Hottub cement slab, what to put under form??

[zinfendel]

Will be pouring a slab for a hottub in the back of my house, will be 9.5' square and 7"-8" thick (to make min delivery of redi-mix cement worthwhile). I plan on making the square form out of 2-by wood or thick plywood and staking it.

How should I prep the ground? I remember being told somewhere that having cement contact soil is bad because the soil will wick the moisture out of the cement and it will not cure correctly.

I have access to all sorts of peastone and gravel left over from the PO's, would that be best under the cement? How thick?

Lastly, what type of reinforcemnt is best for this type of thing? "wire cloth"? I assume I can find a place to buy it. Home Depot sells 1/2" rebar... would that be over kill?

Soil under slab is very sandy and firm.

Thanks

JH

[Wgoodrich]

YOU SAID;

Will be pouring a slab for a hottub in the back of my house, will be 9.5' square and 7"-8" thick (to make min delivery of redi-mix cement worthwhile). I plan on making the square form out of 2-by wood or thick plywood and staking it.

REPLY;
4" should be all you need but if you want 7 or 8" is fine. Most forming is done by boards and stakes.

YOU SAID;
How should I prep the ground? I remember being told somewhere that having cement contact soil is bad because the soil will wick the moisture out of the cement and it will not cure correctly.

REPLY;
Sand or pea gravel. I would dig about 6" deeper and fill with pure sand or peagravel then pour on that fill.

YOU SAID;
I have access to all sorts of peastone and gravel left over from the PO's, would that be best under the cement? How thick?

REPLY;
Yes about 6"

YOU SAID;
Lastly, what type of reinforcemnt is best for this type of thing? "wire cloth"? I assume I can find a place to buy it. Home Depot sells 1/2" rebar... would that be over kill?

REPLY;
Wire fence is the accepted re-enforcing of concrete flooring.


Sorry about the late reply been very busy due to spring

Wg