We are building a low level deck for a large spa and wondering about bearer pile connections, if we connect bearers to top of piles using lumberlok if will give us 12kn, but as the deck is holding a spa I think bearers bolted with m16 might be better? But can't find any info about the best connection for this type of deck. We have already reduced pile spacing, but confused on bearer connections Anyone built a deck for a spa?
jacinda2059,
Dec 27, 11:18am
All we did, was same as you, just reduced pile spacing.40mm decking. etc.
tweake,
Dec 27, 11:25am
not sure on how you would even bolt the bearers on unless make every pile a brace pile which is not a good idea. the load is vertical, much better to have bearers sitting on top of the pile. so even if you have no fasteners in it, it will still sit there. brace piles and bracing for the sideways forces which you bolt on.
sooby,
Dec 27, 7:36pm
Why not sit the spa directly on pavers at ground level, then butt up the deck all around the spa?
In our experience, any deck carrying a spa pool needs to be designed by an engineer, as loads can approach a ton, which is more than any standard deck is designed to carry.
bergkamp,
Dec 27, 9:11pm
the last deck i did (engineered) we bolted bearers to piles
h5 150mm square , 25mm check out to both sides , 2 x 240x45 (1 each side) as the bearer ,2 16mm SS bolts per pile , metelex green to cuts
tjk1001,
Dec 27, 10:26pm
Looked at this option, but then we would need pool safety fencing, which brings its own problems. Still undecided on the post / bearer connection, might have to bolt as its low level and might not have enough space to put bearers on top of piles
apollo11,
Dec 27, 11:10pm
Why don't you put in a concrete pad at the same level as the deck? H block it up , fill it with base course and concrete lid?
mechnificent,
Dec 29, 3:41pm
Sitting on top will carry the load better, then nog between so the bearers/joists can't topple over.
tweake,
Dec 29, 3:57pm
that doesn't make much sense.
apollo11,
Dec 29, 4:06pm
Must be a very low deck.
tweake,
Dec 29, 4:11pm
sitting on the ground low.
tjk1001,
Dec 29, 4:56pm
It is a low deck, land has slight contour so deck height goes from 350-600. Would prefer concrete but it's not an option, and now the piles are in we are committed! I see spas on decks all the time, so it is possible, I just want to ensure we make it as solid as possible
tweake,
Dec 29, 5:22pm
thats heaps of height. there is deck guides around that tell you the sizes etc. main thing to remember is fasteners should not take all the weight. which i why i would discourage bolts usage unless its absolutely required. bearers sit on top of pile and fasteners simply hold it in place to stop it falling off.
mechnificent,
Dec 29, 5:51pm
Low sky.
shakespeare6,
Dec 29, 8:52pm
Sit them on top and fasten as normal. My deck is quite a bit higher with spa pool - but my tub actually sites on its own frame, piles bracing etc seperate from the deck. Got around a heap of issues. Built the deck with a big square hole in it then built the frame to hold the spa pool. There is actually 8 braced piles holding up my spa which is a 6 person. 6 people thumping around plus water would be a couple on ton
mrfxit,
Dec 31, 8:23am
Doesn't matter where the pool is,(on a deck/ free standing on the lawn/ in the house) ANY "pool" that can be easily accessed by children, must have child proof access gates/ latches.
mrfxit,
Aug 29, 1:56pm
Remember that weight for volume of water is one kg per Liter.
600 liter pool = 600kg plus the pool framing weight plus wave surge momentum when moving around in the pool, (Eg: upwards of 600kg moving sideways / rotational as a wave).
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