pbartha

I had the same problem. My old spa (inherited) sat on the same pad. I hate things out of level so the old spa was shimmed. All of the research I did said, DO NOT SHIM !!! So my new tub was not to be shimmed. I didn't like the idea of shimming anyway. I considered several options, grinding a spot level. Too expensive around $500 Pouring a level top on the existing pad. Too time consuming and minimum thickness requirements. Build a frame level and fill with gravel, crushed 5/8 or 3/4. Ding, ding , ding, we have a winner. Several advantages to this plan. No specific skill involved to working concrete. The supplies are cheap and easily acquired. I didn't have to engineer the thickness of the concrete to assure it wouldn't crack and leveling would require a form anyway so I would be building the frame if I poured concrete or not. Drainage is better with crushed stone. Rain water and spillage would drain through the stone rather than pool around the base. The more I thought about it the better I liked it. So, 4 PT 2x4's. and 1/2 cubic yard of crushed stone. Scribe the 2x4's to the slope by laying a level on top of the 2x4's and shim them until they are level. Set a divider (compass) to the largest gap. Then drag the divider from the largest gap to where the 2x4 touches the ground leaving a pencil line that is opposite of the ground slope. Cut the 2x4 following the line you drew. Lay the 2x4 on the ground and place your level on top to check your work. Screw the 2x4's together at the corners and then bolt to the concrete either through the 2x4 or use some steel brackets on the inside. Fill with crushed stone and screed level with the top. Compact and repeat until you have a flat level pad. Finish with a layer of roofing shingles, this provides a smooth surface and keeps the stone from exiting the enclosure. I had mine done in 2hours and the tub set within 3. Level on the rim of the tub shows dead on. I am happy with the install and it should last a long time. This sure beats shimming and for the advantages explained above, this was my best choice. Your requirements may differ, this was my experience.

Yup, that is how I feel too. I actually have sales people get mad at me because I know what I want and they don't want to sell it to me. I posted on here about looking for information and feedback on a brand and was told by the people who know all to consider other tubs that were 2x more expensive. My favorite line from sales people is "how much were you thinking of spending?" or "what is your budget?" and at the same not wanting to tell you how much the tubs cost. Sometimes you are browsing and just want to know what it costs. It was like pulling teeth to get the Arctic dealer to tell me how f'ing much. They wanted to talk about value and operating costs, I said fine but how much? It's like they are embarrassed to tell you and are avoiding it. The worst part is no one wants to collect the data to find out if the high cost tubs are any better, I think they are afraid of finding out, like that a Toyota is more reliable and lower priced than a Mercedes. Plenty of people still like and want the Mercedes and I think you should make your own decision based on as much information as you can get and in the end do what will bring you the most joy. Great thing about this country is there is a market for everything. I have a Ford and I love it, I was just using those brands to illustrate my point.

I have owned a tub for 5 years and It was a used 'freebie' that I received broken. I rebuilt the cabinet replaced the wet end of the pump, fixed the motor and heater. Replumbed parts of it replaced the filter canister, thermowell etc, etc, etc. When the spa pak went out and just the parts to replace it were going to cost almost $1000, I decided it was time to junk it. It had a very hard life before I got it (I think I was owner #4) and it was time to start anew. What I learned about myself from 5 years of spa ownership was A) I like to sit in warm water, not hot. If it is over 101 I can't stay in very long about 100 is perfect. I like silence when sitting in warm water. C) Jets and bubbles can be fun but for the most part I didn't use them. D) If you don't have 75 jets you don't need twin 5 hp pumps E) I like the water deep, I am 6'3" F) The lounger was never used and just takes up space, then if you have guests someone gets stuck 1/2 out of the water. So, what I need is a tub with a single pump 2 speed motor, minimal jets and no lounger. Most manufacturers and dealers sell on jet count and Hp. I don't want to watch TV, I like it dark, the water fall is cool but unnecessary. Most of the dealers I have talked to don't want to sell to me, they make their money on upgrades and loaded tubs. The money is in the spa pak, the shell, and the tub, so the more you add to that the better your margin. So when I found the Belize 1000 spa at the SpaDepot I thought it was perfect for me. http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Belize-1000-Hot-Tub-Spa-P922C59.aspx It is 39" deep as well as no lounger, etc, etc. So anyone have any experiences with this company? Suggestions as to other tubs I should look at based on the info I gave above? Thanks.