That's a good idea about the hot tub. lol
The ground is mainly dirt, gravel, and rock with very little, if any, clay. I've been told by neighbourhood residents that we're all gravel and rock out there and that's why it's so hard to get gardens to grow without replacing the soil every year. I'm not too sure about water table level or wind loading. Any idea how I would find that out??
My initial planning was to add two 6X6 posts parallel to the outside posts but at the back of the patio area. Basically to the left of the entrance door downstairs and at the far right, just right of that window. Plus I'd add two more 6X6 posts directly under the tank. A 6X6 beam will sit above the posts as well. I would cut a 12X12 square out of the concrete slab for each post, dig down maybe a foot and pour a concrete footing with a bolt to attach the posts to. I have to be mindful of the perimeter drain in front of that window though too.
The front and open part of the patio is another concern right now. I do have a tenant and I would like them to have a small area to stand outside without getting wet. They don't need to be able to entertain down there but the more open the better. I also want to make sure I can get a wheel barrow or a lawn mower through the garage door on the right easily enough so I'm open to ideas on how to support this section. I already planned on adding another 6X6 post on the left and the right of the deck running parallel with the front posts and a 6X6 beam above them but I don't think that will be enough support in the center to accommodate the 210G of water above it. Correct me if I'm wrong though.
For the wall with the sump against it I have some 2X8's that I'm going to beef up the floor joists to make an 8X8 beam that will also rest on and run perpendicular to the support beams that are running parallel with the house being held up by the support posts.
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Jason
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