Can My Floor Support a Water Bed?

Total Weight

• The total weight of a hard-frame water bed can be determined by multiplying the width of the bed in feet by 300 lbs. Therefore, a queen-sized hard-frame contains about 1,500 lbs. of water. Soft-side water beds, which look like traditional mattresses but are filled with several individual mattress bladders, contain about half the water of a hard-frame. A queen-sized soft-side water bed weights about 750 lbs.

Weight Distribution

• Even though water beds contain a significant amount of water, the weight is distributed evenly across a wide area. A hard-frame bed causes no more stress to the floor than a filled bathtub. Any level of any home built to code is capable of holding a water bed.

Waterbed Safety

• To prevent water damage, a safety liner should always be placed on top of the plywood decking and heating pad and under the mattress. If leaks occur, the heating pad should be unplugged until all areas of the bed are fully dry. A mattress repair kit should be kept on hand, and any surface punctures should be taken care of immediately. Seam leaks are covered by manufacturer's warranty and cannot be patched.

Waterbed Maintenance

• Every six months, water bed conditioner should be added to the water to prevent bacteria growth that could weaken the mattress. Conditioner also discourages bubble formation, which could eventually cause discomfort. To keep the valves and mattress from cracking and possibly leaking, the mattress surface should be wiped down with a vinyl cleanser every six months.