Having a hot tub in your back yard, or on a deck, is no longer the luxury that only the wealthiest of people could afford. Today, hot tubs come in so many shapes and sizes that it is feasible that all kinds of incomes could afford one.
When you have a hot tub out in the yard you are also afforded the option of building a gazebo to add beauty and functionality to the hot tub experience.
Having a gazebo to enhance the beauty of the hot tub is another option that is no longer something for the wealthy. There are many different types of gazebos and they can be built for little money, by the owner or they can be ordered and specialized for more cost. No matter which option is chosen, a gazebo for your hot tub will only make the experience of soaking in it more enjoyable.
What types of hot tub gazebos are there? Some gazebos come with the idea of an open-air experience. They are built with the roof and the supporting sides, but the openings are left bare to allow for the breeze to make an impression. These gazebos are less likely to be enough for those who are looking for more privacy in their hot tub space but there is always the option of hanging some kind of curtain when privacy is required.
How about the hot tub owner who is in close proximity to neighbors or a busy street? If that is the case, there are designs of hot tub gazebos that have screens, blinds, shutters and other options for the feeling of privacy. One idea for lighting if one of the enclosed hot tub gazebos is preferred is to fill the inside of the roof with tiny Christmas lights and it will simulate the night sky. Or there are many other lighting options that will bring a sense of customization that can be offered from built in lighting, where the lighting is built into the ceiling and the support walls. Maybe you are more interested in the candlelight effect? There are ways to custom build shelves that will allow you to place decorative candles that will keep them within a safe range, where they will not catch fire.
Today there are hot tub gazebos that have incredible stereo systems and they can have the entire system built into the structure itself, or they can have wireless speakers that are connected to the home’s stereo system, where there is not a fear of having any electrical items too close to the tub itself.
Some companies offer the option of having a custom gazebo built and in that case you could sit down with a designer, or architect, and design whatever you choose for the enclosure of your hot tub. These custom-designs have a great selling-point and that is; no matter how outrageous you want your hot tub gazebo to be, if you have the imagination, it can be built. Close your eyes and dream up anything, and it can be achieved.
Friday
Hot Spring Spas Debuts New Limelight Hot Tub Product Line
Bringing all their knowledge and experience to bear, the innovative minds at Hot Spring® Spas have created Limelight Hot Tubs, a unique line of modern, innovative and fully featured hot tubs that incorporate many of the same advanced components that have made Hot Spring Spas the world's number one-selling brand.
With three star models to fit every backyard, a Limelight hot tub is the perfect place to relax, entertain and socialize with friends and family. "Our new Limelight Hot Tubs are a real show stealer on the retail showroom floor," says Samantha Weiser, Hot Spring Brand Manager. "Our dealers are saying that the Limelight buyer is immediately attracted to the innovative design and dynamic features of these hot tubs. But what really makes the difference is the peace of mind consumers have in knowing their hot tub is backed by a quality company that has been the industry leader for over thirty years."
Limelight show stopping features that take center stage include:-The Raio® lighting system that illuminates the entire hot tub with multiple points of light accenting the lines of hot tub interior, the tranquil arch of the Vidro™ waterfall and each of the four corners.
-The optional Limelight wireless music system with an iCast™ transmitter that can transmit virtually any audio source to the hot tub, including an iPod®.
- Low monthly operating costs. All Limelight hot tubs provide energy-efficient performance and have been certified to the California Energy Commission (CEC) in accordance with California law.
http://www.limelighthottubs.com/
With three star models to fit every backyard, a Limelight hot tub is the perfect place to relax, entertain and socialize with friends and family. "Our new Limelight Hot Tubs are a real show stealer on the retail showroom floor," says Samantha Weiser, Hot Spring Brand Manager. "Our dealers are saying that the Limelight buyer is immediately attracted to the innovative design and dynamic features of these hot tubs. But what really makes the difference is the peace of mind consumers have in knowing their hot tub is backed by a quality company that has been the industry leader for over thirty years."
Limelight show stopping features that take center stage include:-The Raio® lighting system that illuminates the entire hot tub with multiple points of light accenting the lines of hot tub interior, the tranquil arch of the Vidro™ waterfall and each of the four corners.
-The optional Limelight wireless music system with an iCast™ transmitter that can transmit virtually any audio source to the hot tub, including an iPod®.
- Low monthly operating costs. All Limelight hot tubs provide energy-efficient performance and have been certified to the California Energy Commission (CEC) in accordance with California law.
http://www.limelighthottubs.com/
Thursday
Which Spa's provide Varied Massage?
There seems to be quite a few different types of jets around. Which are the best types and how many different types should there be in the spa to provide varied massage?
Is it better to have more jets rather than fewer jets? Do I need to look for more pumps if the spa has lots of jets?
