Spa/Deck question??? See Pictures

[ASAP]

SPA DETAILS :
2006 Sundance Optima with ozone (no stereo). Will be set on a cement slab

Here’s the main question :
Which side of the spa can I put up against the side of my deck? (see illustration below)

My main concern is to maintain easy access for any future service needs. As illustrated on the landscaping plan, I'll be putting one side of the spa up against the patio. We’ll be getting in and out of the spa from the deck. The deck is 25 inches H. and Spa is 37.5” H.

I think I should avoid putting side #1 (filter cover) against the deck. I figure it’s not a good idea to risk someone putting too much weight on the filter cover and breaking it in. I also want to avoid getting in on side #4 (waterfall) for the same reason.

The best points of entry would probably be sides # 2 and #3. But will putting these up against the deck compromise future servicing needs?

The electrical panel location in the house is marked by a red asterix*. I’ll be running wires underground to make the connection to the spa.

Also, are there any restrictions for spa cover installation? I haven’t decided if I'm going to install it yet. If I do, I will most likely want to have it open to the side marked with the yellow asterix*.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.




I hope the photo upload works or this will all be very confusing!

[Vinny]

Depending on if you have a pump where 3 is, that seems to be your only choice.

1 is out for the reason you stated and it would be too awkward to get in. 2 is where your electronics and pumps are. And 4, I can see potential problems with the waterfall breaking off.

A far as the cover opening up, remember you need to attach the lifter to either the spa or the deck, I don't know if there's an option to put it on both. Railings may get in the way of opening up the lifter, maybe think about one of the sliding type cover holders.

[Steve]

First off, great illustration and detail!!

The one key aspect you haven't mentioned is determining what the key seat(s) are within the spa. This is critical to understand which seats are going to be used more often than others and the direction that you would prefer to be facing. That should be paramount in this decision.

Secondly, if the tub is completely square, the cover won't be an issue. If it isn't, there will only be 2 sides that is can come off.

With the interior design of this particular spa, either side 2 or 3 could go up against the deck due to the fact that there are higher seats which would double as steps allowing comfortable access in and out of the spa.

I agree with your summation and that the filter side would not be beneficial.

Assuming side 2 contains the pump side of the spa, my recommendations would be to put side 3 up against the deck.

Steve

[ASAP]

Thanks Steve. You raise a good point about surrounding views.

I’ve got a very standard 6,500 sq ft. suburban lot, so unfortunately there will be no sprawling views to be had. However I’m doing lots of landscaping and I think all view points will be pretty pleasant.

From what I can see from the manual I downloaded from Sundance, Side #2 seems to hold all the electric, pumps and stuff. I guess I’ll have to pay a visit to the dealer to find out what’s behind side #3.



Besides visiting the dealer, is there any way of finding out what components are placed where? Which sides hold what?

[Steve]

From a maintenance and upkeep viewpoint, the only aspect you need to be concerned with is the pump side. Should your tub form a leak from within the spa, it can be moved out of its position easily for access. Hopefully, that would never happen but it can with any spa.

Are you installing a cover lifter of sorts? If so, consider its additional function of wind block or privacy block as well dependant on the side it is installed.

It looks great and be sure to keep us posted.

Steve

[hottubdan]

3

[Tman122]

Side 2 looks like the best side as the step in would be more comfortable because of the height of that step. But consideration would have to be made to allow access to the equip. located on that side. Have you considered bridging the last 3 feet of the deck up to the tub with a removable section? Otherwise side 3 is your only option.

[tony]

In a Sundance Optima, side 2 is by far the best for entry and exit.  The seats on side 4 will be the two most used so if you want to look onto the deck while sitting in the spa...side two should be against the deck with the cover lifter on side 4.  You will need access to the panels on side 2 as this is where the pumps and electronics are located.

[ASAP]

Hi again,

So obviously it’s between 2 and 3.

Tman122 the suggestion of the removable bridge between the deck and the spa is VERY interesting. Is 3 feet really enough clearance for maintenance or repair work? Please see illustration to make sure I understand what you were describing.

I think the bridge could be the best solution. I’ll run it by my husband who will be doing the actual building : )

Thank you ALL for the great advice.

[tony]

Three feet is more than enough.  My access is about twenty inches which is a little tight but works fine.  If there is something major, then I can empty and move it.

[Tman122]

Three feet is more than enough.  My access is about twenty inches which is a little tight but works fine.  If there is something major, then I can empty and move it.

Agreed

Love the drawings!! There are several ways to build it but obviously post's will be required. I like iron in this situation or aluminum for a lightweight frame topped and surrounded with the surface of your choice.

Or a couple three hanger shelf type brackets connected and cantilevered from the solid deck structure. Tell hubby to get creative!!

[ASAP]

I discussed it with hubby. We’ve decided to go the bridging route, and are working on a solution.

It’s good to hear that we can get away with a little less then 3 feet because we don’t have that much to spare. It will probably end up being a bridge of aprox. 25”.

I sincerely want to send out a big THANK YOU for ALL the help and advice!

I’ve gotten tons of helpful information here in the past while just lurking around. It’s nice to get such a response when I actually post.

I’ll post photos when everything is set up.

We scheduled delivery today…The Optima will arrive May 18th

Thanks again!

[Steve]

Great to hear my dear! My only concern is that you took advise from Tman! Just teasing...the man is obviously brilliant!

I wish you and your family a great deal of enjoyment with your new spa and I look forward to the pictures.

Steve

[Tman122]

Great to hear my dear! My only concern is that you took advise from Tman! Just teasing...the man is obviously brilliant!

I wish you and your family a great deal of enjoyment with your new spa and I look forward to the pictures.

Steve

 

I did the same thing, bridge from old deck to tub with removable section. The funny thing is I found a buyer for my GL and all the removable railings and deck sections I worked so hard on designing and building are going to come into play very soon as I remove my tub and deliver it to it's new home. Remember mine is completely surrounded by removable deck and railings.

[ASAP]

Tman, that installation sounds interesting. You should post photos of your set up before you take it apart and during the disassembling.