The benefits of hydrotherapy have existed since archaic times, from ancient Chinese using hot water springs and warm flowing water as a part of cures to many ailments to the modern-day man using it to relax and cater to his stress-ridden self, the value of hot water is still intact. Many people understand the importance of soaking in warm water to alleviate pain and soothe medical conditions like arthritis.
However, going to a spa or getting professional hydrotherapy can be both expensive and demanding in terms of travel time and commitment. If you decide to purchase a hot tub, you can have all the benefits of a spa right under your roof or in your backyard, depending on your preference.
Now, we all know what comes next, the hot tub is an expensive luxury that not everyone can afford. This is where the right amount of research will allow you to find options that range from a few hundred dollars to the more high-end variety. Everything is affordable because there is a tub out there for every price bracket.
If a portable hot tub is more what you're looking for, then you have two main options available: inflatable or the traditional (in-ground) hot tubs. Inflatable tubs are quite a bit easier to move than traditional hot tubs but are also more prone to accidental damage (primarily punctures).
The Health Benefits
While hot tubs offer a multitude of long-term health benefits, what are they exactly? Here is a list of the reason why you should consider adding a hot tub to your home:
Hot Tubs: Knowing Your Tub and Its Accessories
Traditionally, hot tubs weren’t just expensive; they were also high maintenance items that require meticulous cleaning and preparation. Thanks to technology, this luxury has been made a lot more accessible and easy to manage thanks to the myriad of helpful accessories that make the entire experience a lot less demanding.
Here are a few items that you must always look for and try to get with your hot tub.
Hot Tub Covers
Hot tub covers are important accessories. Often, you'll receive one with a hot tub purchase but not always. Hot tub covers become essential components when you are buying a large capacity tub that caters to six to seven people at a time. Hot tub covers reduce energy expenses associated with enjoying a hot tub because covering the hot tub conserves the heat, and the shade keeps pollutants out.
The cover is also a key element of having a large hot tub because it acts as a safety precaution, especially in a home with small children. It can take 9-12 hours to heat the water the first time you operate your tub; this time can increase with the size and capacity of tub. However, the right cover will ensure that your water stays warm longer and your electricity bill doesn’t skyrocket.
Chemicals
It doesn’t take much for a hot tub to turn into a cesspool of bacteria and algae growth. However, keeping a hot tub comes with its demands. While you don’t need to scrub your tub down after every use, you will still need to cover it and treat it with chemicals occasionally to avoid any unpleasant scenarios in your beloved hot tub.
Just like a pool needs chlorine, a hot tub needs to be cleaned using chlorine or bromine to keep the water free of bacteria. In the end, it is always best to follow the instructional manual to be sure that you are taking all the necessary precautions and measures to ensure that your tub lasts longer. Knowing your water quality goes a long way in maintaining the health of your hot tub, chemicals can be more or less effective depending on the hardness and general chemical composition of the water in your area.
Filters
After the hot tub cover, the most important accessory is the water filtration system or the water filters. There are models on the market that have an inbuilt water filtration system to be more convenient to the owner. If you are someone with little time, it is best to find a hot tub that has an integrated filtration system in place. The filters are important because they trap impurities, ensuring the water is free from any kind of irritants and pollutants.
Hot Tub Pump
Now let us talk about the hot tub pump; this accessory is easily the heart of your hot tub’s health. It is the pump that ensures a consistent water supply that further allows for the water jets to do meaningful hydrotherapy. The jets conduct a massage that is primarily the purpose that people buy the hot tub in the first place. If the pump is in optimum condition water heating and flow are in perfect operation. Without the pump, the even distribution of the heat is not possible.
Heating and Material Insulation
A powerful heater can save time and energy by heating up the water faster. However, it is the fabric and construct of the hot tub that ensures that the water is heated quickly and there is minimal dissipation. Some hot tubs, for example a few inflatable varieties, are made from excellent quality insulating material that ensures that the heat is conserved for the maximum amount of time.
It is important to check the construction of the shell (tub interior) and the cabinet (tub exterior) for maximum benefit and durability. Some tubs are made up of mix materials and impure acrylic, and that does not last. So, make sure that you don’t jump up to grab the cheapest model, check the manufacturer’s guarantee to be sure of the life of your investment.
Ozonators
While not all hot tubs have an ozonator, it is considered one of the best amenities in a hot tub. The ozonator is an excellent way of keeping your hot tub clean and sparkly for longer periods without much ado and can be a blessing if you have a tight work or home schedule that leaves little time for jobs like tub cleaning and maintenance.
The Ozonator purifies water by the oxidation process, and further contamination is dealt via ozone or oxygen release. The device keeps the hot tub clean and odorless. Since the ozonator is a modern device, it eliminates the need for harmful chemicals to be used in the water. Chlorine is a known agent for skin irritation, skin and hair bleaching effects.
The device is a godsend because not only is it more convenient, it is also safer and aids in extending the life of a hot tub.
This Spa by “American Spas” is definitely a favorite selection; the main reason is the outstanding hydrotherapy feature of this hot tub. Not only does the massage offer a full body experience, the length and width of the tub ensures comfortable seating for 5-6 people at a time. This hot tub option is definitely the best on this list.
Pros
Cons
The reason that the Cyanna Valley Spa features second on this list is due to the sheer scale of customization that the manufacturer offers the buyers. Here is a product that can literally have all that you want and nothing that you do not; very few factory constructed tubs offer this kind of freedom of choice.
Pros
Cons
This seven-foot spacious and welcoming spa by Futura is perfect for six people to enjoy the hot tub experience with ease. The tub is stylish with its cathedral style stairs and overall look.
Pros
Cons
The Home and Garden Spa is perfect for someone that wants a hot tub experience without the high energy consumptions that are usually synonymous with this luxury. The construct is sturdy, and the amenities require replacements after many months of usage.
Pros
Cons
5) Essential Hot Tubs' Sanctity Hot Tub with 80 Jets, Sterling Silver Shell Material, and Grey Cabinet
This hot tub is one of the largest tubs produced by the “Essential” company so far. The upgraded version promises a great deal of fun and lot more features are making this tub rise among the ranks to number five.
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Conclusion
The modern-day lifestyle is so full of stress, and the workload sucks every ounce of energy from you, so much so that many people simply do not have the energy to do anything besides falling into bed and getting some well-deserved sleep. People are either too tight on a budget to squeeze in spa treatments or too busy to make the time, and this is where a hot tub can save the day.