It's the Little Things that Can Make a Big Difference Regarding Your Hot Tub

It is not a mystery as to why many consumers choose to buy a hot tub spa. There are many health benefits to gain, hours of relaxation can be endless, and your living space gains another area of luxury and entertainment for friends and family members.

The 'basics' of owning a hot tub can't be denied, yet those who decide upon some of the 'extras' during their spa purchase, really thank themselves later. Consider some of your additional options:

- A high-definition LCD television. Some of our models come with retractable televisions. Most people have televisions present in just about every room of their homes. You're going to spend a lot of time in your hot tub, so having a television affixed would be a practical and splendid option.

- Neck and shoulder massage seats. Many people think of soothing, massaging sensations when they ponder a hot tub purchase. Make sure you're getting the most soothing experience possible.

- The number of a hot tub's jets makes all of the difference. A higher number can deliver more health benefits and create more of a relaxing atmosphere. A spa's jets are one of their prime characteristics. Make sure you're making the most of your purchase.

- What about a stereo system? You spend time in your vehicle - think about how you would feel if you didn't have a stereo system in your car. Do you think you could live without it? A hot tub experience is seriously improved with the presence of an AM/FM stereo system with a subwoofer.

- If you're going to be spending a good amount of time in your hot tub, then you'll want to make sure your head is comfortable. We have head cushions to ensure you're more relaxed and comfortable while you're watching your spa television.

- So far, you have the sights, sounds, and feel of a hot tub experience, but what about the smells. Aromatherapy beads can really enhance your spa experience and add to the ambiance.

Outdoor Kitchens Add to Your Hot Tub Experience

Hot tubs can address a variety of settings. Resting in your spa after work may be one of your favorite things to do. While others may enjoy the company of their loved one in the hot tub after the day is through and the night has come. Sharing your tub with family and friends is yet another alternative.

Outdoor kitchens make a wonderful addition to a hot tub setting. Rather than running in and out of the home grabbing food for famished friends and family members, with an outdoor kitchen, you won't have to move far.

SpasNStuff offers a variety of kitchen components so you can replicate a kitchen experience right there next to your hot tub spa. We offer grill cabinets, sink cabinets, tables, multi-door cabinets, and more! Many people enjoy their hot tub purchase so much, they wish they did not have to take occasional breaks due to hunger - now they don't!

The great thing about our piece-by-piece item selection is that you don't have to worry about spacing - you can purchase a few pieces you see fit or purchase an entire kitchen set for your outdoor setting!

Along with tables, chairs, and bar stools, which are all supplied by SpasNStuff, you can practically build an entire new room outside of your house to complement your hot tub purchase. With all of the options presented by SpasNStuff, you won't have to spend so much time away from the relaxation of your spa!

Hot Tubs and Spas Need Accessories

Congratulations! You are either thinking of purchasing a hot tub or have purchased a spa and would like to know more about the associated accessories. Many people are satisfied with their hot tub alone, yet are pleased to find how much they can expand on their spa experience by purchasing some 'extras'.

Consider the following hot tub accessories:

- Spa umbrellas will help keep the sun, debris, and light rain out of your hot tub enjoyment. Have you ever noticed some people propping an umbrella on the beach? Some people enjoy the beach, yet do not like the sun beating down on them all day. The same sentiment is shared in regards to a spa umbrella; a person may want to relax in their tub, yet desire a break from the sun. A spa umbrella will help!

- Hot tubs require some maintenance to ensure optimal health and aesthetic pleasure. A spa vacuum is a quick and easy way to maintain your hot tub. Spa vacuums are light, portable, and easy to use on a daily basis!

- A spa or hot tub needs to rest on a solid, even base for proper usage. A spa pad is an affordable option as an alternative to pouring concrete. Spa pads come in separated pieces, so you can form them in any shape desired. More padding can be added to increase the breadth of the desired, padded area and to ensure a non-slip area is secured around your tub.

- Hot tubs are for big and little kids. Spa steps can be situated at the threshold of your hot tub to ensure a safe entry and exit into the spa. Spa steps can be added and taken away, so there is no aesthetic displeasure associated with their presence. Their purpose can be for practical purposes only.

- One practical oversight may be placement of towels. Drying off some before exiting the hot tub can facilitate safety and help users brace for outside temperatures. Hot tub towel racks offer a place to hang towels as well as come with a hand rail to help with entering and exiting your spa.

Should You Purchase a Portable or Permanent Hot Tub Spa?

There are a few major and some minor factors to consider when deciding to purchase a hot tub spa. One of the major things to consider is whether you want a portable hot tub or have one permanently placed in-ground.

Indoor hot tubs are usually placed in a bathroom or in an enclosed sun-room (or something comparable). Indoor spas are considered portable because though they are securely attached to plumbing and electrical house outlets, they can eventually be taken away.

Outdoor hot tubs can also be portable as seen on an owner's deck or above ground in the yard. Outdoor hot tubs can also be permanent (meaning they are fixed in-ground like an in-ground pool). Yes, eventually you can also take the in-ground spa away, but this would be much more of a project than one settled above ground.

Many in-ground pool owners decide to supplement the pool with an in-ground hot tub spa. This way, owners can enjoy the cool waters of the pool and then warm their bodies in the hot tub or vice versa.

When deciding on an outdoor above-ground hot tub, the alignment of plumbing and electrical ports to the house may be a factor. Some portable owners move the tub around the yard by season depending on the position of the sun.

