Winnie, lest you be concerned...There is a grounding electrode conductor- a ground wire- run to this tub. I am asking about an additional grounding electrode-ground rod into the earth- as well.
The best explanation I have seen about the purpose of ground rods related to lightning protection. This is a completely separate from clearing faults.
The "pick ax" issue was why I used pipe, and buried it DEEP. 24" to top of pipe. I know you might argue that code would allow for less depth, but I am a believer in Murpy's Law.
I guess what I saw inside the tub could be called a "load center." There were separate switches, breakers (or fuses) and connectors for each part of the assembly. It was all part of the control board, though....and not a "load center" as you might get from Square D.
