To Lounge or Not to Lounge
When looking for a hot tub, comfort has got to take precedence. Yes, the number of spa jets and spa pumps along with sanitizing capability is important, but all in all comfort has got to be key.
Wet Test or Dry Test?
If a spa is not comfortable during a dry test, there is
very little likelihood that the spa will be comfortable when filled with water. There is however, a lot to factor in. There is the buoyancy of the water, the “lift” from the force of the spa jets and the ergonomics of the seats.
Try a dry test before considering any hot tub. If the dealer won’t let you sit in the spa, don’t bother considering a buy and if the spa is uncomfortable, don’t go any further. Move on.
Spa Lounge or No Spa Lounge?
Eighty percent of hot tub buyers looking to buy a hot tub for the second time will choose a hot tub without a lounge. This is because having all the seats pointing towards the center allows everyone in the hot tub to converse with one another.
For entertaining, there is nothing better. Typically a bucket seat will be more comfortable than a lounge because the lounge causes the occupant to “float” in the seat. This can make the occupant to feel unstable. If a lounge is the preferred way to soak, make sure the lounge provides a deep V. The deep V will keep the body in the seat and provide a comfortable tubbing experience.
Hot Tub or Spa Best Choice
The best spa is the one that is easy to maintain, costs less to run and provides the most comfort to the occupants. When looking to purchase a spa, don’t just add up the jet count or look at the spa pump, take the time out to sit in all the seats before making a purchase decision. We promise, you’ll be glad you did!
The Party’s Over – Now What?
Rinse, Treat, Repeat!
The party is over, the guests have cleared out. Even Uncle Willy has decided he has had enough and has moved on. Now it is time to clear the debris field, take out the trash and find out where that new pungent smell is coming from. Oh, and maybe it is time to attend to the hot tub.
The hot tub was a big hit, but now it is time to pay the piper. It looks a little beat up, the water color is definitely off and the cover just plain smells. So let’s get started!
Start with the Cover
Remove the cover completely and rinse off with a hose. You may even want to scrub it down with a solution of bleach and water. This will keep any mildew from building up. One of my favorite tips on cleaning the cover is to Febreeze it after a good scrub. I just like the way it leaves my spa cover smelling so good.
Rinse Down the Cabinet
Since we already have the hose out, we might as well rinse off the cabinet. Once the cabinet had been wiped down, use a good conditioner to restore it to that “new” look. Any scratches can be removed with the use of a furniture touch up stick from any home improvement store.
Treat the Water
First thing to do is to remove the filters and run them through the dishwasher. That’s right, the dishwasher! This will break down the body oils and brighten the filter to new again. Shock the water and test for sanitizing levels. Make sure your PH and Alkalinity stay on track and once everything has been brought back to balance, use a clarifier to bring back the brilliance to your spa water.
Repeat!
No sense in wasting any time. Start planning your next backyard bash right away and be sure to invite Uncle Willie. You know you will be glad you did!
Pets in the Hot Tub Damage Spa Parts
Pets in the Hot Tub?
Not Healthy For Your Pet And It Damages The Spa!
As pet owners, we truly understand how important it is for the family to include their pets into many aspects of their lives. In our home, our children get to grow up with a wonderful American Boxer. She is protective of the children, she has a sweet disposition and she is always willing to play – day or night.
But just like with everything else in our home, there are some rules that must be adhered to:
1. Andy, our Boxer, must keep all four on the floor. She is not allowed to jump on anyone especially the kids. This applies to receiving affection, treats, her dinner etc.
2. She is never allowed in any of the kids beds (this was tough, the kids didn’t exactly see eye to eye on this one). Consistency is the key.
3. No people food. I know that I will probably get some feed back on this one, but it really is nice to own a dog that won’t maul the kids for a bite of their chocolate chip cookie or stare and whine at us while we are eating dinner.
4. No Hot Tubbing! Although I am sure that Andy would love to soak in the warm waters and enjoy the full hydro therapeutic experience, she is not allowed in the hot tub.
It’s not healthy for your pet and it damages the spa!
Even if we reduce the health risk to our pet by adjusting the temperature and lets say we overlook the obvious fur issues and lets say we don’t mind the potential damage to the acrylic, and lets add to it by saying we love our pets so much, that we don’t mind cleaning out dead skin and body oils she most definitely will leave behind. When they enter the warm water, do they know to “hold it”? We just can’t get past the horrible things that happen to the spa parts pumps, heaters and sensors.
Being a service oriented company, we advise against doing any thing that will eventually cost our customers lots of money in spa repairs. Our best advice is to keep all pets out of the hot tub, no matter how cute or dependent they are. It’s not good for them or your spa. If there is anything we might be willing to bend on, it would be that we might, just might let the dog sleep in bed with you this one time.
Keep your pets out of the spa, we promise you will be glad you did!
