hot tubs

Hot tubs are the gift that just keeps giving, especially as the temperature falls. Below we've listed some gift ideas for the spa lovers in your life, or maybe just treat yourself!

Gift Ideas

Santorini II Fiesta Cantilever Umbrella ($915) -- This attractive umbrella will keep the rain off in the spring, the sun off in the summer, the leaves off in the autumn, and the snow off in the winter, making your hot tub comfortable to use all year round. Comes in two colors and has solar LED lights.

Elegance Portable Inflatable Hot Tub ($899) -- If you're reading this, you already know how great hot tubs are. Why not buy one for someone special? This inflatable hot tub is a great starter spa!

Round Table 42" H Bar Table ($348) -- This beautiful table is available in 6 color options, and 5 diameter sizes (24", 30", 36", 48", 58" & 68"). Top-quality select grade California Redwood, a renewable resource, is used to construct this practical table. Provides a perfect for spa-side space for drinks, towels, books, or a portable radio.

Drink Caddy ($80) -- Unique design of this drink caddy provides safe and easy transport to and from the hot tub. It comes in six attractive finishes.

Square Redwood Planter Boxes ($232) -- Make your hot tub a destination with these attractive square planters with a pot shelf that allows for a quick exchange of seasonal color. Sized for two 6" potted plants or can be filled with ice to cool your favorite beverage. Available in six colors to match any décor.

Attached Spa Bar ($84) -- This attached spa bar turns your hot tub into Party Central. It comes in five attractive colors. Add some matching bar stools and guests can mingle or soak without having to leave the hot tub area.

Order Soon!

There's not much time left before the big holiday, so order soon to ensure your purchase arrives on time! If you need any help choosing the perfect gift, contact us and we'd love to help!

When buying a hot tub, there are a few basics to know when you start. There are two types of hot tubs: self-contained and non self-contained. Typically, self-contained hot tubs are installed above ground and are usually portable, whereas non self-contained hot tubs are installed in-ground and are permanent. Hot tubs are usually heated using an electric or natural gas heater, though there are also submersible wood-fired heaters and solar hot water systems. Spa and the brand name Jacuzzi are often used when referring to an indoor fixture. A hot tub is almost always outdoors.

What to Look for When Buying a Hot Tub

Whether you’re looking to buy an indoor or outdoor hot tub, you will want to choose something durable and easy to maintain. Cutting corners can end up costing you in the long run, so save yourself future trouble and do some simple online research. Have some basic understanding of hot tub care and maintenance, as well as an idea of what different warranties will provide by talking to various retailers. A good resource is our blog archives, and you can always give us a call with questions.

When looking at hot tub models, there are also some questions you'll want to ask yourself:

• How many people will use the hot tub at the same time?
• How many water jets do you want? Tip: For ultimate relaxation, maximize your hot tub's potential with as many jets as you can get!
• Where will you put the tub? Inside? Outside? Patio? Bathroom? Deck? Basement? Fitness room?
• Does the area you’ve chosen have enough clearance to handle the size of the hot tub? Does the area comply with your local safety codes? Do you need any permits to place the tub in that area?
• Will the floor be able to handle the weight of the tub once it is filled and occupied? Read our article on installation to get an idea of the type of weight you need to plan for.
• Will your power supply require modification?

Depending on the space you are working with, there will be different advantages to above floor/ground level hot tub spas or in-ground sunken installations. For first-time buyers, a portable hot tub is often recommended as it is a far less risky investment. Without the worry of installation costs, above-ground hot tubs can be filled with any available water source, they do not require any special plumbing, and they are easy to install and even easier to relocate in the future.

If you choose to go with an outdoor hot tub, you may require some professional remodelling as well as proper electrical installation and pumping utilities. Chemicals, filters, and water delivery systems vary widely so be sure to discuss details with a trusted manufacturer or professional consultant. Making educated choices in the beginning will save you time, money, and unneeded stress in the future and help you get the most fun and relaxation out of your hot tub experience.

Hot tub spas and televisions may be the best combination since peanut butter and jelly. How is this for true luxury living: soaking in a hot tub with while watching the game or your favorite movie. It's a pretty relaxing image, right?

Spasandstuff.com wants you to live that dream. Our BellaGrande SLT model hot tub is designed with a 20" television affixed to the tub itself, along with a DVD player and 4-speaker stereo system--all design for safe use in the hot tub. The tub also has 51 jets, aromatherapy options, and so much more. It's truly a luxurious retreat for the discerning consumer.

