Question On 2009 Hs Vanguard Install

[wevatv0915]

Help!

So we just purchased a 2009 Vanguard and haven't taken delivery yet. I'm wondering about the clearance tolerances needed for the WxH. We are sinking it into our deck which is only 14 in. tall. When I gave our deck contractor the pre-installation notes, the diagram that had the bottom view had the width at 85.5", so that is how big he made our concrete pad. (I checked the 2008 instructions available on the HS and the same diagram said 87" not 85.5").

However, when I look at the dimensions on the front of the pre-installation notes for WxH, it says 7ft 3 in which is 87". We made the hole in our deck 87.5" square, thinking we were leaving ourselves a little slack because the bottom view diagram said 85.5".

My questions are this this:

1. What is the real width of the tub?

2. If the real width is 87", Is a total of 1/2 inch slack enough to have the tub installed? Keep in mind it will need to be lowered into the deck.

I really don't want the contractor come and fix the hole in my deck to be a little wider, and at the same time increase the size of the pad. I don't need the added expense.

Links:

2009 Owner's pre-delivery instructions.

[r5ran]

Help!

So we just purchased a 2009 Vanguard and haven't taken delivery yet. I'm wondering about the clearance tolerances needed for the WxH. We are sinking it into our deck which is only 14 in. tall. When I gave our deck contractor the pre-installation notes, the diagram that had the bottom view had the width at 85.5", so that is how big he made our concrete pad. (I checked the 2008 instructions available on the HS and the same diagram said 87" not 85.5").

However, when I look at the dimensions on the front of the pre-installation notes for WxH, it says 7ft 3 in which is 87". We made the hole in our deck 87.5" square, thinking we were leaving ourselves a little slack because the bottom view diagram said 85.5".

My questions are this this:

1. What is the real width of the tub?

2. If the real width is 87", Is a total of 1/2 inch slack enough to have the tub installed? Keep in mind it will need to be lowered into the deck.

I really don't want the contractor come and fix the hole in my deck to be a little wider, and at the same time increase the size of the pad. I don't need the added expense.

Links:

2009 Owner's pre-delivery instructions.

Hi, I have an 08 VG, same shell size as the 09.

I measured 85.5" x 85.5" so you should be OK, even though that is still really tight. Hopefully your delivery people have some type of device to lower it into such tight spaces.

The actual base of the tub though is 82" x 82", so your pad should be fine.

But, whatever you do, make sure you have an open area or some type of removable section to allow ample access (about 2') to the front panel. This is crucial.

Also, make sure whatever type of coverlifter you use, does not require mounting lower than the 14" height you have. They usually require several inches of clearance on each side, too.

Great tub, you'll love it.

Randy

[JerimiahR]

Help!

So we just purchased a 2009 Vanguard and haven't taken delivery yet. I'm wondering about the clearance tolerances needed for the WxH. We are sinking it into our deck which is only 14 in. tall. When I gave our deck contractor the pre-installation notes, the diagram that had the bottom view had the width at 85.5", so that is how big he made our concrete pad. (I checked the 2008 instructions available on the HS and the same diagram said 87" not 85.5").

However, when I look at the dimensions on the front of the pre-installation notes for WxH, it says 7ft 3 in which is 87". We made the hole in our deck 87.5" square, thinking we were leaving ourselves a little slack because the bottom view diagram said 85.5".

My questions are this this:

1. What is the real width of the tub?

2. If the real width is 87", Is a total of 1/2 inch slack enough to have the tub installed? Keep in mind it will need to be lowered into the deck.

I really don't want the contractor come and fix the hole in my deck to be a little wider, and at the same time increase the size of the pad. I don't need the added expense.

Links:

2009 Owner's pre-delivery instructions.

Officially, the OUTSIDE dimensions on the 2009 Vanguard are exactly 7'3" x 7'3" by 36". However, this is the absolute outside dimensions (measured to the edge of the shell). The 85.5" dimension you saw is actually the measurement of the BASE of the spa. So that's a measurement of the portion that actually touches the ground. They give both of these dimensions on that Pre-Delivery diagram for custom installs like this.

Ultimately, it's best to install the hot tub, and THEN build the deck around it. This allows the carpenter to snug the deck as close to the spa as possible. They probably CAN get the spa into the deck, but with 1/2" to spare it's going to be a very tight fit. Is your decking already built, and if so is it surrounded on 4 sides? If so, they may have to use a crane or something to lower the spa down into the hole in the deck.

It should look really nice when it's done though!! Partially recessed spas are beautiful if you ask me.

[wevatv0915]

Hi, I have an 08 VG, same shell size as the 09.

I measured 85.5" x 85.5" so you should be OK, even though that is still really tight. Hopefully your delivery people have some type of device to lower it into such tight spaces.

