Monday, December 28, 2009

Transforming Your Backyard into a Relaxing Retreat

If you are lucky enough to have the outdoor space, why not take advantage and make the best of your backyard? There are plenty of outdoor upgrades that you can choose from.

Landscaping

Landscaping is custom designed to fit your space and needs. Choose patio shapes and sizes made from a variety of materials and textures. You can then surround the space with trees, flowers, plants, and shrubs for an increased visual appeal.

Building a Kitchen

There is more to cooking then just a grill. Make your backyard a functional retreat by building a partial or full outdoor kitchen. Outdoor friendly materials are used to construct bars, dining islands, refrigerator cabinets, sinks, tables, chairs, and much more.

Buying New Patio Furniture

Update your old faded patio chairs and tables with fresh styles. Invest in loungers and comfy outdoor sofa sets. Add a hamack under the tree or a gazebo for extra shading. The opportunities are endless with the variety of patio furniture designs and styles available.

Adding a Hot Tub

If your yard is not big enough or you do not want the expense of installing a full size pool, consider a hot tub instead. Hot tubs are a great way to relax or entertain guests. Plus, they are easy to maintain and won’t put a major dent in your budget.

Spas N Stuff is the perfect place for your backyard transformation! We make the process painless with our variety of portable hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, patio furniture, and much more. Experience our discounted wholesale prices all while shopping from the comfort of your own home. Check out www.spasnstuff.com to get started on your relaxing retreat today!

Landlords: Invest in A Hot Tub

Landlords: How to Get the Most Out of Your Investment


Being a landlord can be a tricky and difficult job at times. One of the biggest obstacles that landlords face is how to maximize their return on investment. Entrepreneurs typically get into the housing business because it has proven to be one of the most stable markets in the economy. However, when a landlord offers properties that are the same size as those nearby, but wants to charge a higher price for rent, customers are likely to opt for the less expensive house down the street.

How Can a Landlord Maximize His Return on Investment?

There are many ways that a landlord can justifiably increase the amount they charge for rent. Many of these methods include making simple improvements to the home. For example, painting the inside of a house can be done yourself for a relatively low cost. While the task may be time consuming, the total cost of materials is usually minimal. A fresh, well-done paint job alone may allow the landlord to charge an extra $50 per month. The building quality will be higher, the property will be more appealing to customers, and the paint will pay for itself.

A landlord might also want to increase the curb appeal of their properties. This means that, based on the outside elements of the property, customers may gain an impression of overall quality. These improvements can also be cheap and easy-tasks such as removing overgrown shrubs, planting new grass, or adding window shutters will make the home appear clean, cared-for, and well-maintained.

The more improvement projects that a landlord undertakes, the more valuable and attractive their properties will become. Many potential renters will place as much value on the appearance of the house as they do on the cost of the monthly rent.

Amenities

Amenities are another great way by which higher rent can be justified in comparison to competing properties. Large apartment complex owners and managers have used this trick for years. Complexes that offer such amenities as swimming pools, portable hot tubs, exercise facilities, and playgrounds are able to demand a higher price for their units. Some of these apartments simply must provide these amenities because their competitors offer them as well. The landlords of individual houses may want to seriously consider the feasibility of adding such amenities to their properties. Amenities that potential clients see as unique may allow the landlord to draw high-quality renters and name a higher price for the property.

One amenity that generally encourages good return on investment is a portable hot tub. A landlord can purchase a quality hot tub for between $4,000 and $10,000. While this is an expensive investment, it can pay for itself within a couple of years. By offering luxury extras like this, a landlord can charge as much as an extra $250 or more per month. Since the maintenance efforts and costs are minimal, a portable hot tub could be the perfect amenity to help entice the best possible renters toward your property.

If you are a landlord, you must ask yourself how many of your competitors are offering these extra amenities. You can stand out from your competitors by offering the luxury items that the other landlords would never consider installing on their properties. By doing this, you can win over the clientele that you and your competitors compete for.

Is it Worth the Effort?

A former landlord of mine asked me, when I was moving out, what improvements I would like to see made to the house. I suggested that he put in storm windows to help keep the energy bills down. His response was that he would not do so because “renters would just tear them up.” His attitude was that if he put anything nice into the house, it would only be broken or torn up.

