Hi, I just received a free hot tub from a neighbor, lucky me! Question regarding placement of the hottub. The previous owner had the hot tub resting on the concrete, but many people in this forum and on the website suggest building a 2x4 base on top of the concrete. What is the benefits of doing this? I know it isn't hard to build just wondering what helps from doing this. Any info would be great. Thanks!

As long as you have a level pad to place the tub on, that would be sufficiant. However, if you build a 2x4 base, you can insulate the base and help keep some of the heat loss to a minimum. Some people do it for asthetics.

Thanks for the advice, didn't know if it was a necessity. I figure I'll probably do it anyways since I am redoing the complete skirting.

Most of the wood all the way around is rotted, any suggestions for someone who is new to this? I've noticed you've done quite a few. Plus do you suggest extra support for the footwell if I don't have the spa resting on the concrete?

Thanks for the help

Yes, definentally use extra support under the footwell, as this is where most of the water weight is concentrated.

I have had good luck with carsiding. Although it's pine, when properly sealed, it will last a good long time. It makes a fairly attractive skirt as well. I've actually had people prefer the knotty look of the natural pine and just used clear sealer to preserve the wood. You can use any tongue and grove wood (the tongue and groove helps keep the heat in better) or you can just use strips of wood on a frame as well. If you use the strip method, it's a good idea to use either masonite or thin plywood for a backing to seal the spaces between the boards. Many spa manufactures use this method, and they use plastic or cloth for the backing. If you can fit it in, I would suggest the thickest extruded styrofoam insulation as a liner for the sides as well.