Footwell housings

All of the blocks are now placed in the first row. The next step is to measure, cut and install all of the pvc spa jet housings and return-suction lines that go through this first row before I fill all of the block cells with mortar, which is called hard grouting.
I had to plan where all of the lines would be placed for the finished spa in order to figure out how far out of the outside blocks to bring these housings in order for all of the lines to fit. The jet lines will be the farthest out in order to access them and provide the biggest radius around the corners.
I'm constantly trying to think ahead, like how best to tile the spa. One of the considerations I had was tiling tight spaces, like the one I have around the 2 main suction lines in the corners. They have large anti entrapment covers that will be impossible to properly tile around unless I plan ahead to create a threaded connection where I could install the cover after the tile is done. The only problem was trying to get a good silicon bond on the inside of the block cavity using my tiny little hands. I guess I don't really need the skin on those knuckles anyway.
All of the housings got silicon around them on the inside of the waterside and outside blocks. The outside of these blocks gets filled with a different product as another step in the waterproofing process.
It is important to make sure these lines don't slip during the rest of construction, even though the blocks they are in will be filled with mortar. A little bump could dislodge them, and that would not be good. The answer is to glue rings of pvc in the inside of the blocks that keep the housings from ever moving once the cells are filled with mortar. You can see them in the pictures.
All of these housings need to protrude 3/8" into the waterside of the spa to account for the tile. The silicon will hold them in place until the cells are filled with mortar.

Building the walls

I went to Home Depot to get enough concrete blocks and mortar to get started. I found that you can get about 24 blocks and 4, 90 lb bags of mortar on one of those flat carts before it can no longer be moved! I lifted each 35 lb block onto the cart, into the truck and out of the truck. The bags of mortar are the most fun!
I made a couple of trips there before I decided that it would be better to have the rest of the blocks and mortar delivered. I thought it would be better to go and get the materials as I needed them instead of having to find a place to put them if it was delivered all at once. I was wrong. Its a killer to make those trips with all of the loading and unloading.
The first picture is of the material for the outside first row ONLY! There will be 5 rows plus seating.
The first row is important for a couple of reasons. It needs to be laid out as square as possible, and it needs to be level. I laid out all of the blocks to be sure they would be square. I drew lines for the inside of this row and marked approximately where the mortar joints would be so I wouldn't come to the end and not have enough room for the last 1/2" mortar joint.
The book says to place the 2 blocks in each corner first. In order to level the blocks in each corner with the blocks of the other corners, I used a 12' metal stud to span the diagonal corners. It was straight and light enough to not move the blocks.
With the corners placed, I could use a mason's string to guide me to cement the blocks between the corners.
When the perimeter was done, I began to place the first row of blocks for the seating. I will place rebar across the top of the outside of this row, even though it doesn't call for it in the plans. when this row is done and I have place the spa jet housings I will fill all of the cells with mortar
I'm a little discouraged that I cannot seem to place these blocks any better and faster. I'm hoping that I will get better with experience, especially since I have about 200 blocks to place!