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.

Hot Tub Spas and TVs

Hot tub spas and television may be the best thing since bread came sliced. Many customers enjoy soaking in a two-person to multi-person hot tub. In addition to enjoying the spa, the owner can supplement the outdoor hot tub with patio furniture, a gazebo, infrared sauna, etc. Aside from the supplementary purchases, a savvy consumer can buy a hot tub spa with a built-in television. That is true luxury living.

SpasNStuff understands the importance of such a luxury item. That is why we have the BellaGrande XLT model spa on sale all the time! This beautiful item not only has a 20" television affixed, but it also comes with a DVD player, 4 corner speakers, and an in-cabinet sub-woofer! In addition, this model comes with 51 stainless steel jets, seats 6-7 people, and available in 6 shell colors.

This truly is a coveted item. The great things about hot tub spas is that you can enjoy them all year, cleaning and maintenance is minimal, and spas offer so many physical benefits to their owners. We have sales going on all season! Come to www.spasnstuff.com to see what deals await you.

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.

Spa and Hot Tub Use in Pregnancy

The following information about hot tub use and pregnancy was taken from reputable sources throughout the Web, but it is suggested to consult a doctor before using a spa during pregnancy.

Hot tub users get used to their spa - very quickly. It soon becomes a luxury most do not want to lose, but some scenarios may warrant more caution than others such as pregnancy. The following post addresses safe spa usage during pregnancy.

- Hot tubs increase a users core temperature. Hyperthermia or abnormally, raised body temperature, is a major concern for pregnant women. Some sources suggest a body temperature exceeding 101F is a cause of emergency when pregnant within the first trimester.

- In addition, baths as well as hot tubs and spas, should be approached with caution. It is suggested by sources that pregnant women never let their body temperature exceed 102.2F.

- Most hot tubs are programmed to heat water to a temperature hovering around 104F, studies indicate it only takes less than twenty minutes of continuous spa usage to raise one's temperature to about 102F. Raised body temperature can be curbed by leaving the upper body out of the hot tub rather than being submerged from the neck down.

As hot tub suppliers, we suggest the following in the event of hot tub use during pregnancy:

- Program the spa never to exceed temperatures of 100F.
- Limit the continuous time in the hot tub. Do not exceed ten minutes at one time.
- Closely monitor hot tub temperatures
- Listen to your body - if you feel uncomfortable or begin to sweat, get out of the spa

Hot Tub Buys - Don't Cheat Yourself Going Cheap

The word "cheap" can adopt several meanings. When buying a hot tub, it is hoped to get a great deal, but you do not want to sacrifice quality.

Many online suppliers offer sales and spas at affordable prices. It is very easy to peruse a few different sites to get a good idea of a "general price". Unfortunately, sometimes people access online platforms such as Craigslist or Ebay looking to find something at an unparalleled price.

Again, many hot tub suppliers offer great deals - but those looking to get something for nothing are going to get what they paid for.

The following suggestions are offered to help the hot tub shopper:

- In addition to an affordable price on a spa, look for other extras the supplier may provide such as free shipping and no sales tax

- Look for online hot tub dealers. Many times, online suppliers can offer better prices because they do not have to factor salespeople into the equation.

- Buying a used hot tub may save you money, but like used cars, you sacrifice getting a "lemon".

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 or bromine to circulate throughout your hot tub. A chlorinator or brominator cell inspires the separation of sodium and chloride or sodium and bromide. 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 New bromine salt water system for spas.

- 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 traditional spa chlorine.

- 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.