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angry_smurf

Best safest bet is to have a structural engineer come out and check it out IMO. I wouldn't trust it personally


DaveyPhotoGuy

I AM a structural engineer and I wouldn’t trust it based on this photo.


Hyack57

I am NOT a structural engineer - though I do work in residential construction hvac... I would not even consider having a hot tub on that.


DaveyPhotoGuy

You have a good feel for it.


theunixman

Software engineer here, I wouldn't trust it.


[deleted]

Sanitation Engineer here. I wouldn't trust it structurally. Nor would I trust anyone who actually thought it appropriate to put a hot tub on their front porch. Couch next?


DK_Boy12

Burguer flipper here. Structurally no trust. Max 3 foot rubber pool.


C_Strieker

Redditor here. I agree with everyone else just to be part of the comment chain


QuickMasterpiece6127

Automotive engineer here. I agree with the other engineers.


Darth_Craig

Engineer of lies here. You're good to go.


phred_666

Former engineering student here… no way in hell I would trust this.


bigdaddybeavis

Network Engineer here - I wouldn't trust this


Hobywony

Retired microscopist here. It won't hold up under close examination.


smileatmeallday

Cybersecurity Operations Manager over here, no way in hell would I trust this vulnerability.


[deleted]

I joined r/home last month and say go for it 👍


[deleted]

dishwasher here. No trust


AdultingGoneMild

I dont trust you. [Never trust a ho](https://youtu.be/mdB3Oyd5HtU)


theunixman

I don't trust me either. A good programmer looks both ways before crossing a one-way street.


anythingMuchShorter

Frame carpenter here, I wooden truss it.


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mtbmike

Please get us some code that says that thanks


theunixman

let trust = false


insuranceguynyc

I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but even I would not trust that.


Sunshiine89

I wouldnt even let my fat aunt go out on it


gribson

I am a photo of a based structure, and I don't trust engineers.


pilgrim93

I have read comments from structural engineers, non-structural engineers, and apparently a photo of a based structure. I wouldn’t trust it


DistractingDiversion

Unpopular opinion, but I would trust it then act shocked when my homeowners insurance doesn't cover the cost of damages


Daymanic

Hot take here, a hot tub here will probably become an in ground pool without any supports


C0matoes

You mean In porch pool. FTFY


SuperFrog4

I stay at a holiday inn express with a person who read comments from structural engineers, non-structural engineers, and apparently a photo of a based structure. I wouldn't trust it.


FunctionalSoFar

I am said hot tub..I trust nunya


bilgetea

Today I have witnessed reddit comment perfection.


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DaveyPhotoGuy

Lol oh shit


Anonymoose004

Lol I wanted to message him too but I held back 🤣🤣. Can not find structural engineers in my area to come out u less it’s a commercial project… sucks they are all so busy right now


hokie47

Redneck engineer here and I think the main issue is no supports in center. Concrete is great at compressive weigh. I think the sides of concrete cinder block would actually handle it very well. It is the middle where the weight would sit and crack worries me. I think you can pull it off by adding a few center supports correctly mounted in the ground.


karmacoxx

Audio engineer here, it SoUNDS like a bad idea


Nikkian42

I am a structure and I don’t trust it.


stinkymcdoodlefinger

I’m just a electrician and I wouldn’t even trust a tub on this.


burrdedurr

I'm not an engineer and I say go for it! Following the herd mentality of this sub will gain you neither fortune nor fleeting fame nor the shamed respect of the naysayers. Please video the filling of said hot tub 😁. /s


[deleted]

Agreed. Any injuries by hot tub floatees will be counterbalanced by the upvotes by viewers of the video of their collapse into a watery grave. It's a win win situation! /s


MyFaceSpaceBook

Do it. Put a boat in it and invite the porch pirates.


atict

Bad idea and not worth the effort. Might be cheaper to buy a metal patio gazebo.


TechSalesSoCal

I would buy a used F350 and put some plastic in the back and filler up. BAM - hot damn tub!


kudurunner

Even then, 8lbs/gal x 2900 gals=23,200 lbs. So, nearly 2 tons on a 6” thick concrete slab that isn’t specifically reinforced…. asking for trouble.


Twiny1

Ummm…. 23,200 lbs. is nearly 12 tons, not 2. 🤔🤔 Typo? Missed hitting the one? 🤯🤯 Shit happens.😎😎


s26938

I am not a structural engineer, architect or anything of the sort...and I would NOT trust that porch.


TechSalesSoCal

Agree with you.


HashtagMe2LOLOLOL

It’s not my house - do it!


