Friday, July 8, 2011
Cooling Down in Hot Tubs
Hot tub owners can do a few things to keep the water cooler in the summer months. Start by turning the temperature down below 85 degrees. Your heater won't even cycle on. You can also remove the cover, turn on the jets on low, with the air flow open, and the hot tub should cool down a bit, at least to the level of ambient air temperature. To maintain the colder water, keep your hot tub covered on hot days so the sun doesn’t directly heat the the spa water. If possible, you may uncover your spa during the night to take advantage of the cooling effect of the cooler night air.
When it’s all said and done, you have a miniature soaking pool that is easier to maintain, and is the perfect size for a refreshing soak if you don’t have the space for a large, costly in-ground pool.
Another great benefit of cooling down your hot tub is the cost savings. Since you are setting your spa temperature very low, your spa heater will probably not cycle on at all, significantly reducing the monthly cost of electricity to run your hot tub. So as soon as the temperatures rise, run out to your hot tub and great ready for "summer mode." A cool hot tub, some ice cold lemonade and your closest friends and family sound like the perfect summer investment to me.
Just another reason to jump on the bandwagon and buy one of the great hot tubs from SpasAndStuff.com! With the numerous uses for a spa, you are truly running out of excuses, aren’t you? Let’s enjoy a refreshed, invigorating experience, while staying cool during the dog days of summer.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Art of Buying a Hot Tub
Springtime. Spring-cleaning gives you the opportunity to make changes and get rid of those things that you no longer use. It might also make you begin to plan for summer, when you will be entertaining and having friends and family members over for back yard bar-b-ques. A hottub is the perfect gift to give yourself for all of that hard labor. Hot tubs are the ultimate "prescription" for relaxation and relieving stress after your spring cleaning.
The following are several key things to consider when planning to buy a hot tub for your backyard:
- Consider investing in a model with stereo and speakers built into the unit. Although it might add a bit to the hot tub price, the frustration of elaborate wiring and extension cords to get your stereo to play outside is something worth missing. Plus the quality of the sound is excellent. There is a remote control on the top side of the hot tub to change the volume, channels and everything else without having to leave the comfort of your soak.
- LED lighting is also something to consider. These are normally small lights around the top of the hottub that beautify your relaxation experience. They can lock on a single color or change colors, but they also make the hot tub easier to use when it is dark outside. A win-win situation for everyone because these LED lights are completely pre-wired into your portable hottub, versus trying to wire rope stringed lights around your hot tub.
- Additional things to consider are hot tub and spa accessories. You can also purchase a hot tub cover lifter to make opening and closing the hottub a one person job. You may want to add a set of storage steps, a towel tree, or a freestanding bar with bar stools to make your portable hot tub experience one to remember. Drink caddy anyone?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Does Someone Want To Buy Katherine Heigl a New Hot Tub?
The hot tub won this battle but will there be more in the future?
Hot tubs are normally relatively quiet and go unnoticed by neighbors, save a few laughs from the general direction. . Hot tubs relax people and encourage social gatherings and great time together. In rare instances this can cause unwanted noise if too much alcohol or too many people are involved.
So how do you make sure you’re on the right side of the hot tub noise equation? Our best rule of thumb is to invite your neighbors over for a soak every once in a while so they begin to see the hot tub as an enjoyable and much needed staple in your backyard.
perezhilton.com/2010-10-13-katherine-heigl-and-josh-kelley-have-issues-with-neighbor-over-hot-tub-noise
And if anyone knows Katherine Heigl, tell her to visit www.spasandstuff.com for her next hot tub if hers (or she) is being too loud.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
How Hot Tub Time Machine Brought Back Hot Tub Love
How Hot Tub Time Machine Brought Back Hot Tub Love
For many people, hot tubs have always been thought of as a sort of “party in a box”, a way to get people together for some relaxation and good times. Then came the movie Hot Tub Time Machine. What a better way to bring together the 80’s, Hot Tubs and John Cusack?
The following are five reasons Hot Tub Time Machine brought the “cool” back to hot tubs:
You walk into your cabin in the dead of winter, tired, exhausted and ready to hit the hay. You take a look around each room, check out the kitchen, then head out to the deck to take a look at the lake. And there it is.
A hot tub.
Your whole personality shifts from tired to excitement as you change and take a dip. Are hot tubs exciting? You bet. People pay a premium for whirlpools, spas, and hot tubs while staying at hotels and rental cabins all over the world.
Men are terrified of being “uncool,” so hanging out half naked with their friends is out of the question…most of the time.
Except when it comes to hot tubs.
Men will pile into a hot tub with beer and hang out for hours. And hot tub Time Machine reminded men of this. Conclusion: Hot tubs equal quality man time.
