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.

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.

The Bella Grande SLT - The Bentley of Hot Tubs

Spas And Stuff is excited to have the Bella Grande SLT hot tub in stock. This post highlights some of the major specifications and accessories associated with the SLT model.

Hot Tub Specifications:
- dimensions are 92" x 92" x 36"
- seats six to seven people
- water capacity is 450 gallons
- dry weight is 750 pounds
- equipped with dual, 2-speed 6 BHP pumps
- equipped with 51 stainless steel jets

Hot Tub Features:
- choice of six different shell colors
- foot therapy jets
- full neck and shoulder jet therapy
- 29 star-point LED pin lights

WOW Features:
- 20" high-definition LCD television. The television is waterproof, motorized (goes up and down), and receptive to CD/DVD/MP3 players
- 4 corner 200 watt speakers including a separate sub-woofer
- 6" aqua-waterfall with on/off switch

Hot Tub freebies with order:
- home delivery shipping
- deluxe, insulated hot tub cover
- spa vacuum
- start-up chemical kit
- year-supply of filter cartridges