Dreamscapes Pools/Design

Installation of a recessed spa is a bit of a pain, but as the last comment has stated, can be done safely and correctly. We have design and installed many spas in applications similar to yours and would never recommend setting the spa on anything but concrete. The soil composition and grade usually are overlooked and lead to many future problems with your spa settling. Even with a perfiect installation, a poor foundation can lead to disaster in the future. This is what our company would do if your spa was 8'x8' for example.. 1) Establish finish grade "top of spa" and mark with a long wooden stake. Most people do not have laser levels. 2) Measure the exact height of your spa and mark on your stake the bottom grade with a permanent marker. 3) Excavate 8" below the mark and completely remove the soil. You may have to dig deeper if you cannot find virgin soil. 4) The newly excavated hole should be 10'x10' if possible to allow for 1' overhang on all sides for service. 5) Fill the excavated area with 4" of crushed limestone or #6 limestone. Then compact. 6) Pour a 4" thick slab and use wire mesh to keep slab from breaking apart in the future. The cost and headache of doing this is far less than having a spa settle. In that case your entire spa would have to be drained, removed and you would have to perform the steps above anyways. Then of course re-install the entire thing again!!!!!!