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The Cover Guy

A Guide to Building Hot Tub Steps

Although we don’t have definitive statistics (73.6% of statistics are made up on the spot), The Cover Guy suspects that steps are probably the most often overlooked hot tub accessory. When most people buy a new spa they make sure they have everything they are going to need:

  • Hot tub cover? Check.
  • Cover lifter? Check.
  • Water chemicals? Check.
  • Cool floating rubber ducky with a built-in FM radio? Check.

But then they go to use their tub for the first time and… Steps to get into the hot tub? Oops.

If you find yourself trying to use your hot tub without any hot tub steps, you may soon realize that they aren’t really an “optional” option with most spas. If you have an above ground hot tub, it’s essential to have a safe and easy way to get in and out. That means investing in sturdy, non-slip hot tub steps. It’s great if they look nice, too.

This leaves you with two options: one, buy some hot tub steps or, two, build some hot tub steps. There are tons of options for hot tub steps to buy, but if you need an excuse to pull out the tools, or you just want something more customized for your hot tub space, building them is the answer.

building steps for hot tubsHow to build hot tub steps

Building steps for your hot tub is an easy DIY project depending on how elaborate you want to go. The nice thing about building your own hot tub steps is that you can build them as big or small as you want. For most spas, the building of hot tub steps consists of just building two boxes. However, you can completely customize this area of your hot tub and make all kinds of different entry steps.

  • Choose wood that looks good and matches or compliments the color of your spa. Redwood and cedar are both good choices, as is kiln-hardened Douglas fir.
  • Once you’ve picked out your wood, it’s time to cut the pieces you’ll need for your hot tub steps. You’ll need to cut four pieces from a two-by-four  stringers, and four pieces to use as the sides, depending on how tall the side of your hot tub is. Lastly, you will need four pieces of two-by-four cut for the treads.
  • Cut the stringers to the width you want the hot tub steps to be. The hot tubs step can be as wide or narrow as you like.
  • Next cut the four pieces for your sides. If it’s going to be two steps then you need two cuts at fourteen inches and two cuts at seven inches.
  • Then, cut your treads to be five inches longer than  your stringers.
  • Build two boxes using wood screws and wood glue, and secure them to each other like in the above picture above.
  • Use wood glue and screws to attach two treads per level of step centering them and leaving a small gap between each tread. 
  • Remember: measure twice, cut once.

It’s a great idea to attach your new hot tub steps firmly to both the side of the hot tub and to the decking using mounting brackets and screws. If your tub rests on something other than wooden decking, you’ll need to attach them to the ground in some other way.

New steps for hot tubs

And there you have it – some lovely, sturdy hot tub steps. Building your own hot tub steps is a rewarding experience if you have the time and tools. It allows for a fully-customizable space. Some might choose to add planters to the sides of the steps, while others might want to make unique shapes around the hot tub.

Steps for hot tubs also ensure a safer hot tub entry and exit, especially for those that aren’t capable of climbing up a slippery surface. Hot tub steps make a seamless experience. The focus of the hot tub (relaxation and enjoyment) remains undisturbed.

building steps for hot tubsBuying hot tub steps

Hot tub steps come in a wide variety of colors and styles, and are made of several different materials including wood, stone, and high-grade plastics. They are available with or without built-in storage. The Cover Guy offers a great option fror hot tub steps at a great price. Browse The Cover Guy to see what else can heighten your hot tub experience.