Watkins DASH Owner's Manual - Ground Preparation
Pre-Delivery Instructions
Page 4
If the spa has to be taken off of the cart to go over a wall (either because the entry area is too narrow, the eaves are
too low, the corner is too tight, or the stairway is too steep), a crane will be required. Don’t be alarmed!
The crane has a truck-mounted boom which can fit right in your driveway. It is run by a licensed and insured
operator. For a charge, the crane operator will lift your spa over walls, buildings, or any other obstruction and place
it as close to the installation site as possible. The Hot Spot
®
spa delivery personnel will supervise the crane delivery
and complete the spa installation. Crane delivery typically takes an average of 30 minutes to complete.
note:
If your spa delivery requires the use of a crane, you may be required to pay for its services at the completion
of the delivery.
GrounD PreParatIon
Your Hot Spot spa has been engineered to perform on all kinds of common yard surfaces. While a concrete slab is
best for long-term use*, other foundations are acceptable so long as a level base is prepared prior to delivery. Three
foundation base pictures, shown at right, represent examples of
alternatives to a concrete slab for spas installed without gazebos or
other accessories.
*note:
A reinforced concrete pad at least four inches thick or
structurally sound deck able to support the “dead weight” found in
the spa specification chart is recommended for your Hot Spot spa.
INSTALLATION NOTES:
• If stepping stones or railroad ties are selected for the spa
foundation, they should be placed at the designated leveling
areas of your spa to maintain even distribution of the spa
weight.
• It is important to note that soft surfaces, even when stepping
stones are used to distribute the weight of the spa as evenly
as possible, will still have a tendency to settle unevenly,
resulting in an unlevel spa.
• Remember, placing the spa on grass or dirt may increase the
amount of debris which is inadvertently brought into the spa
water on the user’s feet.
If you are purchasing a deck package or a gazebo with your spa, a
solid foundation becomes mandatory. Placing them on any surface
other than a single level pad could create problems with their
installation. Pictured at right are a few of the recommended surfaces.
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to provide a suitable, level
foundation for your spa. Keep in mind that most delivery crews are
not equipped to level and prepare spa sites.
If you are interested in having a concrete slab, brick surface, or wood
deck installed, your Hot Spot dealer should be able to suggest a
qualified, licensed contractor.
RAILROAD TIES
PRE-CAST
STEPPING STONES
PEA GRAVEL
OR CRUSHED ROCK
FOUNDATIONS FOR SPAS ONLY
(No accessories such as cover or gazebo)
CONCRETE PADS
BRICK SURFACES
WOOD DECKING
FOUNDATIONS FOR SPAS
WITH ACCESSORIES