I just bought a used 2001ish Phoenix value Thermospa. It is my first hot tub.

My two choices on setting it up would be on termite blocks [4x8x16 concrete] on a stable gravel area- or building a platform from pressure treated 2x6s that I have available.

I'm in NY so snow, ice and frost are a consideration- but I plan on using the tub all winter so I don't think frost will effect the termite block setup.

It seems to me that a raised platform will keep the 'foundation' of the tub dryer-- but that the 'right on the ground' approach might be more energy efficient.

Also I've been looking at spa-depot to see what else I need to order. The pump needs an impeller & I'm getting a new heating element as the previous owner said it wasn't heating well. I'm guessing it was because of lack of circulation but I figured now is a good time to put a new element in and I'll test the old one and save it as a backup if it is good.

I noticed the "jet wrenches" on spa-depot and have been trying to find out;
1. Should I add one to my tool kit?
2. Which one do I need?
I've searched this forum & another spa forum- and googled to no avail.

Thanks for any tips from those who have been there-
Jim

Sitting the tub directly on concrete will give the best support, but will suck the heat out of the base like a big night-storage heater. Adding some deck boards betweem will significantly reduce heat loss.

Adding some domestic insulation (batts/rockwool) or polyester fibre (used as cusion/soft toy filling, and less itchy) is a simple, eco-friendly and safe way of retro-fitting insulation to the tub.