Random questions to which you seek an answer

[GraemeE]

Lets say, hypothetically you had a hottub that you needed to lift up 1/2" to slide a thin metal plate under (bracket that supports the poles for lifting the cover off said hottub) and even without water its too heavy to lift by hand .
How would you do it?

In this hypothetical situation you do not have access to a large pry bar, car jack or a small crane

[Matt]

Wingardium leviosa

[northsouthdenimguy]

@GraemeE

Wood wedges or composite shims

[GraemeE]

@northsouthdenimguy hammer to get them in?

[tody]

@GraemeE how is it constructed on the inside, what is behind the plastic wall? basically - what needs to be lifted up? and give us a full view of the pool. the metal plates only need to go under in certain places?
i'd try to lift it in each of these places separately. if the wall is structurally sound, i'd fab some sort of hook device to go under it, then lift that hook with a cheap farm jack from amazon (or rent one, or ask a neighbour). without any hydraulics or leverage, you're lost.
if that is not possible, how does it look on top? any chance to attach something there, put a piece of wood under it, and lift that with some kind of device?

[northsouthdenimguy]

@GraemeE

I would probably use synthetic tapered shims and tap them in very gently with a rubber mallet. If you feel any resistance that’s causing the skirt to bend or push inward, stop and reposition the shim. Depending on how level your pad or slab is, you may find areas with a slight gap that make lifting easier.

Once you’ve raised it enough with the tapered shims, I’d slide in square composite blocks or another type of non-compressible synthetic spacer around the perimeter to help keep it stable and level.

Edit: you may only be able to do this on the corners( me not knowing what’s behind that skirt) if you’re familiar with it from seeing the underneath at some point use your best judgment in placement. This is the simplest most cost-effective way to do it. Obviously, you have to have some sort of comfort level, but I would do this myself all day long.

[goosehd]

Contact your local company that deals in hot tubs and pools asking them what to do. We have a hot tub and it’s fairly easy to move with 2-3 guys, but the hot tub company will give you really good advice. Just tell them what you’re trying to accomplish and they will tell you how they do it.

Our last hot tub (upsize from a smaller one) was easy as the guys that helped do it all of the time.

[goosehd]

…and to add, I would try the wedges first as it sounds the simplest way to lift it slightly. The bottom of our hot tub is the strongest point and would handle wedges. That depends on how your hot tub was made.

[northsouthdenimguy]

@goosehd

Number one they’re going say to drain it…

Number two nobody is going to lift it with water in it, at least a reputable company

Number three my idea is the best

[northsouthdenimguy]

Seriously though, it all comes down to your ability and your tolerance for screwing something up and having to repair it. If you’re not comfortable with that possibility, I’d just have it professionally done. Or, at the very least, drain it first and then do it yourself. It’ll make the job much easier.

[GraemeE]

Thanks for the advice guys - will keep everyone updated

For the record id like to point out that I take great joy in observing the obvious cultural differences in strategies- very fitting

American, German, Canadian.....and of course Matt (just use wizard magic)

[SKT]

You’re getting a lot of good advice for your “hypothetical” question @GraemeE

[northsouthdenimguy]

@GraemeE

The American Way…force it

[GraemeE]

@northsouthdenimguy

Exactly

German - take the time to get all the possible info and engineer an effective and efficient solution

Canadian - politely ask for help from the appropriate professionals (and be sure to adequately thank them after)

[goosehd]

@GraemeE … in my case $20.00 CAD a piece for two guys that were the size of small mountains. I would say that I helped (I tried), but those 2 moved the tub like I would a tub of ice cream.