Many landlords struggle with this dilemma because they want to make sure that they do not lose money on their investments. But by adding amenities such as hot tubs or fencing, a landlord can acquire high-quality tenants. A landlord can select renters with the best references and credit histories. A landlord can then also request an extra deposit solely for the hot tub; this is somewhat similar to the “pet fee” many landlords require as a type of insurance for the property.

In the end, if a landlord refrains from making home improvements, they will not be able to justify charging higher prices than his nearest competitors. If you are a landlord and want to get a long-term return on your investments, then you should consider the addition of unique amenities to your rental homes. These amenities will last for many years to come, and your return on investment will increase.

Spas N Stuff sells factory direct hot tubs, spas and saunas. Free delivery, factory tour, no state sales tax.

Complement Your Hot Tub Spa

Purchasing a hot tub is a great value for entertainment and health purposes. In addition, complementing your spa with additional accessories can greatly enhance the enjoyment of an outdoor spa. Consider the following suggestions.

Hot tub Cover
For safety, maintenance, and cleaning reasons, purchasing a hot tub cover can be considered more of a necessity. Covers keep out unwanted bugs, debris, and people (just like pools, having neighborhood kids “hot tub hop” can be a legality issue). In addition to a cover, consider purchasing a lock, which truly keeps all unwanted parties out.

A cover lifter can also facilitate hot tub security and use. Hot tub cover lifters can be attractive, efficient, and come with extras such as towel hooks.

Saunas
Saunas can be purchased for one, two, or more people to enjoy at once. Like hot tubs, saunas offer their owners many health benefits. Infrared saunas have especially gained popularity with consumers and health advocates in recent years. Some saunas come equipped with AM/FM radio and internal/external lighting.

Patio furniture
Many people purchase hot tubs to augment the ambiance of their yards, decks, or patios. Patio furniture such as gazebo bars, patio benches, and round tables with chairs can complement the aesthetic look and entertainment offered in an owner’s yard.

Accessibility help

Hot tub use is not limited to those with long and short-term injuries or mobility issues after implementing a hot tub lift. Pool and hot tub lifts enable all owners to enjoy their hot tub spa whenever they wish.

Aromatherapy
Many spa owners supplement the relaxation their hot tub grants them by implementing aromatherapy beads. Aromatherapy is championed by many in regards to facilitating well being and a calming experience.

Friday, December 18, 2009

The Mythology of Cold and Flu Season

Right around this time each year, the media begins reporting on the latest flu that is going to become the next global pandemic. This fear is punctuated by widespread speculation, both on the severity of the flu and on how you can keep yourself safe. It can be hard to tell what is real or what isn’t.

For example, did you know that going out without a coat will not get you sick? Its true, despite what your mother may have told you growing up. And leaving the house with wet hair won’t do it either. In fact, staying in has more of an effect on sickness than going out. Bacteria mutates quickly, combining with other germs and materials in the air to form. Large indoor close quarter gatherings, with the heat turned on, is much more likely to get you sick.

Another cold and flu remedy has been orange juice and the use of Vitamin C. According to a 2007 report based on over 30 studies of Vitamin C’s effects on treating cold and flu symptoms is statistically insignificant. Basically, it can’t hurt but it doesn’t really help.

But the most startling mythbuster we found was a contradiction of the old adage “Starve a Fever, Feed a Cold.” Or was it the other way around? Let us clear up the confusion: starvation is never the answer. According to WebMD, the nutrients available in certain foods help the body stave off infection. Foods high in beta-carotene protect the body against Free Radicals—cells that disrupt your body’s natural disease fighters—and help you to recover from disease more quickly.

Foods rich in protein and calories heat the body naturally. WebMD states that inciting or exacerbating a fever is a great way to make the body inhospitable for germs. If you manage a light fever by staying well hydrated, there is no better natural remedy for getting better faster. Some doctors, like family physician Dr. George Wootan, even recommend that folks without a temperature promote their own fever by sitting in a hot tub or spa. Wootan is the author of “Take Care of Your Child’s Health.” The heat, Wootan says, raises the body’s temperature, increasing its ability to create interferon. A temperature-regulated environment like a hot tub allows the body to withstand higher temperatures, able to incite a light fever.

