With our sunny SoCal weather, is it really any surprise that we like to spend a lot of time outdoors? Pool culture is king in Southern California. Even folks without in ground pools can enjoy pool life with hot tubs and above ground pools.

Of course, if you’re installing a new hot tub or jacuzzi, or your dragging out the above ground pool for the summer, you want to make sure that your investment is sitting on the most sturdy material possible.

Sure, you could install your hot tub on a wood deck, but if you do that, you have to make sure the weight is reinforced properly. In addition to that, you have to check the wood for water damage over time. 

What’s your best bet for a durable, long-lasting base for your hot tub or above ground pool? Concrete.

The benefits of a concrete slab under your hot tub in Los Angeles

When you’re installing your hot tub, you have many options for a foundation. You could use hot tub pads, gravel, wood decking, or paver stones. 

Gravel, hot tub pads and pavers are good choices if you’re thinking of moving your hot tub in the future. But let’s be real. When was the last time you knew of someone moving their hot tub once it’s installed? 

Wood decking has a classic look and feel to it. However, wood degrades over time, if it’s not properly maintained. You have to make sure it’s resanded and re-stained and re-painted every few years. And think of the beating it will take with all the water that will be spilled on it with people getting in and out of the hot tub.

Not only that, but with wood decking, you have to ensure that there is enough reinforcement to hold a hot tub and the people inside it. Think about it, if you have four adults in that hot tub, you’re looking at over 500 pounds – and that’s not even counting the water and the hot tub itself!

Your best bet for a foundation that will be long-lasting and relatively maintenance-free is concrete. There are a couple ways you can install the concrete pad. You can pour a concrete pad that is just the right size to hold your hot tub. Or…you could extend the hot tub pad and create an outdoor living space around that hot tub to give you and your guests somewhere to hang out when you’re not in the water.

The best thing about a concrete slab for your hot tub is the longevity. You can expect your concrete slab to last about 30 years or more! It may even last longer than your hot tub!

Concrete Pads for Above Ground Pools

Pools are a great addition to any Southern California home. Have you ever flown over Los Angeles? The city is dotted with pools all across the southland. But not everyone wants the hassle of an in-ground pool that has to be maintained year-round. Sometimes it’s just nice to have a pool during the summer, that you can easily pack up when the temperature dips below 70.

When you’re installing an above ground pool, it’s crucial to ensure that underneath it is a solid, level ground. If you don’t install your pool on level ground, you’re running the risk of leaks and even collapse. 

Now, you could pour sand underneath the pool, or install a pool pad. But let’s think for a moment. Are you installing that pool on grass? Whether you have a salt water pool or a chlorinated pool, that water is going to damage your grass when it splashes out. Not only that, but placing a pool on top of your lawn for three to four months is going to kill the grass underneath.

Why not install a concrete pad for that pool? Your licensed concrete contractor will ensure that it is level, you won’t kill your grass, and the best part? When you pack up that pool at the end of the season, you now have extra entertaining space for outdoor holiday parties. Win, win!

How much does it cost to install a concrete pad for my hot tub or above ground pool in Los Angeles?

Installing a concrete pad for your hot tub or above ground pool is remarkably easy. For one thing, it doesn’t take nearly as long as you’d think it does. Preparing and pouring the slab takes about a day or two and then you only have to wait another day or two for the concrete to cure. 

It’s also remarkably affordable. It costs about $10 to $14 per square foot to install a concrete slab. If you’re thinking of a 10x10 slab for your hot tub, then you’re talking about $1000 to $1400. Since your typical above ground pool is about 15x10, you’ll probably want a concrete pad that’s a little bigger. 

Any time you’re thinking about installing a concrete slab, you should consult a licensed concrete contractor. Hot tubs and above ground pools, especially, need a level pad – something a licensed concrete contractor has the know-how and tools to build. Make no mistake, this is no DIY project. If you want to make sure your pad is installed correctly to support your hot tub or above ground pool, you want to make sure you called a licensed professional.

Give us a call today for a free quote.