Hi, new to the forum. I have started shopping for my first hot tub this week. I have some interesting needs in that I'm a 6'5" 430lb ex-lineman with a longer than proportionate torso.... meaning most models' neck pillows land around the middle of my shoulder blades. My wife needs warm jet therapy but is normal-sized.
We are considering three rather diverse models, a Sunrise Genesis (dry-tested, comfortable enough), an Artesian Pelican Bay (dry-tested, less comfortable but still considering), and a Coast Spa Cascade III (untested as yet, the only one on the floor was filled). Next week we are wet-testing the Artesian and Coast Spa at the same store and session - as new buyers we didn't think of that but this dealer came out and suggested it. The Sunrise dealer was nice and informative in a sales-y kind of way, but didn't even bring up the idea of a wet test. Anyway, I'll circle back to this after the first wet test.
(Getting to the immediate point finally) We are going to put our new tub on the ground. I want to know about bases for now. My original thought was to put down and wet-tamp about 18" of crusher run and top with sand. Then I was thinking of generic flat concrete flagstone on that. The Sunrise dealer suggested putting down a few inches of sand and then this new plastic fabricated base (that I could pick up, fold, and take with us if we moved and took the tub). The Artesian/CoastSpa dealer was just going to put down some sort of gravel or sand base - said they were avoiding the plastic base until they saw how they were working for others' customers.... so no flagstone, interlock, or concrete slab ... or deck I suppose.
What are the thoughts on the dealers' options? We live in eastern Ontario (Canada) so there can be lots of heaving of the ground due to freeze-melt cycles in the early spring, and the soil base in the region is clay.
thanks for your attention!!
edit - we are going to the Jacuzzi dealer next week...