Adding a hot tub or spa (terms which we’ll use interchangeably as they mean the same thing) to your outdoor space is a great way to be able to relax and unwind after a long day. Imagine being able to soak in the soothing warm water as the worries of your day fade away; or giving the adults a space to gather while the kids play in the nearby yard or pool. From therapeutic benefits to entertainment, a hot tub can do all of that—and more.

TO ATTACH OR NOT TO ATTACH?
Mike McCool, general manager of Swim-Mor Pools & Spas says that adding a spa to your pool area can definitely up the ante on the overall entertainment factor. People tend to gravitate to a spa as a “hang-out spot.”

 “At my house, we have a pool, but the kids are all hanging out in the spa, gathered around on the bench,” McCool says. “They love the air bubbles. There’s a fun aspect to the spa and it’s a more intimate hang-out space than a pool.”

Swim-Mor builds in-ground (built-in) spas. McCool says that you can heat only the spa if you don’t attach it to the pool— which gives you more usability in the early spring and late fall.

However, many homeowners prefer the aesthetic appearance of a spa that is attached to their pool. It can be built so that water spills over, providing an attractive water feature.

Even so, if you’re going to be a serious hot tub user—and want to be able to use it year-round— then Janet Raines, sales manager for Raines Pool Service/ Arctic Spas of Newtown, says to choose a stand-alone hot tub. A detached hot tub can be used 365 days a year.

 “With a stand-alone hot tub, you can fully adjust your temperature throughout the summer, bringing it down so it’s not as hot,” she says. “But you can also raise the temperature in the winter when it’s really cold outside. There is nothing more relaxing than going out to sit in your hot tub and look up at the stars after a fresh-fallen snow. This is something you simply couldn’t do with a spa that is attached to a pool that you’d shut down along with the pool.”

PLENTIFUL HEALTH BENEFITS
The understanding that soaking in hot water provides important health benefits is nothing new. In fact, the Romans and various other ancient cultures utilized warm mineral springs to enjoy the relaxation benefits. Today, a number of different studies have validated what has already long been understood— warm water soaks are good for you. Research shows that soaking in hot tubs and warm baths can increase cardiovascular health, relieve pain and even boost one’s mood.

 “The benefits of a hot tub are awesome for people who have health issues—as well as those who are just looking to relax,” says Ally Povlosky, manager of LBI HotSpring Portable Spas. “With the use of hot water and jets, you are receiving an all-natural form of therapy. You will sleep better and feel less aches and pains. Water therapy is such a great, easy and everyday lifestyle.”

Athletes and weekend warriors alike also appreciate the benefits of soaking their muscles in warm water. Imagine relaxing in the hot tub after a long run or after a round of golf or tennis. Many who use hot tubs for muscle relaxation say that it helps relieve aches and pains.

 “Spas can provide fantastic therapy,” agrees Raines. “The jets in an Arctic Spa are oscillating and provide more of a therapeutic massage than most, which are typically stationary. You can also adjust the jets to massage where you need them to. Along with the heat of the water, this provides really great therapeutic benefits.”

EXCITING TECHNOLOGY
Spas have also come quite a long way over the years. There are many new features that homeowners might not even realize exist.

 “Arctic Spas have salt chlorine technology allowing you to adjust your chlorine through an app on your phone or smart device,” says Raines. “Without this, there are two ways to sanitize the hot tub—a floating brominator or manually adding chlorine powder. One of the spa owners’ biggest complaints is often how involved it is to keep up with the water chemistry. But when you have salt generation with automation, it eliminates the hassle.”

Povlosky agrees that the technology has come a long way.

 “An exciting feature for hot tubs is the Freshwater salt system,” she adds. “It’s new and improved and provides easy, great, clean water for everyone. We also have the Connextion which is great for people to monitor their hot tub via an app they can access whenever. Turn your hot tub on and set it the way you like when you’re on your way home. Everyone has been loving it.”

Povlosky says that the different hot tubs they carry also all have lighting systems. They can change to different colors and you can also dim them. This really allows you to set a mood and increase the enjoyment factor.

In terms of durability, today’s spas are built to last.

 “Arctic Spas are made in northern Canada for Canadian winters so they can certainly handle the conditions here,” says Raines. “They are made for the world’s harshest climates.”

With so many different options out there, be sure to do your research so that you can feel confident that you’ve chosen the spa that is best for you. Soon, you’ll be on your way to enjoying your backyard even more.

RESOURCES
LBI HotSpring Portable Spas
Ship Bottom, N.J.
(609) 361-0221
Point Pleasant, N.J.
(732) 202-7406
LBIHotSpringSpas.com

Raines Pool Service & Arctic Spas of Newtown
Newtown, Pa.
(215) 493-8288
RainesPool.com

Swim-Mor Pools & Spas
Mount Ephraim, N.J.
(856) 270-6571
Northfield, N.J.
(609) 755-3046
Millstone Township, N.J.
(732) 422-5314
SwimMor.com

Select imagery courtesy of LBI HotSpring Portable Spas and Swim-mor Pools & Spas.

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 20, Issue 2 (Fall 2019). 
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