What Does a Swim Spa Need to Sit On?

It is crucial to ensure that your swim spa has a proper foundation. A well-prepared base not only ensures the longevity of your investment but also guarantees safety and optimum performance.

At Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas, we are asked about swim spa bases frequently at our retail outlets. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of foundations suitable for a swim spa, why a proper foundation is essential, and actionable steps to prepare the ground for installation.

What kind of base do you need for a swim spa? At Hydropool, all of our swim spas are installed with a concrete pad. Our warranty will void without one and we don’t deliver unless a pad is in place.

Some other manufacturers will drop a swim spa at your door and let you figure it out or let you install it on other bases. We will discuss other bases in this article, but we are believers that swim spas are so heavy that they require a concrete pad to ensure a flat, stable base is not only in place but remains in place for the swim spa.

If a swim spa isn’t placed on a consistently flat surface, the accumulated water pressure will move to areas not strong enough to support it which can lead to warping, cracking, leaks and general mayhem. 

Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your backyard swim spa with a new model, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed choice on what is the right approach for you.

Why is a Proper Swim Spa Foundation Important?

A swim spa is a significant investment, and a solid foundation is crucial to protect that investment. An improper base can lead to a range of issues, including structural damage, water leakage, and uneven settling. Moreover, a well-prepared foundation ensures that your swim spa remains level and stable, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for years to come.

What Are the Initial Steps to Take?

The first step in ensuring your swim spa has a proper foundation is to assess your backyard. Identify the best location considering factors such as accessibility, sunlight, and proximity to your home.

Always remember to leave a two-foot span around the entire swim spa – this is to ensure your swim spa will be accessible down the road for servicing. If you don’t do this, your service call costs will be much higher.

At Hydropool, we only install our swim spas on concrete pads, which are strong enough to handle a swim spa’s weight without moving.

Types of Foundations for Swim Spas

Concrete Pads
 
 A concrete pad is the most reliable foundations for a swim spa. It provides a stable and level surface that can withstand the weight of the swim spa and the water it contains.

• Ensure the concrete pad is at least 6 inches thick.
• Reinforce the pad with rebar or mesh for added stability.
• Have a gravel bed underneath the cement pad for drainage.
• Allow the concrete to cure for at least 7 days before placing the swim spa on it.

If buying a Hydropool, this is the only foundation we allow for our swim spas: We don’t deliver until we know it’s in place.

The typical cost to have this done is about $3000 (Cdn).

Why Do Other Foundation Options for Swim Spas not Work?

Gravel beds, pavers and decks all create the flat surfaces that swim spas require. These are acceptable for hot tubs, but due to the increased weight and size of the swim spa, they are unacceptable. Any of these could allow enough of a dip in the foundation that the swim spa’s structural integrity would be at risk.

You can always have your swim spa installed underground with a deck around it or underneath it. These options all still require a concrete pad.

Some companies will deliver a swim spa to your front yard and let you decide where it goes. Others will say their swim spa can go on the ground or on any of these applications.

Decks can be built around swim spas, which can be lowered into the ground as well, like this Hydropool 14-foot AquaTrainer. 

How Do You Prepare Your Backyard?

Once you have chosen the type of foundation, the next step is to prepare your backyard for installation.

• Clear the area of any debris, plants, or objects.
• Level the ground to ensure a stable base for the foundation.
• Mark the perimeter of the foundation to ensure accurate placement.

If you are using a concrete pad, you will need to build a form to hold the concrete in place while it cures. 

What Are the Post-Installation Steps for Your Swim Spa?

After installing the foundation, there are a few final steps to ensure everything is ready for your swim spa.

• Inspect the foundation to ensure it is level and free of any defects.
• Confirm that the area around the foundation has proper drainage.
• Prepare any necessary electrical and plumbing connections before placing the swim spa.

Having a certified electrician handle the electrical connections ensures safety and compliance with local codes. Proper drainage around the foundation prevents water accumulation, which can cause damage over time. Ensuring all connections are in place before installation will streamline the process and prevent delays.

What Does a Swim Spa Need to Sit On?

Choosing the right foundation for your swim spa is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and long-lasting installation. Use a concrete pad! It’s the best and really only format that will hold a swim spa properly.

Once you have selected the ideal foundation, preparing your backyard and following the necessary post-installation steps will ensure a smooth installation process. By taking these measures, you can enjoy your swim spa with peace of mind, knowing it is securely and properly installed.

Have questions about your foundation that aren’t answered here? Reach out to your swim spa dealer here.