Just as important as the type of material you choose for your cabinetry is the way in which the cabinet is constructed. The following are some features to look for in a quality cabinet:
Removable Walls. Removable wall panels give the owner the ability to remove the walls from the hot tub in case repairs are needed. Just imagine trying to repair a car without having the ability to lift or remove its hood. The repairing process becomes nearly impossible, extremely time consuming, and expensive. With this design, your spa can be easily checked and serviced when needed.
An additional benefit of removable wall panel design is improved quality control during the manufacturing process. In particular, manufacturers check thoroughly for leaks during the water testing procedures. With removable wall panels, a leak can be found easily. Without it, the process of checking for leaks becomes dramatically more difficult.
Interior Frame Construction. Having removable wall panels is only part of the solution to your spa's "serviceability". Your spa must possess the strength to hold 200-550 gallons of water (between 1,600 and 4,600 lbs.) when the wall panels are removed. To convey this strength to your hot tub, some manufacturers employ a 2x4 frame, while other manufacturers use standalone shells or metal bracing as alternatives to 2x4 wood framing.
Many manufacturers save money by only using 1x2's or 2x3's to construct their frames. This dimension stock may not provide the adequate strength required to support a spa full of water. When the wall panels are removed, stress is added to an already weak frame. Some manufacturers tout having removable walls, but that benefit is compromised if the construction cannot support itself. Ultimately, you want to be sure that your interior frame is up to the task of supporting a spa full of water, even when the panels are removed.
Pressure Treated Base. Wherever you choose to install your hot tub, it is strongly recommended that your spa have a pressure treated base - a critical requirement if your spa is outdoors. Since an outdoor spa is subjected to harsh elements detrimental to any type of wood, a pressure treated base will prolong the life of your spa's cabinet.