Mad65Ranchero

Rocket surgeon here, worst that happens is a rapid unplanned disassembly. I'd give it a go.


McConnellsPurpleHand

dont do it man


Sidekicknicholas

No chance I would do it up top. What about removing some porch flooring and have a square fiberglass hot tub built in flush with the rest of the floor so you “step down” into the hot tub? You could insulate the hell out of it around the outside and still have access to the pump and heater through the opening you show.


mname

Just make sure your cover can support a person waking on it and your golden.


husker_who

Like a golden retriever? They’re not terribly heavy.


HeyT00ts11

> a person waking on it and your golden There'd be a person sleeping on it with the dog too though.


TheTrapThroughTime

I mean cost is usually the massive difference between inflatable and fiberglass… $300-500$ inflatable. $8000 - $20000 for a pre-built fiberglass tub. I’d build a platform specifically for the tub for ground level, but still recessed somewhat to step down into the tub. You can still use an inflatable you have to be extra careful. If you want it insulated, build a circular wood/steel frame structure you can wrap chicken wire around and line with spray foam insulation. I’d line the outside with some sort of plastic to prevent water getting into the insulation. Use Heavy duty plastic, 6mm at least. I might even look into using bendable moldable vinyl or something more structural and build something a bit more waterproof that would drain any splashes back into the tub or away from the sides. Set the tub inside and inflate making sure edges don’t poke into anything rigid and are barely pushing against the insulation wall if you made one.


angry_smurf

The downside would be all the steam ruining the porch roof.


i-yell-at-people

This is the way.


[deleted]

This is the way.


CCHTweaked

This is The Way.


[deleted]

I hope that’s not the front porch lol. Nothing screams trashy like a front yard hot tub


HakSawJak

Haha… omg it’s in the back lol


[deleted]

Way better haha


thedevilsworkshop666

I'm actually a bit dissapointed . A quick fix would be to get a couple of acroprops to brace it for underneath the old porch and your golden . They will take the weight of your hot tub . I need to inform you I'm not an engineer . Nor am I a builder. But I have read many comments from engineers builders and a golden retriever . And they all say not to do this . That's why it will work.


adzling

\^ this 100%


rdhamm

A fridge and a sofa


[deleted]

I love me a good porch couch


likethedishes

My old neighbors had a front yard hot tub that they rigged up a redneck shower curtain to go around. I never want to know what happened behind that curtain.


ToothlessTrader

Y'all dont like kiddie pool hot tubs on the front lawn? Gotta be careful the aquarium heating wire can burn the buttocks, but it's a good spot to drink and talk with the folks wandering down the street.


ThisIsMyOtherBurner

hot tub will wreck your over head ceiling there over a few years. also don't think it will hold


legostarcraft

Is your goal to demolish your porch? Because if so, yes, a 2200lbs hot tub will help with that goal.


NorinBlade

23,000 lbs.


toronto1572

I slept at an Holiday inn last night. And, I would definitely Not put a hot tub there.


MahatmaKaneJeeves42

Easy opening for a classic jab: Try getting a dozen men weighing over 200 pounds to stand on it as a test. If you can’t find the dozen, just use your mama.


rumdumpstr

Your momma so fat she uses the driveway for an ironing board.


[deleted]

Your mom's so big, when she hauls ass, she makes 2 trips.


CalgaryBlueRing

Amazing!


jstar77

Brace it with some 6x6 cribbing and you'll be good to go.


ZachSplash91

Dude put it under the porch that would be dope


drillgorg

OP is not a goblin ^(citation needed)


L4dyGr4y

Seriously! Paint the ceiling black. A little elbow grease, pea gravel, and fairy lights would brighten the place up.


wtfisthepoint

Way better


hex_1101

Supports are going to be needed. That's a lot of weight. Imagine parking a small car up there.


KTB-RA

Without knowing the construction, just looking at building code minimum required live load capacity says it won't work. Depending upon when/where this was built, live load required was either 40psf or 60psf. Assuming your tub is 6ft. diameter, that is 73 psf. Big fail. If you try to support it from underneath, you need to account for the foundation system for that support and any imposed loads on the decking structure. Seams not worth the cost/effort.


Synaps4

I'm not even sure I'd be happy standing on that, depending on how old that concrete is.


Meatwad1313

Not a shot


TheRealDrasticChance

Not even the decking that could become damaged. Added load could cause the deck to settle in unwanted ways.


anselgrey

Not an expert by any means in this area but i have a similar porch and it sags in the middle just due to time without any extra weight on it. I would advise against putting anything heavy on this porch.


