Hot Tubs

 
You may think that installing a spa in your home is all about self-indulgence; a long soak in a steaming hot spa is one of the great pleasures in life. Even so, there is much more to a home spa than just soaking in the fun and indulging in the bubbles. Having a spa in your home and using it regularly can actually be good for your health!

You may not be able to convince your doctor to write you a prescription for a home spa (let us know if you do!), but if you have been on the fence about getting one, these potential health benefits may give you the excuse you need.

1. A Home Spa Can Provide Natural Pain Relief

If you suffer from neck and back pain, you could take pain medications to get the relief you need. The problem with that approach is that even over-the-counter medications can have serious side effects, and regular use can make them less effective.

When you invest in a home spa, you can enjoy natural pain relief any time you want. Just sink down into the relaxing warm water and let the jets do their magic. You will feel better, and your pain will soon be forgotten.

2. A Home Spa Will Make Working Out More Comfortable

A regular workout routine is a great way to get in shape and lose weight, but the pain that comes from sore muscles can be enough to deter even the most ardent gym rat. Those sore muscles can force you to skip the gym or even abandon your fitness plan altogether.

A post-workout spa soak is the perfect way to soothe those aching muscles and prevent the cramping that can make exercise uncomfortable. The heat of a spa is perfect for relaxing and stretching your muscles, and that can make subsequent workouts more comfortable.

3. A Home Spa Can Be Good for Your Heart

Heart disease and stroke are serious problems in the modern world, and it is important to take care of your heart. Lowering your blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to prevent heart disease and stroke, and relaxing in a spa is the perfect way to reduce your blood pressure without prescription medications.

There is nothing like relaxing in your home spa after a long and stressful day at work. Soon you will feel the cares of the day melting away in the warm water, and your heart will thank you for it.

4. A Home Spa is a Great Way to Relax

Regular relaxation is good for every aspect of your life. Staying relaxed will make it easier to get to sleep at night and wake refreshed, so why not enjoy a late-night soak in your home spa?

Soaking in your spa is also good for your mood, reducing stress and helping you deal with a difficult day. Whether you enjoy your spa in the morning after your shower or after work, you will feel great and entirely relaxed.

5. A Home Spa is Good for Your Skin

If you need another reason so invest in a home spa, just take a look in the mirror. Regular spa use can make your skin look better and more toned, and the relaxation is good for your complexion as well.

Instead of spending thousands of dollars on makeup and skin care products, just enjoy a relaxing soak in your home spa. Your skin will feel better - and so will you!

Browse our selection of spas, here so you can start enjoying the health benefits today!

Installing a spa in your home or on your patio is a great way to indulge your senses, relax your mind and even improve your health. An outdoor spa is a big investment, but it is well worth the cost, especially if you know what to look for. Here are five things you need to look for when you go spa shopping.

#1. Quality Materials
When you buy a spa, you are making an investment in something that will provide years of relaxation and fun. When you shop for an outdoor spa, you will need to look carefully at the materials and make sure they are of the highest quality.

Outdoor spas in particular need to be able to stand up to the elements. From the harshest sun to the coldest ice, your spa will need to withstand everything nature can throw at it.

#2. Installation Surface
When the time comes to install your new spa, you must keep in mind that you will need a firm level surface for the hot tub. Many believe this means that you will have to mix and then pour a concrete base, but this is not always the case!

There are a few alternatives to pouring concrete in the location of the hot tub. For instance, well-laid pavers could get the job done. You’ll want to make sure that the surface is even before they are installed to avoid shifting when the hot tub is installed. Another alternative is this portable plastic pad system. This system has been around for years, and is a quick and reliable alternative to concrete, or even pavers!

#3. Great Customer Service
Great customer service is always important, but it is even more essential when making a major purchase like an outdoor spa. You will want to work with a company that has a stellar reputation for quality customer service and a commitment to quality. Spas and Stuff has been a BBB accredited business since 2007 and has an A+ rating!

A company that provides top notch service and shows a willingness to answer your questions is likely to be there for you if something goes wrong. The right service can make a huge difference when buying and using your outdoor spa, and you do not want to skimp in this vital area.

#4. Energy Efficiency
You will need energy to power your outdoor spa, but that does not mean it has to break the bank. Some spas are more energy-efficient than others, and choosing an efficient unit will keep your power bill under control while you enjoy your daily soak.