Please note that the hot tub's electronics are all specially designed for use near water. Do not attempt to set up televisions, dvd players, stereos, or any other electronics near your hot tub on your own. Most are not designed to be used near water and are a serious electrocution hazard. The Bellagrande SLT has been designed to provide you with entertainment electronics in a safe and enjoyable way and is a much better and wiser solution than cutting corners and setting up your own system.

Spasandstuff.com is a proud retailer of Columbia Spas brand hot tubs. These high-quality, affordable hot tubs are available for sale on our website here. Built in Spokane, Washington, by Blue Falls, USA, these hot tubs are a great addition to any home.

With twelve hot tub models and over a dozen different options to choose from, Columbia Spas makes it easy to create a unique home spa experience at a great price. Whether you are looking for a quiet moment of solitude or are spending quality time with your family, you'll find exactly the spa that you are looking for. Get all the joy and relaxation that you expect in your spa experience without all the hassles. Some of the great options you can add to every spa model include matching spa steps, a Cover Mate Lift Assist, an underwater LED light, a waterfall feature, and more. It's easy to add value to your hot tub without burning a hole in your wallet. For a limited time, select models come with a free gift!

Extraordinary steps are taken to make sure that every Columbia Spas hot tub is a work of art. Exceptionally rigid quality assurance standards are applied to every model produced. Each spa undergoes static and dynamic double water tests to ensure years of trouble-free enjoyment.

Columbia Spas features a state-of-the-art shell backing process that emits no VOC's and superior insulation, so the spa costs only pennies a day to operate. You can depend on Earth-friendly manufacturing processes with every Columbia Spas hot tub from Spas And Stuff. So rest easy and relax this winter in your very own Columbia Spas hot tub!

Read reviews from customers who have purchased a Columbia Spas hot tub here!

In Taiwan and some other counties, it's understood that soaking in a hot tub or hot spring will mean eating and drinking while relaxing. In Taiwan--an island wealthy in natural hot springs--it is common for hot-water lovers to put fresh eggs and cans of coffee into mesh nets, then soak alongside for a little while until the eggs are soft-boiled enough to eat and the coffee warm enough to drink. It's a fun activity, and enjoying snacks while soaking just makes sense to hot tub users worldwide.

But now we're going to put on our Mom Hats and offer a few words of advice to you before you start making up cheese plates to take spa-side:

• Combining alcohol and bodies of water is never a good idea. For many, entertaining and  alcohol are closely related, but it is very important to be cautious. Alcohol impairs motor functions, and surfaces around hot tubs can be slippery. If necessary, a spa pad can add traction to the ground and aid balance and safety, but the best precaution is common sense.
• It won't ruin your hot tub if food lands in the water, but anyone else sharing the tub with you might not enjoy sitting in a hot soup of soggy chips. It may be best to purchase patio furniture that can hold food and drinks next to the hot tub. Spasandstuff.com has some really attractive spa furniture, if you need some ideas.
• Staying in the hot tub for long periods can make a person feel dehydrated and can lower blood sugar levels. It is a good idea to keep drinks on hand and to take snack breaks periodically. If at any time you begin to feel lightheaded, leave the hot tub immediately, rehydrate, and rest completely before returning to the tub.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_hot_springs

Spasandstuff.com is pleased to announce we are now carrying swim spas! These unique spas take you from relaxation to exercise without additional equipment. Sit and soak away your stress or activate the jets and swim your way to a fitter you. Comes in 14 ft. long and 16 ft. long models.

I don't know anyone who deserves pampering as much as an expectant mother. As the fetus grows, women experience aching backs, swollen legs and ankles, and sensitive stretching skin. Pregnancy puts enormous strain on your system, and many pregnancies are rife with headaches, nausea, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, anemia, gastrointestinal discomforts, and mood swings. We all know how soothing and relaxing hot tubs can be, and how beneficial they are for our emotional well being. However, pregnant women may want to think twice before taking a long, hot soak.

Hot tubs increase your core temperature by several degrees. Hyperthermia--or abnormally, raised body temperature--is a major concern for pregnant women. A body temperature exceeding 101F is a cause for concern when pregnant within the first trimester. Most hot tubs maintain a temperature around 104F. The risks to the fetus include neural tube defects and miscarriage.

What are some options for weary mothers-to-be? Luckily, there are several things you can do that provide relief while being safe for the baby:

• Turn down the hot tub. Set the maximum temperature to 100F.
• Limit your soaking time. Do not soak in hot water for more than 10 minutes. Cool down completely before soaking again.
• Substitute a warm bath for hot tub time. A warm or even hot bath is safer than a hot tub because it is less likely to reach and maintain dangerous temperatures.
• Use warm compresses or heating pads on aching joints and muscles. Keep heating pads at a moderate temperature. A bag of rice or beans microwaved for a few seconds is Heaven on tense neck muscles.
• Drink warm herbal or decaffeinated teas to soothe from the inside out.
• Monitor your comfort level. If you start to feel too warm, remove yourself from the source of heat and cool down.

