KHJH

We didn't get a lifter with our tub because it was going to be recessed into our deck (or should I say, the deck was going to be built around it) and we wanted to see how things worked out and what options we'd have. Well, the deck is almost done and we're not sure which way to go with a lifter. I've got plenty of room behind the tub - so space isn't an issue - but we don't want anything to block our view. Any suggestions? The Cover Shelf looks interesting. Does anyone have one...or any suggestions? Thanks!

We just got our Sundance Optima yesterday and have noticed that the light in the little iPod docking station stays on all the time. There's nothing in the manual about this and I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this - before I call my dealer. Thanks!

Sounds like a regular ol' sump pump will do the trick - and I guess it won't hurt to have a back-up on hand should either of my pumps in the basement blow out. Thanks!

My hot tub is about to be "enclosed" by our new deck and getting to the drain plug and sneaking the hose under the deck could be a hassle. Does anyone out there use a pump to drain their tubs? If so, are there any recommendations? Thanks!

From what I've read, all I need to do is move (or remove) any panel screws that would be inaccessible once the deck is in place. I'll have to size that up once the tub is on site - and before the deck goes in - but I think that should do the trick. Thanks for the info - I think I'm piecing it together and will have it all sorted out before the tub goes in and the deck gets installed. Thanks for the info!

How "deep" are you making the "trap door" for you access panel? I've heard 18" is acceptable, but I've also heard 24"? What about the other three sides? I'm assuming they can be considerably smaller?

Spa Guru, That's what I was thinking too...but wasn't sure if it was standard practice. and since I'm a total newbie, I figured I'd better ask. Thanks for the tip. Do I only need to do that on the control panel side or do I need similar access on the other sides as well? Thanks again!

We're re-doing our deck in conjunction with the purchse of our new tub. The tub will go on the ground and the deck will be built around it. The deck will only about 14" off the ground and I'm confused as to what kind of access I need. Getting the tub in place will be easy - the old deck will be gone and the new one won't be built until after the tub is in and sorted out. I'm told I need to have a 24 inch "trap door" on one side to get to the guts of the hot tub. Can we frame right up to the tub - which will mean that whoever has to work on the tub (hopefully not for a long time) will need to work around joists / frame to get to the tub? Or do they typically expect a "clear" opening to the tub? If so, what's the best way to do this? What about the other three sides? What kind of clearance do we need to leave on the other sides? I'll be discussing this more with my sales person, but I thought I'd see what folks out here have done in these situations and what insights you could share. Thanks!

I'm blowing away my old deck, which sits about 16" off the ground, putting a tub on the ground and building a new deck (same height as before) around the tub. Install will be easy, as there won't be a deck to deal with, but when I build the new deck, do I need to have access to all four sides or just on the side where the controls are located - and how big should that be? I'm getting conflicting information from certain sources and was wondering what folks out here had to say. Thanks!

Not pavers. More like pea gravel or modified stone, which is what I think I read somewhere or possibly heard at the dealer. I know the idea of the pad is to avoid having to use pavers, concrete, etc., but it can get pretty wet around here and we have a high water table, so putting the pad directly on the ground concerns me. modified stone works best. easy to level and stays tight to pads don't move. Spa Guru, Thanks for the info...how many inches of modified stone should I use?

Not pavers. More like pea gravel or modified stone, which is what I think I read somewhere or possibly heard at the dealer. I know the idea of the pad is to avoid having to use pavers, concrete, etc., but it can get pretty wet around here and we have a high water table, so putting the pad directly on the ground concerns me.

I've decided to go with an EZ-Pad for my hot tub base, for a number of reasons, but I don't want to put it directly on the ground. Any recommendations (or firsthand experience) as to what type of stone - and how much- I should use underneath the pad (8' x 8')? Thanks!

I've decided to go with an EZ-Pad for my hot tub base, for a number of reasons, but I don't want to put it directly on the ground. Any recommendations (or firsthand experience) as to what type of stone - and how much- I should use underneath the pad (8' x 8')? Thanks!

Thanks for the info. I know things aren't totally "apple to apples" based on location, but at least that gives me an idea on price. Even with the stereo, being a "left over" model, I think they could still come down in price a bit. I'll see what they can do.

Eric, Thanks for the info! If you don't mind saying, could I ask how much you paid for your Tub? Thanks!