The Daily Soak - Spa and Hot Tub Blog

Columbia Spas Hot Tubs For Sale Again!

2013-07-02T05:18:00.001-04:00

Spas and Stuff is pleased to announce the re-launch of Columbia Spas brand hot tubs. These high-quality affordable hot tubs are available for sale once again on our website here. Now 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 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. And 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 summer in your very own Columbia Spas hot tub!

Hot Tub Moving Tips

2013-06-06T12:05:00.002-04:00

Early summer brings the possibility of moving somewhere new. The kids are out of school and you are starting to look at different neighbors or houses for them to grow up in. Then you find it! The perfect house. As you walk through the house you just sold and begin to start packing the boxes, you may begin to notice the larger items you have acquired in recent years and wonder how you will move those. Well do not worry about that hot tub. We have a great plan to help you get it to your next house so the fun times can continue for years.

If you are moving your home with a professional Van Lines, check with them about moving your hot tub. They will have the manpower and the equipment and this may be an economical option.

If it is a "friends and family" move, you should start by whipping out your owner’s manual to see what equipment needs to be detached for moving. This may include the heater, pump, blower and electrical and plumbing units. For many portable hot tubs, it is fine to leave this equipment in place or attached. We suggest following your manufacturer's directions. If you lost those directions long ago or if you cannot find them in the sea of boxes you are living in, consult a hot tub dealer who handles your brand of hot tub.

You can begin the preparation process by draining the hot tub. If you are moving to a cold climate where freezing might be an issue, blow out the pipes with compressed air to make sure no water is left in the pipes, which might freeze and then crack. Make sure you disconnect all electrical and gas lines and secure any loose cords or lines. It is best to set the cover aside to move separately.

We then suggest calling up some of your strongest friends. Make sure you ask nicely and remember that the beer and some pizza should come out after the hot tub is moved, not during the move. Start by carefully tipping the hot tub onto its side and place it on a pair of furniture dollies or a large dollie with wheels. Strap the hot tub to the dollie and you are ready to roll. You will need a person handling each dolly if you have two and a couple more to walk along with the hot tub, making sure it remains steady and helping it over obstacles. You can use pieces of plywood to roll over grass or to make a ramp to move the hot tub from a deck or patio onto a flat bed trailer. Remember hot tubs can be very heavy and you don't want to create a flimsy ramp that could fail.

If you want to plan like professional, you can rent the moving truck with the lift gate. You may then tip the hot tub upright for the move and secure within the truck or on the trailer. Secure the lid separately so it doesn't get torn or damaged while the truck is in motion.

When you reach your new destination, you can just repeat the above steps in reverse. The only legal recommendation we can make is to hire a licensed electrician to complete the electrical hookup. You should be ready to go! Fill your hot tub and begin enjoying it at your new place. You can invite over some neighbors to join in on the fun and kill two birds with one stone. Now is the time for beer and pizza. If you would prefer to buy a new hot tub for your new home, see the full selection of hot tubs for sale at Spas And Stuff.

Hot Tub Water Maintenance, Spa Water Chemistry

2013-04-25T10:03:00.001-04:00

Making sure your hot tub water is clean and maintained is a major part of owning a hot tub. No one wants to hang out in a hot tub with dirty water. Are you worried this will be an extremely challenging feat? Don’t fear. We are here to help you keep your hot tub in tiptop shape and make sure it lasts for many years to come. Spring cleaning is right around the corner so now is the perfect time to get your hot tub water on that list of cleaning to dos.

You should start by testing your spa water by using hot tub chemical test strips or bringing a sample to a dealer. If you are using Chlorine as a primary sanitizer, you need to use a test strip that is suited for chlorine while if you are using bromine, you need to use a Bromine test strip. Chemical test strips measure the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine level of spa water.

The first step after testing the water is to correct a hardness problem if one exists. The calcium hardness should be between 250 ppm and 400 ppm. If the water is too soft, it will foam and cause corrosion of your spa equipment. If the water is too hard, it will cause mineral build up on the heater element. The typical problem is the water is too soft and requires the addition of a calcium booster to raise the hardness of the water. You can use a metal sequestering agent to reduce the mineral content of the water if it is too hard.

Next, you can adjust the pH and alkalinity, which are related and use the same chemicals to adjust the levels. Make the first adjustment using the alkalinity reading. If the alkalinity is too high, use a pH down product to lower the level and if it is already too low, use a pH up product to raise the level. Add the chemical in low doses, as it might take a long time to change the alkalinity. It is important to not overdose when doing this as it will take a lot of the opposite chemical to remedy the issue. When the alkalinity is in range, it is time to correct the pH readings by using Spa Up to raise the pH or Spa Down to lower it. You want the pH to be between 7.0 and 7.8.

Now you can add the sanitizer. If the water is cloudy or smells, you can shock the water by bringing the level to around 10 ppm, but DO NOT use the spa when the chlorine level is this high. Shocking the water will ensure all bacteria and organic compounds are destroyed. You can leave on the pumps and uncover the spa to help dissipate the excess levels or chlorine back to the normal levels of between 3 ppm and 5 ppm. Once it is within these normal ranges, it is safe to use the spa again.

You also need to make sure the water is clean on an ongoing basis by shock treating the water and maintaining the sanitizer level. The warm water of hot tubs would provide an ideal breeding ground for potentially harmful microorganisms if you do not initiate and maintain an effective sanitizer system to control them.

In order to keep your water fresh, you should add a capful of chlorine after you use the hot tub and cycle the pumps on before your cover it. This way, the chlorine will work on killing any bacteria that might have remained after your spa session.

Spas And Stuff has other chemicals such as de-foamers and clarifiers that will help you keep your spa water clear and clean. We have a Hot Tub – Spa Chemical Starter Kit that contains all the chemicals that are necessary to maintain high quality spa water, as well as an instructional DVD to help you better understand spa chemicals and how to use them. Check out our Spa Water Chemistry FAQ for help understanding any concerns you may have on keeping your hot tub clean and ready to use.

