Hot Tubs

Buying your first hot tub does not have to be a bewildering experience. Read up, make a checklist of your wants and needs, assess your budget (hot tubs can cost anywhere from $2,000 up to $20,000 or more, depending on quality and accessories and soon you will be soaking in your own luxurious hot tub.
First, decide where you want to place your hot tub, and then determine if the location is feasible. There should also be plenty of room to move around when stepping into and out of the unit. Once you have chosen an appropriate spot for your spa, it is time to consider which hot tub features will best suit your needs.
Jets. Jets can massage your feet, ease your aches and pains, and simply relax away the stress of a long day. Selecting the right configuration may be one of the most important choices you make during your spa-purchasing process.There are whirlpool jets that move water in a circular motion and neck jets geared specifically to loosen tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. Swirling jets can target certain areas of the body, while pulsating, or gattling jets, flush water in staccato successions over a larger radius (great for the lower back in lounges).There are even hand and foot jets designed specifically to relieve these overworked muscles. Many manufacturers have their own names for their jet systems, so understanding what various jets do can help you decide which ones are right for you. When it comes to material, look for stainless steel jets.They will not wear out, and they can be replaced easily.
Seating. How you sit will affect your oak.Are ou more comfortable sitting up than lying down? Do you prefer to immerse yourself in a deep bucket seat, or is a slightly elevated bench more your style? Would you like to cuddle with your honey on a loveseat or in a doublewide reversible lounger? Think about these questions as you browse through what is available, and you will be able to configure the perfect seating for your hot tub.
Most seating can be combined with whirlpool, pulsating or swirling jets. Look for enough seating areas to accommodate everyone in the family and/or
guests, and check to see that the footwell is large enough to hold the number that it says it will.
Controls. Do you want to start up your spa without having to step outside into the rain or the snow? Then you will want an in-house remote that lets you control the spa from any room in your home. Manufacturers also offer floating remotes and controls to make adjusting the jets, heater and lights more convenient. Most spas come with topside controls built into the shell or cabinet located near the entry, but do not settle for this type of placement if convenience is at the top of your priority list. It also pays to invest in a hot tub that has a reliable control system that will not wear out after a few years of use.
Shell. The interior surface of the hot tub is commonly referred to as the shell, and it is usually made of tough acrylic or thermoplastic. Shells are available in many different colors and types. Marbled styles really do look like marble slabs with two colors swirled together, and granite-type surfaces simulate real stone, evoking the authenticity of classy granite countertops. Pearlescent finishes give off a gentle sheen and are typically offered in light, shimmering colors. Ceramic tile is also available for a more customized look.
Cabinet. Spa cabinets, sometimes called skirting, have evolved just as spas have. Cabinets used to be composed of wood, which required refinishing or repainting every few years. Now most are made of attractive, long-lasting and fairly maintenance-free synthetic materials. If you desire a more traditional look, wooden exteriors are still available. Multiple layers of insulation are usually tucked behind the cabinetry to help retain heat within the hot tub, though some tubs are insulated with spray-on foam in the interior. Efficient insulation can cut your utility bills, making the spa a better
deal in the long run.
Innards. The pump(s heater, filter—and often the ozonator— are the lifeblood of your hot tub. Pumps circulate the water and push it through the filter and the heater. The heater warms the water to the proper temperature.The filter catches and traps debris for later removal and should be easy to reach for this reason. And the ozonator (if your hot tub has one) keeps the water sparkling clear with little effort or maintenance. If you choose a tub without an ozonator, make sure that you understand the water care schedule for your specific model. In all cases, you should find out from your dealer how your spa operates. Usually filtration is automatic, but you may have to program it. Also inquire about what the optimum chemical mix is for your water. All of the parts mentioned should be of high quality from known manufacturers, and they should have reasonable warranties.Today, keeping water balanced is quite simple, but this all depends on a trusty filtration system that is easy to run and maintain.
Amenities. Whether listed as options or as standard features, amenities for your hot tub are plentiful. Ranging from underwater lights, waterfalls, music systems, pop-up DVD players and TVs, to spaside counter seating, water misters and built-in exercise equipment, there is something for everybody. Of course some of these items may not be entirely necessary in your spa, but they add to the overall enjoyment of the hot tub experience.
Covers. Most covers consist of hard insulating foam enclosed in vinyl.They typically last anywhere from five to 10 years before you need to replace them, and the larger the spa, the larger the replacement cost for the cover. Covers that lock are a must for homes with children. Look for durable covers with finished vents to drain excess moisture.You can also purchase systems that will remove and replace the cover automatically.
Test soak. Just as you wouldn’t buy a bed without testing the mattress, do not buy your spa without a test soak. Most dealers offer these as a matter of course.
Usually dealers will schedule after-hour test soaks so that you do not have to test the spa in a full showroom. Look (and feel) for jet placement, footwell space, lack of noise and where the controls are placed. A hot tub is a unique and personal investment, and you should be completely satisfied with all aspects of your spa’s design. If you act on impulse without experiencing the features firsthand, you may wind up with a bad case of buyers’ remorse.
Hydrotherapy, or the immersion of the body in warm water to maintain health and prevent disease, may be as old as mankind. Through the centuries, ancient Jewish texts and written records of the Roman, Greek and Japanese cultures provide evidence that the use of baths and other water sources bring relief from pain and disease.
European physicians have long prescribed warm water therapy in the treatment of various conditions, supported by the results of many clinical trials. Certainly, professional athletes and their trainers know how important water therapy is to boost their performance and to speed up recovery after an injury. The US medical community is cooperating with top medical institutions, such as the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, by incorporating separate departments dedicated to the use of hydrotherapy.
Keri Currutt, certified therapeutic recreational specialist and aqua therapy director at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation, agrees that there is an increasing trend toward hydrotherapy. “Warm water pools provide an affirming and inviting low-impact environment for strength-building exercises for many patients,” she proclaims.
Doreen M. Stiskal, Ph.D., assistant chair of the graduate program in Health Sciences at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, which educates physical therapists and sports athletic trainers, had this to say when asked about the difference between clinical warm water therapy versus the therapy possible in home hot tubs.“Most therapeutic water exercise and rehabilitation facilities use pools having a water temperature between 90 and 98 degrees.This contrasts to a typical lap or cardiovascular aquatic exercise pool, which has a temperature of 84 degrees or below, and that of a home hot tub, which can be set as high as 104 degrees.” Given this distinction, one could assume that by dropping the temperature of the hot tub by a few degrees, users may extend and multiply the benefits of rehab therapy right in the comfort of their own backyards.