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 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.

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

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. If you are interested in converting your hot tub to a saltwater system, check out these hot tub saltwater conversion systems from http://www.spasandstuff.com.

- 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.

Outdoor Hot Tub and Spa Electrical Safety Considerations

Outdoor hot tubs and spas are wonderful products, but they do require electrical current to run. Besides the obvious, hazardous implications of mixing water and electricity, there are other safety precautions to consider when enjoying your spa.

Around the hot tub

- Think about installing outlets with covers that protect connected plugs
- Do not touch any electrical appliance around the spa or hot tub while your body is still wet
- Do not place cords or plugs in close proximity to your tub as well as damp pipes and puddles.
- Do not try to be a hot tub repairman (unless that is your profession of course). Make sure a licensed, electrical professional addresses any repairs or electrical concerns.


Electrical appliances

- Do not leave any tools or appliances running unattended or left for small children to find
- Do not move around with appliances while they are plugged in and turned on
- Check for cracked or broken wires because they can quickly become hazardous
- Do not carry appliances or tools by their cords.


Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

A ground fault is an unintentional, electrical path existing between an electrical current's source and a grounded surface. Currents sometimes "leak", enabling electricity to escape to the ground. If a person's body approaches the leak, it can facilitate its connection to the ground, in turn providing shocks, burns, and electrocutions.

GFCIs were created to circumvent such hazards from occurring. A GFCI continuously monitors a home's wiring system, and finds sources losing current (or leaking). When a GFCI senses a disparity in regular electrical currents, it cuts the power to that specific circuit. A GFCI can be the difference between something feeling like a "static shock" and a painful electrocution.

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

Buying a Hot Tub

Consumers want to make smart purchases - especially in the current market. Like any other desire, it can be beneficial to do a bit of research before indulging. Purchasing a hot tub is no different. There are quite a few elements to consider before making a final decision.

Hot Tub Tip 1 - Where?
One of first things a consumer must think about is where they would like to place the tub - inside or outside? Manufacturers make models suited for both situations. A bathroom or extension room may be ideal for indoors, and a back porch or yard can host a tub outdoors. Consider an area away from hanging leaves or debris.

Tub Tip 2 - How big?
Manufacturers make two-person hot tubs up to ones that can fit six or more people. You may be able to get a decent estimate with an eye, but there is a "rule of thumb." Think about each person as taking up about 70 to 80 gallons each. Multiply the intended number of occupants by 75 gallons.

Tub Tip 3 - How much?
The price of a hot tub is usually akin to its size. Suppliers are always hosting hot tub sales - it is best to search for them. A two-to-four-person tub usually starts around the $4,000 price range. Like many large purchases, vendors offer payment plans.

Tub Tip 4 - What extras?
Hot tubs can come with a lot of "extras." Many customers are amazed to find that a hot tub purchase completely revolutionizes their backyard. Some begin building an "ambiance" in tribute to their tub. Customers have implemented spa bars, patio benches, spa sun umbrellas, and other accessories to complement their new hot tub.