Easy Salt Water Hot Tub Conversion

2013-03-29T08:19:00.003-04:00

The ChlorMaker Do Saltwater Generator

One of the most popular trends in hot tubs that is having a saltwater hot tub. There are many people that still do not understand the difference between regular hot tubs and the newer saltwater versions.

Saltwater hot tubs can generate Bromine or chlorine, depending on the type of salt that is added to the water. Sodium chloride will convert to chlorine via electrolysis and sodium bromide will convert to bromine with the same process.

A few skeptics have compared saltwater hot tubs to the ocean. The salt in a salt water hot tub is only 1500 to 2100 ppm of sodium, while the ocean has tens of thousands ppm of salt. The water in you hot tub will have only the tiniest hint of having salt in it. On the other hand, people who love their salt water systems frequently rave about how soft the water feels and how their skin does not feel dry and tight when they dry off.

One of the top new salt-water systems Spas And Stuff is selling is the ChlorMaker DO. Different from the other three models we sell, it has an external keypad for simple operation, making it user-friendly and perfect for a first-time spa owner. Perfect for any spa, the ChlorMaker DO Saltwater Chlorine Generator features ten levels of chlorine production with saltwater indicator lights. These automatic options adjust for changes in temperature and spa usage, making it easy-to-use and making it do most of the work for you.

The ChlorMaker Do can simply be plugged into a standard home outlet. Or if would like to hide the electrical line, you can add the spa pack hard-wire kit which will allow you to draw power directly from the spa pack inside the cabinet of your hot tub.

When you begin using your hot tub more frequently, the ChlorMaker DO will produce more chlorine, keeping your spa clean and the water clear. The system is designed for spas up to 1000 gallons and can produce up to 30 grams of chlorine per day.

Hot tub chlorine generators can greatly reduce spa problems and issues, assisting with spa maintenance since they continuously make chlorine or bromine manually so you don’t have to. Spas And Stuff can help you make sure thee ChlorMaker DO Saltwater Chlorine Generator is a good option for your hot tub. Contact us today!

When Should You Not Use the Hot Tub

2013-02-27T09:17:00.004-05:00

There are various benefits to hot tub use in aiding your health, stress level and overall well being. Despite all the amazing benefits of hot tub use, there are several types of people that should not use a hot tub or should be careful while using the spa. So how do you know if you are one of those people? Read on.

If you are pregnant - According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), a body temperature of 101º F and above can raise concerns during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies of women who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. ACOG also recommends that pregnant women never let their core body temperature rise above 102.2º F. If you still want to use the hot tub when pregnant, you are advised to limit your time to five minutes or less, and make sure your body temperature never reaches above 102º F.

If you have high blood pressure - People with hard-to-control hypertension (high blood pressure) may experience worsening blood pressure in response to heat exposure from a hot tub. In addition, many blood pressure medications interfere with the normal response of the body to heat exposure. Those with high blood pressure should talk to their doctor before any hot tub use.

If you have low blood pressure – Blood vessels in the skin dilate when a person is immersed in a hot tub and that can cause the blood pressure to fall. For those with already low blood pressure to begin with, this could be life threatening if the person passed out while using the hot tub. Please talk with your doctor before using the hot tub if you have any blood pressure issues.

If you are dehydrated – Hot tub use can be a problem in people who have blood vessel blockages to the brain and the heart. The body lacks enough water to fill the blood vessels. Low fluid volume means lower blood pressure. A dehydrated person feels weak and dizzy especially when standing. Hot tubs can cause dehydration since they raise your body temperature and help you sweat to release toxins. Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after using a hot tub.

If you are taking certain medications - There are a number of medications that can affect the body’s normal response to heat either by inhibiting sweating or by otherwise interfering with the normal physiology. For example, some medications used for psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or the use of stimulant medications for conditions like ADD or excessive sleeping also increases the health risks from heat exposure. If you are on any of these medications, please speak with your doctor before using a hot tub or spa.

If you are under the age of 5 - As the MayoClinic.com reports, very young children should generally not use hot tubs as they do pose potential health risks. They recommend that you not allow your child to use a hot tub until he is tall enough to stand in the middle of the tub with his head above water. Using this rule of thumb may make deciding whether your child is ready a bit less of a guessing game.

In order to make hot tub use a safe and relaxing experience, remember to keep your spa water temperature no higher than 104°F and be sure to accurately monitor the temperature. Higher temperatures can place undue strain on the cardiovascular system. Also, limit your stay to no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. As you are exiting, cool down gradually after use and avoid going rapidly from a hot to a cold environment.

You should also try to drink 2 to 4 glasses of water after each session to re-hydrate your body. Also, never go into the hot tub if you are ill, and if you find yourself feeling unwell while in a hot tub, head for the door.
Hot tubs are a great addition to your home and have many health benefits. Use the tips above to use the hot tub or spa safely and without issue. Spas And Stuff offers a great selection of hot tubs and accessories with low prices and free shipping.

What to Consider When Buying a Hot Tub

2013-01-25T12:38:00.003-05:00

There are not too many ways that are better to unwind and fully relax your muscles, than the warm massaging water of a hot tub. This could be one of the greatest additions to your home. The days or weeks before you buy a hot tub, there are several things you should consider before you make the big purchase.

The most desirable hot tubs are taller and can be a little difficult to climb into. To help alleviate this issue, in ground installation might be the perfect option for you, especially if you have a patio or deck area that could fit and incorporate a hot tub. If there is no option for in ground installation at your home, condo or vacation house, focus your search on models that include hot tub steps and maybe add a hot tub handrail.

In order to promote safety for your family and neighbors, we suggest features such as automatic shut off and a strong, locking cover, which are standard on all the hot tubs from Spas And Stuff. Some cities might actually require you to have a gate or fence around the hot tub as well, so make sure you check your local regulations.

Make sure you consider the location of your hot tub near required utilities and hook ups that you need. Also, research hot tub options so you are aware of the cost of the particular spa and style you are looking for. Sometimes a major expense for a first-time hot tub purchaser is site preparation. Even an empty spa can easily weigh close to 1,000 pounds. Be smart and consult with a qualified contractor or structural engineer to make certain that whatever the support structure, it will be sufficient to carry the spa’s load size. If you need a simple pad for your ground and you do not want to use concrete, see our Spa Pads.

