Definitely changing the drip pad will help with the very distinct fragrance. I got mine here:
http://www.221parts.com/drip.htm
Don't know about removing the old grease though.
To me a spa would be totally stripping down the machine for a soak and cleaning. I doubt your mechanic did that if the pad wasn't even changed. I bet all he did was lubricate and oil the machine and probably make sure she is tuned up.