Hot Tub or Spa and what about Portable?

After several years in the business, I realize that people often aren't sure whether they want to purchase a hot tub or spa. There can often be extra confusion when they hear the popular industry terms; portable hot tubs and portable spas. What is the difference?

Hot Tub or Spa
If I may start with a bit of honesty, I don’t know if there is truly a difference in the use of the terms these days. Based on many conversations over the years, I believe the term hot tub was originally used for the classic round wooden hot tubs we have all seen in the movies. Early models may not even have had water jets, but instead were simply an outdoor hot tub full of hot water.
It is my understanding that the term spa has become popular when referring to the more modern models, which are very upscale. They may have multiple pumps, dozens of water jets, sometimes air jets, blowers, fancy lighting packages, stainless steel accented jets, high quality stereo sound systems, and even spas with built in hi-definition TV’s. What a list! Can this simply be called a hot tub, or does it need a specialty name, like spa?

In reality, the terms seem to be very interchangeable. Some folks say hot tub, some prefer spa, and of course to complicate the matter further, there is the registered trademark of Jacuzzi, which can often be thrown around as a generic term. I get frequent calls from folks wanting to purchase a “Jacuzzi spa.” I quickly discover they aren’t necessarily interested in a brand, but a hot tub with any number of the upscale features one would find in a “spa.”

Portable Hot Tub or Portable Spa?
Believe it or not, the official industry terms for the hot tubs offered at Spas N Stuff, are "portable hot tubs" and "portable spas." Although portable hot tubs may weigh six hundred to eight hundred pounds, they are completely self-contained. All of the spa equipment is housed within the cabinet. You’ll find pumps, the computer for controlling the system, the heater, all water and air hoses, insulation, and in the case of the deluxe models, the specialty hot tub stereos and the spas with a built-in waterproof TV.

When positioning a spa, once it is on a concrete pad, portable spa pad, deck, etc., the only connection required is the electrical line. No plumbing is required; simply fill the hot tub with a garden hose. If you want to move the portable hot tub at a future date, perhaps to a new home, simply drain it, disconnect the electrical, and it can be relocated like any other large piece of furniture. You will likely need a small crew with some equipment for the move, but the hot tubs are considered portable. In most areas of the country, that means they don’t get taxed as a typical home improvement.

So buy a hot tub (or spa if you prefer that name) today and enjoy a backyard vacation every day.

Should I Purchase a 110 Volt Hot Tub or a 220 Volt Hot Tub?

The question often arises from hot tub shoppers, whether or not they should purchase a 110 volt hot tub or a 220 volt hut tub. We have answered some of the most common hot tub sale concerns below.

The most common question is “which is better?”
While there are certainly more expensive hot tubs and cheap hot tubs in both 110 volt and 220 volt, the Spas N Stuff hot tubs for sale do not vary in quality, only features.
Neither unit is better, but 220 volt hot tubs are able to use more features than the 110 volt hot tubs, due to the larger electric circuit that they are connected to.
Regardless of the model, our outdoor hot tubs use the same quality of thick acrylic sheet, the same brand of electronics, heaters and pumps, the same expansion foam insulation, framing, cabinet material, and so on.

110 Volt hot tub difference #1…Heater Strength
We use the exact same heater in our 220 volt mid-size and small spas as we use in the 110 volt models. In a 220 volt hot tub, the heater is set to operate at 4 KW or 4000 Watts. That same heater in 110 volt hot tubs is set to operate at 1 KW or 1000 Watts. This is to help the spas total power consumption remains within the 15 amp limit of a typical household 110 volt outlet. This will mean that the spa will take longer to recover heat loss. Our portable hot tub spas automatically start to reheat when the temperature drops 1 degree F. Although 110 volt hot tubs have the same amount of insulation, the spa will need to run longer to recover from heat loss due to the heater operating at the lower 1000 watts.

110 Volt hot tub difference #2…Pump Strength & Jet Quantity
The 110 volt spa pumps simply are not as strong as the 220 volt spa pumps. This means they cannot pump as much water in terms of gallons per minute. To prevent the jets in the portable hot tub from feeling week, we cut back on the total number of jets. For example, our Avalon 220 volt spa has 28 jets, while our 110 Volt Avalon spa has 15 jets.