As always, please please consult your doctor about the risks hot tubs pose to your pregnancy. This article is not a substitute for your doctor's advice.

*http://www.surebaby.com/prenatal/pregnancy-safety/hot-tubs-and-pregnancy.php

*http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/your_pregnancy/pregnancy_precautions.html#

Outdoor hot tubs and spas are wonderful products, but they do require an electrical current to run. Besides the obvious hazardous implications of mixing water and electricity there are other safety precautions to consider when enjoying your spa.

Around the hot tub

• Think about installing outlets with covers that protect connected plugs.
• Do not touch any electrical appliance around the spa or hot tub while your body is still wet.
• Do not place cords or plugs in close proximity to your tub, as well as damp pipes and puddles.
• Do not try to be a hot tub repairman (unless that is your profession, of course). Make sure a licensed electrical professional addresses any repairs or electrical concerns.

Electrical appliances

• Do not leave any tools or appliances running unattended or left for small children to find.
• Do not move around with appliances while they are plugged in and turned on.
• Check for cracked or broken wires because they can quickly become hazardous.
• Do not carry appliances or tools by their cords.

Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

A ground fault is an unintentional electrical path existing between an electrical current's source and a grounded surface. Currents sometimes "leak," enabling electricity to escape into the ground. If a person's body approaches the leak, it can facilitate its connection to the ground, in turn providing shocks, burns, and electrocutions.

GFCIs were created to circumvent such hazards from occurring. A GFCI continuously monitors a home's wiring system and finds sources losing current (or leaking). When a GFCI senses a disparity in regular electrical currents, it cuts the power to that specific circuit. A GFCI can be the difference between something feeling like a "static shock" and a painful electrocution.

If you're in the market for a hot tub, you must decide whether you want to purchase an in-ground or portable tub. Here are some of the major considerations in purchasing either:

In-ground
An in-ground tub can rest idle or be attached to a swimming pool. There are not a lot of options with its location as once it is in, it is permanent. The tub can be molded of concrete or a material matching that of a connected pool.

The heater, jets, filter, and pumps associated with an in-ground tub can be more powerful than those of a portable tub because of the connection to an adjoining pool. The necessary equipment most likely will be out of view (being underneath the tub, enclosed in a remote unit, or built within the tub itself), so the sounds of operation can be less noticeable.

There is a trade-off -- the hot tub can be more powerful, but the energy bill may be much larger.

Portable tub
A portable hot tub provides its owner with more choices in regards to its location. The location does need to be sturdy in order to hold the weight of the tub and its occupants. Portable hot tubs come in many sizes, ranging from two-person tubs to those that can fit up to ten people.

The pump, filter, and heater are smaller for a portable tub in comparison to in-ground hot tubs. Portable tubs are usually made of fiberglass or acrylic material. This gives you a more options for the tub shape and color.

Though a portable tub is free standing, you can really create an ambiance around the hot tub using any number of available hot tub accessories: bright sunlight can be avoided with a spa sun umbrella, patio benches or a spa bar can decorate the perimeter of the tub, or spa steps can be installed to ensure safe entry and exit from the hot tub. There are many other accessories available to personalize your hot tub, from aromatics to colored lights. Check out these options at www.spasandstuff.com

How much do you know about the materials your hot tub is made from? OAS--or Olefin Acrylonitrile Styrene--and Acrylic are two materials manufacturers use in making hot tubs. Both materials are celebrated, yet differences exist.

Some differences between OAS and Acrylic:

• OAS can be applied at a cost-efficient price by manufacturers, so hot tubs made of this material may be found at a better price.
• The "finished shine" on a hot tub made of OAS may appear more modest in comparison to an acrylic tub.
• Acrylic hot tubs are very easy to clean because of their non-porous finish.
• Acrylic offers many colors and styles of finishes, such as simulated granite hot tubs.

Enemies to the shell

Inquire about specific information regarding a hot tub of your interest. Exact tub material composition can vary. The shell needs to be tenacious and resistant. Consider resistance to:

• UV rays
• hot tub cleaning chemicals
• customer weight and number
• stains
• dirt
• fluctuations in temperature
• deterioration

The more you know about your tub, the better you can care for it and the longer it will last.