Choosing an energy-efficient outdoor spa will also mean you can use it more often. You will be able to relax and enjoy your spa without worrying that it is costing you too much money.

#5. Creature Comforts
While the spa itself is the most important part of the picture, a few creature comforts can make the experience that much better. If you want to enjoy a glass of wine while soaking in your spa and watching the stars, a built-in tray table or bottle holder will be well worth your while. A quality step will make getting into and out of your spa a lot easier, while a stereo hookup and lights will delight your eyes and ears while you relax.

Modern spas come loaded with creature comforts, so you should not have much trouble finding the right combination of extras. Before you know it, you will be relaxing in your outdoor spa and soothing away the cares of the day!

Spasandstuff.com has a wide selection of spas available for sale. Browse our selection to find one that’s right for you!

Modern life is full of stressors and energy drains. Your everyday life is busy enough with work, family responsibilities, maintaining an active lifestyle, and investing in your personal relationships. Add to that the stress of traffic, chores around the home, and other responsibilities, and your life can feel crazy at times. If you've been considering the improvement of your home by purchasing a new spa, you'll be glad to know that spas can help you reduce your stress levels and get more joy out of life.

Basic Benefits of a Hot Tub

When you see a spa for sale, think of all the benefits you could enjoy by installing one in your home. If stress levels are reducing your overall quality of life, a hot tub can help counteract those negative forces using a hydrotherapeutic, stress-relieving environment. The keys to successful stress reduction in your new spa are heat, buoyancy, and massage. Here's how each works:

• The hot water in a spa helps dilate your blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore and damaged tissues. For those who spend the day in an uncomfortable office chair or on their feet, this helps undo the damage of the average workday.
• Buoyancy of the water helps reduce your body weight in that environment by as much as 90%, relieving pressure that builds up on your joints and muscles.
• Massaging jets in the latest spas for sale provide an active force to relax muscles, while also relieving pressure on your nerves.

Spas and Sleep Cycles

A key weapon in the battle against stress is a good night's sleep. In our constant-connection world where smart phones and tablets are always within arm's reach, restful sleep can be elusive for many. When you don't get enough sleep, stress levels not only fail to subside, they can actually increase as you fail to recover from one stressful event before suffering through another stressful day.

The Sleep Journal found that raising your core body temperature for 15 minutes in warm water, 90 minutes before bed time, helps relax the body and induce more restful sleep. Purchasing a new spa is an excellent option for reducing the physical impact of stress, while also aiding in the body's natural recovery processes.

Impacts of Stress

Before you decide against that spa for sale, think about the negative impacts that stress has been proven to have on your life. Stressful lifestyles, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, contribute to nearly half the early deaths of those under 65 years of age.

Additionally, the National Stress Management Association has found that stress can enhance the negative impact of other physical conditions in your body, such as gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disorders, tension pain, headaches, and arthritis.

Investing in a new spa is a great way to combat the physical and mental rigors of stress. Less than two hours a week in a spa can help you reduce stress, prevent it from impacting other physical conditions, and improve your body's ability to recover through restful sleep.

Home spas are all the rage. They create the ambiance for the perfect personal retreat. There are just two things that can keep people from purchasing a spa: the ability to install one where they live, and cost considerations.

This is where an inflatable spa provides affordable luxury.

If you rent your home and therefore cannot “install” a structure like a spa, inflatable ones provide all the therapeutic relaxation you need, in the privacy of your own yard. You can set one up and quickly take it down to move with you.

If you don’t have room in your yard, inflatable spas are ideal to use in your sun room or basement, wherever you wish to create a retreat experience. These are very easy to set up and simple to use. They are lightweight, and come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate up to four people and a couple hundred gallons of water.

Inflatable spas are not to be confused with a child’s swimming pool – they are not a simple blow-up tub. You’ll enjoy all of the relaxation and health benefits you would derive from a traditional spa including:

• Air bubble jets
• Built-in Control Boxes with Touch Button Controls
• Built-in heaters
• Premium layered and laminated PVC for durability
• Plug into a standard electrical outlet
• Rated to be used outdoors or indoors

If you’re on a budget and/or are unsure whether a spa itself is the right choice for you and your family, an inflatable one is a cost-effective solution that will give you the opportunity to try it out before committing to a more permanent relaxation solution.

Actually, if you purchase an inflatable spa from a reputable company, you will get a good deal of use out of it for a long time, at a fraction of the cost of a deluxe spa.