A. Jets by definition come in three rough sizes in the industry, 1 inch, 3 inch and 5 inch, although there are larger footwell jets now being fitted in most spas it is the seat jets we will be concentrating on here.Things to look for when viewing a tub include number of jets, size of jets and position of jets. Although people may think a tub full of 5" jets is the best thing to look for you would be wrong, all the same you don't want one with all 1" either.Each size of jet will give the bather different hydrotherapy properties and therefore a tub offering variation on all sizes of jets is the tub to ultimately look for. Position of the jets can be a comfort and massage issue, therefore testing the tub you are interested in both dry and wet will give you the consumer the answer to both these questions as you are the one that will be using the tub. Jet positions throughout the tub to obtain a full body massage from shoulders to feet including if possible hands is again the aim however wet test to see what YOU think of the tub. As most spas have either 5 or 6 seats you are also looking for variation on jet type across the seats when it comes to the 3 and 5 inch size as you may have more than one seat with the same size of jet.Lastly number of jets in the spa, this is of course important however the spa must be balanced correctly so the available jets do not outweigh the available pump power and effect pressure at the jets and therefore the tubs hydrotherapy. Most tubs have air venturis and diverter handles to handle power direction should the manufacturer wish to offer more jets with the same number of pumps, check pump and flow rates of the spa and compare brands for better understanding of this. Coverage on the body of one five inch jet will be greater than one three inch therefore you tend to find more clusters of one and three inch as needed on certain seats, again wet test to find out for yourself.To sum up VARIATION, POSITION, NUMBER, look at all three factors not just one and also take note of seating variation, see the post for more info on that.
Is it better to have more jets rather than fewer jets? Do I need to look for more pumps if the spa has lots of jets?
A. Jets by definition come in three rough sizes in the industry, 1 inch, 3 inch and 5 inch, although there are larger footwell jets now being fitted in most spas it is the seat jets we will be concentrating on here.Things to look for when viewing a tub include number of jets, size of jets and position of jets. Although people may think a tub full of 5" jets is the best thing to look for you would be wrong, all the same you don't want one with all 1" either.Each size of jet will give the bather different hydrotherapy properties and therefore a tub offering variation on all sizes of jets is the tub to ultimately look for. Position of the jets can be a comfort and massage issue, therefore testing the tub you are interested in both dry and wet will give you the consumer the answer to both these questions as you are the one that will be using the tub. Jet positions throughout the tub to obtain a full body massage from shoulders to feet including if possible hands is again the aim however wet test to see what YOU think of the tub. As most spas have either 5 or 6 seats you are also looking for variation on jet type across the seats when it comes to the 3 and 5 inch size as you may have more than one seat with the same size of jet.Lastly number of jets in the spa, this is of course important however the spa must be balanced correctly so the available jets do not outweigh the available pump power and effect pressure at the jets and therefore the tubs hydrotherapy. Most tubs have air venturis and diverter handles to handle power direction should the manufacturer wish to offer more jets with the same number of pumps, check pump and flow rates of the spa and compare brands for better understanding of this. Coverage on the body of one five inch jet will be greater than one three inch therefore you tend to find more clusters of one and three inch as needed on certain seats, again wet test to find out for yourself.To sum up VARIATION, POSITION, NUMBER, look at all three factors not just one and also take note of seating variation, see the post for more info on that.
What are the likely Running Costs?
How can I tell what the likely running costs are going to be on different types of spa. I've been quoted everything from 8p to £2 per day in electrical running costs.With the price of electric going the way it is this is obviously going up my shopping list.What types of features should I be looking for to ensure that use of electric is minimised?
A. Running costs of a spa come down to mainly a few things, insulation of the shell and plumbing, you charge per KWh and efficiency of the cover, this is a basic overview of electrical running costs. Other running costs include chemical costs which are affected by filter and ozone efficiency.Firstly electrical costs, this can be broken down into efficiency of the heater and heat loss through the shell and cover. Things to look out for here are thickness of hard cover and ability to clip down the cover to avoid winds lifting the cover off the spa. Heat losses through the shell will depend on thickness of insulation on the shell, if the plumbing that can be foamed is foamed and how many layers of insulation the manufacturer uses. Added to this the density of the foam can vary considerably from 0.5 to 2lb the higher the figure the more dense and therefore better insulation rating for the same thickness sprayed. Bases which vary between manufacturers are designed primarily to keep out moisture from the frame of the tub rather than stop heat escaping as by definition heat rises, but a base on the spa will help. Make sure figures given by manufacturers state in what way the tub has been used to obtain these results, i.e. temp of tub water, ambient temp, usage per day, KWh cost etc. only then can you make a comparison across different manufacturers. It is highly possible your usage will differ from the tested norm anyway so try to factor this in and be honest with yourself.Chemical costs can vary significantly due to usage of the tub and therefore no definitive answer can be given on costs, however a tub with a higher filtration capacity will in the main keep cleaner water used with the same amount of chemicals. Ozone fitted on a tub will help aid the chemicals and therefore means less chemicals are used to maintain the tub, NB. As per BISHTA guidelines chemicals should always be used alongside a tub fitted with ozone regardless of what anyone tells you.The way ozone is plumbed on a tub can vary the effectiveness depending on how long the ozone is being injected for in a 24hr period and how long the ozone has to break down wastes before it reaches the tub and off gases as ozone by definition does not reside in the tub water like chemicals do.I would recommend speaking directly to a dealer regarding the above to better understand how different manufacturers build there spas.
