[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

A SPA permit is exactly that a permit to install a larger "permanent" spa, these are not required for the portable inflatable type spas. The spa permit with have an inspection that will verify any glass within 5(?) feet is tempered, there are no electrical outlets within 5(?) feet and that the spa is electrically grounded to ALL metal features within 5(?) feet of the spa, all of this is for your safety. You will not be able to get electrical service to your new spa (240 volt) without a spa permit.

Yes you can do your own electrical work, you will need to get the permit, you will have 2 inspections, the first is a rough in , the second is the final inspection, if you go this route, make sure you know what you are doing, attics are miserable to work in, and it may not be easy to get the new wiring into the existing panel. The breaker must be a GFCI breaker ($$$), there must be a disconnect near the spa and it must be visible to the person working on the spa, as well as other specific requirements.
I have been through this twice, used electricians both times, got screwed on the initial install as the installed NEVER pulled the permits.........
As for using the spa, I use this 3 to 5 times per week, and the maintenance is $60 per month with includes the chemicals. We have had outs for over 8 years and love it.

We have a 6 person Bullfrog hot tub(spa) and had electrical contractors wire it up. They ran a 240 line through our attic and like you said, has to be certain distances from everything. Had it for about 5 years and love it.