For a long time, home décor trends focused on bringing the outside in. Placement of plants that were an extension of outdoor gardens made sun rooms appear as part of the backyard.

Today’s trends tend toward bringing the inside out. Elegantly upholstered outdoor furniture and stunning area rugs are transforming decks and patios like never before. Light fixtures rated for outdoor use illuminate cozy alcoves from which to read or enjoy an evening cocktail. Add a little simmer of a crystal clear spa and your backyard becomes a welcome extension of your home.

Regardless of where your hot tub is situated, there is an endless supply of additions you can add to showcase your own unique style. You can basically dress your hot tub as you would a favorite room in your home….so it reflects your personality.

1. An easy and affordable way to “decorate” your spa is to frame it with potted plants – whether ferns or flowers, they will add dimension to the area – and perhaps a bit of aromatherapy!

2. Another addition that is one of our favorites is a cantilever umbrella. Available in multiple shapes and styles, they boast rotating hubs that allow 360° They’re particularly attractive as they not only shield from sun overexposure; they add personality to the spa.

3. Chunky pillar candles on wrought iron stands also make a statement.

4. If you love a good DIY project, you can take recycled pieces of wood to fashion a privacy wall or a decorative screen. Depending on your level of expertise (and patience!) you can build a bench where you can sit to remove your slippers and also use as storage to stow towels.

5. If the budget allows, an outdoor fireplace will definitely add depth of ambiance.

At the end of the day, you want your home to be your refuge, your oasis. While we certainly recommend one of our hot tubs for all your relaxation needs, we think it is equally important to make it your own -- put your twist on it to personalize the experience. Send us your pictures of how you decorated your spa. We love the ideas our clients come up with!

According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain is the most common cause of missed work days and disability claims. Physical therapy, medication, and even ultrasound therapy treatments are often prescribed to back pain sufferers, but one of the oldest, most effective and inexpensive ways to alleviate back pain remains this: taking a hot bath.

How Hot Tubs Help Relieve Back Pain

Heating pads and hot packs are a great way to treat muscle pain, but a better way is to take a hot bath, and an even better way is to sit in a hot tub.

Heat does some pretty great things for back pain sufferers:

• It relaxes muscles, thereby reducing muscle spasms.
• It dilates blood vessels, which increases blood flow and promotes healing.
• It alters pain sensation.

Sitting in  a hot tub adds some additional relief:

• It causes the body to release endorphins.
• It promotes restorative sleep.

Hot tubs are so good at relieving back pain that in some states will eliminate sales tax on hot tub purchases made with a doctor's note.

Choosing the Right Hot Tub for Your Back Pain

When shopping for a hot tub to alleviate your back pain, you want to pay close attention to the following features:

• Jets -- It is important that the jets be positionable, so you can focus them on the areas experiencing pain. There are different types of jets: massage jets that oscillate and whirlpool jets that concentrate the stream of water. Some manufacturers will customize the type and position of the jets based on your needs.

• Shape of the hot tub shell -- Look for models that have lounge-style seats so you can choose to sit up or lay back depending on your comfort needs. Also look for models where you can fully immerse yourself.

We carry many hot tub models with lounge seat options. Check them out!

Ways to Use Your Hot Tub for Back Pain Relief

Simply sitting and soaking in a hot tub will provide a lot of relief, but there are other things you can do with/in your hot tub to help soothe your aching back:

• Bring a tennis ball into the tub with you. Trap it between your body and the tub to apply rubbing pressure to your muscles.
• Do stretching exercises. The heat softens up your muscles and makes stretching easier and more effective.

Some Precautions to Consider

As with anything, there are some precautions to take when you use a hot tub to relieve your back pain:

• Don't turn it up too hot. Temperatures that are too high can exhaust your muscles and create a sense of exhaustion, which is not the same as relaxation. Also, while your muscles may feel limp, high temperatures actually rev up your nervous system. The water should be pleasantly warm, but not hot. If you are pregnant, hot tubs should be kept barely above body temperature.
• Do not use heat to treat a fresh injury. If your skin (pre-hot tub) is hot and red or swollen, do not heat the area. You could make the injury worse. Ice is for injuries. Heat is better used for muscle soreness and pain. If you are unsure whether or not to appy ice or heat, see your doctor for advice.
• And while we are on the topic of doctors, it's a good idea not to use a hot tub for any medical condition without first talking to your doctor. Definitely do not use a hot tub if you are using medications that cause drowsiness.
• Never exceed the time limit or temperature limit recommended by the hot tub manufacturer.

