Can You Put a Hot Tub On Grass? (No, However…)

By James Brockbank •  Updated: 07/06/21 •  11 min read

Can you put a hot tub on grass?

No, you cannot put a hot tub on grass because it can begin to sink into the ground. A grassed surface is not firm enough to support the weight of a hot tub. In addition, the hot tub may not stay level because it could start to sink on one side. You can also damage the hot tub when placed on the grass by reducing its life, given the exposure to moisture and insects. A hot tub’s massive weight requires a solid ground made of a reinforced deck, a concrete slab, or a firmly compacted surface with gravel. 

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Check out my list of high-quality hot tub products to help keep your hot tub clean and running great all year long!

I recommend the Diversitech Black Pad for pools and spas. This can be used to protect your lawn!

You can install an inflatable hot tub on the lawn or grass for a short period, usually a day or two at most. However, the grass surface should be compact, level, and free of foreign materials.

A few years ago, I went to a neighbors house and discovered they had a large hot tub sitting on their back lawn. I noticed the spa wasn’t level, and the grass around the spa was not healthy.

I decided to do some research on grass foundations, and this is what I found.

Now that you are about to buy your first hot tub, it is essential to decide on the ideal location. You could also be thinking about changing the location of your hot tub, especially if it’s an inflatable type.

If you’re interested in knowing the best waterproof hot tub cover for your spa, check out my full article on the subject for an in-depth overview!

In this article, I’ll discuss putting a hot tub on grass and some things that should be done to prevent damage to the hot tub and the lawn.

Let’s get started!

How To Put A Inflatable Hot Tub On Grass

Follow the simple steps below while placing an inflatable hot tub on grass:

1. Clear The Area Of Grass Where You Want To Put Your Hot Tub

It would help if you cleared the area where you want to place the hot tub to remove foreign objects like rocks, stones, sticks, and sharp objects. Then, you can move these objects to ensure that you don’t damage your hot tub and cause wear on its surfaces when its weight rests on the sharp objects.

2. Lay Down Some Waterproof Material Such As Plastic Or Tarp

When the ground is clear and free of foreign objects, lay down an appropriate waterproof material on the grass surface properly. The aim is to ensure that your hot tub does not contact the moisture from the grass because it can damage its surfaces. For example, the moisture can cause mold and mildew growth or discoloration of the hot tub cabinet. These are damaging effects that you don’t want to have on your hot tub.

3. Put Your Hot Tub On Top Of This Material And Make Sure It Is Level With The Ground

Your area is now ready for the hot tub. All you need is to ensure that the surface is level as you place the hot tub. Using proper measuring tools will allow you to get an accurate reading.

4. Fill Up Your Hot Tub With Water And Plug It In

Connect the hot tub to the garden horse and fill the water to the appropriate level. Plugin the necessary power cord and set the temperatures to suitable levels. You could start preparing for a soak as the water gains the desirable temperature by bringing your favorite drink or favorite novel to the hot tub.

What’s The Best Surface To Put A Hot Tub On?

Your hot tub requires to rest on a solid surface that’s capable of supporting its 5000 pounds of weight or more. The grass surface cannot work for conventional hard-sided hot tubs. Bare grounds cannot support the weight also because it won’t stay level for long. So concrete is the best surface by far. Other alternatives like your existing deck or patio will also work as long as they can support the weight.

Concrete is the best surface when it comes to security and strength but not the most glamorous. You should ensure that the concrete slab is about 6 inches think and well-reinforced with steel. Its footprint should also extend by several inches from the ends of the hot tub all around. Consider raising the concrete surface above the ground and blending it with its environs by building up a deck or tiling around the extended footprints.

Check out my full article on building a gravel hot tub pad for more information!

An existing patio could be an excellent option to place your hot tub. You only need to ensure that the patio is well-laid and secure. You should also ensure that the patio is even and has a good foundation. Ensure that your patio is not laid in sharp sand because the weight of a hot tub might cause cracking and unwanted damages. Inspect the patio properly or call your contractor to do the work for you.

Decking is popular with most people. However, you should never make the mistake of placing your hot tub on an average deck because it was not designed to withstand the weight of a hot tub. But you can improve your deck to support the weight by reinforcing it on the underside.

You can also rebuild the deck to enhance its strength and stability to support the required weight of the hot tub. The best option would be to build a solid brick and concrete base below your existing deck with sturdy wood beams supporting the deck structure.

Types Of Materials That Can Be Used For Ground Coverings

Suitable materials are waterproof. They should also be soft to avoid damaging the hot tub but firm enough to prevent slipping. Ideally, you can rest your hot tub on plastic or tarp because some are made with these features for use with the hot tub. However, you can also use a hot tub base because they are specially designed with extra softness to protect your hot tub, including about 1.2 cm of thickness, waterproofing capabilities.

If you’re interested in putting a hot tub in your garage, check out my full article on the subject for more information.

Can I Put An Inflatable Hot Tub On Grass?

