New Tub, Installing In-Ground

[Hot Tub Lover]

I may need to get a new tub. Mine is 30 years old, and the heater doesn't appear to be working.

My wife insists a new tub be installed in the ground, like a swimming pool.

What are the issues with this? Must the hole be lined with cement? Plastic? Or what? Is electrical a major issue for in-ground tubs? What about getting to the equipment for repairs and maintenance? Are bugs an issue? If the spa leaks, the water will go into the ground. Is this an issue? And down the line, if we need to replace the tub again, I guess we’ll to get one a similar size to the existing one to fit in the same hole. Do tubs usually stay around the same exterior size? And lastly, what is the approximate cost to sink a tub? 4 person, about 300 gallons.

And CAN a prefab fibegrass tub be installed in-ground? Or do I need to have a tub custom-built, like a swimming pool with tile, etc..., for that?

Thanks!

[Spa_Guru]

In ground installations were quite common in the mid and late eighties, but really are not the best idea for efficiency or reparability.

Most spas sold today are "Portables" where the equipment is underneath, if you are determined to do it in the ground, first construct a concrete vault, and ring it with removable decking like this guy;

[Spa_Guru]

The other method is to purchase the spa shell plumbed, but not in a cabinet or set up with equipment, then place it in the ground, if you are going this route, the installation method depends on your soil type, depth to bedrock etc.

Be advised that there are pluses and minuses of this type of install, the plus being the equipment is usually installed remotely (in your garage for example) so you cannot hear it, the down sides are the equipment needs to be UL listed for this application, and is quite expensive, a hard wired control panel is not likely to be available, so it must be equipped with air controls or a remote electronic control. This type of install is also not going to be as efficient in either in electrical use or the power of the pump reaching the jets, which can be compensated for by reducing the number of jets.

[Doug1]

I'm new to this board and the pool / hot tub / spa lifestyle. Looking forward to having a pool and spa installed at the end of June.

The design that was made for me has the spa surrounded on 3 sides. (Very tight with no access.) I've learned enough from lurking that I should have much better access. Is 18" on 3 sides sufficient for a Coyote Tucson?

Would being surrounded not be more efficient, sheltering to some degree from winds etc? I live in Ontario, Canada if that helps.

What about the noise from the spa, it will be on a concrete pad but it will be approximately 8 feet from our master bedroom window. Should this be a concern? It seems to be the ideal place for the spa, not far from the patio doors to the backyard so it won't be far to go in the winter.

Are there any other concerns I should have that can be addressed before installation?

Thank you