Resources:

• http://www.livestrong.com/article/139672-hot-tubs-back-pain/
• http://www.spine-health.com/blog/6-overlooked-remedies-lower-back-pain-relief
• http://saveyourself.ca/articles/heating.php
• http://saveyourself.ca/articles/bathing.php

As summer winds down, it might be just the time to host a hot tub party! Here are 10 tips for hosting a great farewell-to-summer hot tub party:

1. Keep it Clean --  The hot tub, that is. Make sure the tub is clean inside and out: fill it with fresh water, clean out the filters, wipe down the exterior, and pick up the space surrounding the tub. Everyone will have a much better time in a tidy space.

2. Turn it Up -- Many hot tubs have built-in speakers and will connect to various music devices. Take advantage of these features by creating a killer playlist that sets the mood of the party. You can even use the music to control the tempo of the party: start with upbeat, high energy songs and end with slower, mellower tunes to wind down the night. Don't have audio features on your tub? No problem! Set up a stereo a safe distance from the hot tub. Keep the volume loud enough that everyone can hear it, but no one has to yell to talk over it. Be courteous of your neighbors, too: turn the music down or off when it gets late, or invite them over too!

Check out the hot tub models we carry that have stereo options!

3. Feed Them -- Warm water naturally suppresses the appetite, so avoid serving up a meal and focus on snacks. Also, you want to keep food out of the water and make it easy for guests to nibble. That means avoiding food that crumble or drip and anything that might leave a residue on fingers that will transfer to the water. Avoid chips, greasy foods, cookies, soups, and so on. Try finger foods or foods on skewers/toothpicks and foods that can be eaten in one bite, such as a vegetable platter with hummus or dip, cut up fruit, kebabs, cubed cheeses and meats.

4. Hydrate Them -- The warmth of the tub will make your guests thirsty, so be sure to have plenty of cold drinks on hand. Invest in a good cooler to keep near the tub so you don't have to run in and out of the house to grab drinks. Fill it with plenty of ice and stock it with water and juices. You could also make up pitchers of lemonade and iced tea. Here's a tasty recipe that's sure to please everyone:

Ginger Lemonade

1-inch piece of ginger
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
8-10 large lemons
3 1/2 cups water or sparkling water

Using the handle of a heavy knife or a tenderizer, mash the ginger a little bit. Set in pan with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Cook on low heat until sugar dissolves and ginger is aromatic. Remove from heat and let cool. Juice 8-10 large lemons. Put lemon juice and ginger syrup in a pitcher and add 3 1/2 cups of water or sparkling water. Chill and enjoy!

Whatever you choose to serve for drinks, avoid alcoholic beverages. Hot water makes the effects of alcohol felt much more quickly and is a surefire way to give everyone a hangover the next day.

5. Prepare for Weather and Environment -- If it might rain, or if you plan on having everyone over in the heat of the day, invest in a nice umbrella to cover the pool so your guests stay dry/shaded. Is it going to be cold? Set up outdoor heaters to keep everyone comfortable when they are hanging out outside the tub. Going into the cool of the night? Provide robes for people when they are taking a break from soaking. Looks like it might storm? If there is even a remote chance of lightening, abandon the hot tub and move the party indoors.

6. Play Games -- Hot tubs are a great place for jokes and conversation, but they can also be a great place for toys and games. Pick up a deck of waterproof playing cards, or some rubber duckies for hot tub races. Have a supply of squirt guns on hand (be careful about squirting hot water at each other's faces, though!). Don't use pool toys, though--they aren't designed for the hot water.

7. Set the Example -- Guests usually look to the host to provide the energy and mood of the party. Be sure to prepare everything before the party so you can relax and hang out with your guests. The more fun you have, the more fun they'll have!

8. Suit Up -- It's a good idea to have some swimming suits on hand for guests who forget to bring one. Watch for end-of-season sales to get good deals.

9. There's No Such Thing as Too Many Towels -- Gets lots of towels. Lots and lots. Have them set out next to the tub so guests can grab one easily when they exit the pool. Consider getting different colors and patterns so people can keep track of their towel more easily. Be prepared for guests to use multiple towels.

