflatable hot tubs. It’s an easy and effective method. There is more flexibility when fixing this base than other bases.

You have the flexibility of experimenting with different colors and designs to match your garden layout, style, and surroundings.

Just make sure the ground is leveled to prevent sloping or tilting of the hot tub.

4). Crushed Gravel or Stone

If you choose this type of hot tub base, it’s best if you want to place the hot tub outside.  The following factors you must consider:

• It must have a minimum thickness of 4 inches
• You must construct a frame around it to keep the foundation perfectly in place
• it must have a proper channel for drainage so that your tub would be durable

5). Rubber Pad for Under Hot Tub

Rubber pads for inflatable hot tubs are great for both indoors and outdoors that require little maintenance. These are easy to put up and use without much expense. They are also easy to rip apart in case you want to dismantle the base.

This makes it easy to change your hot tub location anytime you want. Here are some advantages of using a rubber pad as a hot tub base.

• There is no need to pour concrete or work out any other thing like that.
• They are lightweight and less expensive
• They are quick and easy to set up
• They require little to no maintenance

6)  Inflatable Hot Tub Base Interlocking Tiles

There are three types of base tiles that can be used for inflatable hot tubs. These are wooden tiles, foam tiles, and plastic tiles.

Wooden Tiles

wooden tiles raise the hot tub off the ground while providing a solid surface to place your tub on. These are common in hotels. Just like the other tiles, they are easy to install and lock into place without any tools

Their stylish design makes them a great finish for patios and backyards. Plus, the gas can help water to drain through easily.

Foam Tiles

This type is the cheapest of the three. They are also easy to interlock. Another added benefit of using foam tiles is that they add additional insulation to prevent heat loss through the ground

Plus, foams are more comfortable to stand on and are more water-resistant.

There are three types of tiles you’ll want to consider for your hot tub: foam tiles, plastic tiles, and wooden tiles.

Plastic Tiles

This type of tile gives you more room for maximum flexibility and custom design. You can select the perfect color combination for your spa and surroundings.

They are also water-resistant and some manufacturers even use eco-friendly plastic materials that are 100% recyclable. Some plastic base tiles have LED lighting that lights up to give your garden a buoyant feel and help you get in and out of the water when it’s dark.

Final Thoughts on Inflatable Hot Tub Base Ideas

The best inflatable hot tub base will keep your tub well balance, support, and will prolong its lifespan. The above-mentioned ideas are some of the great hot tub bases ideas that will help you set up your inflatable hot tub in peace.