The health benefits of hot tub use are also an amazing bonus factor to consider. Joint pain relief, detoxing, increased blood flow, and better sleep are all benefits of hot tub use and hydrotherapy.

Hot tubs are a great addition to your home and are an amazing place to bring friends and family together. Spas And Stuff offers a great selection of hot tubs and hot tub accessories at low prices with free shipping. Our customer service reps can help you select the best hot tub choice for you.

Buy a Hot Tub for Health and Low Stress in 2013

2012-12-22T10:04:00.000-05:00

The days before the holidays can seem like more pressure than pleasure. There is the hustle and bustle of trying to finish your holiday shopping and all of those Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve party invites you have to choose from. And in the end you still have to remember to wrap all of those last minute gifts. With stress and a high energy lifestyle and the world wanting more and more from each and every person, de-stressing options are are more important than ever. So what is there to do?

Hot tubs have long been known for their stress relief and relaxation properties. What we have noticed is the way most people feel the stress just melt away when they step foot into a warm, relaxing hot tub. The warm water relaxes and soothes muscle aches and pains, while helping melt away any tension from life. Turn on the jets for the added massing action of hydrotherapy. Hot tubs are like a personal escape from the many outside stress factors in life.

Stress is not good for you, as you probably know. Stress can do more than just sap all of your energy. It can trigger disease and shorten your lifespan. It can cause a myriad of health problems and issues as it begins breaking down your system. It can often lead to weight gain as well. So how can the hot tub help?

If you have a really bad and stressful day, the warm, calming water of your hot tub might be just what you need. It will help sooth away your worries and your muscle tension. You can even bring in a book if you like reading, candles or scent pods if you want a soothing scent. If you have hot tub with a stereo, you can enjoy some relaxing music from your built in speakers.

What should you look for in a spa to make it the most relaxing experience? Make sure the hot tub is a good fit for your size and shape, and the seating is comfortable. Make sure your spa has multiple jets and jets that are adjustable. These are all great ways to make your hot tub as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

A nice, long hot tub soak might be just the thing to melt away the holiday stress. Head on over to our amazing hot tub model selection to choose the right one for you. And enjoy our free shipping and amazing prices! Happy Holidays from Spas And Stuff.

Hot Tub Stereos Liven Up The Spa

2012-11-27T12:24:00.002-05:00

Hot tubs are becoming one of the more popular entertaining features in homes across the country. They are a great way to bring people together for a fun, relaxing and entertaining time. With so many different hot tubs and styles, there are a variety of options to make a hot tub fit into your life. One of the greatest parts of being a hot tub owner is all of the fun toys and hot tub accessories you can outfit your hot tub with.

Awesome and stylish drink holders, floating beer coozies, steps, storage containers, and umbrellas…the options are endless to make your hot tub your own. One of the new popular options for your spas are hot tub stereos.

The BellaGrande SL is one the most sought after hot tubs with a standard stereo system. This system includes four topside pop-up corner speakers that are accompanied by an in-cabinet sub-woofer for great sound quality and volume. A great feature with this stereo hot tub is that the corner speakers are positioned closer to your ears so you do not have to have the volume too loud to enjoy the music. On the other hand, should the occasion arise, the stereo has plenty of power "impress" the neighbors!

In-cabinet sub-woofers improve the sound quality and we always include them on our stereo spas. At Spas And Stuff, we figure that if you are going to add a stereo to your hot tub, the most important feature is the sound quality. These speaker options can be used for stepping up the romance, pumping up the party, or setting a relaxing mood.

SpasAndStuff.com always includes a floating remote for hot tub bather convenience. This allows you to change the music or volume without leaving your seat. We also have two other spa lines with optional stereos. These are the Free Free-Spirit model spas and the Free-Spirit Lounger models.

Visit www.spasandstuff.com to check out our stereo options for your next hot tub. Your entertaining will get a boost and the outdoor hot tub will be the place to be during your next party.

Buying A Hot Tub - Lounger or No Lounger?

2012-10-16T10:25:00.003-04:00

There are so many hot tub and spa options that it can be difficult to choose which one is the perfect option for you and your family. Most of the time you have to ask how many people will normally be using your hot tub and how much room you will need. Then you have to ask how large of a hot tub you can buy and consider where you will be putting it, either indoors or outdoors.

For those of our customers who plan on using the hot tub a lot to relax and for therapy work, hot tubs with a personal lounger seat are a great option. They have a lounge-type chair where you can extend your legs, lay back and truly relax in style. If you and your partner would like some more one on one time our Solitude hot tub is perfect to sit and lounge side-by-side. Lounger hot tubs come in all different sizes to fit your needs.

Lounger hot tubs allow the user to escape and relax at a different level from sitting in a regular hot tub. The beauty is you can also sit or lounge, giving this option a nice versatility. Perfect for the person who will mainly be using their hot tub for hydrotherapy and extreme relaxation.

If you are using your hot tub more for entertainment and having a lot of people in the spa the majority of the time, hot tubs with maximum individual seats may be the best choice for you. They give more seating options and allow for everyone to enjoy the hot tub comfortably. These are perfect for the house where the hot tub will get a ton of use by friends and larger families. With round, square and additional shape options, we will find the hot tub to fit all of your needs.

SpasAndStuff.com has discount prices on a great selection of both Lounger and No-Lounger hot tubs and spas. Factory direct hot tubs with free shipping.

Adding a Hot Tub as a Home Improvement

2012-09-30T23:08:00.002-04:00

Including a hot tub in your next home improvement project just might be the best thing to increase your home value. When you look around your house, you think of a million things you might want to update or change. Is a hot tub on your list? What is the best way to add a hot tub to your home? We have the answer.

Hot tubs are great for bringing people together and relaxing while entertaining with friends and family. A hot tub has many benefits including physical relaxation as well as providing a great atmosphere for social gatherings. And because a hot tub is heated they can be used all year round.