Permanent hot tubs are going to cost more than portable hot tubs due to the issue of placing it in the earth. In addition, portable tubs supplemented by such things as spa bars, patio furniture, gazebos, and the like can also cost a bit more because of the added elements.

Eating and Drinking in a Hot Tub

Hot tub spas are great additions to a home. They provide entertainment and relaxation; many people also associate the two with eating and drinking. Hot tub owners believe eating and drinking adds to the enjoyment of the experience.

Is it a good idea to eat and drink in your hot tub spa? That question is mostly up to the individual, but here are a few considerations:

- Combining alcohol and bodies of water is never the best of ideas. For many, entertaining and alcohol are closely related, but it is very important to be cautious. Alcohol has an effect on motor functions, and surfaces around hot tubs can be slippery. A spa pad can add traction to the ground and facilitate balance and safety.

- It won't ruin your hot tub if food lands in the water, but sharing a spa with others warrants some consideration of others. It may be best to purchase patio furniture along with an outdoor hot tub and eat off of the tables rather than directly in the spa.

- Staying in the hot tub for long periods can make a person feel hydrated and can lower blood sugar levels. It is a good idea to keep cold drinks on hand as well as whole foods to compensate for any change in body chemistry.

Considerations in switching to salt water (saline) to clean your hot tub

Many people are now considering switching from using chlorine to clean their hot tubs and spas to saline (salt) solutions. No need for chemicals, tenacity of swimsuits, and the eradication of algae are some immediate reasons spa owners are considering the switch. Below are a few facts to keep a hot tub consumer informed.

- A salt water system (essentially) creates its own chlorine to circulate throughout your hot tub. A chlorinator cell inspires the separation of sodium and chloride. This process culminates in the sterilization of your spa.

- Some hot tub users get an allergic reaction to chlorinated spas. This may also be the result of ancillary by-products existing in the chlorine solution. Those who are hypoallergenic or have sensitive skin may benefit from the switch.

- Kids love to submerge themselves underwater: maybe it is their sense of adventure, the excitement of the unknown, etc. In truth, saline solution is much easier on the eyes than chlorine.

- Saline systems do not come cheap. Presently, saline hot tub systems are more expensive than chlorine systems.

- Saline cleaning does not warrant as much diligence, but a hot tub owner must still occasionally add acids or base to equate the pH levels in the hot tub.

- Going "green" and becoming more aware to individual contributions to the environment is something more people are interested in today. Certainly, using saline solution rather than chlorine to clean your hot tub is a greener way to go.

In-ground or Portable Hot Tub?

A consumer who is in the market looking for a hot tub must decide whether they would like to purchase an in-ground or portable tub. The following post highlights some of the major considerations in purchasing either.

Hot Tub Tip 1 - In-ground
An in-ground tub can rest idle or be attached to a pool. There is not a lot of options with its location, once it is in, it is permanent. The tub can be molded of concrete or a material matching that of a connected pool.

The heater, jets, filter, and pumps associated with the in-ground tub can be more powerful than that of a portable tub because its connection to an adjoining pool. The necessary equipment most likely will be out of view (being underneath, enclosed in a remote unit, or built within the tub itself), so the sounds of operation can be less audible.

There is a trade - the hot tub can be more powerful - but the energy bill may be as well.

Hot Tub Tip 2 - Portable tub
A portable hot tub grants its owner more choices in regards to location. The location does need to be sturdy in order to hold the weight of the tub and occupants. Portable hot tubs come in many sizes ranging from two-person tubs to those that can fit up to ten people.

The pump, filter, and heater are smaller for a portable tub in comparison to an in-ground hot tub. Portable tubs are usually made of fiberglass or acrylic material. This enables options in regards to shapes and colors.

Though a portable tub is free standing, its owner can really create an ambiance around their hot tub. Many accessories are available for a portable tub. Hot weather can be avoided by a spa sun umbrella; patio benches or a spa bar can decorate the perimeter of the tub; or, spa steps can be instituted to ensure safe entry and exit into the hot tub.

Buying a Hot Tub

Consumers want to make smart purchases - especially in the current market. Like any other desire, it can be beneficial to do a bit of research before indulging. Purchasing a hot tub is no different. There are quite a few elements to consider before making a final decision.

Hot Tub Tip 1 - Where?
One of first things a consumer must think about is where they would like to place the tub - inside or outside? Manufacturers make models suited for both situations. A bathroom or extension room may be ideal for indoors, and a back porch or yard can host a tub outdoors. Consider an area away from hanging leaves or debris.

Tub Tip 2 - How big?
Manufacturers make two-person hot tubs up to ones that can fit six or more people. You may be able to get a decent estimate with an eye, but there is a "rule of thumb." Think about each person as taking up about 70 to 80 gallons each. Multiply the intended number of occupants by 75 gallons.

Tub Tip 3 - How much?
The price of a hot tub is usually akin to its size. Suppliers are always hosting hot tub sales - it is best to search for them. A two-to-four-person tub usually starts around the $4,000 price range. Like many large purchases, vendors offer payment plans.

Tub Tip 4 - What extras?
Hot tubs can come with a lot of "extras." Many customers are amazed to find that a hot tub purchase completely revolutionizes their backyard. Some begin building an "ambiance" in tribute to their tub. Customers have implemented spa bars, patio benches, spa sun umbrellas, and other accessories to complement their new hot tub.