Nothing screams luxury more than hot tubs on balconies. You’ll have a private spa you can enjoy anytime you want. You’ll have a place to relax and decompress in the privacy and comfort of your home. And hot tubs are a wonderful space for enjoying with friends all year round. Plus, it can spruce up your balcony and save you plenty instead of going to your local spa every weekend. But is it safe to install a hot tub on a balcony?
Well, it depends. Because while it’s possible to put a hot tub on a balcony, there’s a critical question of whether or not the balcony can support the weight of the hot tub, including water and people. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are also other considerations you need to factor in, like HOA codes, ventilation, and drainage.
Below, we unravel everything you need to know about installing a hot tub on your balcony.
Can You Install a Hot Tub on a Balcony?
The answer is “it depends” and if you have the option to put the hot tub on solid ground we would recommend that as a better option. But if you only have balcony space or that is your preferred option, then you will need to think through some of the issues below, particularly around weight.
Not all balconies can support the weight of the hot tub once fully loaded. The weight of the water plus the people using the hot tub at once are by far the greatest concern when deciding whether a balcony can cope.
As a general reference, average balcony loading is rared at 50-100 pounds per square foot (psf). And depending on local building codes, standard balconies can carry up to 120 pounds per square foot, sometimes more.
Now, let’s find out if your balcony can handle the weight of a hot tub. You’re going to need the following measurements:
- Weight of the hot tub once filled with water
- The average weight of one person (170 lbs)
- The number of people that fits in the hot tub
- The width and length of the hot tub
To get a rough idea of how much a hot tub weighs:
(weight of hot tub when filled) + (number of people x 170 lbs)
(width x length of the hot tub)
For example, let’s use a 3-person small hot tub that weighs 1301 lbs when filled and is sized 2.6 ft x 5.5 ft. Using the formula:
1301 + (3 x 170) = 126.64 pounds per square foot
2.6 x 5.5
So, say your apartment has a standard 100 lbs per square foot balcony; adding the hot tub might not be a viable option.
Why bother with knowing how much weight a balcony can hold? Well, because overloading the balcony would be nothing but dangerous. You don’t want to take the chance of the balcony falling apart under the weight of the hot tub. It may require reinforcement to support the weight of the hot tub adequately and safely, or you’ll need to find a more compact and lighter hot tub to install.
CHECK OUT THE BEST HOT TUB ACCESSORIES
Things to Consider Before Getting a Hot Tub on Your Balcony
A hot tub is a simple but luxurious addition to a balcony. But before you spend a lot of time dreaming about a hot tub on your balcony or going to a hot tub showroom, you need to consider a few critical factors.
HOA or renter restrictions
A balcony jacuzzi can be a big adjustment to your living space. The installation may require internal renovations like adding a new electrical circuit or drainage pipe. And like any renovation project, it’s critical to gain approvals and permits from governing bodies before you start anything to avoid any fines or lawsuits.
Check your rental agreement or HOA regulations. HOA rules and some landlords may prohibit above-ground spas outright because of specific issues like weight limits and water damage. Others may have specific guidelines for installing hot tubs on balconies.
Tip: Get written permission from the HOA or the property owner before you proceed. It may also help if you present a structural report on the viability of the balcony to support the weight of the hot tub as well as proof of coverage from an insurance company.
Can the balcony handle the weight of a hot tub?
As previously mentioned, not all balconies can handle the weight of a hot tub with water and people. The formula above can give you a rough estimate of whether your deck can handle the weight of a hot tub.
That said, older buildings can shift over time. What once was designed for a load of 100 or 120 pounds per square foot may not be able to safely support the same load years later. Factors like quality of construction, age of materials, and type of environment balconies are exposed to can affect their structural integrity.
In this case, getting confirmation from a professional or a structural engineer that a balcony can support the weight of a hot tub is a smart move. Otherwise, they can recommend the best options for reinforcing the balcony so the hot tub is adequately supported.
Does the balcony have enough space for a hot tub?
Once you confirm your balcony’s eligibility to support a hot tub installation, another thing to consider is whether you have enough space for it. Consider the shape and size of your balcony.
While you can’t do a lot to rectify the size and shape of your balcony for a hot tub, you can always choose an appropriately sized hot tub for the space you have. A compact two or 3-person hot tub is suitable for smaller balconies. And if you have a larger deck, you can get a 4-person hot tub or bigger and even divide the balcony space into different cozy and functional areas, like, say, a cold plunge in the opposite corner.