So where should you put the hot tub to increase the value of your home and make sure it gets the most use?

The Outdoor Hot Tub in the Backyard. Many people love adding a hot tub to their backyard or patio. Since they are heated and can be used all year around, they can be used in all different climates, including snowy vacation homes. With the many different shapes and options, adding a hot tub to your backyard is a great option. If you have the room, you can also add a cabana to surround your hot tub, making it a backyard sanctuary.

The Indoor Basement Hot Tub. Many homes across the nation have basements that are the perfect place to upgrade with a hot tub or spa. These basements are normally slightly colder than the main levels of a home, since they are underground. Plus, basements can be made into entertainment central, with movie rooms, bar features and a relaxing hot tub in the corner. When you are having a get together, many people flock toward the basement in a home since it is designed for entertainment in many instances. What better addition than a spa?

The Bathroom Hot Tub. Some friends of mine decided to upgrade their abode in a major way by adding an amazing hot tub right in the bathroom. They designed the room around this amazing feature, and it was one to remember. Everyone who goes to their home mentions how perfect it is to relax in your hot tub in the comfort of your own home, and how convenient it is to have it right in your bathroom! This might be a great option for you if you have a large bathroom and want to create a relaxing sanctuary.

What other interesting places can you come up with for a hot tub? If you are thinking about some home improvement options for your home, adding a spa to the house or a hot tub in the backyard might be the perfect answer. Visit Spas And Stuff for many perfect hot tub options, including saltwater hot tubs and saltwater hot tub conversions. They offer all different shapes and sizes to fit exactly what you are looking for.

Loving the Round Hot Tub Trend

2012-08-30T12:05:00.004-04:00

There are so many benefits to owning a hot tub. Detoxing and relieving muscle soreness are two advantages many active people and those suffering from arthritis think of when hot tubs are brought up. The best way to help heal muscle soreness after a tough workout is to fully relax your muscles, and hot tubs can help you achieve this relaxation. Spending just 30 minutes in a hot tub after working out can help decrease muscle inflammation, helping you recover quickly.

Many people love taking advantage of the benefits listed above, and a round hot tub is shaped perfectly for this. Round hot tubs are the traditional hot tub shape, fitting in the corner of a room or in a smaller space if needed. Most round hot tubs typically sit four to seven people, depending on the model and the size of the hot tub.

Round spas tend to have a more open seating plan feel. The jets in a round hot tub are in strategic positions to define the seats, although some models have sculpted seats. Round hot tubs with barrier-free seating make it easy to move from seat to seat. It depends on your preference and what size and model you are looking at. The average round hot tub measures 78 inches in diameter, but they also come in many different sizes.

Round hot tubs are easy to move and come be situated in smaller house situations easier than some larger rectangular models. As with all hot tubs, it is personal preference depending on how much space you have, how large of a hot tub you would like, and what style you prefer.

SpasAndStuff.com has a great selection of round hot tubs for you to choose from once you determine where you plan to put your hot tub. With a sleek design and the ability to be surrounded by swirling, relaxing water from jets in every position, round hot tubs would make the perfect addition to your house.

Using a Hot Tub For Muscle Soreness

2012-07-31T08:35:00.000-04:00

The summer Olympics are in full swing and you felt motivated to head to the gym to channel your inner athlete. Sounded like a good idea after watching the plethora of athletes making it look easy on the television, but now you can barely walk due to your sore muscles. SpasAndStuff.com is here to help you with that issue. Hot tubs are a great way to relax your overworked muscles and help relieve the soreness.

The best way to help heal muscle soreness after a tough workout is to fully relax your muscles, and hot tubs can help you achieve this relaxation. Spending just 30 minutes in a hot tub after working out can help decrease muscle inflammation, helping you recover quickly.

Hot tubs are a great way to promote healing throughout the body by helping you flush the toxins out of your muscles. Warm water combined with increased oxygen and circulation promotes healing inside and out. Research has also shown that the jets in a hot tub help raise antibody levels and white blood cells in injured areas, which help them heal faster by destroying injured cells and stimulating the formation of new, healthy tissue.

Improving nerve function and relieving stress are additional reasons hot tubs are a great place to bring your sore muscles. The increase in circulation due to the warm water can speed the healing of muscles and allow you to fully relax all your muscles.

Next time you overdo it at the gym and try to lift way more weight than you normally do, head to your nearest portable hot tub to help speed the healing from your sore muscles. If you work out on a regular basis, having your own personal hot tub to relax in after each hard workout will give you a tranquil paradise for your muscles. Make sure you grab a water to stay hydrated while relieving your sore muscles. Even if you’re not standing on the podium, your body will feel gold medal worthy at the end of the day.

Cooling your Hot Tub for Summer Fun

2012-06-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

The temperatures are rising and the heat of summer is on! With high humidity levels in many areas of the mid west and east coast, and skyrocketing temperatures of 120 in some parts of the west and southwest, a warm hot tub might not sound appealing during the dead of summer.

Spas and hot tubs can make the perfect mini pool if you only have a small deck or patio, or if you don’t want to deal with the maintenance of an above ground pool. Hot tub owners can go into "cool water mode" by turning the temperature down as low as possible so the heater will not come on. This will allow you to enjoy cooler water in the hot, hot heat. Once you remove the hot tub cover and turn on the jets, the spa will begin to cool immediately. Make sure you have any air and waterfall type features on, as this will assist in cooling the water. To keep the spa cooler, you can put the cover back on so the sun doesn’t reheat the tub. You can also try leaving the cover off at night, where the cooler ambient night air can help cool the water. Important to note thought that it is very difficult to get the water below the actual ambient air temperature.

Having a hot tub gives you the perfect soaking tub/pool that is easy to maintain and a great size for those who don’t have a lot of room. Another great benefit is the cost savings that comes from cooling down your hot tub. You don’t have to pay for heating during the warm summer months. This reduces your operating costs for many months, saving you money while still allowing you to enjoy your spa.

