About Portable Hot Tubs

Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category

Hot tub jets refer to the pressurized streams of water that are installed in a hot tub to give the user a soothing and relaxing warm bath. Hot tub jets are perfect for removing the aches in muscles and joints as they knead and massage with the powerful pressurized water. It’s all you need after an exhausting day at the office.

Swirl jets and therapy jets

Widely used for hydrotherapy, hot tub jets provide a fantastic massage to your entire body or for specific parts of your body. You can adjust them according to the areas you wish to be targeted or the amount of pressure you want. With a simple touch on a keypad, you can adjust the stream’s direction, power and motion to give you a customized massage like no other. To get instant relief from muscle and joint pains, simply direct the nozzle toward the intended location, sit back and relax. Once you’ve gotten the hang of your hot tub, you no longer need to worry about tension and stress after a hard day’s work. Swirl jets are perfect for massaging over a wide area of your body due to its specialized action.

Pulsating jets and whirlpool jets

Pulsating hot tub jets give intermittent spurts of pressurized water to targeted areas of your body, just like a normal body massage would. These hot tub jets flush out water in staccato successions and are very effective on working over a large radius, such as the lower back. Whirlpool hot tub jets, on the other hand, are large jets that are recommended for those with special therapy requirements. A diverting whirlpool jet has an outer ring which turns to open the jet all the way for maximum flow, or it can be turned to divert the water to different sections of the hot tub.

Pillow and shoulder jets

Pillow jets provide an incomparable neck massage. It has a control valve which adjusts the stream intensity. You don’t have to put your head under the water — just sit and relax on your therapy seat, rest your head on the pillow, press that button and enjoy the nice flow of warm water on your nape. Shoulder jets are jets designed to be installed above the hot tub’s water line. The hot tub jet’s opening at the bottom is specifically angled to deliver a refreshing stream of warm water to your nape and shoulders.

Gazebos are basically pagoda-type structures for the outdoors and are used for different purposes. It is a shelter usually found outside the home to enhance the landscape and to provide shelter. Gazebos can be used as a place to have dinner or a get-together. They can also serve as stylish enclosures to your hot tub — these structures can give you the privacy you need and the essential protection to make your hot tub last for years. Gazebos became popular in the 18th century and can now be used for an entirely different purpose — that is, to shelter your hot tub.

How gazebos protect your hot tub

Snow, strong rains, harsh sunlight and heavy winds can cause irreparable damage to your hot tub. These damages could cost hundreds of dollars to repair. Hot tub gazebos provide the needed protection from the elements and keeps your hot tub from chipping, cracking, peeling or staining due to extreme weather conditions. A gazebo can also effectively keep out dust and dirt. There are gazebo models that come with canvas covers, and still others that feature glass-domed tops. You can choose from a wide variety of gazebo models to suit the surroundings and to satisfy your every requirement.

How gazebos can offer you privacy

Most hot tub gazebo models can be fitted with screens to give you the privacy you need. The hot tub thus becomes exclusive for just you, your family and friends. You need not worry about intrusive strangers or nosy neighbors. You can also take advantage of the added protection from weather changes once you have a hot tub gazebo enclosure installed. You can enjoy your hot tub sessions even during the midst of winter or while it’s raining outside.

How to install a gazebo

These huge structures are preferably installed by professionals and should be set up under the close supervision of someone who is associated with the manufacturer of your hot tub gazebo. Several suppliers and firms offer assistance in the installation of any product you purchase from them.

Hot tub steps are one of the more important hot tub accessories. Hot tub steps facilitate going in and out of the tub, so they have to be carefully chosen for safety. Hot tub steps come in a variety of sizes and shapes and may be designed to coordinate with your spa deck and tub. Some hot tub steps double as storage areas, too.

You can find the perfect hot tub steps for your hot tub at leading spa dealers. Hot tub steps can be made of vinyl or wood and should have non-slip steps to avoid accidents. Hot tub steps that have a considerable amount of traction are great for children and senior adults. You can also opt for portable hot tub steps — they can be removed and returned easily and are also available in many colors. Spa owners should make sure that the hot tub steps they buy are balanced, sturdy and have durable pads for traction to prevent accidents. Some of the more popular types of hot tub steps are enumerated below:

Standard steps

One of the things you have to consider is the number of steps you would want the hot tub steps to have. This would largely depend on the height of the hot tub. If the hot tub is rather short, you could just make use of a single hot tub step. However, if the hot tub’s walls are high and its interior is deep, go for the double- or triple-step models. These hot tub steps are available in different materials, from aluminum to wood to molded vinyl or plastic. Choose the right color to match its surroundings. If you’re going for wooden hot tub steps, ensure that it is of the waterproof type of cedar or other types of wood, because it will take a harsh beating everyday. Otherwise, coat the hot tub steps with a generous amount of varnish to repel moisture.

Storage steps

This is a great idea for a hot tub step — an accessory that doubles as a storage space. There are a lot of things you can hide away under the hot tub steps, such as music CDs, wine glasses, drinks, towels, toiletries, bath oils and many others. These items are kept within easy reach and you need not leave your bath area just to get a loofah stick or some soap. The hot tub steps may be straight or curved, and can be made of plastic, wood or even aluminum. Choose the color and shade that you like best or that would complement the rest of the fixtures in the immediate area. Although hot tub steps that double as storage space are considerably more expensive than the standard models, you’ll actually get two products for the price of one.

Most hot tub owners have the need to ensconce their hot tubs within an enclosure to guarantee peace and privacy. Adding a hot tub enclosure to your system gives you a more idyllic retreat and is perfect for calming and soothing nerves and relaxing in a perfectly ideal spot. A hot tub enclosure can be mounted directly over your existing hot tub or spa system and does not take up much space. A hot tub enclosure, however, can dramatically add to the peaceful and private ambiance you’re searching for.

