We are really pleased today to share excerpts from a feature in SpaRetailer magazine’s August/September 2016 edition on how to build a spa cradle. Indeed, it’s not just a feature — it’s the magazine’s cover story!
The article highlights the expertise of Best Hot Tubs’ own Bill Renter and is subtitled: “An installation how-to that promises stunning results, happy customers and easy services.”
SpaRetailer found Renter particularly qualified to speak to the topic of expert spa installations. Not only does Renter own three Best Hot Tubs showrooms (Farmingdale, Westbury, Windham/NY), as they point out, he also owned a landscape design/build firm (The Deck and Patio Company) for over 30 years.
“The Deck and Patio Company built decks, patios, pergolas and ponds, and did all the landscaping in between,” says SpaRetailer. “Many of those projects involved incorporating a pool or hot tub. Eventually, Renter went on to sell hot tubs and now owns Long Island Hot Tub.” (*Note: Long Island Hot Tub recently changed its name to Best Hot Tubs.)
Renter’s expertise in building decks, which were often “more than 3 feet off the ground” required devising an attractive and secure way to mount the client’s hot tub into the deck.
“Renter developed what he calls a spa cradle, using 6-by-6 pressure-treated railroad ties or timbers from Home Depot. ’They are so strong and it’s an easy material to work with, and readily available,’ Renter says. He got the idea after a training class building timber-framed homes. ‘One of the things that stuck out when they were talking about timber-framed houses was the strength of the post and beam construction.’”
In this blog, we’re featuring photos of the project highlighted by SpaRetailer, as well as another very recent example of Renter’s spa cradle supporting a hot tub into a deck.
All the DIY info you need to create your own spa cradle is spelled out in the magazine feature. We hope you will check out the entire article. We’re pretty proud of it!
Construction of Deck with Spa Cradle:
Here is the project showcased in Spa Retailer, when it was a work in progress. It is located in Centerport, Long Island, where Renter designed/built a spa cradle to fit into the new deck built by The Deck and Patio Company.
Design/Build Spa Cradle:
It was important to position the spa so it would be integrated near where other outdoor deck activities would take place, but not be in the way of those other enjoyments.
Spa Deck Centerport, Long Island:
This is the above project finished. The clients were true outdoor enthusiasts and their property commanded lovely water views that they wanted to enjoy from the deck. Renter, as the previous owner of The Deck and Patio Company, helped them choose a cable railing that would not block the views, and also positioned the hot tub perfectly. Sitting in it you are close to any other outdoor activity on the deck; plus views of the water can be enjoyed when relaxing within the Bullfrog Spas’ bubbling warm waters.
Hot Tub Trex Deck:
These clients also wanted a deck and hot tub. Here, Renter built a matching base that fit halfway into the new deck.
Hot Tub Installations:
Like the previous project, this second hot tub project was installed to allow unobstructed views. In this case the views were of the clients’ beautifully upgraded backyard. And because the spa is raised up, when soaking in it, there is a lovely view of their pool, landscaping, and water feature below.