110 Volt hot tub difference #3…Heater Cycles
On all of our hot tubs, the pump that pumps the water through the heater is a 2 speed pump (high and low speeds). In many 220 volt spas, the heater can operate on whether the pump is on low or high speed. In the 110 volt hot tubs, the heater can only operate if the pump is on low speed. Again, this is due to the 15 amp supply of a typical household 110 volt outlet. If you are using the spa and the water cools by 1 degree and the pump is on high speed, you will see a heating indicator light on the electronic display, but the indicator will show the heater cannot turn on. When the pump is turned on low speed, the heater will be “allowed” to turn on by the computer controlled electronics system.

Can 110 volt hot tubs be converted to 220 volts?
In the case of our spas, the answer is yes. The heater will then operate at the stronger 4000 or 5000 watts. The pump will still be a 110 volt pump, so its operation will not change.

Outdoor Hot Tub Spas with Built in TV’s

Having a rather unique outdoor TV hot tub for sale for the last few years, we get a number of common questions that I would like to address for my readers.

Can I get a truly good quality TV built into an outdoor spa?
The answer is yes. But, as always, do your research. If the offer is for a “free TV with hot tub purchase,” your senses should tingle. Ask precisely what you are getting. How big is the TV in the hot tub spa?; is it actually in the hot tub, or mounted on the side?; is it on a motorized up and down drive?; if not, does it even go up and down?; what is the resolution of the screen?, is it an LCD screen?; does it come with a waterproof remote control?; and so on. Make sure you see the hot tub pictures before purchasing. You will get a better sense of the quality and if it will fit your needs.

Is the TV waterproof…and how?
In the case of the BellaGrande SLT (stereo, lights, television), the TV is waterproof to IP66 standards. That means you can use your TV hot tub with confidence, knowing that the water won’t damage the screen.
We incorporate a 20”, 720P hi-definition LCD TV in our BellaGrande SLT. That’s plenty of screen to enjoy television programs or DVD’s while relaxing or socializing with friends in your outdoor spa.

Does the TV in the hot tub work in snow?
Speaking only of our own TV hot tub model, the answer is yes. All of our outdoor spas are properly insulated with expansion foam for even the coldest northern climates. The TV stays warm and protected in the cabinet when not in use, so it will be ready to watch even in the chilly winter months.

Does the TV spa have a remote control?
The TV comes with a standard remote which is not okay for a hot tub environment. We include a waterproof programmable remote with our TV hot tub prices. The remote controls the TV, DVD, and Stereo functions. It can even be programmed to control other components like a satellite receiver.

Is the spa stereo waterproof?
Again, in our case, the answer is yes. Some manufacturers cut corners by putting car stereos or even marine stereos in their cheap hot tubs. Those units have air vents in the chassis for cooling. Since they are being put into spas, these manufacturers tape over the air vents to protect from water penetration, but risking overheating. Our spa stereos (stereo/DVD models in the TV spas) have a sealed chassis and use heat syncs for cooling. They are more expensive, but very durable and reliable in the field.

Introduction to Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are becoming more and more prevalent at gyms, spas, and home residences. The infrared technology produces heat through electromagnetic radiation heaters with temperatures reaching between 120°F and 150°F. In comparison, traditional or conventional saunas do not directly heat the body but rather warm the temperature through steam or air, up to 195°F.

One of the reasons infrared saunas are gaining popularity is because of the tolerability. Especially in the case of first time users, infrared provides the same sauna benefits of a traditional version, without the intense and sometimes unbearable heat and thick air.

To understand how the heat works, we can compare it to the sun. Infrared radiation is very similar to sunlight. Picture yourself lying in the park or on a beach. Your body is warmed by the light of the sun. If you move under a tree or umbrella where shade is present, your body temperature automatically lessens. Infrared Saunas work the same way. They are made with infrared heaters producing rays to directly heat your body.

Now, after reading the similarities of infrared saunas and sunlight, you might have concerns about the dangerous effects. The good thing is that infrared saunas are unlike UV or atomic radiation. They do not produce harmful rays like the sun but rather beneficial and safe heat. The heat increases your circulation, relaxes your muscles and tissues, and cleanses the body by creating sweat.

So, if you love the benefits of a traditional sauna but cannot take the high temperatures, Infrared saunas are a great alternative. Check out the many infrared sauna options that Spas N Stuff has available. We make shopping easy, right from the comfort of your own home! www.spasnstuff.com