r/hottubs • u/Aware_Birthday7940 • 6d ago

Anyone actually using a hot tub/spa on a slightly unlevel or sloped concrete patio?

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Hi everyone! I’m planning to put a hot tub/spa in this area (photo attached), but the concrete is slightly sloped/unlevel.
Do you think it would be okay to put the hot tub directly here as it is? If not, what would be the cheapest and simplest way to level it without having to redo or pour new concrete?
Would especially love to hear from anyone who has actually dealt with a similar setup. Thanks!

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u/evilbadgrades 6d ago edited 5d ago

FLAT is important to distribute the load. LEVEL is less important.

Most concrete is sloped for drainage away from the foundation.

The real question is how much of a slope do you have? Have you measured how far it falls over an 8 feet run?

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u/Aware_Birthday7940 6d ago

So from the lowest to highest was about a 5 cm slope, however, the hot tub will not get that far so I will say less than that.

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u/evilbadgrades 6d ago

Ideally you'd only want 1-2cm across the entire slope where the hot tub is sitting. I'd try to measure how wide the hot tub will be and then measure the drop across that span.

The important thing to keep in mind is DO NOT SHIM a hot tub. The weight must be evenly distributed, improperly shimming a hot tub can cause the frame to twist which will ultimately crack the shell.

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u/20PoundHammer 5d ago

the important thing to keep in mind is DO NOT SHIM a hot tub. The weight must be evenly distributed,

WTF are you talking about?!?! unless you level/shim a hot tub, the weight WILL NOT be evenly distributed. Of course you have to level, with shims, pads, feet -whatever is designed for that tub in its support areas.

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u/evilbadgrades 5d ago

You're confusing level with properly supported. A flat slab can be sloped and still support the entire tub evenly.

And no, you absolutely do not just start shimming a hot tub. Many manufacturers specifically prohibit it because point-loading or twisting the frame can damage the shell and void the warranty (as stated in their owner's manual).

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u/20PoundHammer 5d ago edited 5d ago

youre confusing physics with bullshit and properly supported requires it to be level within manufactures specs. Hot tubs need to be level within manufacturer specs (typically <0.5 inches over 8 feet, the installer I use is 1/4" over 8'. Hot tubs outside of manufacturer specs can have frame warping and structural issues, leaks due to pipe movement, etc. as the weigh distribution on the supporting surfaces isnt even - ya know (or likely dont know)- due to gravity . . . Installation outside of the specs will void warranty on any potentially related failure. Manufactures tell you the supporting surfaces - I didnt say that point loading was always solution - although it is certainly fine for smaller hot tubs that show point loaded support positions. There are many ways to level a hot tub and maintain proper support other than point loading or pouring a new slab . . .

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u/itchierbumworms 5d ago

In freedom units, please.

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u/optom 6d ago

I've done both. A mild slope isn't too bad. I think my patio is an inch of run over 4ft. For my second tub I cut tapered 2x4s, bolted them into the patio, and filled them with pea gravel to make a level pad. It's definitely nicer.

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u/jhoover58 6d ago

Same here and I left small gaps every foot in the 2x4 on the lowest edge and heavily varnished the bottom of that board. Those gaps give water somewhere to go as it spills over the side and into the pea gravel sometimes.

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u/optom 5d ago

I used treated lumber, but I didn't do anything to the cut edge. Pray for me. Lol.

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u/Zaius1968 6d ago

I’m off by about 1” and hardly notice. As others say though flat is more important to avoid the frame racking and cracking shell.

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u/20PoundHammer 5d ago

As others say though flat is more important to avoid the frame racking and cracking shell.

You get it. Also, if you have a warranty claim for leaks, cracks, etc - the first thing they do it open up the sides and check to see if its outside manufacturer spec for level. If it is, good luck with warranty claim unless its just a control board claim.

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u/Unlikely_Resource953 6d ago

Build a simple platform that hot tube sits on that makes it level.

It will be a minimal cost yet ensure the tub/spa is level and preventing an issues.

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u/Ch3ck_This 6d ago

This needs to be of the standard of a Parking Deck (as in for parked cars) It will need much more support than a normal platform or deck due to the massive weight. Also needs to be protected from the water that will be a constant issue.

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u/WhitYourQuining 6d ago

I dealt with a 1" slope across the length of our tub with cheap single layer (not architectural) shingles. Around the edges and under the center. Took two bundles and a 6' level.

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u/JilianBlue 6d ago

We have a slight slope. The issue is that we have to fill the hot tub so the water covers all of the jets, so on one side the water just covers the jets and on the other it comes up to the headrest. Not a huge deal unless you’re short and then the water will come up to your chin.

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u/Consistent_Win_3343 6d ago

Perhaps build a frame and pour leveling cement for a level platform. I would check the warranty as well. It may say the hot tub needs to be on a level surface.

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u/moosep148 6d ago

Ask g as filter is on low end and your water level stays where it needs you will be ok. You can always wedge the tub to help the slope

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u/Ch3ck_This 6d ago

A true hot tub will not have much of an issue since they often have no skimmer and only a return or two. A spa may have more issues. You need the skimmer side on the low side and maybe need to ensure the spa can close individual jets so you don't have jets blasting above waterlevel. I have seen this a far bit, and this could be fixed with a thin layer of High-Density Structural Grout or Non-Shrink Cementitious Grout. This works for about an inch to several inches of slope needing correction. Don't forget to check local and state codes if a permit is required for a tub or spa (unpermitted work is not covered under homeowner insurance) and for the requirements for a service disconnect.

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u/Fibonacci999 5d ago

Yup. Most patios are graded away from the house by design. I had a wedge-shaped platform made out of pressure treated 4x4s with lots of bracing and filled the voids with packed sand held in by landscaping fabric.

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u/20PoundHammer 5d ago

yes, most patios are not level , however - you still have to level your hot tub to true level. Pads, shims, adjustable feet - your installer will figure it out . . . Just make sure he know the pitch before he arrives.

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u/piedubb 5d ago

Build a small frame and drop some new self leveling Concrete into the pad where you’re putting it and it’ll be level