Undertaker

I am trying to build one now. I don't have a clue, really, but have been making some progress. "Free Hot Tub", delivered to my house. Now the fun part. It was tough for me to take on this project, as I value my time, but my girlfriend wanted me to proceed. So I built a deck, at first it was 8x8, but after looking at the tub sitting on it, the deck changed to 8x12. The tub is a VitaSpa 5x6 with 6 jets. I have determined the height from the deck to the bottom of the lips as being 25 1/2". So I am framing a wall around it. Then I will be shimming underneath it. I intend to use scraps of wood and foam. Once the tub is secured, I will be needing a spapack. Here is what I started with regarding the framing. Now looking like this. I intend to build a box off to the side of my spa, install my pack in there and run the pipes through the exterior and into the old cabinet for the connection. I also intend to convert it from air controls to electronic. Orginal pump is 1hp, but the new pump will be ordered at 1.5hp. Blower attached to pack. Buying a filter system that will need plumbed in within the attached box, so that I can lift out the filter more easily. The box MAYBE a bad idea, but I think that it will help curb the noise of the pump running. Again, it may be a mistake not to fit it into the existing compartment. I will have spent about $1,000 on the spa to refurb it, but it will be brand new in that aspect. So not too bad a deal. The deck I would have had to build no matter which tub would be used. Also, having to pay an electrician to run the power and install the anti- electrocution module thingy is going to cost additional monies. But the spa shell is in great shape and the cover is as well. I figure their value to be about equal to the cost of the refurb. I want to see it running with flush before I enclose the sides. The connections may have leaks. I see your project as being even tougher. Mine is about as difficult as I could imagine anyone wishing to take on. I noticed that the compartment inside the spa had been wet for some time, as the pump was rusted badly. I would be concerned about using a metal frame. The humidity, contained within, would degrade the metal over time. I suspect these spas are naturally moist and warm underneath. Pick your material wisely. Also, mine will not be portable once finished, but rather stuck in place. I don't intend to move anytime soon. BUT....if when you make yours, make certain that you build a skid underneath your frame so the integrity of the frame is not compromised during a transport. I offer my mess in response to your request for ideas. Good luck with your project. I hope mine goes smoothly. Alot to learn about spa packs, water treatment, etc. Good website.

Hello- I live in Florida and just received a free spa. My brother brought it over from some ladies house and plunked it in the yard. I came home and saw this. Ok....so it looks bad, but the shell is in great shape. I decided, actually, my girlfriend decided for me, that I would give her a go. My first spa. So.... I did this. Built a new deck, solid, and have been working out the framing issues. I have that. Soon will be finished. Having my electrician install a breaker switchy thingy, run wire and get ready for the big hookup to the power grid. I have heard these things eat kilowatts. My reason for registering here and posting is because after I get it all framed....ain't got a clue about these things. My spapack looks like this. So now it looks like this. Soon...it will be long gone. I am deciding on who will get my sale for a new pack. the spa has vacum line controls now, but I have decided to get the electrical controls. I am actually going to install the pack in a box built off to the side of the tub, not back inside the original cubby hole. I figure this will reduce noise and allow me to install a filter housing that can be more easily accessed. The spapack will be single motor 1.5 HP, the original has 1.0 HP. I have six jets, so the slight increase is going to be warranted. Spa guts sells a pack. They also sell a filter assembly. The old Ozonator looks like it probably still works. Appears to have been installed post sale. I like the idea of Nature2, as chlorine smells make me nauseous. I heard bromine is nice. Decisions, decisions. The choices are confusing to me. i do not want to try to establish and maintain a natural biofilter. I refuse to ask the local spa guy for his opinion- he was rude when I just wanted to look around. he wanted to sell me a replacement spa. "Total chatastrophy", he called it. Then he wanted to determine just how bad I wanted a new spa. No real help. So I reach out to you, and while I don't expect a disertation, an epic, or even comments about my sanity, I would welcome hardily any direction to past posts that would give me foundational information. Thanks- Paul