Table of Contents
Complete Guide to Creating Your Concrete Spa Slab: Essential Pouring and Preparation
Are you dreaming of a relaxing spa in your backyard? To make this dream a solid and lasting reality, the first step is absolutely crucial: creating a concrete spa slab . It's the foundation upon which all your comfort will rest. This practical guide will show you how to lay a concrete slab at home, step by step, to ensure your spa project is a success. Get your cement mixer ready, let's get started!
Intex Pure Spa Carbon 4 Seater
- Dimensions: 201 x 71 cm
- Capacity 4 places
- Black
- With pump, heating and 2 supports
- head
Step 1: Formwork and Mesh for Solid Foundations
Once your formwork is meticulously in place and the boards are perfectly level, it's time to integrate the welded mesh . This is an essential element for the robustness of your concrete spa slab . For small areas, you can position it just after the concrete is poured, bringing it up. For larger areas, it is advisable to lay it beforehand and bring it up as the concrete is poured.
The goal is to ensure that the mesh is positioned in the middle of your concrete slab . To keep it at the correct height and ensure it is perfectly covered, you can use plastic wedges specifically designed for this purpose. If you are using several meshes, assemble them securely with a binder or, failing that, manually with small pieces of iron so that they form a single unit.
Step 2: Prepare Your Concrete: The Ideal Dosage for a Quality Slab
You have two options for the concrete for your future concrete spa slab : have it delivered by mixer truck for maximum convenience, or prepare it yourself with a concrete mixer for a more homogeneous mix and better quality control.
For one cubic meter of concrete, here is the recommended dosage for a concrete slab :
- River sand: 0.5 m³ (preferable to quarry sand which can freeze and affect durability).
- Gravel: 0.75 m³ (approximately 3 volumes of gravel to 2 volumes of sand, guaranteeing good resistance).
- Cement: 300 to 350 kg (the quantity of binder required for optimal setting).
When mixing, be sure to make your concrete quite runny. This consistency will make it much easier to spread and ensure that it spreads perfectly throughout, filling all spaces and ideally coating the mesh.
Step 3: Pouring and Vibration: Expelling Air for a Dense Slab
Once the concrete is ready, begin pouring it evenly. If your mesh was already in place, raise it with a rake (or with the help of plastic shims) as you pour the concrete, so that it is centered within the thickness of the slab.
Very important for the solidity of your future concrete spa slab : once the concrete is spread, tap the formwork with a hammer. This action allows the concrete to vibrate , expel trapped air (which prevents bubbles and weak areas) and ensures perfect adhesion to the formwork boards. Do this along the entire length of your formwork.
Step 4: Level and Smooth the Slab: The Final Touch
Before pulling the concrete with a straightedge, start by leveling the largest area by eye with the inverted side of a rake.
Next, use your ruler, using the formwork boards (or markers if you have a wall) as a guide. Pull the concrete back and forth to smooth the surface. Having liquid concrete is an advantage here, as it spreads evenly, making it easier to pull. Add more concrete where it's lacking to achieve a perfectly flat surface.
Once your concrete spa slab is level, you have several options:
- Leave as is: If you plan to install a covering (tile, composite wood, etc.) over it.
- Smoothing: If the slab will be directly visible or if you want a more aesthetically pleasing finish, use a large trowel or float. You can do this immediately after pouring or wait an hour or two for the concrete to begin setting for easier finishing.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Cracks in Hot Weather
If you are pouring your concrete slab in hot weather, especially in summer, consider lightly moistening it with a jet of water in the afternoon. This will slow down the drying process and prevent it from cracking due to excessive heat, thus preserving the integrity of your concrete spa slab .
Step 5: Formwork Removal and Ideal Thickness
To remove the formwork from your concrete slab , wait a minimum of 2 to 3 days, but ideally 4 to 5 days, or even longer , depending on weather conditions and the setting of the concrete. The longer you wait, the drier and stronger the slab will be, reducing any risk of damage when removing the boards.
Regarding thickness, a concrete slab to support a spa should have a thickness of approximately 8 to 10 cm . This is a standard thickness which ensures the necessary load-bearing capacity for the weight of the filled spa and its users.
With these detailed tips, you're now fully prepared to pour your own concrete spa slab . This is a fundamental step to ensure the stability and durability of your installation. If you have any further questions or encounter any challenges, please feel free to ask in the comments! Good luck with your project and see you soon for more tutorials!
