hey guys. i'm hoping to be a first time hot tub owner within the next few months. i'm trying to be very diligent and take my time in researching everything. i wanted to get opinions on the foundation. the tub will go next to (not on) my deck. from what i've read some people swear by poured concrete. others seem to like pea gravel. i've heard and read a little about the ez pad. i'm wondering what you all think. aesthetics are important to me (of course i'd like it to look nice), but the cost of it is also important. probably most of all, however, is the long term structural integrity of it. i do not want to make a big investment on a tub, only to have settling/sinking that compromises the spa shell and/or voids the warranty. what do you guys think? any ideas on cost for the various options? how much bigger should the foundation be than the spa itself?
thanks!!
p.s.: for what its worth i live in rhode island