how long can a sonotube sit before concrete is poured?

pfisch

I need to dig 8 footings for my deck, and will be doing this over the course of about a week. I want to pour all the concrete after the holes are dug, and the sonotubes are set. My question is can I set each tube and backfill as I go along (which leaves smaller holes in my yard), or should I wait until right before I pour the concrete? I'm worried about the tubes getting soggy before I can get concrete in them, but at the same it would be easier to protect a small 8" opening rather than the un-backfilled hole.

By the way, weather looks decent for the next week. No inspections. And soil drains pretty well.

Thanks,

Rob

Ron6519

The tubes will degrade over time due to moisture. They should be filled as soon as possible once they're set.
Ron

jogr

I've had them backfilled for a week. It's not a problem if the soil is reasonably dry. Keep them covered with a tarp.

pfisch

Thanks.

I hope that one week would be the maximum that they'd sit.