Some say hot tubs had their moment during the 80’s, when they became an object of fascination and gave the owner “street cred.” And this movie made naysayers remember why people love them so much. Hot tubs, spas and saunas are making a comeback. With many options and countless health benefits, portable hot tubs are popping up in backyards, hotels and cabins all over the country.
All it takes is a new hot tub to have your home transformed into a more social, inviting place. Every one of the main characters in the movie jumped in the hot tub without a hitch. People enjoy sitting in the portable hot tub, spending time with friends, family, and love interests – just hopefully not at the same time.
While we can’t sell you a hot tub that is a time machine, you might want to take the main focal point item out of this movie and move it into your backyard. Maybe a true hot tub time machine isn’t possible, but the fun and excitement you saw thought the movie is. SpasAndStuff.com can make your hopes of owning a hot tub into a reality. There is even a hot tub with TV so you can watch the movies while enjoying your hydrotherapy.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Building Cheap Hot Tubs for Sale - Part 1
Foreign Made Hot Tubs
This scenario is so common, and for whatever reason, the quality of the parts and the workmanship does not seem to be the same. We get several calls a year from folks that purchased a cheap hot tub, made in (you know where) and it no longer works. Worse yet, that can't find a compatible part for replacement. When planning to purchase a hot tub, ask if it is made in the USA or Canada.
48 frame pumps instead of 56 frame pumps
48 frame pumps cost less, but take more electricity to generate the same amount of horsepower. The result is that you will likely have a higher monthly electric bill and that discount hot tub price may not seem so cheap over the years. Our 220 Volt spas come standard with 56 frame pumps.
Fixed Spa Jets instead of Adjustable Spa Jets
Fixed spa jets simply snap in place and cannot be turned on/off on an individual bases. Spas And Stuff hot tubs are only equipped with jets that can be individually turned on/off with a simple quarter turn of the outer ring of the jet. They cost more, but offer the bather greater control and variety in their hydrotherapy.
Chrome plated Spa jets instead of Stainless Steel
Chrome plated jets will quite possibly have the chrome peel over the years. On our more upscale hot tub models, we use stainless steel jets...they cannot peel.
Thin Hot Tub Shells
This can be caused by using thinner acrylic, minimal amounts of material to strengthen the shell, or a combination of both. While the spa may look shiny and new, a weaker spa shell may show signs of warping when filled with water, and of course there is the chance of cracking over time.
Spas And Stuff shells are manufactured using only thick acrylic sheet, as well as more than the recommended thickness of Acrylobond (the material that strengthens the shell).
Hot Tub Insulation: Type and Amount
Hot Tub insulation is a very big topic in that you can find many variations in the market. Some portable hot tubs have nothing but about a one quarter inch layer of expansion foam spayed on the backside of the spa shell. Cheap to purchase, but using your hot tub in the winter may prove to be ridiculously expensive. Another technique is to insulate the inside of the hot tub cabinet with board or sheet insulation. This idea is reasonable in theory, but to be truly effective, the fit has to be perfect, as well as the sealing of the cabinet. Anyone who has lived in a cold climate has probably experienced the electrical outlet that seems to be letting in cold air...the insulation was not well fitted or sealed around the outlet.
Spas And Stuff uses waterproof expansion foam on the backside of our spa shells. It is sprayed on to be several inches thick and provides an average R30 insulating value. We don't put less on spas for southern climates and more for hot tubs that will be in winter climates. They are all built the same way...the right way.
Hot Tub Water Testing
In a mass production hot tub factory, or simply to keep the price down, some factories will only water test some of their spas. Spas And Stuff hot tubs are all water tested for a minimum of two hours. This ensures that all functions operate correctly and that there are no leaks in the plumbing. You'll know your spa was water tested when you unwrap it, as you are likely to find some remaining water from the plumbing down in the foot well.
Hot Tubs Sold Without an Ozone System
A common way to cut the initial price of a hot tub is to not include an Ozone Generating system. Some places charge $250.00 or more for this as an upgrade. Ozone will naturally kill bacteria in your spa water. It is not currently possible to safely add enough ozone to eliminate the need for other sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine, an ozone generator will help reduce the amount you will need and help keep your spa water crystal clear. Spas And Stuff automatically includes an ozone generator on every spa.
Hot Tub Warranties
There are four common ways we have seen companies try to make their hot tub warranty look better than it actually is.
1) The labor component is much shorter than the parts component, for example, 3 years parts, 1 year labor.
2) Pro-Rated Spa Warranties. For example, the pump may have a 3 year warranty, but the factory will only pay one third of the price of the new pump if the broken one is 2 years old.
