Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: leweezo on January 13, 2015, 09:33:24 am

Title: hot tub base
Post by: leweezo on January 13, 2015, 09:33:24 am
Does anyone know if there is a base (leveling kind) that you can buy to go ontop of a deck that has uneven boards?  I know the tub will compress some of the boards but a couple high spots are directly over  a post and trhat will be harder to compress..  We are talking about 1/8 a inch
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: gizmodo on January 13, 2015, 03:52:57 pm
Try a palm or belt sander.
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on January 13, 2015, 04:04:33 pm
What about laying a sheet of high density Rigid Foam Insulation Board under the spa. It should compress to the contour of the deck, and would add some extra insulation.
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: Tman122 on January 13, 2015, 06:12:08 pm
I like it.
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: leweezo on January 13, 2015, 09:59:33 pm
What about laying a sheet of high density Rigid Foam Insulation Board under the spa. It should compress to the contour of the deck, and would add some extra insulation.

Wow! is that available @ home depot or lowes?   Sounds  like a great fix..  I just wanna keep stress off my shell.. 
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: leweezo on January 13, 2015, 10:23:28 pm
ooh ooh, is that the board that they use under vinyl siding as insulation?
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on January 13, 2015, 11:58:01 pm
I think it would be a higher density. Maybe the Blue Board? Something about an inch thick (thicker might compress too much, thinner not enough).
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: Tman122 on January 14, 2015, 06:00:33 am
Try a palm or belt sander.

This will do it in short order also. May be able to rent one from your local rental store.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW680K-Amp-4-Inch-Planer/dp/B00005NMRI/ref=sr_1_8/184-9713598-2316651?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1421232933&sr=1-8&keywords=power+planers
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: leweezo on January 14, 2015, 05:11:51 pm
Thanks for the help! Blue board is what I have!!.. I will still sand it down..  I am wondering how much stress a 1/8th inch difference would cause?.. I know the manu says "smooth surface" but is that a generic discaliner?
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: Tman122 on January 14, 2015, 07:26:00 pm
It could damage one tub while not on another. And they could be same model/man....I don't think anyone can answer this. May or may not shorten it's life. Arctic uses a big solid piece of fiberglass bottom as an option. Probably wouldn't effect that one at all. Others have pretty solid ABS pans also (Marquis) You didn't mention a brand?
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: leweezo on January 15, 2015, 01:01:22 pm
sundance 680 Edison
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on January 15, 2015, 02:14:37 pm
sand it down and do it right imo... please don't buy a brand new tub and place it on a $15 sheet of crappy foamboard
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: Budule on January 15, 2015, 03:04:55 pm
sand it down and do it right imo... please don't buy a brand new tub and place it on a $15 sheet of crappy foamboard

Agree on that , I would look to rent a large drum sander that you stand up and use....
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: Tman122 on January 15, 2015, 05:49:59 pm
Plain it down, sanding will take freaking forever unless you get a good belt sander and varying grits, start course. They will both cost the same if you don't have the sander/plainer. Plainer will only take a couple 3 passes, 20 minutes

Oh and be careful if it's a planer. Don't take any more off the boards than you have to to maintain board integrity. Unless your very confident in your deck construction.
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: leweezo on January 15, 2015, 06:54:34 pm
i will start 2morow... ZHey Tmnan  what do you think about the Sundance  shell strength? 
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on January 16, 2015, 03:49:58 pm
i will start 2morow... ZHey Tmnan  what do you think about the Sundance  shell strength?

not to answer for Tman, but any of the big reputable brands will have a shell that will easily last until you trade it in or dispose of it as long as its put on a flat solid surface for proper support...hence my post above stating NOT to use the foam board, over the years that stuff will start to deteriorate which will lead to "gaps" underneath the spa, albeit small and probably not harmful its just best to keep it on wood, concrete, ez pad, etc. for peace of mind sake in my opinion...just my .02 congrats on the new spa
Title: Re: hot tub base
Post by: Tman122 on January 16, 2015, 04:00:46 pm
i will start 2morow... ZHey Tmnan  what do you think about the Sundance  shell strength?

In my opinion one of those spa's that could go either way. The unevenness may affect one but not another. Although I can admit to not seeing one newer than maybe 5-6-8 years old. Not sure what the underside looks like on the new ones.