The last remedy that has been promoted and accepted as effective is steam. Steam inhalation has been shown to unclog sinuses and thin mucus.

Why battle with unproven at-home remedies every cold and flu season, spending hundreds at the drug store on the latest fad? Hot tubs and spas are proven to increase vitality, detoxify the skin, relieve muscle aches and help fight infections like the flu and the common cold. Cold and flu season comes every year. Be prepared with a healing wellness hot tub or at-home sauna or spa.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Experience a "Staycation" in your Hot Tub!

In 2008, many media outlets began reporting on a growing trend in the tourism industry known as the staycation. The concept was simple: save money by spending time off from work at home, relaxing and enjoying attractions locally. The trend must have caught on as the Department of Travel and Tourism released their year-end statistics, showing tourism down 12% nationally since reaching a 10-year high in 2008.

And why shouldn’t the trend take hold? The Air Travel industry is more unstable and security more invasive than ever. America is just now recovering from a nationwide recession. And our president is currently overseas rallying support for climate change initiatives. Staycations help stressed staycationers avoid the headaches of travel, use less fossil fuels but still enjoy the relaxation of a vacation.

The winter weather has many Americans looking ahead to summer already. Planning a staycation involves the classic elements like visiting local attractions, trying new foods, and getting out in the sunshine. But depending on the amenities your personal resort offers, you may have to invest in some upgrades.

When people think relaxation and vacation, they often think of a quiet, peaceful dip in a hot tub. Home hot tubs are available at discount prices. And despite being great stress-relievers year round, many manufacturers offer discounts during the winter. Available options like wholesale hot tubs can offer reduced rates as well.

As trying new foods are on most vacation itineraries, no staycation spa paradise would be complete without an outdoor kitchen. For about the cost of a family trip to Europe, you could outfit your yard with the ultimate 8-piece grill destination, making your home the entertainment capital of the neighborhood. And unlike a vacation, the memories you make staycationing can be replicated next summer as well.

For all your staycation needs, visit SpasNStuff.com for discounts and financing options to create the perfect resort destination right in your own backyard.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A Checklist of Hot Tub Features

What do people look for in a hot tub? The answer is as varied as the customer, but most hot tubs come with a set of standard features. Which features you consider important will depend on both your personal preferences and your reasons for using the tub.

Popular Features

Jets - One of the most uniquely relaxing features of hot tubs-as opposed to an upscale bathtub or pool-is that they come equipped with multiple jets. These jets channel and propel water to help soothe concentrated muscle groups, such as the neck or lower back. Hot tubs come with their jets positioned in a variety of ways and positions, depending on the manufacturer.

Size - A range of tub sizes exists on the market today. Generally, private spas for the home seat between five and nine people. Larger tubs generally warrant a higher cost.

Seating - In addition to the volumetric size of the hot tub, a consumer will want to consider the number and arrangement of seats therein. Some hot tubs come with simple plastic bench to sit on, while others offer bucket or lounge-style seating.

Maintenance - The amount of maintenance required for a tub differs according to its model. The more frequently that it is used, the more maintenance it will require. Also, if unless you are diligent about keeping the cover on it when it is not in use, it will require frequent water treatment. If the hot tub is outdoors and you do not utilize the cover, leaves and insects will fall in and the tub will require more frequent skimming and/or cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend that you test the tub's water weekly to ensure that chemical levels in the water are adequate. It is recommended that you clean the filter monthly and that you drain the tub completely once every 3 months.

Cabinet - The cabinet is the exterior of the hot tub. Many exterior materials are available, from a plastic veneer to a wood finish. You can choose from multiple colors and styles depending on the manufacturer you purchase from.

Shell - The "shell" is the interior of the tub, the basin that houses seats and holds water. Again, there many choices available for materials, from the standard blue plastic to granite and marble; the choice is up to you and your budget.

Working Parts - All hot tubs come with a number of parts that allow them to operate properly. Some of these parts include the pump motor, heater, insulation, and filter.

You will want to consider the warranty on your tub's working parts and for how long these parts are expected to last. Keep in mind that the higher quality the heater, and the more insulation used, the likelier your tub is to maintain a constant temperature. Additionally, you will want to consider how much energy the tub will use while in operation-some manufacturers offer especially energy-efficient parts or models.