A. Running costs of a spa come down to mainly a few things, insulation of the shell and plumbing, you charge per KWh and efficiency of the cover, this is a basic overview of electrical running costs. Other running costs include chemical costs which are affected by filter and ozone efficiency.Firstly electrical costs, this can be broken down into efficiency of the heater and heat loss through the shell and cover. Things to look out for here are thickness of hard cover and ability to clip down the cover to avoid winds lifting the cover off the spa. Heat losses through the shell will depend on thickness of insulation on the shell, if the plumbing that can be foamed is foamed and how many layers of insulation the manufacturer uses. Added to this the density of the foam can vary considerably from 0.5 to 2lb the higher the figure the more dense and therefore better insulation rating for the same thickness sprayed. Bases which vary between manufacturers are designed primarily to keep out moisture from the frame of the tub rather than stop heat escaping as by definition heat rises, but a base on the spa will help. Make sure figures given by manufacturers state in what way the tub has been used to obtain these results, i.e. temp of tub water, ambient temp, usage per day, KWh cost etc. only then can you make a comparison across different manufacturers. It is highly possible your usage will differ from the tested norm anyway so try to factor this in and be honest with yourself.Chemical costs can vary significantly due to usage of the tub and therefore no definitive answer can be given on costs, however a tub with a higher filtration capacity will in the main keep cleaner water used with the same amount of chemicals. Ozone fitted on a tub will help aid the chemicals and therefore means less chemicals are used to maintain the tub, NB. As per BISHTA guidelines chemicals should always be used alongside a tub fitted with ozone regardless of what anyone tells you.The way ozone is plumbed on a tub can vary the effectiveness depending on how long the ozone is being injected for in a 24hr period and how long the ozone has to break down wastes before it reaches the tub and off gases as ozone by definition does not reside in the tub water like chemicals do.I would recommend speaking directly to a dealer regarding the above to better understand how different manufacturers build there spas.
Lounge Seat or Open Plan all-seater?
What are the pros and cons of buying either a spa with a lounge seat or one with a more open-plan all-seat style. What should I be looking for in either option?
A. If you haven't wet tested a spa before then you may not be able to make a determination without doing so. A spa without lounge will usually give you more seating positions as seats are located on all sides of the tub facing inwards, whereas a lounge will take up one side of the tub where 2-3 seats would normally be located. Having said this, spas with loungers usually have enough seats anyway to accommodate most sizes of families. The lounge design itself is important and I would recommend if you are able to wet test the lounge then do so. If the lounge is too flat you will float out, too curved and it will not be comfortable or follow your body's natural contours. When testing think where the jets hit you when in the lounge, are there foot rests, arm rests and headrest?To lounge or not to lounge is a question only you can answer as this is pure consumer preference.
A. If you haven't wet tested a spa before then you may not be able to make a determination without doing so. A spa without lounge will usually give you more seating positions as seats are located on all sides of the tub facing inwards, whereas a lounge will take up one side of the tub where 2-3 seats would normally be located. Having said this, spas with loungers usually have enough seats anyway to accommodate most sizes of families. The lounge design itself is important and I would recommend if you are able to wet test the lounge then do so. If the lounge is too flat you will float out, too curved and it will not be comfortable or follow your body's natural contours. When testing think where the jets hit you when in the lounge, are there foot rests, arm rests and headrest?To lounge or not to lounge is a question only you can answer as this is pure consumer preference.
Does Pump Type, Pump Size or the Amount of Pumps Matter?
I want a spa which is powerful enough to give me a vibrant massage as I suffer from back pain. How many pumps should I be looking for or is there anything else that comes into play to determine how powerful the jets are?Are more pumps better than less pumps? How many jets can 1 pump power sufficiently? Does pump size matter? Does the type of jets matter
A. HORSEPOWER CLAIMS ON HOT TUBS AND SPAS The BISHTA Committee has recently discussed the confusion in the marketplace over horsepower claims for pumps on hot tubs. While the industry norm is around 2hp, claims of ratings up to as much as 10hp can be found on some manufacturers' literature, with the implication for the customer that higher ratings must be better. The BISHTA Committee is aware that these claims and the literature that contains them originates from America and is expressed on a different basis from UK practice, and has urged all members to prepare their own explanatory material to interpret these figures in commonly understood terms.
A. HORSEPOWER CLAIMS ON HOT TUBS AND SPAS The BISHTA Committee has recently discussed the confusion in the marketplace over horsepower claims for pumps on hot tubs. While the industry norm is around 2hp, claims of ratings up to as much as 10hp can be found on some manufacturers' literature, with the implication for the customer that higher ratings must be better. The BISHTA Committee is aware that these claims and the literature that contains them originates from America and is expressed on a different basis from UK practice, and has urged all members to prepare their own explanatory material to interpret these figures in commonly understood terms.
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