StanW

Don't give up on what you want. You also need to consider the warrantee you'll be getting on your new spa. If you have any structural problems (spa surface,etc.), they'll relate it to an improper foundation, and not warrantee it. Good luck.

Are you referring to Gulf Coast spas?

I bought my Cal spa a year ago and was seriously considering a Gulf Coast spa from one of the local warehouse distributors. I read a lot about issues people had with warrantee coverage from Gulf Coast. (You better mail in your warrantee card promptly.) You need to be personally handy to deal with any potential problems that arise, they'll try to diagnose problems by phone and help you fix them, but it depends on the quality of the person you're dealing with. I bought the Cal Spa from a local dealer who services it and has his reputation in my town to uphold. I've been very pleased.

You might try the Lowes website. I've used their software package to design two decks, one with my hot tub on it.

The first thing I would definitely recommend is that you wet test the tubs. That way you can assess whether the 18 jets are sufficient or not. It's not only the number of jets, but the type and water pressure that will govern your satisfaction. In today's market, 18 jets is fairly small, for a tub with at least 4 seats. I would discount what the salesman said and evaluate it for yourself. I purchased the maintenence free siding and highly recommend it. Natural redwood is nice but who wants to finish it every six months. And more than likely you won't and it'll start to deteriorate. The artificial sidings are very attractive and will keep that look longer. Good Luck !!!!

What does the label indicate the principal contents of the product are?

Another option you have is to goes to Lowes website. They have an on-line deck designer. If you put in your information, it'll lay out what their design. It may not be exactly like yours, but it will show you what they recommend (with stress calculations). My "gut feel" is yours is more than adequately designed. I put a six person tub in last Fall with 2x8s and one double beam under the spa. I spaced the joists 12" since I ran the decking boards diagonally. It's working fine. If we had an earthquake or a tornado, I'd get under the deck, as the safest place to be. Just kidding. Good luck with your deck and enjoy your spa.

I've had a Cal Spa for 6 months and I love it. Have had no problems. We've got a great dealer in town who warrantees it beyond what Cal provides. There seem to be a lot of negative comments about Cal Spas on this forum, but my experience has been nothing but positive.

I paid $800 for a job similar to yours (in Memphis - a low cost area). The guy did a first class job and I have no regrets. I had previously been quoted $200-$300 by a guy (sight unseen). I was very suspicious and ignored him. Copper prices are very high - that's why wire is expensive. Some of the wiring is outside my house and how it looks is important to me. It's in paintable conduit that looks great. Good luck, you'll really enjoy your spa.

I bought a Cal Spa last November. When I was looking, I saw a great deal on a Gulf Coast spa from a "warehouse" dealer. Checking it out, I found a great many people had problems with Gulf Coast honoring their warrantees. (If you don't mail in the card within ten days, the warrantee is void.) I can't vouch for it personally but that's what I was told. Also, when the warehouse manager told me they could install the 220V wiring in my house for $200-300 (sight unseen), I became a bit more suspicious. I went with the Cal Spa which was a bit more expensive because there was a large reputable dealer in town who would service it and support the warrantee. I have had no trouble whatsoever so far. Good luck in your selection!!!