If you have small children, cooling down your hot tub will be perfect to allow them to swim without having to invest in a full size pool. They can splash around, enjoy some lemonade, and have the perfect place to spend your warm summer months. Kids love pools during the summer and a small pool is perfect for you to be able to watch the kids in a small space while allowing them to blow off some energy splashing in the water.

SpasAndStuff.com has the largest selection of spas and hot tubs in many different shapes, sizes, styles and price points to fit your needs and exactly what you are looking for. Being able to use the hot tub all year is an added bonus for the family. So what are you waiting for? Get your kids and family the gift of a hot tub that will keep on giving, even all summer and all winter long!

Saltwater Hot Tubs: New Hot Tubs and Converting

2012-06-28T09:28:00.000-04:00

Saltwater hot tubs are growing in popularity at an outstanding rate. Due to recent media coverage surrounding chemicals and how they can affect the body, many people are decreasing the amount of chemicals they are exposed to and have made changes in various parts of their lives to achieve this. Saltwater hot tubs offer a great option for those who fall in this camp. They are virtually chemical free and might be a great choice for you.

There are some basic differences between a saltwater hot tub and a conventional, chlorine-based tub. Salt-water hot tubs will often use Bromine instead of chlorine, which has fewer odors, a more neutral smell and tends to be less harsh on the skin and eyes. Salt-water can actually be better for your spa since you should not have to use powders to clean it. Since the Bromine keeps it clean and bacteria free, fewer harsh cleaning agents are required for regular upkeep.

The skin benefits of ocean water have been talked about, and girls even use salt water to style their hair!
Saltwater spas have far less salt content than the ocean, but the same great benefits from the saltwater including those that help your skin, stress levels, and overall health.

Hydrotherapy in saltwater is cleansing and will leave your skin feeling smooth and supple. It increases moisture retention, rejuvenates the skin by detoxifying and promotes cellular regeneration. Salt water also reduces the inflammation of joints and muscles, leaving your body relaxed and stress free. It contains bromide, which helps relieve muscle pain and soreness. The minerals in saltwater also offer health benefits. The potassium present in salt water is beneficial because your blood needs it after exercise. Magnesium helps in making your nervous system healthy. The sodium in salt water keeps your immune system in check for appropriate fluid balance in your body. The calcium helps in keeping your bones and teeth healthy.

Saltwater Systems for New Hot Tubs: SpasAndStuff.com offers the Gecko in.clear® salt bromine generators for hot tubs that use sodium bromide to produce free bromine in spa water, using a chemical reaction similar to that used in a saltwater chlorine generator. A big feature of the bromine salt generator is that the salt content in the water is much less than a salt chlorine generator. With the in.clear® system, it is around 1,400 ppm, compared to a salt chlorine generator system, which is typically more than 2,000 ppm. The lowered salt level is an important benefit because not only is it a less expensive option, but it also reduces the potential for corrosion, which can be a concern in saltwater environments under certain conditions.

Saltwater Systems to Convert your Hot Tub: We now offer compact saltwater chlorine and bromine generators, so you can convert your hot tub to saltwater sanitizing. The same units work with sodium bromide to generate bromine, or sodium chloride to generate chlorine. Whether you choose to convert your hot tub to chlorine or bromine, there is nothing like the soft water feel of a saltwater hot tub.

Spa Lifts - Hot Tub Access for the Disabled

2012-04-12T09:39:00.000-04:00

Lift your hot tub experience to the next level and make sure your spa is compliant with the new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The regulations have changed and commercial spas and hot tubs have to make small changes to stay within legal limits. We have some exciting and innovative ADA Compliant Pool and Spa lifts to keep your community hot tub available to everyone, including those with disabilities. It also is a great option for those owners that have users that might need spa assistance so everyone can have a good time.

Based on 2010 regulations, all public accommodations including hotels, resorts, timeshares, and more must bring certain elements of their facilities into compliance with the 2010 ADA standards as of March 15, 2012. Congress passed sn extension has been granted for pools, but don't wait. Manufacturing and shipping lead times can be as long as 8 weeks.

Spas, wave action pools and leisure rivers, wading pools and sand bottom pools all need one ADA Compliant Access point. Spas must have a pool lift, transfer all or transfer system. If you have multiple pools or bodies of water, the Rebel Portable Pool and Spa Lift or Scout Pool & Spa Lift might be the perfect option to serve different areas.

In order to confirm your current spa lift is ADA compliant, make sure it has a lifting capacity of at least 300 pounds. A manually cranked or manually rotated lift is not ADA compliant. An ADA Compliant lift is a full power lift with controls that the user can manage on their own

You can review the entire new requirements at the ADA website here. (http://www.ada.gov/).

SpasAndStuff.com has many great options for ADA Spa Lifts to meet your specific style and needs. Our qualified staff can help figure out the best option for your hot tub set up, as well as offer free shipping in the 48 states. Meeting the new regulations can be fun!

Making Your Hot Tub Healthy and More Eco Friendly

2012-03-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

Going green continues to be a top priority. Everyone is carrying reusable grocery bags, using reusable water bottles and saving energy at every turn. What can you do to make your hot tub more eco-friendly and green? Most environmental improvements require little effort and are relatively cost effective.

Some awesome ideas to help your hot tub or spa “go green” are:

Keep your hot tub covered when it is not in use. Make sure you utilize your spa cover when the spa is not in use to help keep the water clean and prevent heat and chemicals from escaping into the air. Your spa cover should be free of tears and cracks, and contain thick foam. If your spa cover is damaged, you can check out our great selection of replacement hot tub spa covers.

During colder weather, close the air valves on hot tub jets. Many hot tub models draw air into the water lines to increase the massaging pressure of the hydrotherapy jets. If you leave the air "open" when you close the hot tub after use, cool air will be drawn in when the hot tub circulates and this will increase the amount of time your heater has to operate to keep the water hot.

Circulate the water on low speed. Some hot tub models use a separate low-speed pump that runs constantly to circulate water. These specially-designed pumps operate on very low horsepower, which keeps monthly electric bills to a minimum while helping maintain healthy water in the spa. They also help recycle the heat as they redistribute the warmth given off by the pump to heat the water. This will help reduce your overall energy consumption.

