|
Home ::
Hot Tub Overview
Hot Tub Overview & Maintenance
By
Julie-Ann Amos
Hot tubs and home spas have exploded in popularity over the
past decade, because they are more affordable and more reliable than ever
before. Of course, not all portable home spas are built the same, so it is important
to learn all you can about what constitutes a quality tub and how to select
the features and amenities that are right for you.
The Shell
The spa shell is significant because it is a very visible part of the spa
and you want it to stay looking nice. More importantly, though, you want it
to remain intact and leak-free because unlike other mechanical components,
the shell cannot easily be replaced or repaired if problems develop.
The shell is composed of a surface and an understructure that are bonded
together during the manufacturing process. The surface is the source of the
color, look and feel of your spa, so it should resist deterioration due to
the sun, spa chemicals, or normal wear and tear. Some high-end shells have
special coatings to make them more stain resistant and even anti-bacterial
ingredients molded right into the shell material.
The understructure of the shell is the source of its strength. It is the
main reinforcement for the shell, and if it is of poor quality the shell
will tend to bubble, crack or even delaminate and come apart. If the
understructure is not built with sufficient strength and durability, the
shell will be unable to withstand prolonged pressure from the heavy weight
of water in the spa.
The Cabinet
The spa cabinet is significant because it is the other very visible part of
your spa. If the cabinet deteriorates or otherwise decays in some manner,
your hot tub will become an eyesore and may even fail structurally.
For many years, spa cabinetry was made of wood, most commonly redwood or
cedar, and this is still a popular choice today. The quality of wood has a
direct effect on the color and overall look of the cabinet, and on its
longevity. Wood cabinets require regular maintenance, though, especially in
climates where they are exposed to wind, rain, snow, or the drying effects
of hot sunlight. Typical maintenance includes staining the wood annually,
plus taking precautions to keep water from pooling and standing in contact
with the wood, which can cause it to rot.
Synthetic materials are becoming very popular because they require little or
no maintenance to keep their handsome looks. Early versions of synthetics
looked very “plastic” and cheap, but modern synthetics have a rich, elegant
look that spa owners really like. Coupled with their easy care and long
life, synthetics are thought by many to be the wave of the future in spa
cabinetry.
Whatever material you choose for your spa cabinet, it is important to select
a cabinet style that allows easy access to internal components such as pumps
and heaters. A fully removable panel is best, but a standard access door is
acceptable in most cases. The easier it is to access internal parts, the
less you will pay in labor charges for any repairs that may come along.
Seating And Jets
The style of seating you choose is a very personal decision. Some people
like to have a relaxing lounge seat and dedicated therapy seats, while
others prefer a combination of bench seating and therapy seats. For most spa
buyers the choice is driven by their intended uses for a spa.
For instance, if hydrotherapy will be the primary use then it is important
to buy a hot tub with therapy seats in the appropriate shape and jet
configuration for the body area that will be the focus of therapy. If
socializing and entertaining are at the top of the priority list, though,
then it is important to buy a spa with seating that makes it easy to
accommodate groups of people and facilitate conversation. Bench seating is
usually a good choice for buyers with this use in mind.
Spa jets, both their position and their function, are another important
choice that is personal in nature. Buyers primarily seeking hydrotherapy
benefits from a hot tub usually favor multi-functional jets that provide
varying massage movement and intensity. However, buyers who are more
interested in using their home spa for entertaining or other social purposes
often prefer standard jets, in varying quantities and positions.
Next > Hot Tub
Overview and Maintenance (Part 2)
|
|
