Cusser

That Ace pump should work fine for your need. Yes, I think the blue discharge hose would work for spa draining, but like posted earlier: don't expect such hose to last forever (especially when left out in the Arizona sun).

I have a small submersible pump from Home Depot (also see Harbor Freight), bought for my 3500 gallon above-ground pool about 15 years ago, was under $100. I have also used it in my spa (350 gallons). That blue flat hose, used for swimming pool functions like when backwashing is available in 1.5 and 2" sizes, and can go around corners.

I'm in Arizona, and I "summerize" mine. I put the pump on timer for about an hour a day, and turn off the heater. For you, the opposite might be to heat to like 45F degrees; you won't use much electricity or sanitizer at that temperature.

post photos, good clear ones. If tapered pipe thread, then add PTFE tape. If straight thread, typically an O-ring or gasket, like on a vehicle oil drain plug.

If mine, I'd definitely try to take it apart and repair/seal. I'd even use automotive cooling system gasket/RTV in a tube, like used for thermostat outlet sealing.

In your case, I would coat the original gasket with sealant from the auto parts store that states to use for cooling systems, thermostat outlets, etc., and then assemble.

Wow. I clean my filter like every few months.

I have used such leak seal chemical for about 10 years myself on my 32-year-old CalSpa. I also cannot find the leak, suspect it's on the side 8: from the home's block wall. I use once or twice a year, follow directions. There a few brands available. https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk01Pg-_n3Y6YrK4KqXW3Vf6sLHtwrQ%3A1603150197678&source=hp&ei=dSGOX-fMJYiQsAW_3bLwBg&q=spa+leak+sealer&oq=spa+leak+&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQARgBMgUIABDJAzICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAOgQIIxAnOgUIABCRAjoECAAQQzoFCAAQsQM6CAgAELEDEIMBOgsILhCxAxDHARCjAjoOCC4QsQMQgwEQxwEQowI6BAguECc6B

I assume that you have a cover for the spa ?? Do you use a timer to heat at certain times or is it simply set to maintain a temperature ?? Is your electric rate based upon highest 1-hour demand for the month ?? Mine is not in a garage, but your garage must be warmer than winter morning temperatures, even for me in Arizona. My 1988 CalSpa gets set to 104F around the clock in winter and heats only about 30 minutes per day and keeps temperature fine.

I would assume that most spas are manufactured so that the bottom of the "tub" would sit on a flat surface. So I say add the cross member supports, sure cannot cost much ! My own spa sits on a concrete patio, so I have no direct experience with this, and cannot remember what the underside of mine looks like...

The "shelf" for wine glasses is especially important !!!! My 32-year-old CalSpa has the expanding foam type insulation. Of course this makes it quite tough to access any plumbing on the non-equipment side to find/fix any repairs. So fine if nothing ever needs service. I like the pink fiberglass insulation idea myself; this is what a contractor used for us when he installed a bathtub into our remodeled bathroom, at our suggestion.

Try leak seal liquid, no joke. I have a 1988 CalSpa and have had a leak at the side 8" from my home's wall - of course; so I have used leak seal up to twice a year for over a decade, it does work. I've used both these brands, and I buy online. https://www.spadepot.com/Seal-a-Leak-Spa-Leak-Sealer-16oz-P790 https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Leak-Pool-Sealer-32/dp/B003K1E99Y/ref=pd_lpo_86_t_1/144-0995182-2396007?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003K1E99Y&pd_rd_r=39b2dfe5-db08-4b52-9671-295b07d7f95f&pd_rd_w=Et8gQ&pd_rd_wg=OwFVs&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd

Post pictures. I don't know if you have clearance, but a big oil filter channelock type wrench or Vise-Grips LC-12 have helped me a lot !

Seems reasonable to me. No need to add additional bromide until next refill.

mscdman - I don't shock after each use, never have. Since 1988 I've used the 1" bromine tablets in a floater, and use monopersulfate shock maybe once or twice a week. I'd think a tablespoon of shock would be sufficient, but maybe check your available bromine level before and then 10 minutes after adding it a couple of times to help you determine if that was sufficient amount. I don't have an issue with floater hanging near the skimmer on my '88 CalSpa; in fact, I've never been able to really control/change water inlet from skimmer to main drain on it, the owner's manual is terrible.