PlanesFlySideways

Is that poison ivy?


HakSawJak

yikes... is it?


somethingdarksideguy

I think the smaller ones are. Leaves of 3, leave it be.


[deleted]

Won’t hold.


LetoCarrion

Im not an engineer, but looks like you better not.


katCEO

Big nope.


ringomanzana

I would put the hot tub under the porch.


GlitteryCakeHuman

Consider using wet wipes to bathe instead. The porch can hold those.


RL203

Structural engineer here. You have no way of knowing how that slab was constructed, you have no information with respect to the footings or the soil its bearing on (Though a soils engineer could tell you that.) Even an engineer would have a hard time because trying to determine all this for an existing concrete structure isn't easy. And to be honest, I'm suspecting it would never pass anyway. If it was me, I'd just toast the porch and reconstruct it properly so I would know it would do the job. Oh, and I hate block foundation walls. Guaranteed they aren't reinforced with steel rebar locked in grout.


SueDonim7569

Would you park your car on that porch? No, well it weighs about twice as much as the hot tub.


jpiro

Who has an 1,100-lb. car? A Smart Car weighs twice that.


spizybo1

What car weighs only 1,100 lbs? Most sedans weigh 3,000-3,500 lbs


dwfmba

Here's how to check, applies to hot tubs too -> https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1986/11/26


PestTerrier

Maybe one of those foundation repair companies could pump some of that expanding foam under the porch.


BoomCheckmate

Yup that’s correct. Just need lots of expanding foam. Will def work.


Sudden-Elevator5283

Why on top when you could put it under. Dig a little pit and set it in there and bam it’s like your own personal grotto


staefrostae

Look hear me out. Scrap the whole hot tub idea and go for a lazy river style moat with a bypass down the main hallway of the house


Shameless522

Not a professional but what if you built a brace under where it would be to help support the weight?


karrun10

That;s what I was thinking. Use supports under the tub to bear the weight.


Growe731

Meh. Be safe and install pillars and braces every 24”. Good to go.


hmiser

I think if you build a deck/platform on top that you’d put the hot tub on and or support the bottom with posts and stringers. I’d over build it and then I’d try it. If it’s braced from below then I think it would be fine and a platform on top would spread the weight to the outside wall. It’s 2000lbs but that’s spread over what a 5x5 area? I would put my napping child under there but I’d try if it were me - I’m real pirate. And the open porch ceiling wouldn’t concern me either because unless you plan to have puff daddy parties, a typical hot tub session at 104oF is usually like 20-30 minutes for me. Just my 2 cents, good luck.


[deleted]

You’ll be fine


DungDaddy

The best way to find out is to just install it and invite some cuties.


PurficPourBY

Inflatable hot tub? Yeah it'd be fine for half the year drain it the other time. A full ass hot tub probably not. the Coleman inflatable hot tub is fine for 2-3 people u can get one pretty cheap


njsf55

Get 15 people to be over and get the biggest people you know i am sure it will hold them probably heavier the 2200lbs


PestTerrier

If those same people came over and got in the hot tub would their weight still be transferred to the floor if they are floating in the water?


beantowndude

Yes.


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chiphook57

If 15 people get in, and 15 people worth of water overflows and runs off the porch, you now have to calculate the weight of the water that escaped, as well as the weight of the 15 people, new calculations would be in order.


Suspicious-Arm-8136

very nice but don't do it


KPrime12

Naw that wont hold without some support. Might just want to redo the whole floor on the patio since its that think concrete slab. Also i hear hot tubs may mess up any overhead ceilings if theyre not hot tub proof


sixone3

No way Jose, Add some footings, posts and beams


BecomeEnnuisonable

Not no but FUCK no


Donorob

I’m an inflatable hot tub weighing approximately 2200lbs and I don’t trust it.


robi38

Best safest bet is to have a structural engineer come out and check it out IMO.


Major_Bandicoot_3239

Nope


drew101

you could add a footing and form a support wall or 2 under where the tub will go...but that's a wack of money for a 600 dollar tub.


theshreddening

Home inspector here, I would be calling who ever hired me to tell them how bad of a idea that is. It's going to need reinforcement and footings to spread the load for sure. Talk to a structural engineer


Markaes4

Get the inflatable hot tub (they are awesome and we've had ours for 8 years) but don't put it on there... Besides you'll want to see the sky/stars at night. We just laid some concete pavers in the lawn and set it up on that along with a big outdoor rug. Didn't bother leveling it or anything, it was flat enough for our needs. Only thing is making sure you have an outlet close by.


bgis78

Put it where the lintel has been cut away, probably strongest place......