Reuse the hot tub water for other areas. Since hot tubs need to be drained about every three months, depending on how often you use them, this is a great deal of water waste. Draining the hot tub helps get rid of contaminants. To avoid an average of 500 gallons being wasted, you can use this water to irrigate your lawn. Just be sure to not add any chemicals to the water for at least three days prior to draining.

Any little thing you can do to help save the earth is appreciated by future generations. Hot tubs are great additions to the backyard or home, and there are ways to make them green like the rest of the things in your life. Email us green ideas to keep your hot tub earth friendly?

Inflatable Hot Tubs - Love 'Em

2012-02-09T20:46:00.001-05:00

Inflatable hot tubs are one of the most popular options for those on the go. You can set it up whenever and wherever to make this Valentine’s Day the most romantic one yet. You can secretly set it up in your special spot and surprise the one you love with the most romantic picnic and hot tub session ever, while not committing to a hot tub behind his or her back.

Inflatable hot tubs are all the rage with the ability to use them anywhere and set them up when you want to take advantage of the benefits of a relaxing spa session. You can take them with you camping, to the cottage, tailgating at a football game and wherever else you might go.

To use the inflatable hot tub, you simply inflate it, fill it with water, plug it into a 110 volt power supply, let it heat up, and you have a wonderful relaxing hot tub. Besides being easy to move and having the ability to put it up where and when you want to, inflatable hot tubs are also a cheaper option and are still a durable hot tub that can last you for many years. Inflatables are also more economical to buy – so if you thought a hot tub was out of your price range…think inflatable!

SpasAndStuff.com just recently added the Spa2Go and the AiriSpa Inflatable Hot Tubs to their site. The AiriSpa offers a unique construction, making it very strong when inflated. It is lightweight and easy to use.

So if you are holding back from committing to a hot tub due to the cost or lack of mobility, an inflatable hot tub is the perfect option for you. And just in time for Valentine’s day!

Hot Tub Don'ts

2012-01-08T21:24:00.001-05:00

Hot tubs are an amazing stable in any entertainer’s house. If you love getting people together, there is no easier way to attract people to your backyard than with owning a hot tub. Spas are relatively easy to use, but there are many bloopers out there teaching people what not to do. Before you learn these horrible experiences on your own the hard way, we will help so you don’t have to make these mistakes on your own.

The following are several “don't's” when it comes to hot tub use:

Don’t Dive
Hot tubs are relatively shallow and this diving explanation seems like something that should not have to be posted here. The problem is when people see water, some automatically turn into an Olympic diver. Diving head first into three feet of water is never a good idea.

Don’t Fall Out of the Hot Tub
If you spend a great deal of time relaxing in the warm waters of your hot tub, you may find your muscles are loose and more relaxed than ever when you exit said spa. Make sure you go slow so that you don't fall upon exiting. Stairs can be slippery and there could be water everywhere.

Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol
Because the hot water in a hot tub causes your red blood cells to dilate, it increases the absorption of alcohol into your blood stream and multiplies the effects of alcohol on your system. So use caution when enjoying the libations and again, watch the exit!

Don’t Get Trigger Happy on the Temperature Button
Make sure you focus on a comfortable, hot spa temperature instead of overdoing it. It can harm your health if you aren't able to handle it. Take note of the recommended hot tub settings and don’t make your tub hotter than that. US regulations limit a hot tub to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t Forget To Keep It Clean
Have you ever been excited to hang out in someone’s hot tub and noticed how nasty the water looked before you got in? So you made an excuse like you had a birthday party, mother’s anniversary or work meeting to get to. Make sure to keep your water clean by keeping the sanitizer at the proper level at all times. The warm water of hot tubs can provide an ideal breeding ground for potentially harmful microorganisms if we did not initiate and maintain an effective sanitizer system to control them. Make sure you keep it clean so it is an enjoyable experience for all.

This list will help you have the most enjoyable hot tub sessions and parties in 2012, without the embarrassing mishaps that might make the top viewed YouTube videos. Check out www.SpasAndStuff.com for our latest hot tubs and accessories to make your outdoor hot tub the top place to hang out. A definite Do!

Hot Tub Daily To Help Holiday Stress

2011-12-22T09:34:00.002-05:00

The hustle and bustle of shopping, traveling and the joy of the holidays are here, surrounding us with noise and stress at every turn. With all of the pressure of finding the perfect gift and making sure you get all your holiday baking done, there has to be a place you can enjoy and go to for relief and relaxation. Stress accumulates when you are way too busy to get everything done, or cannot find an extra minute to just relax. If the holiday stress is becoming too much to bear, we have the perfect answer for you...a hot tub of course!

Relax in a hot tub daily to help relieve stress and allow yourself to actually enjoy the holidays this year. You should make time everyday for quality time with friends and family in the hot tub, as well as help relieve stress and improve your health. Here are some creative ways to use your hot tub during these crazy holiday months:

New Years Eve Party...in the Hot Tub
The most amazing way to ring in the New Year is in a hot tub with your closest friends and family. You will be starting the New Year on the right track for health, relaxation and quality time with friends and those you love most.

Family Get-Together...in the Hot Tub
There are so many different activities pulling your family in so many different directions that you barely get to spend enough time together. Allow your family a hot tub get-together to catch up, relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Turn on the Romance...in the Hot Tub
Grab your guy or gal and head to the hot tub for some TLC. Leave a sexy note for your love and have them meet you in the hot tub. Have some romantic music on in the background and light some candles to set the mood!

Muscle & Joint Therapy...in the Hot Tub
Warm water helps soothe tired muscles and joints. A hot tub is an amazing way to reduce swelling and help soothe any sore muscles. This is a perfect option for people affected by arthritis or fibromyalgia. You can also use water as resistance to help you build up your strength.

A Man Alone in His Thoughts...in the Hot Tub
Taking a moment for yourself to think and enjoy stargazing and relaxing is one of the best things you can do for yourself during these stressful times. A moment of complete solitude in the hot tub, allowing you to get away and just relax.

