Hot Tubs & Spas UK – For Conservatory, Exercise Room and Garden
Take the plunge with a spa
Imagine relaxing in the warm, gently bubbling water of a hot tub, aches and pains and the cares of the day being metaphorically and literally soothed away!
It doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Why not join the three million-plus British home owners who already enjoy the benefits of a spa or hot tub? It’s a purchase that will give you many years of enjoyment if you make the right choice – so do your research before you splash out.
These are the things you need to consider:
Spa or hot tub?
Well, these days both terms mean the same thing. There are, however, two types – self-contained (or ‘portable’) and non self-contained. The portable hot tub has all the necessary electrical, filtration and heating systems incorporated within its cabinet. Easiest to install, the portable hot tub also has the advantage of being able to be relocated if necessary without too much upheaval – or even taken with you if you move house.
Although portable models are usually positioned above ground, if you prefer a ‘built-in’ look you can achieve this by partially sinking the tub into surrounding decking.
Non self-contained hot tubs are installed in the ground and are considered permanent. The mechanics are sited separately from the tub.
Spoilt for choice?
The significant increase in demand for hot tubs has resulted in a greater variety of models on the market. The choice is vast – in width of seats, in the positioning of water jets, the ability to customise jets independently for each seat, the inclusion of air-and-water jets for a more powerful massage, headrests, etc. Your selection will depend on your main reason for investing in a hot tub:
Therapy – comfort and flexibility will be your top priority if you are installing a hot tub for health reasons. The warm, soothing waters are particularly effective at relieving the symptoms of rheumatism or arthritis. A spa session can help reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, ease muscle and joint inflammation and – no guarantees obviously! – minimise the appearance of cellulite.
The positioning of the jet streams is crucial and should impact your body's major muscle groups rather than your bones. Ensure that the tub’s jets are positioned to massage the area/s where your muscles are usually most tense.
Fun: if your hot tub is to be used for entertaining – family, friends, even business associates – you’ll need a large model with plenty of comfortable seating.
Exercise: A deeper, less contoured tub is more suitable for exercise purposes.
Relaxation: Gentle massaging jets and comfortable seating are a ‘must’. Some hot tubs incorporate a blower that produces air bubbles from fittings throughout the spa for a gently soothing sensation.
Location
All that is needed for a portable spa is a firm, level area that can support the weight of the unit, a dedicated electrical outlet (110 or 220 volt) and a standard garden hose.
Privacy and ease of access are usually the priorities when considering a suitable site for a hot tub – which is why patios and decks are usually a good choice. Consider, too, the view from the spa. Relaxing in a hot tub while staring at an ugly brick wall will rather dilute the beneficial effects! It’s simple and easy to improve the view or enhance your privacy by erecting screens or a gazebo. Alternatively, it is possible to site the hot tub in an outbuilding or a conservatory.
Power and heating
Hot tubs typically range from one-pump to three-pump models. The latter has to move more water around so needs greater power - a 30-amp pump at least. Smaller spas require smaller pumps although the minimum is 13 amps.
With regard to heaters, more kilowatts mean faster heating. A 3kw heater will heat up a four-seater model in six to eight hours. More kilowatts also mean lower running costs since an even temperature is maintained using a thermostat and the more powerful models use less energy to keep the temperature constant.
Cost
Prices for hot tubs start at just under £3,000 although you can pay many thousands more for all-singing, all-dancing models.
As for running costs, the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) estimates that a four-person model will come in at around 75p a day - which covers heating and chemicals.
Example of one of the less expensive Hot Tub alternatives
Click on image to visit the
VictoriaPlumb website |
4 Person Hot Tub (Ref:
tub220)
This is our most popular model and provides cushioned comfort for up to four people. It features five hydrotherapy jets churning 220 gallons of warm, bubbling water throughout the spa's six foot
diameter.
Outer diameter: 180cm
Inner diameter: 152cm
Height: 61cm
Price: £2,995.00 Including VAT at 17.5%
Available from VictoriaPlumb |
Maintenance
BISHTA reckons that maintenance takes about five minutes a day – to check the pH levels of the water with a simple test kit and correct the water balance when necessary. BISHTA publishes a guide to looking after your spa and your retailer should also supply detailed notes on maintenance.
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