Covers - A cover is essential when keeping the water in your tub clean and chemically balanced. Most distributors include a cover with the tub; however, there is sometimes an additional charge for this. If you have young children who live in or visit your home, a hot tub cover should be considered as a required accessory. The safety of your children and grandchildren far outweighs any cost of a hot tub cover.

The Bells and Whistles - The above features are all considered "standard" and, to varying degrees, essential. For the more adventurous buyer, however, there are additional features that can be included.

One such amenity is a built-in stereo and speakers; this way, you do not have to worry about toting a stereo back and forth or wiring outdoor speakers. Select tubs feature a built-in television that can retract into the tub's wall when not in use. The television and stereo are often available with floating, waterproof remotes. Another available amenity is an illuminated waterfall-this allows for tranquil sound and light to be a part of your experience.

Now you know of the different features you may want to examine when assessing the hot tub market. Your preferences and budget will help determine which of the available options might suit your purchase best. Remember that above all, your hot tub should be a place where you, your family and guests can relax and enjoy themselves.

Today, consumers can save thousands of dollars off the regular purchase price of many products and services, including portable spas - hot tubs. The exact same hot tubs available from your local dealer, are available online for as much as 30% off regular retail at: http://www.SpasNStuff.com.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

How To Pay For The Finer Things In Life

Everyone likes to enjoy luxury, but often the average consumer does not consider himself financially able to do so. The truth is, that with a good budget and smart financial planning, many people can afford to treat themselves to fineries they may not have considered a possibility.

Many Americans invest hundreds or thousands of dollars a year in health club memberships. Many of these consumers are looking for a pool for their families to use during the summer; others seek the therapeutic benefits of a hot tub or aerobic swimming. Instead of paying your local recreation department or health club for the monthly use of a pool, why not invest in your own?

Many buyers see the lump sum needed for this kind of investment as a barrier. When you pay a monthly membership fee, you are investing in the cost and maintenance of a facility that ultimately belongs to someone else. Why not invest that money in your own home and property? In truth, monthly membership fees are often comparable to what a loan payment for a hot tub or pool might be. With a purchasing price in the ballpark of $5,500-$15,000 for a nice hot tub, monthly payments are no longer wasted on an outside entity, but rather invested in your own property's value.

Additionally, by having a hot tub at home, you do not have to worry about others constantly using the facility. You have complete privacy when using your tub or pool, and are able to access it at any hour of the day. You are also able to maintain the cleanliness and chemical balances of the pool yourself; you are no longer dependent on public or health club employees to do so-often at the expense of a job well done. By having a hot tub or swimming pool at home, you are able to keep a closer eye on the safety and cleanliness of the facilities your family uses.

After buying your own hot tub, you may decide to move the fixture at a later date. If you decide to sell your home or invest in a second property, the tub will be removable and mobile so you can take it with you. This, however, is clearly not an option when it comes to in-ground swimming pools. When you go to sell your home, if the buyer does not want to pay extra for the amenity of having a hot tub, you can simply keep it and continue to enjoy it.

The cost of maintenance for a hot tub is generally quite low. You will only need to buy a few chemicals and measure the water quality on a regular basis. A swimming pool will cost a little more to maintain, but is still quite affordable.

Hot tubs are probably somewhat cheaper than many people realize, and making the monthly payments is easier than you think. Money spent on pool or health club memberships can easily be re-directed, providing you and your family a higher standard of living. Just think about the next time it is 30 degrees outside and you want to take a dip in the hot tub. Instead of warming up the car and driving across town, you could change clothes and climb right into your very own hot tub. If you get the urge for a dip in the hot tub at 2 a.m., do it.

So, the next time you are thinking about writing your monthly check to the local health club, stop and think about what I said, and then realize that you don't have to live your life by someone else's schedule or location.

It is true that you can go to your local hot tub dealer and spend anywhere from $5,500 to $15,000 on a hot tub. But amazingly, you could pay only $4,000 to $10,000 for the exact same portable hot tubs - spas that you can get at your local dealership, if only you visited Spas N Stuff.com first.