The actual base of the tub though is 82" x 82", so your pad should be fine.

But, whatever you do, make sure you have an open area or some type of removable section to allow ample access (about 2') to the front panel. This is crucial.

Also, make sure whatever type of coverlifter you use, does not require mounting lower than the 14" height you have. They usually require several inches of clearance on each side, too.

Great tub, you'll love it.

Randy

Thanks for the info, Randy. I'm glad I have at least an inch! From back to front I have the 87.5", and I can't do much about that as that constraint deals with posts in concrete. From side to side I can remove a board and get 90", so hopefully that will help.

I do have a 3'x2' removable cutaway for the front panel. Heavy, but it will work.

I ordered the CoverCradle I with the spa. I think that one will work, at least that's what our salesman said. :-)

Thanks for your help!

[wevatv0915]

Officially, the OUTSIDE dimensions on the 2009 Vanguard are exactly 7'3" x 7'3" by 36". However, this is the absolute outside dimensions (measured to the edge of the shell). The 85.5" dimension you saw is actually the measurement of the BASE of the spa. So that's a measurement of the portion that actually touches the ground. They give both of these dimensions on that Pre-Delivery diagram for custom installs like this.

Ultimately, it's best to install the hot tub, and THEN build the deck around it. This allows the carpenter to snug the deck as close to the spa as possible. They probably CAN get the spa into the deck, but with 1/2" to spare it's going to be a very tight fit. Is your decking already built, and if so is it surrounded on 4 sides? If so, they may have to use a crane or something to lower the spa down into the hole in the deck.

It should look really nice when it's done though!! Partially recessed spas are beautiful if you ask me.

By the base of the spa do you mean the cabinet or the ABS substructure? If the base of the spa is the cabinet, then I'm OK.

The tub will be surrounded on 4 sides. From back to front, I'm constrained to the 87.5" length. From side to side I can make a cut and remove a board and get 90". Given that information, do you think they'll be able to fit it in? Should I let them know they may need a crane, or will a few lifting straps work OK?

Unfortunately the deck was built 7 years ago - before we had aching joints and decided on a spa. The way the deck is built, making the back-to-front measurement any larger would have meant a total structural overhaul -- new posts, stringers, headers, etc. It would have been easier to build a new deck. Not in the budget after buying such a nice spa. :-)

We're very excited for the tub! We did lots of research and liked a few spas, but the Vanguard was the one that was right for the two of us, and that was even more clear after a few wet tests.

Thanks very much for your info.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Officially, the OUTSIDE dimensions on the 2009 Vanguard are exactly 7'3" x 7'3" by 36". However, this is the absolute outside dimensions (measured to the edge of the shell). The 85.5" dimension you saw is actually the measurement of the BASE of the spa. So that's a measurement of the portion that actually touches the ground. They give both of these dimensions on that Pre-Delivery diagram for custom installs like this.

Ultimately, it's best to install the hot tub, and THEN build the deck around it. This allows the carpenter to snug the deck as close to the spa as possible. They probably CAN get the spa into the deck, but with 1/2" to spare it's going to be a very tight fit. Is your decking already built, and if so is it surrounded on 4 sides? If so, they may have to use a crane or something to lower the spa down into the hole in the deck.

It should look really nice when it's done though!! Partially recessed spas are beautiful if you ask me.

By the base of the spa do you mean the cabinet or the ABS substructure? If the base of the spa is the cabinet, then I'm OK.

The tub will be surrounded on 4 sides. From back to front, I'm constrained to the 87.5" length. From side to side I can make a cut and remove a board and get 90". Given that information, do you think they'll be able to fit it in? Should I let them know they may need a crane, or will a few lifting straps work OK?

Unfortunately the deck was built 7 years ago - before we had aching joints and decided on a spa. The way the deck is built, making the back-to-front measurement any larger would have meant a total structural overhaul -- new posts, stringers, headers, etc. It would have been easier to build a new deck. Not in the budget after buying such a nice spa. :-)

We're very excited for the tub! We did lots of research and liked a few spas, but the Vanguard was the one that was right for the two of us, and that was even more clear after a few wet tests.

Thanks very much for your info.

Take a tape measure to your dealer and measure there so you can see for your own eyes and discuss the situation with your dealer.

[Dan.The.Spa.Man]

Take a tape measure to your dealer and measure there so you can see for your own eyes and discuss the situation with your dealer.

Best advice yet....my guys would flip out if they got to a site and saw a hole in the deck without knowing ahead of time it was getting recessed. It can usually be done but it takes more time, people and equipment.

Discussing it ahead of time may avoid some aggrevation for everyone, you included.

Good luck with the tub, the '09 Vangaurds are sweet.