Outdoor Environments

Tips on How to Purchase a Hot Tub

jestroff — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:55:11 +0000

Hot tubs are gaining popularity. Unlike the pool, a hot tub can stay open year round. But before you purchase your hot tub, there are a couple of things you need to consider. Let our list below help you make a more informed decision on buying a hot tub.

Make sure you properly measure the space available for the hot tub to determine the size you need. Whether you are looking to accommodate 2 or 10 people, you need to calculate the area first.
Contact your insurer to find out how much space you need between the hot tub and the home as well as the edge of the property.
The shell of the hot tub, usually made of acrylic, fiberglass and resin, must be at least 5 millimeters thick. Microban technology is used in certain finishes to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Make sure all four panels of the hot tub are well insulated.
Choose which type of skirt, a wooden structure surrounding the hot tub, you’d like for the hot tub. The skirt is usually made of cedar or resin. You’ll need to preserve the skirt with a water-repellent treatment. You’ll want to make sure that parts of the skirt can be removed in case you need to get to a part in the hot tub.
Choose a pump that best suits your needs. If you want a more therapeutic massage two pumps might be necessary. The more jets in a hot tub, the more powerful the pump needs to be.
You’ll want to make sure the light and control panel for the hot tub are within easy access once you are sitting in the tub.
The cover of the hot tub must be at strong enough to support the weight of a small child and we recommend getting one with a lock.
The filtration system should be closely monitored and we recommend purchasing two filters so you can rotate them during cleaning.
The water heater must have an output of at least 5.5 kilowatts.

Below are some of our hot tub enclosures, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Dress Up the Night with these Outdoor Essentials

jestroff — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:42:24 +0000

We came across these outdoor entertaining must-haves on My Home Ideas and we wanted to share with you some of our favorites! These items are the perfect pick me up for your outdoor dining experience.

Make sure you set the table with these biodegradable bamboo plates.

Bamboo Veneerware Plates from Re:Modern

Toast an evening under the stars with these indestructible wine glasses.

Permaglass Wine Glasses by Smith & Hawken

Light up the way with these polished nickel glass hurricane candle holders.

Santorini Round Lanterns Polished Nickel by Restoration Hardware

This rattan flatware organizer is ideal for carrying the silverware to the table.

Vintage Rattan Kitchen Organizer by Smith & Hawken

Outdoor rugs have come a long way and will sure to dress up any deck they touch.

Outdoor Kilim Rug from Pottery Barn

Bon appetit!

How to Arrange your Porch Seating

jestroff — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:50:22 +0000

Rocking chairs, porch swings, tables and recliners, Southern Living shows you how to arrange your porch seating to make the most of the space allotted. Jennifer Kopf, Home Editor at Southern Living, walks you through the different types of porches and suggests the best layout for the best views. Whether you are looking for a place to entertain or a quiet place to read a book, your porch can accommodate whatever mood you are in!