We used the portable pad and so far so good. It took us a good afternoon or so to remove the sod, level out an 8x8 area, and fill with sand. We just got the cheap sand from Home Depot and then tamped it down. The pad is a PITA to lay down and have it stay together. It will take at least 2 people to do it. We've had the tub 4 months and it is still completely level. I'm told my tub is a little louder than if it was on a concrete pad. Overall we are happy with it, but with the amount of work involved I wouldn't have minded something a little nicer visually.