Choosing a Hot Tub

by John Lewis

The shape of modern Jacuzzi style Spas and Hot Tubs continues to evolve at quite a pace with manufacturers introducing more and more models in order to catch the publics imagination with increasing Shapes & Colours.

Some Hot Tubs are square say 2 metres by 2 metres and comparably shallow holding just over some 200 Gallons whilst others are exactly the same size but much deeper holding 300 Gallons. This gives one an insight into the purpose of the Hot Tub. The more shallow one with less water capacity would be for semi bouyancy whilst the deeper Hot Tub would produce a much more bouyant sensation. Some would argue for one above the other but we are back to what the consumer actually wants if its a more deeper tub then the choice is obvious equally a more shallow tub may be the one the consumer wants. Possibly the more deeper Hot Tub may be better value but it is I think pretty marginal.

Some hot Tubs are rectangular and indeed any shape is available that the Hot Tub manufactures believe will generate interest in the market place. For example there are octagonal and now deep round shapes. Also there are Swim Spas those Jacuuzi Style Hot Tubs that have a dedicated Swimming area with a special Hot Tub Massage area. These are now becoming very popular.

The choice of Jets is also expanding considerably with some manufacturers offering the ability for the consumer to be able to choose the positioning and type of Jets in certain models. This means that it is now possible to have a custom Hot Tub made for you.

The original Hot Tubs of years ago were circular and made out of wood like very large beer barrels and today some modern Hot Tubs are produced in that shape also. These round Hot Tubs provide a great deep Tub with plenty of Jets and a great Hydro massage effect. At the same time they are very good for friends and the family to get together and have a chat.

Some of the many other things to consider when choosing a Hot Tub are the combination of colours available not only for the shell but also to the cabinet. Some Hot Tub suppliers / manufacturers have quite a limited choice in colours but it is possible to get literally any colour in the shell of a modern Hot Tub.

Do you want a flag say the Spanish Flag perhaps,or the British Flag or the Irish Flag or the French Tri-Colour through the shell of your very own Hot Tub of course it is all possible today? Perhaps the colours of your favourite football team or indeed a real life example the racing colours of the Kawasaki Motor Bike racing colours !!!

Anything is possible today in the modern market place for the consumer to specify exactly the Hot Tub that they want.

Do you want to be able to specify the Jets in your Hot Tub and more than that there location? Yes you can choose the combination and the placing of the Jets in the latest modern Hot Tubs. This gives the consumer the chance to choose exactly what they want and have a Hot Tub custom built for them. No longer is one restricted to the standard ideas made by the manufacturers who are only interested in mass production.

Next time you are looking for a Jacuzzi style Spa - Hot Tub why don’t you look out for the new round shapes and the very varied colours that are becoming available.



Thanks to John Lewis for contributing this article to our Saunas blog:

Infrared Sauna Comparison

Saunas have been around for at least a thousand years and have many derivations. Finnish sauna made their way to the upper Great Lakes States along with the new immigrants. Many of the old Finnish and Swedish homes had saunas built into the home structure. Due to the increased fire hazard when using a constant heat sauna many people had the sauna built as a separate building located adjacent to the home. Old style smoke saunas due to their nature were always located away from the house and frequently located near a natural water source.

In both cases wood was required to fuel these traditional sauna which required spending time cutting firewood each spring and summer. All these factors meant that if you wanted a sauna you must have not only a source of wood but also enough land to construct the sauna. When you moved to an urban setting you most likely had to give up your sauna. There was no such thing as a portable sauna that you could take with you.

New sauna stove technology that uses electricity, gas or propane has greatly increased the number of locations that a sauna can be built. New Far infrared sauna technology has really changed sauna sales.

Portable saunas use steam heat that will allow you site a sauna just about anywhere. In most cases a small portable sauna will consist of a PVC frame covered with a special insulating water proof cloth. The floors of most portable saunas have a sponge or drip pad that catches the users sweat. These units are designed to be folded up into a suit case size package that can be easily stored in a closet or utility room.

In most cases the heat source for a portable sauna comes from a steam generation unit that sits outside the sauna. A hose is attached between the steam generator and the sauna. In most cases portable units are set up so that the user sits on a chair inside the unit with their head protruding out the top. Some portable saunas have optional hoods that cover the head as well. Most portable sauna units have slits in the front that allow your hands to protrude so that you can hold and read a book during your sauna.

Operating temperatures are normally in the 90c (100F) heat range. Most units have digital controls and a timer that make the sauna very easy to use. The steam generator is powered by ordinary house current and in remote locations be powered by a generator. Depending on the individual unit it takes between 30 and 60 minutes for the portable sauna to reach its maximum temperature.

The new portable infrared saunas are basically constructed of the same materials however the heat source consists of Far infrared emitters that heat the sauna and the user. Unlike the steam heat that other portables use an infrared sauna is a dry sauna. The only moisture comes from the sweat of the users body.

Prices for a portable sauna vary greatly and range from about $75 to $750. Differences in heat sources and insulating clothe account for the majority of the price range.



Thanks to Jim Kesel for contributing this article to our Saunas blog:

Infrared Sauna Health Benefits

In this age of information, many people are determined to take charge of their own health. One great way that we do this is through regular infrared sauna therapy. People might take advantage of this alternative medicine practice to manage a specific medical condition or they may just be encouraging general health.

Infrared radiation is similar to the light of the sun in that it is able to warm its object without warming the air between it and the object. So infrared is very efficient and very potent when harnessed for sauna therapy.

Unlike traditional saunas that only warm the outermost layer of skin, infrared light penetrates several inches beneath the skin. The healing benefits of sauna therapy are no longer just for the superficial layers of the skin, but for the muscular tissues and even the internal organs as well.

For hundreds of years, saunas have been popular ways to detoxify your body. Infrared saunas provide a more effective way to cleanse your body of harmful chemicals and toxins. Infrared therapy induces perspiration that rids our bodies of all kinds of excess chemicals. It also opens up blocked pores to produce smoother, more beautiful skin while preventing future acne.

People often use infrared saunas as a tool to manage their body weight. Several hundred calories are burned in each session. Of course a lot of this is water weight which is quickly regained, but the increased blood flow from infrared therapy fosters a better, faster metabolism in daily life.

Infrared saunas increase circulation, reducing stress in those with even the busiest lives. Research even suggests that people with mild clinical depression feel better with regular infrared therapy.

Overall immune system function is also increased with this type of therapy. In an infrared sauna, the core body temperature actually raises an average of one to three degrees. This is simulating a fever, which sends the immune system into attack mode. When our bodies are compromised with bacteria or viruses, a fever is the first line of defense against them.

Suffers of musculoskeletal issues like arthritis, bursitis, or other types of lower back and joint pain say that sessions in an infrared sauna help improve their conditions. Even temporary conditions like tense muscles or tenderness after exercise are managed well in this way.

Regular periods of relaxation in an infrared sauna really can make a world of difference to your health. Don’t neglect this invaluable form of alternative medicine the next time you are looking to better your health.



Thanks to Adam Hefner for contributing this article to our Saunas blog:

Steam Shower Benefits

Can you answer matt’s question about Saunas?:

i like them personally. do they just make u sweat? is there some science behind it? why r they good?

Heated Towel Warmers

Can you answer MominOhio’s question about Saunas?:

I am considering purchasing a hot tub. Looking at a 5-6 person hot tub to be installed into deck. What is the cost to install and maintain a hot tub in the northeast?

Steam Shower Sauna Combo