Hot Tub Winter Olympics
Hot Tub Winter Olympics
When most people think of the Winter Olympics, they usually envision snow skiing, hockey or perhaps even curling. The cold weather means snow on the ground and a real challenge to getting in and out of a hot tub. Here are some ideas we came up with for what we are calling the Hot Tub Winter Olympics.
50 Yard Splash – Weather permitting, this event consists of running through the snow entirely on tippy toe. This quick dash comes either before or after a long soak in the spa. While the formal attire calls for swimwear, the real experts will don nothing more than their birthday suit. Participants are scored on speed, agility and grace.
Three Feet Leap – Another running event, the goal is to hurdle the edge of the spa and make a mad dash to the warmth and security of the indoors. Scoring is strictly based on technique. Lower temperatures receive a higher difficulty rating. Falling down during this event is an automatic disqualification.
Synchronized Soaking – Not exactly known for its swim strokes, this event is more like synchronized footsy. Two or more competitors find ways to simultaneously avoid bumping into their competitors’ feet. This elaborate dance of the soul (pun intended) is not a timed event and can literally go on all night.
The Discus – Typically a summer game, our winter event is for the most dedicated Olympians. The glory is not found in gold or silver, but rather the release of tension and back pain. “Put your back into it!”
With all the snow on the ground, going outdoors to relax is probably the one thing that does not come to mind and most certainly rarely ventured.
Participating in the Hot Tub Winter Olympics does not require any physical training or expertise. All it takes is the willingness to brave a little cold weather. This winter, try the 50 yard splash!
You’ll be glad you did!
Hot Tub Swinger’s Survey
The Joneses Win
Last week we did an impromptu survey of different types of hot tub users. We split up and defined hot tub users into five different classifications. The response has been overwhelming and a lot of fun!
Here is the outcome and their definitions:
30.19% of respondents classify themselves as the “Joneses” – This is the family on the go.
High energy, activity minded family always looking for something fun. They use their hot tub for all the right reasons. Hydrotherapy, romance, relaxation, a family get together, entertaining; they do it all. Try keeping up with that!
20.75% of participants claim to be a “Hot Tub Hippie” – This person knows how to keep their inner peace, they easily let it go and loosen up with a daily dose of hydrotherapy. Quiet times, rushing water, deep sleep and no anxiety best suits this connoisseur of life.
18.87% of tubbers are of the “Injured” variety –This is the guy or gal who has serious pain, usually from a life of hard work or an accident that has left them with a dire need to soak in hot water. This daily dipper is in it for all the therapeutic benefits.
16.98% of groovy cats label themselves as a “Swinger” – This is the most elusive type of hot tubber. They come in all shapes and sizes. Young, old, married or single they use their hot tub to create the perfect palace of seduction. No bathing suit required. “Tubbin’ love” is not just a slogan; it’s a way of life!
11.32% labeled themselves as “Other” – No surprise, there had to be other classifications out there. We got everything from “Gramma” who uses the spa to spoil her grandchildren to a therapist who uses their hot tub for “group sessions”.
1.89% Seek to be called the “Bachelor/Bachelorette” – Here is where the party is always on. No social outcasts here. This is where every Super Bowl party, girl’s night and spring fling gets its start. The keg is tapped!
If you didn’t get a chance to participate in our survey, please take the time to let us know which group you belong to? Whether you are a swinger, Mr. or Mrs. Jones or want to start a new classification within the “other” group, we would love to hear from you.
You’ll be glad you did!
What Is Your Hot Tub MoJo?
In an effort to understand who our readers are, we decided to do an impromptu survey. We really want to identify the most prevalent type of hot tubber. 
First, we need to categorize the different types of hot tub enthusiasts.
The “Swinger” – This is the most elusive type of hot tubber. They come in all shapes and sizes. Young, old, married or single they use their hot tub to create the perfect palace of seduction. No bathing suit required. “Tubbin’ love” is not just a slogan, it’s a way of life!
The “Injured” – This is easy. This is the guy or gal who has serious pain, usually from a life of hard work or an accident that has left them with a dire need to soak in hot water. This daily dipper is in it for all the therapeutic benefits.
The “Hippie” – This person knows how to keep their inner peace, they easily let it go and loosen up with a daily dose of hydrotherapy. Quiet times, rushing water, deep sleep and no anxiety best suits this connoisseur of life.
The “Bachelor/Bachelorette” – Here is where the party is always on. No social outcasts here. This is where every Super Bowl party, girl’s night and spring fling gets its start. The keg is tapped!
The “Joneses” – This is the family on the go. High energy, activity minded family always looking for something fun. They use their spa for all the right reasons. Hydrotherapy, romance, relaxation, a family get together, entertaining; they do it all. Try keeping up with that!
We would love to know what kind of spa lifestyle you have. Take a minute to complete our survey. If you would like to share any hot tub thoughts, please do!
You just might be glad you did!
