Metal framed spas

[bvd]

Just looked at Master & Colemann today, both have metal framing. Why is this better than wood. It seams that the major spa manufactures are all wood. Another dealer said he would'nt want to be sitting in a metal spa because of the dangers of electrocution. Should there be any concern with sitting in a metal framed spa with all that water & electricity?

[drewstar]

Just looked at Master & Colemann today, both have metal framing. Why is this better than wood. It seams that the major spa manufactures are all wood. Another dealer said he would'nt want to be sitting in a metal spa because of the dangers of electrocution. Should there be any concern with sitting in a metal framed spa with all that water & electricity?

No. There should be no concern with sitting in a spa that has a metal frame.  This is BS.

Both are fine assuming they use the correct size framing members. (a 2x4 can actually carry more load than a smaller metal frame).

The bottom line; I think the framing if done correctly is a non issue.  What spas are you looking at?

[Spatech_tuo]

The bottom line; I think the framing if done correctly is a non issue.  What spas are you looking at?

I hope no one picks a spa because of teh frame material. I know the sales and marketing people have their own spins on these things but listen with a smile and file that in your cerebral circlular filing cabinet.

[Brewman]

I'd love to hear anyone try to intelligently explain how a metal framed hot tub presents an electrocution risk greater than a wood framed one.  

[tony]

Wasn't there just a picture posted of a metal framed spa on blocks for repair with disasterous results because someone did not follow procedure, but a wood framed spa supported the same way was OK.

Metal frames may be fine, but IMO they are used because of cost rather than structure.

[drewstar]

I hope no one picks a spa because of teh frame material. I know the sales and marketing people have their own spins on these things but listen with a smile and file that in your cerebral circlular filing cabinet.

And just for clarity...when i said a wood frame can actually carry more "load" I ment that in a structual sense (as in weight distribution) not electrical load.  

[windsurfdog]

Wasn't there just a picture posted of a metal framed spa on blocks for repair with disasterous results because someone did not follow procedure, but a wood framed spa supported the same way was OK.  

I think this goes back to an earlier post in this thread which stated that either is ok as long as it is properly engineered and constructed.  Obviously, without structural framing along the base of the tub, the failed tub had nothing but what little strength the bottom offered in that situation.  I would guess the wood framed tub had a better engineered design incorporating support along the bottom.  Therefore, I think it is unfair to generalize metal v. wood in this case.

[Wisoki]

Knowing that any metal fixture within 10' of the spa must be properly bonded, I would hope the metal frame is bonded as well. Not that I think it's an issue, but one I might bring to a customers attention when the steel vs. wood frame question comes up in the store.

I'd love to hear anyone try to intelligently explain how a metal framed hot tub presents an electrocution risk greater than a wood framed one.  
 

[Steve]

Knowing that any metal fixture within 10' of the spa must be properly bonded, I would hope the metal frame is bonded as well. Not that I think it's an issue, but one I might bring to a customers attention when the steel vs. wood frame question comes up in the store.

As it would be important to ask if the wood is pressure treated...

[Wisoki]

Yeah, I don't think I have ever discussed our wooden framed spas WITHOUT the words "pressure treated" preceding "wood support structure."

As it would be important to ask if the wood is pressure treated...

[Mendocino101]

Metal frames may be fine, but IMO they are used because of cost rather than structure.

That was my understanding when they were first introduced .....With all of the recent costs rising I am not sure how much of a savings it is today to the manufacture .....Both can work fine if done right...I would say that the type of material used in spas the wood frames do offer more rigidity but the frames should be fine in either case with each offering a benefit over the other most likely a marketing benefit in the real world both should do fine.

[Brewman]

Makes me wonder why they haven't come up with some sort of composite plastic type of framing.
No rot or corrosion worries.  I'd bet some suitable material already exists.  Maybe a matter of costs?

[tony]

Composites don't seem to have a lot of strength at this time for any structural use.  Most are used for trim and of course decking which has support from beneath.

[Imatubber]

Probably aluminum frame work. Lighter to deliver.

[Steve]

The way that tub was set up on blocks like that, it would have failed with ANY structure I'm sure.

Steve