Slow down and enjoy one of the creative options above to just relax and enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from www.spasandstuff.com, your factory direct hot tub source.

The Hottest Hot Tub Accessories

2011-11-30T02:25:00.002-05:00

With the holidays right around the corner, you begin to rack your brain with ideas on what to get everyone. How about that hot tub or spa lover in your life? Does your sister and her family love spending quality time together in the spa? Does your dad relax and reap the health benefits in his hot tub? Fresh and updated spa and hot tub accessories are the perfect gift to get that person who truly enjoys their hot tub.

There are many new hot tub accessories on the market and we wanted to point out the hottest five hot tub accessories for the big upcoming holiday season:

1) Spa Cover Lifters – these are getting more and more popular as an easy way to remove the cover on your hot tub with ease. Removing and storing your hot tub cover is a breeze with some of these amazing lifts. Not only will a cover lift save your aching back, but also it will lengthen the life of your hot tub spa cover by reducing the wear and tear from dragging it on and off your spa.

2) Spa Steps – wooden steps can offer an easy way to get in and out of the hot tub with ease, while adding some style and sophistication to your spa. These steps are durable and come in a variety of woods, colors and materials. They are also available in multiple tiers depending on your preference and spa height.

3) Redwood Spa Accessories – Quality redwood hot tub and spa accessories are a must for the spa owner looking for stools, seats, tables and more. Redwood ranks highest in dimensional stability, which means it splits less, warps less, twists less and shrinks less. Redwood also holds paint better, and is virtually free of sticky pitch pockets and resins. Redwood is naturally decay resistant, which means it does not have to be treated with possibly toxic chemicals to last for years outdoors. Redwood hot tub spa accessories are unsurpassed in natural beauty, are environmentally friendly and contain no petroleum-based products. Redwood stays cool to the touch in the summer heat, provides excellent footing when wet and has centuries of proven performance in outdoor conditions. They offer a great accessory to add to any hot tub.

4) Spa Side Umbrella – these large umbrellas are perfect for a variety of environments, including warmer climates or for use during the summer, as well as colder or rainy climates to help protect you from the elements. They are beautiful, easy to use and are very space efficient. This makes a perfect gift for those with cabin hot tubs in rainy or snowy climates that use them all year long.

5) Bars, coolers and SpasAndStuff.com’s tumblers and ice bucket – these accessories are perfect for the entertaining spa owner that loves to throw social get-togethers around the hot tub. People can enjoy sitting at a bar, on bar stools, while keeping the beer cold in the cooler. These accessories are perfect to make their next social gathering a great success.

There are so many fabulous accessories available for the hot tub lover in your life. Visit SpasAndStuff.com for a variety of sizes, materials, and options to find that person the perfect addition to their spa. They won’t be disappointed!

Hot Tub Therapy in the Snow

2011-10-25T10:15:00.004-04:00

As fall begins to take over and the warm days of summer are slowly disappearing, everyone begins to pull out their winter gear and anything that makes them think of warmer days. Your hot tub should be one of the main focuses of getting ready for winter, as it offers a supreme winter escape from the cold weather and snowy conditions. Using your hot tub in the snow is one of the greatest times to enjoy all of the amazing, warm, soothing health benefits of owning a hot tub.

Many people particularly look forward to using their hot tub or outdoor spa during the cold months. You can find snowy hot tub pictures in our customer pictures section. While this time might be one of the most enjoyable to use your hot tub, there are some things you can do to prepare it to ensure it operates properly in snowy conditions. You want to ensure your hot tub has the maximum energy efficiency, especially if you live in an area that has freezing conditions.

One of the main things you can do to protect your hot tub in the snow is to prevent the water from freezing in the piping system. This can cause major damage and is easily preventable. Most portable hot tubs and spas have a system that is designed to prevent the water from freezing in the pipes. Modern hot tubs have a freeze protection system built in. It typically functions by turning the pumps on and circulating the water if the system senses the water temperature is too cold. The circulating water should not freeze and your pipes will be protected until a service technician can repair the cause of your hot tub water not heating.

Despite the icy and cold conditions, there are ways you can help your hot tub remain energy efficient. The colder the temperatures are outside, the longer it will take to heat up the spa. At www.spasandstuff.com, we sell hot tubs that are perfect for Northern snowy climates. With high R-Value expansion foam in the hot tub cabinet, and a thick cover to hold the heat in your spa, they are very energy efficient and should not be a big cost on your energy bill.

One of the best things you can invest in is a quality insulating cover. Make sure you remove any standing snow on the cover during the day, as they are not meant to hold excessive weight. If you have ever shoveled a driveway you know that snow gets heavy! We sell the perfect tapered cover, as they are tapered for rain and snow runoff. Hot tub replacement covers can be a great investment if you live in a snowy climate. Old, heavy, water-logged covers have very little insulating value.

We suggest cleaning your spa prior to the cold, snowy months, which will help get you through until the end of winter. So take these easy steps to winter ready your hot tub and you will be enjoying one of the most exhilarating moments of being a hot tub owner—sitting in the spa while the snow falls around you.

How To Find the Right Hot Tub The First Time

2011-09-28T18:27:00.003-04:00

It can be a daunting process to find the right hot tub once you decide to make that big leap. You want to make sure you get the right one, and don’t get a headache in the process. Here we will give you some tips on how not to get soaked when buying a hot tub, and find the right one the first time.

Tip 1 – Find a hot tub dealer that will help you with questions AFTER you buy the hot tub, not just before you get it. This is one of the most important parts of buying a hot tub, and make sure you find a dealer that you can trust. You want a company that will help you with water tips and advice, even after you set up the hot tub and begin enjoying your first soak, to make sure you will be happy for many years to come. Don’t fall for pressure at a random location, but make sure to do your homework and find someone that has a strong standing business with good referrals or reviews.

Tip 2 - Be weary of expensive add-ons and shipping costs when buying your hot tub. SpasAndStuff.com offers free shipping on all of its hot tubs, taking care of one of those costs that can add up in the hot tub buying process.