Power and water source
Two important things to consider when setting up a hot tub on a balcony are how you will power and fill the tub.
In terms of electrical requirements, it will largely depend on the size, features, and model of the hot tub. Plug-and-play hot tub models can be plugged directly into a standard electrical outlet. So, if you have one on the balcony already, then you’re good to go. Just make sure it’s far enough away from the hot tub to avoid any electrocution risks.
On the other hand, most standard hot tubs may need wiring or require their own electrical circuits. It wouldn’t be safe to plug a high-power hot tub into a regular wall socket. In this case, it’s always smart to err on the side of caution. Ask a professional for advice or have a licensed electrician do the wiring for you.
Now, to fill the hot tub, it’s pretty simple using a garden hose pipe connected to the sink or bathroom faucet. It usually takes 30-45 minutes to fill the tub, depending on the water pressure in your area. Also, for some homeowners, it may be necessary to attach a pre-filter to the garden hose.
Ventilation and drainage requirements
Moisture is a major concern when installing a hot tub. As much as the warm water in the hot tub does an excellent way of relaxing your muscles, it’s bound to produce steam. And when left uncontrolled, moisture breeds unwanted bacteria and becomes a potential health hazard, and also damages the ceiling and walls. But if you are putting a hot tub on an outdoor balcony, ventilation is the least of your worries.
Drainage, on the other hand, will require a bit more planning. You’re going to occasionally empty and refill your hot tub as part of proper maintenance. The ideal option is to install a drainage system on the deck. But if it’s not allowed, you have two options for draining the hot tub.
- Garden hose
- Submersible pump
Use either to empty the water from the tub into a bathtub or your bathroom drain. Take note that using a garden hose will take longer, while the submersible pump option will usually only take 10-15 minutes.
Delivery
How will you get your hot tub into your balcony? Delivery is another major consideration when installing a hot tub for balcony areas.
If you’re getting a full-size rigid hot tub, consider the location and accessibility. Standard hot tubs are delivered in one piece, often using a crane or forklift. If you’re on the 2nd or 3rd floor, that would be fine. But if you’re living in a high-rise, say you want the tub delivered on the 25th floor balcony, that could be an issue. In this case, inflatable or small hot tubs that you can unpack and blow up would be a more viable option.
Best Types of Hot Tubs for Balconies
A balcony may not be able to hold a full-sized hot tub, but there are other options. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious spa at home, below are the best types of hot tubs that will go well with your condo balcony.
Inflatable Hot Tubs
Inflatable hot tubs are the best bargain hot tubs in the market and the most suitable hot tub option for small spaces like balconies. They are excellent entry options for those who want the luxury feel of a balcony hot tub without the luxury price. But most importantly, inflatable options are the easiest to set up, even if you are on the 30th floor. They are also relatively lightweight compared to standard hot tubs.
The downside is that they have limited features. For instance, inflatable hot tubs don’t have seats, so expect to be sitting on the ground, which is not the most comfortable position. The water temperature in some inflatable hot tubs also doesn’t get too high.
But a good option is the Bestway St. Lucia SaluSpa. It’s an outdoor hot tub that fits 2-3 people with an integrated water filter system and can reach up to 104°F.
Rotomolded Hot Tubs
Rotationally molded hot tubs are eco-friendly and more energy-efficient than the typical acrylic hot tubs. And while they are still quite heavy, rotomolded tubs are generally lighter than prefabricated hot tubs, making them a more suitable option for balconies.
And unlike inflatable hot tubs, you get more features from this one, like contoured seats and better durability.
Jet Spa
If budget isn’t an issue, consider a jet spa for balconies. They provide the ultimate spa experience with stronger jets that applies pressure and massage targetted areas of your body.
If you aim to take advantage of hydrotherapy to relax as well as alleviate joint pain and discomfort or help with muscle recovery after exercise, nearly the same benefits you get from a home sauna, a jet spa is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
A private hot tub is one of the most luxurious home spa experiences you can have that has plenty of other wellness benefits. Read more about it on sauna vs. hot tub.
And the balcony is one of the perfect spots for your hot tub, so long as the balcony can support the weight of the hot tub. And if you are one of the lucky ones whose balcony can handle it, you now have a clearer picture of what you need to consider with installing hot tubs on balconies.
