Zach P Posted May 4, 2022 Report Share Posted May 4, 2022 Hi! We just had a Hot Spring Aria delivered and were surprised to find that the patio is not flat. The patio is four slabs with the hot tub straddling all four seams. The two slabs on the right appear to be slightly higher than the two on the left. Pressing down on the corners of the hot tub make it rock by around 1/4". Pictures and a video attached. How big of a deal is this and what is the best solution? I don't want to risk cracking the base by not having it properly supported. We have the electrician scheduled for Friday, but I'm worried that we may need to postpone until we can solve this issue. Advice is much appreciated! Thanks! IMG_7638.MOV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadianSpaTech Posted May 4, 2022 Report Share Posted May 4, 2022 Flat is more important than level. You crack it you bought it and they won't warranty it...cash down toilet. Me I'm getting the 8' level and grinder out or finding a solution of some sort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratchett Posted May 4, 2022 Report Share Posted May 4, 2022 I would drain the spa until you have a flat surface. With the current setup - the weight of the water alone will stress the shell and eventually something will "crack" or tear. Friend of mine had a cheap spa from the local pool chemical supply store which worked great for several years. It cracked within months after he moved it onto a new set of pavers he'd installed himself in the backyard (incorrectly and not level) - the shell started to crack from the underwater light to the step they used to get into the tub. I'd drain the tub to eliminate pressure on the tub, and then flatten the surface or move somewhere else. Also note - do not shim the hot tub either - this will put more stress on the tub causing it to crack (Pretty sure the manual specifically states shimming the tub will void the warranty) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zach P Posted May 4, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2022 @ratchett, thanks for the response. We haven't put water in it yet, for the reasons you stated. As far as I can tell, our options are: - Level the patio - this is the best long term solution, but the places I've called are months out to do the work. - Grind the patio - not sure if we'll be able to grind enough, and it'll look bad when the hot tub is removed. - Build a wood platform Anybody have an opinion on the wood platform? Wood and water = rot? Other ideas? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cranbiz Posted May 5, 2022 Report Share Posted May 5, 2022 Build a 2x4 form around the perimeter of the tub area. Caulk the seam between the frame and the patio and then apply self leveling cement. Might need a couple of bags. Pull the frame when cured. That will get you flat and level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratchett Posted May 5, 2022 Report Share Posted May 5, 2022 18 hours ago, Zach P said: Anybody have an opinion on the wood platform? Wood and water = rot? It would be hard to shave down the wood platform so it's perfectly level/flat on the concrete pad - a gravel base and and wood frame base on the ground NEXT to that pad might be an easier option. However modern pressure treated lumber has a shorter lifespan than older arsenic-infused pressure treated lumber. You'll still get 5-10 years out of wood platform, but your Hotspring Highlife spa is made with composites and tool-grade plastics and would outlive the wood platform (with proper care/maintenance) - but that's not a major issue - just rebuild/replace the wood frame if/when needed. Grinding or pouring self leveling cement might be an option, but that's beyond my expertise. If you really want to use that concrete slab, I personally would call out an expert who can tell you the cheapest/easiest way to solve the problem while still supporting the weight of the tub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadianSpaTech Posted May 5, 2022 Report Share Posted May 5, 2022 Google... "hydraulic concrete lifting" and see what comes up in your area. Might even be some DIY lifting products at your local big box store Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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