Where to start???

[Lusso64]

Hi all, I am new here, and am hoping for some collective wisdom. We have an in-ground FG spa that leaks, is cracked, and is ugly. The heater (gas) also leaks, and, well.... it's just a general disaster. I know I am going to have to pull this thing out of the ground, and our general desire is to have something a little larger go in, possibly a concrete "spool". As you can see in the pictures, the thing is empty, has lifted, and the brickwork around the edge has cracked, presumably due to the leaking water eroding the substrate away.

The spa is most likely the age of the house at 31 years. The remains of the filter and heater are behind the curved wall. At least the gas an electric are already hooked up.

Anyway, pictures are worth thousands of words. Any advice anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated, as would a minor miracle

 

[Lusso64]

More pics

A few more pics showing the cracks and other nasties. You can also see in the first set that it has been patched in the past.

Dave

 

[PSW]

If it were me, I would start by getting several bids from different contractors. Make sure each bid is itemized for all of the work and materials involved. This will give you the best idea of what the project entails. Even if you are considering this as a DIY project, bids are always nice to outline the scope of work!

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

I'll bet it's level and it's the decking that settled. This is far more common. I would agree it is pretty unsightly to look at though.

I agree that pulling it out might very well be appropriate and starting a new. This tub is pretty much toasted.

The decking is too for that matter. The added cracks suggest it has lost a significant amount of support under it. It will likely need replacing.

Check your options. It might be more economical to put a portable spa in.

Scott

 

[PSW]

I agree with Scott about the portable spa! It will be cheaper to begin with, and troubleshooting any future issues is MUCH easier if you can get to you equipment easily.

 

[Lusso64]

I had pretty much assumed that this shell has to go - thanks for confirming.

Now... do I just lever it up and out, or go to town with a sawzall

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

A reciprocating saw is the answer. If you try to lift it, it will get hung on the plumbing.

Scott