10. Plan Fun for Everyone -- You might have a guest or two that doesn't want to get in the tub, or who tires of the tub earlier than everyone else. You'll want to make sure these people have plenty to do. Maybe set up a badminton net or set out some board games. Invest in a tub-side counter and stools so guests outside the tub can still interact with guests inside the tub. We have many to choose from in our inventory, like this redwood table and these stools.

photo by rachel CALAMUSA via Wikipedia

Insomnia is a Widespread Problem

The National Sleep Foundation found that somewhere around 132 million people in America suffer from sleep disorders, ranging from mild to chronic insomnia, snoring, and pauses in breathing.

Inadequate amounts of sleep can have profound health effects, including erratic mood swings, anxiety, depression, grogginess, and memory lapses. It's pretty clear that sleeping well can help keep you healthy, to speak nothing about keeping you safe from fatigue-related accidents.

Soak to Sleep!

One proven method for getting to sleep is simply soaking in a warm bath or--even better--a hot tub. The buoyancy of the water and the jets can help massage and relax tense muscles, contributing to overall relaxation. However, the heated water also contributes to promoting good sleep. According to some studies, a drop in your body's temperature helps to ease the body into a relaxing sleep. It may seem counter-intuitive, then, to sit in a tub of hot water. Here's how it works: soaking in a hot tub will raise your body's core temperature. When you exit the tub, your body will cool down, and that decline in temperature is what triggers restful sleep.

How to Maximize Your Soak for the Best Sleep

To fight insomnia, soak in your hot tub for at least 15-20 minutes about 2 hours before you go to bed. For best results, avoid caffeine and exercise during this time period as well.

Do you use your hot tub to promote good sleep? What other tips do you have for fighting insomnia? Share them in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

• http://www.hottubbenefits.com/mental-benefits/sleep-therapy/
• http://www.swimuniversity.com/hot-tub-sleep/
• http://www.healthassist.net/tips/tips-sleep.shtml

The warm waters of a hot tub provide muscle relaxation, increases blood flow to the affected areas, and relaxes rigid and spastic muscles. It soothes physical aches and pains, but can also soothe mental and emotional stress caused by daily arthritic discomfort (and all the other stuff life throws your way). There's no two ways about it: hot tubs are a great way to manage your arthritis. Before beginning any type of therapy, consult your doctor.

How Hot Tubs Help Your Arthritis

• Sitting in a tub of water reduces the amount of gravity compressing the affected joint.
• The buoyancy of the water completely supports limbs.
• The heat of the water dilates blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation, and reduces muscles spasms.
• Heated water alters the sensation of pain.

How to Get the Most Relief Out of Your Hot Tub

1. Make sure the water temperature is not too hot--you don't want to burn yourself! Find a temperature that is warm enough so you can get the heat benefits, but not so hot that you burn or unduly stress your heart. Between 92 and 100 degrees is about right. Anything over 104 degrees is too hot for anyone.
2. Take your time. The heat of the water is at its maximum benefit after about 20 minutes.
3. Move around. Many doctors will prescribe exercises that can be done while sitting in a hot tub. These exercises will relax muscles and ease tension, similar to the hydrotherapy done in physical therapy. For lower back pain, try trapping a tennis ball between the small of your back and the bottom or side of the tub. Lean into the ball and roll it against your muscles.
4. Just add salt. Use magnesium sulfate crystals (also known as Epsom salts) in the hot tub water. They can boost your body's magnesium levels as much as 35 percent. But use caution: use salts only occasionally, and if you are diabetic be aware that magnesium can stimulate insulin release.
5. Get a massage--hydromassage, that is. While in the tub, have a friend or family member apply massage techniques to relieve arthritic discomfort. A doctor or therapist can show you techniques that will provide relief.
6. Stretch it out. Once you are done soaking and are out of the tub, do some light stretching. Warm muscles stretch more easily and with less discomfort.
7. Use it regularly. Ask your doctor for a recommendation, but a typical regimen is 20 minutes in the hot tub 5 times per week. Your situation may vary.
8. Use it early. The most beneficial time to use a hot tub for arthritis relief is in the morning right after waking up. During the night, your body can become stiff from lack of motion. Using a hot tub in the morning will relieve discomfort, loosen joints and muscles, and invigorate you for the rest of the day.

Pro Tips

Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after using your hot tub. Hydration is important! Don't use hot tubs if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor!

• http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/heat-and-cold-therapy-for-arthritis-pain
• http://www.arthritistoday.org/about-arthritis/arthritis-pain/pain-relief/warm-water-therapy.php
• http://voices.yahoo.com/hot-tubs-arthritis-pain-relief-58562.html