Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: dazedandconfused on June 13, 2004, 06:27:34 pm

Title: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: dazedandconfused on June 13, 2004, 06:27:34 pm
I see that most spas rest on the ground on 2x4s.  I see that Jacuzzi has an ABS plastic pan.

Anyway, the wood is bound to rot easily within the expected spa life of 10 years!

Question - I was thinking about buying some neoprene (plastic) paint or an epoxy and paint this untreeated wood.  Anybody done this?  Suggestions?

I hate to buy a 8k+ dollar spa and have untreated wood rot!

Thanks
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: Rboehme on June 13, 2004, 06:41:55 pm
The wood will also rot if it is not allowed to breath.

Just make sure you have adequate drainage away from the spa.

The wood rot should only be a problem if you ever decide to move your spa.
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: Chas on June 13, 2004, 07:06:14 pm
HotSpring spas have only treated wood at the bottoms.
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: dpgtech on June 15, 2004, 10:05:39 pm
treated wood can rot eventually too.  Jacuzzi and Coleman use an ABS pan
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on June 16, 2004, 01:51:21 am
EVERYTHING degardes, eventually. Is it worth the extra cost to make the base last 100 years if the rest of the spa is only going to last 15 years?
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: Gary on June 16, 2004, 10:08:06 am
There are many brands out there that have a polymer bottoms or complete pans. If you are worried about rot then go with a spa with a polymer base.

Gary


Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: dpgtech on June 24, 2004, 12:07:21 am
It really is not an extra cost to the consumer, maybe to the Manufacturer so why not have a base that lasts fifteen years.  wood will last that long as long as you never move it.
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: Chas on June 24, 2004, 09:09:01 pm
I have sold and serviced many HotSpring spas that are 20 years old. I started selling them in 1986, and many of our customers have us move them, resell them, trade in etc.

Yes, I have seen some of the pressure-treated lumber rot, but nothing of any significance. Most of the models are shimmed with plastic shims - so they can breath. If you don't have them sitting in a puddle, or in direct earth contact they are fine.

If you really worry about it, you could tip the spa up every 10 years and check the condition of the wood - and hit it with some Thompson's or something....

I wouldn't make this a deciding factor. If you were reading about hundreds of people complaining about how their spa rotted away and collapsed - you would most likely be talking about off-brand spas anyway.
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: markb on June 25, 2004, 10:24:57 am
Hey dazed,

If your that worried about it Master spas has a mental frame. This would eliminate the rot problem. The problemis, do you like master spas?
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: wmccall on June 25, 2004, 12:04:13 pm
Quote
Hey dazed,

If your that worried about it Master spas has a mental frame. This would eliminate the rot problem. The problemis, do you like master spas?


I am the worst person in the world for spelling and typos, but this was too funny to pass up. Please accept my apology in advance.  ;D

Do you always have to imagine that the mental frame is there or the tub crashes to the ground  ???   Again, please  ;)except  ;) my apology.
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: RealShopper_Really on June 25, 2004, 12:49:18 pm
My mental frame, when in my spa, is always one of relaxation. If you hear otherwise, its just a lot of rot. Though as I age, I am getting a bit rusty. But I find I get a lot of support - I just add soap, turn on the jets, and I have full foam.

Gotta jet!  ::)
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: markb on June 25, 2004, 01:27:35 pm
Hey wmccall,
You got me good. :) I just typed it up quickly and didn't review it. The I read the post and just knew I set myself up for a good ribbing. Maybe I was thinking their metal frame is a mental idea. There sales staff was really pushing that feature. I think there are more important things.
Title: Re: Exterior Spa Supports
Post by: wmccall on June 25, 2004, 02:51:54 pm
Quote
Hey wmccall,
You got me good. :) I just typed it up quickly and didn't review it. .



That's why most of my posts say "Last Edit " on them :)