We've just about concluded, that after over 2 years and some 13 repairs, we're dealing with a swim spa dealer, Spas Unlimited, Houston TX that has little or no experience. Should anyone on this forum have a similar, in-ground mounted spa, please share your experiences. This is what we're questioning....:

Shell by Catalina (??!) -- don't know for sure, never gotten any paper work, size 8 ft. wide x 14 ft, long, plumbing by the spa dealer.

We were reassured that a swim spa can be lowered into the ground and "it's done all the time". Realizing how many intestines run in-between the 24 jets, and all these fragile tubes and pipes are uncovered, unprotected with an outer shell, coming in contact with the dirt, how long can it last before decay may perforate it ?

Petrified of snakes getting in the water, we decided not to lower the spa all the way, thus we left 14" inches of it above ground and had the dealer mount a deck around it, (all four sides) to serve as seating area and height to keep the crippy-crawlies away (I'm waiting to be made fun of...) (height out of the ground is for peace of mind)

Every time they had the access the pipes, the deck had to be thorn appart. Since this is held together with 3" nails,

(don't even have to mention rusting nails because of being in contact with water), the 2" x 6" boards have to be removed, after the repair nailed back...., can you imagine the condition of these boards after 13 repairs??!

Long story short, we have in the middle of the back yard a considerable investment they may have no longevity because of false marketing -- yup!!, no problem, in-ground is where you want it, it's done all time! --

Curious to learn about your experience with such swim spas. Thanking you in advance,

montage