I had a nice, long, response, but, just as I clicked 'submit' (while I was also running my anti-virus live update with my mouse set to automatically go to the default button) my live update finished and came up with the screen asking if I wanted to restart my computer now or wait, and, of course, 'restart now' was the default, so when I clicked 'submit' I actually clicked 'restart my computer' ... AAARRRRRGGGHHHHH

Anyway, the short of my long response is ...

All manufacturer's installation instructions I've seen state something to the effect of 'install per these installation instructions or in accordance with locally adopted codes'.

Thus, if you have no locally adopted code, you install them according to the installation instructions.

BUT, if you have locally adopted codes, you install them according to the code. *IF* the code is silent on an issue included in the installation instructions, the installation instructions apply.

If code addresses bonding, and it does, you bond it in accordance with the code. If the code does not address support for the tub, and they do not, you support it in accordance with the installation instructions.

It also depends on if the installation instructions say "and", "or", or "and/or" the installation instructions and/or the code.

That said, are you referring to a "hydromassage tub" or a "spa"? A "spa" is basically bonded the same as a swimming pool, a "hydromassage tub" is not.