Spa Site Preparation
Hot Tub & Swim Spa Site Preparation:
What surface can I put each type of spa on top of?
All Weather Pool (Swim Spa):
- Concrete with Rebar
Classic & Custom Spas with the Forever Floor:
These feature the proprietary Forever Floor®, which means you may set it on virtually any firm and level surface. Depending on the surface, the spa may settle and you may need to re-level the spa over time.
- Concrete
- Reinforced Deck
- Plastic Pads
- Class 5 Gravel
- Grass
Core Series & UAG Spas without Forever Floor:
- Concrete
- Reinforced Deck
- Plastic Pads
UAG Spas:
- Concrete
- Reinforced Deck
- Plastic Pads
Other Spa Brands:
We carry trade-in used spas of multiple brands, including Hotsprings, Cal-Spas, MasterSpa, Bullfrog Spas, and smaller manufacturers. For safest results, assume they all need a concrete pad or reinforced deck. Refer to the original spa manufacturer for exact requirements.
Spa Site Preparation:
Concrete Instructions:
Your concrete must meet local codes and be able to support a minimum of 146lb. psf (7kPa). If choosing concrete, consider that concrete reaches full strength at 28 days. Consult your concrete installer for further explanation.
If you need to put in concrete and are looking for a concrete installer, below is a list of reputable companies our customers have worked with in the past and recommend. Please note, these are all separate companies from Premier Pool & Spa so you would contact and work with them directly:
- Recommended Concrete Installers
- Do you have an existing concrete pad that's out of level? Here is how to fix it!
Deck Instructions:
Decks must meet local codes and be able to support a minimum of 146 pounds per square foot (7kPa).
- How to Build Removable Access Panels in a Deck Surround
Paver Instructions:
Step 1: Mark and Excavate
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Mark an area 6–12 inches larger than the spa on all sides
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Excavate 7–9 inches deep
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4–6 inches crushed stone
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1 inch sand
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Paver thickness
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Remove all sod, roots, and loose soil
Step 2: Install Landscape Fabric
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Lay fabric over the excavated area
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This prevents weeds and keeps soil from mixing with the stone base
Step 3: Build and Compact the Stone Base
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Add crushed stone in 2–3 inch layers
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Compact each layer thoroughly
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Total compacted depth: 4–6 inches
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Check level in all directions
The base must be level within ⅛ inch across the entire surface.
Step 4: Add Bedding Sand
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Spread 1 inch of sand
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Screed it level using a straight board
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Do not compact the sand
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Do not exceed 1 inch (thicker sand causes settling)
Step 5: Lay the Pavers
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Start in one corner
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Place pavers tightly together in a grid pattern
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Use a rubber mallet to seat them into the sand
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Check level frequently
Important:
All pavers must be fully supported—no gaps, no rocking.
Step 6: Check Final Level
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Lay a level across multiple directions
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Tap high pavers down
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Remove and re-set low pavers as needed This is the most critical step—take your time.
Step 7: Fill Joints & Lock Everything In
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Sweep sand or polymeric sand into the joints
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Lightly mist if using polymeric sand - This locks pavers in place and reduces movement
Plastic Platform Instructions:
Do not use on spas larger than 8'. Be sure the class 5 gravel is properly tamped down, or the spa can settle unevenly, potentially resulting in cracks that manufacturers will not cover under warranty.
Step 1: Mark and Excavate
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Measure the spa and mark the area 6–12 inches larger on all sides
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Excavate 4–6 inches deep
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Remove all grass, roots, and loose soil
Skipping proper excavation is the #1 cause of spa base failure.
Step 2: Install Landscape Fabric
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Lay landscape fabric over the excavated area
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This prevents weeds and keeps soil from mixing with the stone base
Step 3: Add and Compact the Base Material
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Add 3–4 inches of crushed stone
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Rake evenly
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Compact thoroughly using a hand tamper or plate compactor
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Check level in multiple directions
The base must be level within ⅛ inch across the entire surface.
Step 4: Assemble the Plastic Panels
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Start in one corner and clip the panels together
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Use a rubber mallet if needed to fully seat the clips
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Make sure all panels are fully locked—no gaps
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Trim edge panels if required (some brands allow cutting)
Step 5: Level the Panels
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Place the assembled base on the compacted stone
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Check level front-to-back and side-to-side
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Adjust by adding or removing stone beneath low or high spots
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Re-compact as needed
Do not shim with wood or plastic—always adjust the stone.
Step 6: Final Check
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Walk across the entire base
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It should feel solid with no flex
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Recheck level one last time
Class 5 Gravel Instructions:
Build a base surrounding the gravel to keep it in place. Tamp down the gravel to prevent uneven settling.
Grass or Dirt Instructions:
Make sure the surface is structurally sound and level and can support the weight of the spa. (The only spas where grass or dirt are acceptable bases would be Arctic Spas with the Forever Floor)
What do I need to be aware of in terms of Spa Placement?
1. Access:
- Be sure to locate your equipment compartment, which houses all electrical components, in a place where you will have easy access for periodic spa care and maintenance. Allow adequate access to all other doors for service.
- Additional costs may apply for service on spas and AWP’s built into decks with limited access or that require technicians to drain and move them to access the area in need of repair. Follow this link to see how to build access panels in a deck that surrounds a spa.
2. Cover & Cover Lift Spacing
- Consider which direction you will want the cover lifter installed, taking into account spacing behind the spa and blocked views, etc.
- Make sure there will be room for the covers as they open and when they are fully open, if under or next to a deck. If standard covers or cover lifters won't work for your application, be sure to ask about alternative options.
3. Location of Control Panel (Topside)
- Make sure the topside is convenient to get to in relation to how you will be accessing the spa (if you are coming out to turn up the heat for example).
- Make sure it is convenient to access in relation to where the cover opens. Often the cover lift will be on the opposite side from the control pad, so you could open the cover partially to turn up the heat, start jets, etc.