There is no scarcity in the models and styles of hot tub enclosures you can choose from. These hot tub enclosures can definitely add to the longevity, durability and aesthetic charm of your hot tub. One of the more popular types of hot tub enclosures is the gazebo-type enclosure, which offers an almost surreal environment. Within the gazebo-type hot tub enclosure, you can enjoy the warm and stress-relieving waters of the hot tub with nary a worry. There are several prefabricated models that are available in home depots or online, which can easily be fitted over your existing spa. You can even choose the most appropriate color and size to fit your specifications.

Features

As earlier mentioned, prefab kits of hot tub enclosures can easily fit over your existing hot tub unit. This is best for an instant feeling of privacy that you need whenever you decide to relax and just bask in the comforting waters of your hot tub. There are hot tub enclosure models equipped with steps, have that much-needed space for dressing areas and even room for exercise equipment. Some hot tub enclosures are wide enough to accommodate seating areas for guests or a mini-bar that comes complete with wine racks and bar fixtures, in addition to bar stools that may have weatherproof seat covers. Still, there are hot tub enclosures that have planter boxes for that outdoorsy touch and removable canvas roof covers for added protection.

The more expensive hot tub enclosures can also have full lattice windows or tinted domed skylights for the ultimate in beauty and class.

Advantages of enclosures

Even if our hot tubs are situated a good distance away from public view, sometimes we still need to have them enclosed to get a feeling of genuine peace and relaxation. A good hot tub enclosure system adds not only beauty and privacy to your property, but can also prolong your hot tub’s life, as these enclosures considerably shield the hot tub from extreme weather conditions.

Hot tubs are great for hydrotherapy, and after a time, a hot tub becomes an indispensable relaxation equipment. There’s nothing like soaking in a refreshing tub of warm water at the start of the day or before bedtime to invigorate us and relieve our tense muscles. This is why for a perfect relaxing experience, hot tubs should always be kept clean and should have supplies that help make bathing a truly wonderful experience. Some examples of hot tub supplies accessories are filters, covers and cover lifts, cleaning chemicals, heaters, pumps, fragrances, spa parts and bath toys.

Accessories

One of the optional supplies you may want to get is the spa pedestal. This can be fixed to the hot tub and may be used for holding drinking glasses, robes and towels. It is available in many different colors and designs. If your hot tub is rather high, it would be wise to attach a safety rail so that children, as well as old people, would be safe while entering or leaving the hot tub.

Moreover, if your hot tub is located outdoors, you could fix an outdoor spa umbrella, which could protect you and the hot tub from rain or the sun’s harsh rays. It is also a good idea to fix a towel bar for your robes and towels.

Underwater spa lamps are manufactured from high-quality stainless steel and make the hot tub very alluring at night.

To keep the bath water sparkling clean, use a spa ozonator. This could do the job of the chemicals bromine and chlorine, which often make the eyes feel irritated and/or damage the hair. It is also effective in killing harmful bacteria, viruses and algae, thus prolonging the life of your hot tub.

To keep your hot tub protected against the elements, purchase a spa cover, which is made of marine-grade vinyl and polystyrene material. Spa covers are sealed with heat using a poly-vapor moisture barrier that prevents water absorption. Covers come in various colors, and some have childproof locks to prevent children from unknowingly wandering to the spa room and accidentally falling into the hot tub.

Maintaining

To prevent the heating coil from prematurely corroding, change the water regularly. Frequently test the hot tub water for alkalinity and balance. Know which parts are the filter, heater, air blower, pump, thermostat and control box.

Don’t take the cleaning of your filters for granted, as your pump will definitely be strained. When your filter is clogged, you will begin experiencing heat problems, and your utility costs will shoot up.

Basic hot tubs are great, but they can be even better when equipped with state-of-the-art accessories. Doing so takes you from an enjoyable bathing experience to an unforgettable one. Entertain family and friends with the ultimate in comfort and style with a fully equipped hot tub — you’ll be the talk and envy of the town.

Accessories

They can have soft and comfortable cushioned seats that allow you to soak in your jacuzzi for longer periods. These may have side panels and reclining capabilities to ergonomically suit your posture. Some hot tub seats are made of vinyl, which is a resilient and durable material often used in the manufacture of rafts. It is thus resistant to punctures and tearing.

Another valued accessory is the one-touch control panel that could easily be installed into your hot tub system. A small computer does the work of remembering your favorite settings so you wouldn’t have to input them each time you use the hot tub. It also takes care of automatic filtration settings so you don’t have to worry about that, either.

Other fantastic accessories

To add to the ultimate hot tub experience, equip your unit with easy-to-use control keypads, customized jets, blowers and air controls that allow adjustment of water flow strength. Choose from among the many models of turbo and solar blasters, waterfalls and neck jets. There are times when you want a relaxed dip in your hot tub so it’s best to set the jets at minimum levels. However, there are also days when you’re looking for a powerful hydrotherapeutic massage to take care of all the aching muscles you’ve been wanting to get rid of the entire day.

On the technological side, there is an impressive array of hot tub accessories to choose from. If you opt to have a built-in sound system for your hot tub, there are stereos specifically designed for outdoor tub use. You can also find DVD systems for your viewing pleasure. For the person who can’t seem to separate work from play, why not get the best of both? Equip your hot tub with a telephone line and a computer from which you can do your work.

Other accessories you might want to get for the ultimate in entertainment are beverage coolers, plastic playing cards, toys and other leisure items designed for tub use. However, one indispensable accessory is the hot tub cover, which serves not only to keep small children away from the hot tub, but also helps maintain the temperature of your tub, giving you savings in operational costs.