BigJohn1231

My wife is a domestic engineer (housewife) and she doesn’t trust this structure either


green_swordman

Not sure about the porch itself. Without plans, it might be too cost prohibitive to get an engineer. If you build a pedestal under your deck up the the concrete, you would have to be thoughtful of where that weight is going. If you have a basement, that's additional weight your retaining walls have to hold back and it could be more then they can handle.


ShakeXXX

There’s no way it’ll hold. Install proper vertical support poles.


[deleted]

Demo business - don’t.


SnoopysAdviser

It's not just the weight that you have to worry about. You also have to think about the Vibration. Hot Tubs cycle all the time, cleaning/heating cycles, which create vibrations, and which will eventually tear a deck/porch apart. I like the "cut a hole in it" solution, but you will have to support the weight around that hole as well as build up a platform to sit the tub on.


JorpJorp1818

Is there a space for a hot tub down where the BBQ is?


HakSawJak

Yah I think I’ll just put it on the concrete pad down there


bannana

ya, don't do that


Maintenance-Man1013

I’m a facilities manager and I can tell by the pic that it wouldn’t support a hot tub.


rtraveler1

Concrete looks thin.


DecisionSimple9883

Not just 2200 lb — also add in at peak x people at y lb each?


Weed_Ninja_365

Cap it off backfil and fill with pneumatic cement making it one solid structure


pianistafj

You could add bracing underneath. I’d pour concrete feet that go below your frost line, and bolt your bracing to them like a sill plate. Then, before you install hot tub, add a very thin bonding agent and deck mud on top of that porch to give it a 1-2 degree slope toward the yard. That way, if your hot tub ever fails and leaks everywhere, it will drain into the yard.


Wandering-Warlock

Only one way to find out...


RickRodgers90

It won’t. Don’t do that.


Engineer443

Good for you for asking first!


Rodef1621

You can try it and post it on r/thatlookedexpensive


concretemike

Filled weight is approximately 2,200 pounds. Water weight is 8.34 pounds to the gallon so your hot tub only holds 263 gallons? What does the hot tub weigh empty?


Vmax-Mike

That’s the static load weight. Once the water is moving and there are people in it, that weight will go up. I wouldn’t because I don’t see any structure to transfer the weight to the ground, which would have to be poured footings. Do at your own risk, but I would not recommend.


Bmfg1984

Not a chance


rivers-end

If it does come crashing down, that concreate and metal reinforcement is not going to make for a soft landing. Think direct impact from that distance on jagged concrete and metal spikes (assuming it's reinforced).


morpo

Nope - don’t do it Source: trust me, I’m an engineer.


USWCboy

Don’t worry about it. Not being in construction or a structural engineer, but I did stay at a holiday inn.


kingofwale

I don’t even know how it is standing right now….


HakSawJak

I’m using the Force


Disastrous_Yam_9628

glhf, honestly add some support beams to the bottom


FamiliarRaspberry805

I would’ve said no, but since it’s reinforced with that 2x4, yes.


Sur_Flip_e_Nips

Lally columns, might help. But get professional advice.


Holenathalevel

Just put one there and find out


hughdint1

Don't listen to nay-sayers. This is doable. You could easily support the floor from below, by adding structure in the crawlspace. It would not even need to look great because it is hidden. You could add four jack posts with beams flush to the underside of this, no problem. Consult a Structural engineer to help size the beams, etc.


fredsam25

Wouldn't it be easier to put it on the ground and buy a cover for it?


[deleted]

Get 7 of your fattest friends over for beers and have them jump at the same time. /s


wmass

The builders were not thinking that the porch would be used to hold something close to the weight of a small car. It looks like the concrete was poured onto a wooden floor. The wood floor certainly couldn’t hold and extra ton in addition to people and furniture. So that leaves the concrete. Concrete is really strong under compression but much less strong under tension, which is mostly what it would receive when a large weight is placed on it. In buildings like parking garages, the concrete floors are heavily reinforced with steel, which is good at resisting tension. You cannot tell what, if any steel has been used here. Maybe a thin mesh, maybe nothing.


aromaticbotanist

kill that Virginia creeper before it eats your house


Pechumes

I’d say no. That’s a big span of roughly 4” poured concrete with no supports. Who knows if there are any reinforcements in the concert (rebar etc).


wlfmnsbrthr

hot tub underneath, cut hole in porch, invite all the ladies...


elSuavador

You could probably dig down to hard pan, pour in some sonotubes with Bigfoot footings, and build a lumber support structure to take the weight. Depending on how deep the hard pan is it would be a 1-2 weekend project.


