Ok, I have been reading several of the posting and most of them seem to refer to the skirting. My problem is that I have just a shell and need to build a complete cabinet but I'm not sure how to support correctly support it. I was figuring on build a box using 2x4 around the top but then I heard you need to add some support to the bottom? how and where?

Can somebody please point me in the right direction? Have some picture I can look at to get an idea or know of place that might sell plains to build your own?

Thanks
Kevin

Kevin,

What is meant by supporting the bottom is the footwell area. You want to ensure that when the sides are supported, the footwell is under no stress, either by being too low or too high. Often spas are designed with a pretty basic frame system, and have a 2x4 going across the bottom to support the footwell.

Good luck

charger_1,
I have a similar question. I just got a used/demo hot tub that was put together by a rather shoddy outfit. Looking in one of the access panels that is right in front of the lowest point of the footwell, it appears that the spray on foam touches my concrete patio. But isn't that foam somewhat flexible? I'm thinking of scraping foam off in a couple of spots and putting 2x4 or similar between concrete and acrylic shell itself, and then spraying foam back around it all. What do you think of this idea?
Thanks,
Mike
Kentucky

although that foam may look weak, it can hold a lot of weight. I wouldn't be too concerned about that, as with my Sundance, for example, it may look like nothing but foam, but on my tub, they put supports in there by gluing them to the bottom of the foot well and then foaming it so the supports are no longer visible, even though they do the work. You can certanly do what you propose, as it won't harm anything, as long as you do it so the new supports are evenly supporting the area it is attached to. For instance, if you have a spot 1/4" lower than the next, you don't want to use the same thickness of support material as it would cause a pressure point at the lower of the two spots. If that makes sense!

charger_1,
Thanks for responding. I understand what you are saying, shape the support to fit the contour of the bottom. I have looked at other tubs that had exactly what yours has, and I'm assuming mine has nothing hidden under the foam, but I need to check to be sure. If it doesn't have anything, and I do add supports, where would I get the spray on foam and what kind is it? Also mine came with brand new wood skirting and frame, but just raw wood. I do not want to change the color as it looks good to me. What do you suggest for weatherproofing the wood for outdoor use?
Thanks again
Mike

I've just been using that expanding foam sealant that you can get at the local hardware store with good success. You can buy the stuff in the can that is just like what the factory used, from spa stores, but it is spendy. As far as sealing, use a deck sealer and apply it as instructed. I like the armor all or the behr brands over the ol' thompson's waterseal.

Thanks for all the good info charger. I did a lot of checking today and found that there is no hidden support between the low point of footwell and concrete pad, but there is 3/8" of foam and that stuff is very strong, so I think I'm good there. On the other end of footwell, there is about 3/4" of foam and it is 1/2" off my concrete pad, so I plan to put in a 1/2" piece of wood and then spray the hardware store foam sealant you mentioned all around the area. Will use the Armor All or Behr's to seal wood. Sound like a good plan?
Mike

Sounds good, that is right along with what I would do in a similar situation.