colo_artist Posted March 3, 2011 Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 I'm replacing an old 13 year old spa with a new one. The old one came with the house. As far as I can tell the previous owners just put the spa on the dirt. It's in a covered area and the spa is recessed into a deck, so the ground is well protected from the elements. When I bought the new spa I believe I got a good price and had a pad bundled into the package. Maybe I overreacted to the thought of the old spa just sitting on dirt and wanted something nice for the new spa so a pad sounded good. I also thought a pad might provide a bit more insulation than gravel. Any thoughts yea or nay to using a pad instead of gravel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasradio Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Neg on the gravel. I put a shed on gravel, and it was not only difficult to level, but it has gone out of level over time. I imagine a hot tub would be even worse. Even though paving stones will also go out of level, at least you can get shims in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don the spa guy Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 I'm replacing an old 13 year old spa with a new one. The old one came with the house. As far as I can tell the previous owners just put the spa on the dirt. It's in a covered area and the spa is recessed into a deck, so the ground is well protected from the elements. When I bought the new spa I believe I got a good price and had a pad bundled into the package. Maybe I overreacted to the thought of the old spa just sitting on dirt and wanted something nice for the new spa so a pad sounded good. I also thought a pad might provide a bit more insulation than gravel. Any thoughts yea or nay to using a pad instead of gravel? Its always nice to put a spa on a solid pad as most spa manufacturers recommend a slab foundation for their spas. If you just want to make sure all your warranty bases are covered then do what that particular spa manufacturer recommends. I have seen many a spa supported just perfectly fine by a gravel base as long as the gravel was properly kept from washing out. The portable pads out there seem to be holding up quite well especially if you are putting it on top of a gravel bed where a spa sat for all those years before getting replaced. If using the pad is recommended by the spa maker and it won't void the warranty, then go for it. (OK, I got real wordy there.) Enjoy your new spa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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