Can I buy just a Hot Tub Shell?

Question:

"I have a non self contained tub and am looking to replace the tub only as the gel coat is going away and we are interested in a different shape. Can you help?"

Answer:

Contact a hot tub manufacturer, since some will sell you the hot tub shells without the cabinet, but it will have all of the plumbing and hardware so you can drop the shell into a deck or a cutout in a patio, etc. Most manufacturers do not advertise this capability, and don't be surprised if one of them says, "No, we don't sell the shell without the cabinet." However, some manufacturers will sell you just the hot tub shell so it is definitely worth pursuing.

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Hot Tubs tagging test...

Just another technorati tagging test:

hot tubs

More later...

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Sizing up a deck for a hot tub...

Question:

"How do you recommend sizing up a deck to see if it's sturdy enough to handle the weight of a hot tub?"

Answer:

To determine the suitability (or structural integrity) of the deck, you need to take into account 3 dimensions; the size of the support joists, the spacing of the support joists, and the unsupported span of the support joists. These will help determine the load bearing strength of a deck. In most cases, it will need to support around 100lbs. per sq. ft., but you can get this requirement from the hot tub manufacturer.

This does not take into account the suitability of the wood (which could be rotten) or if the deck was built to proper building specifications (some decks barely support their own weight due to improper construction), therefore, there is no “guarantee” that a deck will be sturdy enough if you determine this on your own.

However, most reputable hot tub manufacturers offer a hot tub site inspection (often for free), so you should really take advantage of this. Most technicians are pretty accurate and if they have any doubt at all, they will let you know (the last thing they want is to have your deck come crashing down after they install your new hot tub). Also, if you need a guarantee, you would need to hire a licensed structural engineer, but a free hot tub site inspection is definitely a great way to start.

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