3) Deductibles, where the owner pays the first "x" number of dollars of the warranty repair.
4) Not covering Technician trip fees. This is where the spa tech charges a fee just to drive to the home. Depending on the distance, these may be as much as $100 or more.
Our Spas And Stuff http://www.spasnstuff.com/hot-tub-warranty-and-service-wholesale-hot-tubs-cheap-portable-hot-tubs.html is very favorable for our customers, as we do not take part in any of the aforementioned.
Check back soon for Part 2
Spas And Stuff can help you build your own personal paradise at home, an our big discount prices save you money. We also offer beautiful, quality outdoor kitchens for your backyard, as well as our very popular indoor infrared saunas, including red cedar models with the latest in carbon fiber heater technology.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Should I Purchase a 110 Volt Hot Tub or a 220 Volt Hot Tub?
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.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
It's the Little Things that Can Make a Big Difference Regarding Your Hot Tub
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.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hot Tubs and Spas Need Accessories
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.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Should You Purchase a Portable or Permanent Hot Tub Spa?
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.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Spa and Hot Tub Use in 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
Friday, July 31, 2009
OAS and Acrylic - The Outer Shell of a Hot Tub
Hot Tub Tip 1 - Some differences between OAS and Acrylic
- OAS can be applied at a cost-efficient price by manufacturers, so hot tubs made of this material may be found at a better price.
- The "finished shine" on a hot tub made of OAS may appear more modest in comparison to an acrylic tub.
- Acrylic hot tubs are very easy to clean because of their non-porous finish.
- Acrylic offers many colors and styles of finishes such as simulated granite hot tubs
Hot Tub Tip 2 - Enemies to the shell
Inquire about specific information regarding a hot tub of your interest. Exact tub material composition can vary. The shell needs to be tenacious and resistant. Consider resistance to:
- UV rays
- hot tub cleaning chemicals
- customer weight and number
- stains
- dirt
- fluctuations in temperature
- deterioration
Thursday, July 30, 2009
How a Businessperson Saves Time in the Hot Tub
Hot Tub Tip #1 - Outline
Unfortunately and fortunately, things change. This means outlining the day in front of you. Having a plan for the day can keep one disciplined. Think of it like letting the hot tub get warm before getting in it.
Hot Tub Tip #2 - Where is it Wasted?
One of the best ways to save time is to find more of it. Where can you save time? Spend time talking to coworkers about the weekend? Checking personal emails and sports scores on the Web? Leave work for work-related tasks. You can wait to check personal emails and you can catch the scores from your hot tub.
Hot Tub Tip #3 - Share Work
Some workers (especially those in management positions) can have a hard time delegating responsibilities. Time waits for no one; share responsibilities in order to get more accomplished. Is it time to clean your hot tub, but it keeps getting put off? How about sharing the responsibility with one of the kids?
Hot Tub Tip #4 - Time is Up!
Time never slows down, so you may have to place a limit on tasks. Designating a certain amount of time to address particular business tasks can grant more time for others. Staying in the hot tub for too long planning the day can leave one looking like a prune. After some time, it is time to put the cover back on and get to work!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Lifeguarding Your Hot Tub
Hot Tub Safety Tip 1 – Keep Watch
Regardless of a user’s profile (they can be a ten-year-old music prodigy or your thirty-year-old son that still lives in the basement!), make sure those using the hot tub are supervised. Most people think of children in regards to water safety; ‘Adults’ are not immune to accidents – they need supervision too.
Hot Tub Safety Tip 2 – Limit or Ban Drinking
We want our hot tub customers to enjoy themselves in their own fashion, but encourage them to drink responsibly when using their tubs. Being in a hot tub for some time can make a person feel dizzy or become lightheaded. Those symptoms, in conjunction with drinking, may not mix well with safety.
Hot Tub Safety Tip 3 – Be Cognizant of the Tub’s Structure
All hot tubs are not created equally. For instance, a Free Spirit hot tub may differ in shape in comparison to a BellaGrande hot tub. Make users aware of the location of drains, jets, filters, and other elements of your hot tub.
Hot Tub Safety Tip 4 – Respect Mother Nature
We know – the chances of getting hit by lightning are slim to none. Well, we would rather see you win the lottery, so we encourage you to please stay out of the hot tub before, during, and immediately after a storm.
Hot Tub Safety Tip 5 – Be Prepared
Keep a first-aid kit somewhere close to your hot tub. In addition, knowing CPR would not be a bad thing. It is best to seek certification, but we will provide a link below to a WebMD article addressing CPR and rescue breathing.
Dealing with Emergencies – Rescue Breathing and CPR – Source: WebMD