Dave and I were able to move the spa onto the concrete pad by some accurate trailer back up placement and an ingenious plan to hold the spa on the pad while the tilted trailer moved forward. Much easier than loading it was I must say.
Rope tied to tree
Rope tied around spa
Spa about at edge of slab
I actually got up on the trailer tongue and lifted up on the spa to get it to start moving off the trailer which seemed to work but then once it started moving, I lost my balance and fell off the tongue of the trailer. So after Dave saw that I was alright and not hurt I got on the trailer which was easier. And as he drove the truck forward the spa slowly slid off the trailer onto the boards we had on the pad to help us move it into its final position.
Tilt trailer did its job
Spa still needs to be positioned
Before we put the spa against the wall though, it occurred to me I had to install the insulation on that side at least. I had not prepared a final insulation plan. All this time and although I had looked up how spas were insulated, I had not actually planned how I would do it.
Insulation problem
So first it is obvious that the piping should be insulated. I had some good pipe insulation left over from the crawlspace project but it only fit one of the pipes. So I had to order more for larger diameter pipes. Then I realized that insulation would just get eaten up and nested in by mice and other critters. I looked up mouse control and found out that 1/4″ mesh hardware cloth should keep them out. So I ordered some of that, even paid for expedited shipping but of course it didn’t make it on the promised day. Then I decided to replace the 1 inch Styrofoam on the sides that was partially shredded, probably by critters, with some of the leftover polyiso we have from the ceiling project. I will leave the Styrofoam against the top because 1″ fits there better there than 1.5″ would. I’ll fill in the gaps with spray foam.
After I finish insulating the pipes, I will install the polyiso, then wrap the outside with hardware cloth one side at a time, and stuff Roxul between the tub and the polyiso. Roxul is good insulation for spas because it is not harmed by moisture. Will have to leave some space around the pump and equipment so that it can get enough air to operate properly. Anyway, the project is on hold until materials come in and I have time to do the insulation and put on at least one wall of the siding. THEN we can move it into its final position.