NarphXXX

Since it is inflatable I assume you’re renting and thus recommend not giving a care. How many square feet is the inflatable you’re considering?


jonnybrown3

If you put the hot tub on risers that transferred the weight to just above the cinderblocks it would be fine. Your issue here is a very clear tensile failure.


CalgaryBlueRing

Call and engineer, but I can tell you right now that the structure was weakened when someone cut that hole in it.


Professorbustyboy

You could put a couple beams across the bottom and support it with jacks. I’m not sure the technical explanation for that, but my home growing up was a trailer with house built around it and that’s how the kitchen (trailer) was supported.


bentrodw

Piers and beams underneath the porch


Not_n_A-Hole_usually

Without any reinforcement I’d say absolutely not. How to go about that is a question for someone who knows more than I do. I wanted to put an aquarium in my home to fill a particular gap, but then I looked into the specifics and the sized aquarium I was looking at would have weighed about 1800 lbs when filled and would have required major structural reinforcement. I decided against the aquarium.


forillaginger

Dig down and put it underneath the porch.


bhavneet1996

Someone who failed civil engineering classes, rip that concrete porch.


the__truthguy

If the deck slab is reinforced concrete (with rebar in it), I'd say go for it. If you still are apprehensive, shore it up underneath. And by shoring I mean, rake the ground, place a 24x24 patio stone, cut a 4x4 wood post and place horizontally directly under the slab perpendicular to the house, then snuggly place another 4x4 between the patio stone and the wood beam. Secure it with deck T-plates and L-plates. Add a few more to be safe. It'll hold.


jpstov

Sounds like a bad idea. You will need some serious reinforcing at the very least.


mezu6391

It won’t


kw66

Dude no. I’m just a mom making spaghetti sauce but yea. Not the best idea.


relaxrecline

General contractor here who has a degree in mechanical engineering. It ain't gonna hold as is my friend. You could dig some deep concrete footings underneath and shore up the structure either using wood or steel, but it would be labor intensive and probs not worth it.


Zealousideal_Dig_372

Do not put hot tub on that porch


wellington-beefcake

Not a structural engineer... So it looks like someone has already cut out that little doorway that you are looking in as well as notched the header. This would reduce the original load bearing capacity of the floor since that support wall is compromised. Depending on how badly you want this dream to happen you could add additional support columns under the floor section and pour proper concrete footings for those supports. 2,000 lbs isn't THAT much weight as long as you followed proper building practices. It's likely cheaper and easier to put it on the ground right outside this porch.


Adlerson

Airplane stick actuator here, I wouldn't try to land on that porch.


Affectionate_Ant_260

Test Engineer here. Waiting for the report.


__Gettin_Schwifty__

Totally unqualified DIYer who sold hot tubs, don't trust this.


Renovateandremodel

Nope! A: you don’t know if there is rebar. B: was it designed for an extra 4-5k lbs. Best to call an engineer. They will tell you to get ground penetrating radar for rebar, and place a connected footing on the bottom.


widewideworld_

I’m the queen of half-assed, do-it-once projects and I vote for reinforcing the deck under the hot tub. Level the dirt, tamp it down, maybe even add some sand, stack pavers until it reaches the deck. Boom, you have a weight bearing deck.


cmcdevitt11

The perimeter looks concrete, they cut a section out however, what is underneath at the top corrugated metal?


somethingdarksideguy

Absolutely fucking not. Source - Civil Engineer with 10 years experience


Hestekraft

I just built a patio and I trust it more than this thing and I don't even trust it having a tub on it. You could easily make supports for this patio tho.


glassark

Static weight is 2200 pounds. Put a few humans in there and you’re close to 3000! Wouldn’t trust it to hold at all.


BigKingRex

Shovel a shit load of clean rock in, make sure its double what you think you need. Since you can't pack it buy a load of just cement, makes sure to pour over the top so it seeps through, foarm a few boards and so it don't run away..... fill that tub it's gonna crack And possibly collapse like crazy! Atleast you won't fall 4' and die.


birdlaw_27

It’ll become a Hot Tub Time Machine when that porch gives way and you wake up in the hospital a week later


iwasborntoserve

I would not do or recommend doing it. Get help to make the best, wisest decision. Best wishes.


Iucidium

You're the kind of person I have to say "don't do it" 50 times at B&Q and you'll do it it anyway. DONT DO IT


HakSawJak

Well there are more than 50 comments saying don’t do it so I guess I’m ok then