Concrete Pads for Sheds, Hot Tubs & Spas
Dirty Boys Concrete pours small, precisely built concrete pads for sheds, hot tubs, spas, generators, AC units, and other backyard structures throughout the Wasatch Front. These jobs look simple, but a pad that isn’t level, isn’t thick enough, or sits on poorly prepared ground causes real problems — a shed door that won’t close, a hot tub shell under stress, standing water pooling against a structure.
Every pad we pour gets the same commercial-grade approach we use on our largest driveways: proper excavation, compacted subgrade, and a mix built for Utah’s freeze-thaw climate. We’ve been doing this across Salt Lake and Utah counties since 2009.
Pad Sizing for Sheds, Hot Tubs & Spas
We size every pad to the actual structure or equipment, not a generic template. Standard sheds run 8×10 up to 12×24 — we typically pour the pad 4 to 6 inches larger than the shed footprint on each side to give you a clean, stable base for the door threshold and roof runoff.
Hot tub and spa pads are sized to the unit’s exact footprint with a small margin for access and service panels. Swim spas are a different animal — considerably larger and heavier once filled, they need a pad sized and reinforced for that added load, not treated like a standard hot tub. Level is non-negotiable here — an out-of-level pad can stress the shell and cause leaks or void the manufacturer’s warranty. We set final grade using string lines, high-grade levels, and laser levels for more demanding situations.
For generators, AC condensers, and utility pads, sizing follows the manufacturer’s clearance and service-access requirements.
Thickness & Reinforcement
A filled hot tub with people in it can weigh 4,000 to 5,000+ pounds — typically under 100 lbs per square foot across the pad, but still concentrated over a small footprint — far more per square foot than a parked car. Sheds carry lighter, more evenly distributed loads, but still need a stable, non-settling base to keep doors and walls square.
Our standard for shed, hot tub, and utility pads is a minimum 4-inch slab using our commercial grade 6-bag 4000 PSI mix. For spa pads and larger sheds on softer soil, we add wire mesh reinforcement and can thicken the edge for extra support. This is the same freeze-thaw-rated mix standard we use across every project we build.
Types of Pads We Install
Shed & Storage Building Pads
A poured concrete base for prefab or custom-built sheds — sized to your building’s footprint, properly compacted, and finished flat so the structure sits square and the door operates cleanly for years. Broom finish standard; decorative finishes available on request.
Hot Tub & Spa Pads
Precisely leveled pads built to support the full weight of a filled spa. We confirm structural requirements against your specific hot tub model before pouring — different manufacturers have different pad specifications.
Swim Spa Pads
Swim spas are considerably larger and heavier than standard hot tubs, often running 12 to 19+ feet long. We size and reinforce these pads specifically for the added weight and footprint, typically with a thicker pour than a standard spa pad requires.
Generator & AC Condenser Pads
Small utility pads built to equipment manufacturer clearance and access specifications, with proper drainage so water doesn’t pool against the unit.
Side Yard & Utility Pads
General-purpose small slabs for trash can enclosures, firewood storage, side-yard walkable pads, and other backyard utility needs.
Pergola & Gazebo Pads
Footings and pads sized to your structure, available in broom finish or stamped and colored to match your outdoor living space.
Shipping Container Pads
Reinforced to handle heavy point loads from container corner supports.
Playhouse & Small Structure Pads
A stable, level base for playhouses and other light backyard structures.
What to Consider Before Installing a Small Concrete Pad
Utility line locations — before any excavation we recommend calling 811 to have underground utilities marked, even for small pads. Buried irrigation and electrical lines are common in Utah backyards.
Drainage — pads near a home, fence line, or structure need to be sloped so water moves away, not toward, whatever sits on top of them. We assess this on every site before we design the pad.
Manufacturer specs for hot tubs and generators — many manufacturers publish specific pad thickness, reinforcement, and clearance requirements. Have your model information ready when you request a quote so we can build to spec.
HOA rules — some HOAs regulate shed placement, size, or visibility from the street. Worth checking before you finalize a location.
Service Areas
We pour shed, hot tub, spa, and utility pads throughout Salt Lake and Utah counties including Riverton, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan, South Jordan, Herriman, Murray, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, West Valley City, Taylorsville, Millcreek, Bluffdale, Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Highland, Alpine, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Orem, and Park City. Call 801-864-5026 or Request a Free Bid online.
Frequently Asked Questions — Shed & Spa Pads Utah
How much does a small concrete pad cost in Utah?
Most shed and spa pads start at $1,500 and run up to $4,500 depending on size, reinforcement needs, and site access. Larger sheds or pads requiring significant excavation may cost more. We provide free detailed quotes within 24 hours — call 801-864-5026 or request a bid online.
How thick does a shed or hot tub pad need to be?
We use a 4-inch minimum for shed, utility, and standard hot tub pads using our commercial grade 6-bag 4000 PSI mix. For larger spas or softer soil conditions, we add wire mesh reinforcement and may thicken the edges for extra support.
Do I need a permit for a shed or hot tub pad?
Most small pads on private residential property don’t require a building permit, however shed pads over 200 sq ft generally do. We recommend checking with your city and HOA before installation — we can help navigate the process if a permit is required.
How do you make sure a hot tub pad is level?
We set final grade using string lines, high-grade levels, and laser levels when the situation calls for it, not by eye. An out-of-level hot tub pad can stress the spa shell, cause leaks, and in some cases void the manufacturer’s warranty — precision here matters more than on almost any other type of pad we pour.
How long does it take to pour a shed or spa pad?
Most small pads complete in a single day — excavation, forming, and pouring. The pad is ready for foot traffic after 24 hours and full cure takes 28 days, though most sheds and hot tubs can be placed sooner once the concrete has set — ask us for guidance specific to your project.
How do I get a free quote for a shed or hot tub pad?
Call 801-864-5026 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or submit our online bid request form. Send us your shed or spa model and dimensions along with a photo of the installation area — we’ll return a free detailed quote within 24 hours.
Can you match my existing patio or driveway concrete?
We’ll get as close as possible to your existing concrete’s color and finish, but concrete color and texture are affected by temperature, weather, humidity, and mix design at the time of the pour — even the same coloring system can look slightly different from one season to the next. We can’t guarantee an exact match, but we use the same materials and techniques to get you as close as possible.