You can put an inflatable hot tub on the grass temporarily. Unfortunately, the grass surface is not firm and sturdy enough to support the weights of your hot tub. But if you have a rented hot tub for use over the weekend with family or friends, building a concrete surface or a firm deck might be very unrealistic. So instead, you could place it on the grass surface or the lawn temporarily while also using a tarp.

I highly recommended keeping your hot tub on grass for between two to three days at the most. However, make sure to prepare the area properly, even if you’re going to have the hot tub for a day. For example, a single rock or other sharp objects can damage the hot tub seriously when filled with water. Also, ensure that the surface you’re going to place the hot tub is level before filling.

Check out my full article on inflatable hot tubs and if they’re worth it for more information!

can you use a hot tub in summer

What Should I Put Under My Hot Tub?

If you’re unsure what to place under your hot tub, three great ideas would be ground cloth, interlocking foam tiles, and plastic resin pads. These materials are lightweight, strong, and waterproof, making them ideal for laying them under a heavy hot tub.

One of these ideas is ground cloth, which is usually designed to protect the bottom surface of your hot tub from ground conditions. The material is pre-cut into sizes that allow the ease of spreading and installation. Its geotextile polyester materials help in protecting your hot tub from grass, rocks, roots, and other sharp objects from damaging your hot tub, extending the service life of your hot tub.

Interlocking foam tiles are a better option. The tiles are non-slip and durable, have protective flooring, and supports shock-absorbing. It’s a better alternative to ground cloth but probably not the best. Plastic resin pads have by far proven effective for use under the surface of your hot tub because of their outstanding capabilities.

Using the plastic resin base pad helps protect your hot tub’s underside and speeds the installation. The pads are easy to connect because they lock with one another to reduce shifting and promote strength. It’s also versatile in that it can be used under plastic sheds, pool filter equipment, and inside the garage. You can also use the plastic resin when putting your hot tub on the grass.

If you’re looking for some materials to insulate your hot tub with, check out my full article on the subject for more information!

For waterproof floor tiling, I recommend the fully waterproof AsterOutdoor Interlocking Deck Tile.

I also recommend the Diversitech Black Pad for pools and spas.

Can I Put A Hot Tub On Artificial Grass?

You cannot place a hot tub on the artificial grass because it will pose similar challenges to putting it on natural grass surfaces. Artificial grass is a type of carpet or cover that people use to improve the look and the ambiance of a garden or room. The grass is designed for décor and aesthetic purposes and not for supporting the weight of a hot tub.

After all, artificial grass cannot provide the strength and stability you require for your hot tub. However, artificial grass is superior to natural grass if you chose one of them to support your hot tub. In addition, the grass is synthetic, meaning that you can use it to beautify the area surrounding your hot tub and never get worried about the grass damage from the treated water.

Another reason you could use artificial grass is to place the artificial grass on solid ground instead of the natural grass surface. For example, if you build a concrete slab and then lay artificial grass around the hot tub, it will give it a nice aesthetic look with your garden.

I recommend Petgrow Artificial Grass Turf.

Base For Hot Tubs On Grass

Ready-made synthetic hot tub pads, tarps, and foam tiles will allow you to place a hot tub on the grass while providing some stability.

If the only option you have is to place an inflatable hot tub on grass, you need to know the suitable base you’ll use.

However, you also do not want to destroy the landscape and aesthetics on your lawn. Therefore, the best idea is to look for something temporary that you could use to support the hot tub at the base.

I found ready-made synthetic hot tub pads to be the best option for different reasons. First, you can purchase these pads when you install a hot tub temporarily in a specific location. Second, it will eliminate the need for pouring concrete and waiting for it to set.

These pads are set quickly and are lightweight. Besides, they do not require expensive maintenance costs associated with other types of materials. The pieces interlock easily to support your ability to make pads for your hot tub. You can also easily remove the pads after using them to retain the original look of your backyard.

If you’re planning on using your hot tub in the summer, check out my full article on the subject of how to get the most out of your hot tub during those hot summer months!

I recommend the CosySpa Hot Tub Flooring Protector to help protect your inflatable hot tub.

Can You Put a Hot Tub On Grass: Conclusion

can you put a hot tub on grass

Can you put a hot tub on the grass? You cannot put a hot tub on the grass because its weight requires a firm surface.

An inflatable hot tub can be placed on a grass surface temporarily. But you need to prepare the surface by removing foreign objects, putting an appropriate waterproof material, and making sure that the surface is level.

You can place plastic, tarp, or mats before placing your hot tub. I also recommend using temporary bases like the ready-made synthetic pads available in online stores and local dealerships.

Although you cannot put a hot tub on artificial grass, it is better than placing it on natural grass because of its synthetic features.

If you would like more information on how to properly move a hot tub, check out my full article on the subject!

I hope you found this article on putting a hot tub on grass helpful.

Thanks for visiting spatoolkit.com

James Brockbank