Know another Hot Tubber? Email this survey with our ShareThis button below!
Be Mindful of How Much You Drink In Your Hot Tub
Have you ever wondered why one or two drinks while sitting in a hot tub makes you feel like you drank the bottle? Does the next day leave you feeling like the day after your first freshman fraternity party? Alcohol in moderation can ease tension and help the body relax, but when it comes to hot tubing, you may be in for more than you bargained for.
Many people have come to know and love the benefits of owning a hot tub. Using one regularly becomes a time of reflection and relaxation. But, did you know that the consumption of alcohol while soaking can be dangerous?
Sitting in a spa will change the way the alcohol is processed through the body. At elevated temperatures, your blood flow is increased and the hot tub is acting as a stimulant. Blood pressure drops and the body becomes relaxed. Alcohol in moderation can provide some of the same effects, but mixing the two can be deadly.
Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Once the blood vessels dilate in the stomach, the alcohol enters the blood stream at an accelerated rate. This means that the effects of alcohol are felt much faster than normal. Lower blood pressure will slow down the body’s ability to process alcohol. A small glass of wine can feel like a few shots of whiskey.
Overall, the effects of alcohol will come faster and last much longer than under normal conditions. Be sure to keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fruit juices.
There are many ways to reduce stress. Whether a glass of wine at the end of a long day or a quiet time of reflection in the hot tub, we should always take the time to slow down and rest. Moderation is the key. Be good to yourself, have a soak.
You’ll be glad you did!
Hot Tub Valentine’s Day Surprise
For those who wait until the last minute to make Valentine’s Day preparations, this may seem a bit premature, but sometimes the best results come from planning ahead. In order to create the perfect ambiance for a romantic Valentine’s Day, some preparations will have to be made. Remember, to romance is to endeavor to gain someone’s affection.
Discover the
Five Senses
The first thing to remember is that it is all about the senses. Hot tubs are the perfect choice when considering a romantic endeavor because they touch on all of the five senses.
The first to consider is the sense of touch. Be sure your Gulf Coast Spa is not too hot or too cold. If it is too hot, a 20 minute dip could sap all the energy out of your body and leave you drained. Too cold and the experience will likely turn you off. A comfortable temperature for most people is about 100 degrees.
Scent is crucial to a romantic evening. Be sure the water has been maintained properly! The water should be crystal clear and the only odor coming from your Gulf Coast Spa should be from an aromatherapy additive. Aromatherapy beads or a non invasive liquid scent enhance the experience without damaging your hot tub.
Some say “the eyes are the window to the soul” so be sure your Valentine’s Day excursion is a visual one. Hot tub lighting is designed to “set the mood”. Turn the lighting on before the evening begins so that it will be on when you and your loved one arrive. You may even want to upgrade your bulb to a multi colored LED. They are inexpensive and can really add to an evening of romance. Try adding some rose pedals to the water’s surface for extra effect.
The sound of moving water is always a soothing one, but you may want to consider adding some music to your evening. A lot of spas have some type of music system, but don’t fret if yours doesn’t. Use a portable stereo or CD player to create the perfect ambiance.
Finally, we must include the sense of taste. Chocolate is our first choice, but you can choose what you like. Try chilling a plate of chocolate covered fruit. Strawberries, bananas, pineapple slices etc. A chilled plate will keep the chocolate from melting and ruining an otherwise perfect evening.
With our busy lifestyles it can be difficult to maintain our most important relationships. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to show our loved one how important they are. Take the time out to show how much you care. It only comes around once a year. You’ll be glad you did!
It’s a Hot Tub Time Machine!
It’s a Hot Tub Time Machine!
Apparently there is a movie coming out where some average guys take a winter travel vacation. They decide to take in a good soak for some male bonding and after a few drinks, find themselves transported back in time to 1986. The cast has an eclectic mix of old (Chevy Chase, John Cusack) and some new (Lyndsy Fonseca, Clark Duke). The trailer looks pretty funny and of course we love the idea of a hot tub time machine.
This is not the first time someone has thought to turn their spa into a time machine. At SpaShopper.Com we have been working to perfect the process for years. Our approach has been somewhat different but our goal is the same.
We have been working with suppliers, engineers and design teams to integrate new technology into spa parts that will save time and with enough hard work and determination, perhaps we can achieve time travel.
It would be pretty cool to go back in time literally
Just think of all the things we could do. Or maybe better said, undo. The off the cuff reaction for most people might be to invest in something like Apple or Microsoft and live like a rock star for the rest of your life. But I think that given more than 30 seconds to think about it, most people would want to focus on spending more time sharing, listening, learning and in turn teaching. I have to believe that people will generally want to spend more time helping others rather than figuring out how to buy their own island.
A hot tub time machine in your back yard means you can take a trip anytime. Just set the temp, turn on the pumps, adjust the lighting and drift away.
Get some friends together and travel back in time. You’ll be glad you did!