Tip 3 – Don’t buy a hot tub at a fair or carnival, where you see allegedly great deals and extremely pushy salespeople. You need to do your research before you make this big purchase, and be able to ask a knowledgeable person about hot tubs, costs and cleaning. Fairs do not offer this. Also, they are normally run by companies that move onto the next fair the next day, leaving you with a lot of questions and no one to call.

Final Tip – Don’t buy your hot tub on craigslist. Sure, you could get lucky and think it’s a great deal. The problem is the reason people are selling their hot tubs on craigslist.com is because they make be really expensive to heat or they cannot get the water clean and clear. Don’t let their lemon become your lemon.

We have many, many clients that say their hot tub was one of their best purchases, and it will offer them benefits for years to come. They are always welcome to contact us if they have nay questions, as we are here to help and ensure you are happy with your purchase. If you have any current hot tub questions, please contact us to discuss how we may be able to help.

Hot Tubs with your College Logo - Now THAT is School Pride

2011-08-17T21:06:00.002-04:00

It started with hats and sweatshirts. Then bumper stickers, license plate frames and key chains. Now it has moved to grills, car wraps, flags you hang on your house to even hot tubs. Yes, hot tubs. College logo hot tubs are popping up all over the nation, bringing a whole new meaning to hot tub tailgating before the game. These logo spas allow die-hard fans to really show their school spirit, with new social get-togethers that involve watching the football game while sitting in a hot tub covered with your teams colors and their logo sprawled out across the side.

College football fans can be complete maniacs. Painted faces, season tickets handed down from generation to generation, and tailgating gear that makes even the party hardy college students look like beginners. Some of these guys are professionals, established with a family, but still ready to bleed their college school colors each time the football hits the turf. And boy do we have the next toy to introduce you to.

Everyone will want to hang out with you once you have one of these logo hot tubs in your backyard….or even better, if you can figure out a way to get this to the parking lot of the stadium legally.

College logo hot tubs are suddenly all the rage. With a limited number of only the die-hard college sports team getting the honor of one of these, hot tubs with college logos and names belong in every die-hard sports fan’s backyard, basement or limo headed to the next football game. These LogoTubz are portable, making them easy to move and set up a many different locations. When drained, they only weigh about 120 pounds. They are easy to install, easy to maintain and energy efficient. Sounds like the next best birthday or Christmas present for the sports fan in your life.

Head over to SpasAndStuff.com for the best deal on your LogoTub portable hot tub, and let us know if you want to see a hot tub with your team’s logo on one next!!

Cooling Down in Hot Tubs

2011-07-08T08:11:00.001-04:00

The hot weather has arrived around the country, and many hot tub owners discontinue use of their spa during the summer months. SpasAndStuff.com thinks they are missing out on an amazing opportunity to enjoy your hot tub even when it is over 100 degrees outside. Hot tubs can be the best place to cool off during the hot summer months.

Hot tub owners can do a few things to keep the water cooler in the summer months. Start by turning the temperature down below 85 degrees. Your heater won't even cycle on. You can also remove the cover, turn on the jets on low, with the air flow open, and the hot tub should cool down a bit, at least to the level of ambient air temperature. To maintain the colder water, keep your hot tub covered on hot days so the sun doesn’t directly heat the the spa water. If possible, you may uncover your spa during the night to take advantage of the cooling effect of the cooler night air.

When it’s all said and done, you have a miniature soaking pool that is easier to maintain, and is the perfect size for a refreshing soak if you don’t have the space for a large, costly in-ground pool.

Another great benefit of cooling down your hot tub is the cost savings. Since you are setting your spa temperature very low, your spa heater will probably not cycle on at all, significantly reducing the monthly cost of electricity to run your hot tub. So as soon as the temperatures rise, run out to your hot tub and great ready for "summer mode." A cool hot tub, some ice cold lemonade and your closest friends and family sound like the perfect summer investment to me.

Just another reason to jump on the bandwagon and buy one of the great hot tubs from SpasAndStuff.com! With the numerous uses for a spa, you are truly running out of excuses, aren’t you? Let’s enjoy a refreshed, invigorating experience, while staying cool during the dog days of summer.

Salt Water Hot Tubs are more Popular than Ever.

2011-06-17T13:07:00.001-04:00

Salt-water hot tubs are all the rage!! This very popular and growing trend is virtually chemical-free. Many clients ask us questions about the difference between salt-water hot tubs and regular chlorine hot tubs. We are here to clear the fog about these hot tubs, and why they might be the right choice for you!

The following are some of the differences between a salt-water hot tub and a conventional, chlorine-based tub:

Our Salt-water hot tubs use Bromine instead of chlorine, which has fewer odors, a more neutral smell and tends to be less harsh on the skin and eyes.
The water feels better. Saltwater spas are much like soft water and it seems they may be less drying to the skin.
Salt-water can actually be better for your spa since you do not have to use powders to clean it. Since the Bromine keeps it clean and bacteria free, fewer harsh cleaning agents are required for regular upkeep.
Hardware on chlorine hot tubs may face more risk of corrosion when exposed to sunlight, than on Bromine sanitized spas. This occurs in only certain conditions if the unit is placed in a sunny area, please keep this in mind.

A few skeptics have compared salt-water hot tubs to the ocean. The salt in a salt water hot tub is only 1500 to 2100 ppm of sodium, while the ocean has tens of thousands of ppm of salt.

SpasAndStuff.com offers the Gecko in.clear® salt bromine generator that uses sodium bromide to produce free bromine in spa water using a chemical reaction similar to that used in a saltwater chlorine generator. A big feature of the bromine salt generator is that the salt content in the water is much less than a salt chlorine generator. With the in.clear® system, it is around 1,400 ppm, compared to a salt chlorine generator system, which is more than 2,000 ppm. The lowered salt level is an important benefit because not only is it a less expensive option, but it also reduces the potential for corrosion, which is a concern in saltwater environments under certain conditions.

So if you're planning to buy a saltwater hot tub, saltwater spa, check out our options at Spas And Stuff, where every day is a Sale!