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The hottub is surrounded by the deck on 2 sides, so there is really only one other way it could be configured, which isn't ideal as the stairs would no longer be accessible from where you'd enter. How often do you need to access the motors and such? I'd imagine only when there are issues, which hopefully shouldn't be more than a time or two a year, and its probably only 3-4 screws securing it on that side. That doesn't seem like much of a hassle to me -- though this is my first tub and i could be off on how often i'll need too get in there.It looks as through there's 3-4 inches at the top of the tub to attach the mount based on another forum users photo.http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/cpw131/Hot%20Tub/08_zps96055ead.jpg
You will need to probably trim the top if the trim psc guessing about 2" or so, otherwise there will be a gap between the lift bracket and the spa.