November 20, 2008

Reduce the Cost of Spa Services by Installing a Spa at Home


Reduce the Cost of Spa Services by Installing a Spa at Home

Like other service facilities, spas are classified according to the range of services they offer. A spa is a service establishment with a relaxing environment that offers services for the overall enhancement of the customer's well being. Spa services include body treatments, facials, massages, manicures and pedicures done in private rooms by trained or professional massage therapists and estheticians. The higher end spas are of course more expensive.


There are variations on how the term 'spa" came about. One is that it was derived from the Latin phrase "salus per aquae" or health by means of water. Another is that it came from Spas, a town in Belgium with mineral water springs. Spas were first found in places with hot springs and sources of mineral water. People came to get healing from being immersed in hot water. Now, without any regulation on the use of the word "spa", even small establishments offering massages identify themselves as spas.


Going to a real spa is expensive but with the availability of less costly spa equipment and products for the beauty rituals, it is now affordable to set up a home spa. A home spa costs less because the customer no longer pays for the overhead at commercial spas.


The initial cost in setting up a home spa is mainly the purchase of the following:


1. Lightweight hot tub or whirlpool spa and accessories

There are many models to choose from, there are even portable hot tubs but you can still experience the same hydrotherapy effect like at the expensive spas. You can also choose the desired seating capacity, from two to six people.


2. Beauty and spa products

There are less costly but effective brands available. You just have to research or ask around.


3. Preparation of the location or site for the home spa

After the home spa is installed, the operating costs will depend on the following variables: Frequency of use, electricity, water, maintenance chemicals ( testing of pH level, water cleanliness test ), fees for the masseuse, and consumable beauty products. Hire massage therapists working from home because they charge much lower fees than those at the commercial spas.


The environment in a home spa is of course not as luxurious as the commercial spas but the basic reason for going to the spa, the various treatments and massage, can be just as good in a home based spa. With a home spa, you save money and time which is a luxury to some. Isn't that worth the initial trouble of scouting for and installing a spa at home?

November 18, 2008

5 Things To Look For When Buying A Jacuzzi Hot Tub


When Buying A Jacuzzi Hot Tub

There truly is nothing more relaxing than taking a dip in a warm and relaxing bath in a luxurious Jacuzzi. It seems like every minute spent in that tub is heaven, distressing your mind and rejuvenating your soul. What is even greater is you can enjoy the bath with a loved one outside or inside your home.


There is no need to go out of your house and spend moneygetting that wonderful right-off-the-spa feeling. Why don't you just purchase a Jacuzzi spa so you and your loved ones can enjoy the many health benefits and relaxation you can get by having your own Jacuzzi spa. If you have no idea what you are looking for, keep reading


1. Jacuzzis are installed permanently so you have to carefully study your house or backyard where you want it installed. First, you need to determine the space for your tub and then buy a tub that will fit into that space. Once you have done that, have a floor drain installed for proper drainage.


2. If you plan to share the Jacuzzi with everyone in the family, choose one that has user-friendly controls especially for the temperature. The most comfortable warmth is 40 degrees Celsius so choose a control knob that can be controlled a little higher or lower than that temperature.


3. If you plan to have a movable Jacuzzi hot tub setup, why not get one that is inflatable? It comes with its own drainage hose and a hygienic filter. It mechanically inflates in only 10 minutes and has a temperature control as well.


4. Enjoyment and relaxation aren't the only reasons why you should get a Jacuzzi hot tub. Did you know that people with injuries or certain diseases like stroke, can benefit greatly from these tubs? Immersing in a tub full of warm water and doing certain exercises can prove to be therapeutic for most patients and can take the place of hydrotherapy in physical therapy clinics. Most of the time, though, medical assistance is needed in cases such as these.


5. Jacuzzi spas can be as pretty as you want them to be. If you want a Jacuzzi hot tub that will match the theme of your house, choose a design with certain preferred specifications like lighting, cabinetry, covers and others.


There's nothing more exciting as setting up a Jacuzzi hot tub in the comforts of your home. It could very well be one of the hottest crazes in home improvement. Put quality in your life by buying a Jacuzzi hot tub. You know that you deserve it so don't hesitate, get one today!

November 13, 2008

Tools You Will Need In Cleaning Your Hot Tub


Tools You Will Need In Cleaning Your Hot Tub

With a hot tub comes responsibility. It's not just about fun, you have to clean your hot tub as often as possible for hygienic purposes.


Here are some of the commonly used hot tub cleaning tools.


1. Telepoles

This is the main cleaning instrument you need. They are made of fiberglass of aluminum. They come in various sizes. The end has a rounded tip or a handgrip in order for your hand to not slip when you're cleaning your pool or your hot tub. It also comes with magnets so that it can pick up metallic items such as nails or hairpins.


2. Wall and Floor Brush

These are used in order to remove the stains, dirt and materials that stick on the surface. The wall is there to brush off the spa and tub interior surfaces. These are often made from an aluminum frame and come with a shank that perfectly fits your grip. They have nylon bristles that can easily brush across every end.


The curved kinds are used in order to get to those corners that are very tight. These wall and floor brushes also come in different sizes. Don't use wire brushes that aren't made of stainless steel because the bristles snap while you are brushing. It will also leave stains when they rust on the plaster. You also have to check whether they are rusty because these might cause further staining.


3. Vacuum Head and Hose

Vacuums are specially made to suck in the dirt in the spa or hot tub. There are two procedures to vacuum these equipments. The first one is to suck the dirt and sent it into the filter. The second one is to use water pressure from the hose and force the debris in the bag then removing and cleaning it with the vacuum.


Vacuum heads are usually made of plastic that keeps the head above the surface as it does the cleaning. A flexible head lets the contour go in accordance with the curves of the hot tub and the spa.


4. Tile Brush and Tile Soap

These are used to clean the tiles. Tile brushes don't bend too much in order to allow more cleaning. Tile soaps are often mixed of muriatic acids. These cut the stubborn oils and stains. It also eats through the plastic of the brush pads so make sure that you continue rinsing the hot tub after you apply and scrub. Don't use other kinds of soap aside from one that is made specifically for cleaning the hot tub or spa. If you do, it might only sud and foam.


5. Pumice Stones

These are used in order to remove the scales from the hot tub tiles. It also removes the stains or other deposits from the surfaces. By using these, the surface isn't excessively scratched.


These stones are made from volcanic ash and are specifically made for abrasive actions. They are often sold in blocks and are attached to the telepoles or brushes in order to reach the surface easier. Pumice stones disintegrate so we suggest that you do the scrubbing before you do the vacuuming. Another alternative for pumice stones are plastic foams or Styrofoam because these do not scratch the fiberglass.


Brushing is the Best


The best way to clean your pool is through manual brushing. This removes the debris and the stains. You can also direct how clean you want your tub to be depending on how rigorous you brush.


Pool is the same as Spa and Hot Tub

The steps for cleaning the pool also work for spas and hot tubs. Here are some tips you may consider.


1. Spas are often made of fiberglass so be very mindful whenever you vacuum in order to not scratch the surface.


2. You have to evaluate the water before you do the cleaning. Cleaning also invests a great amount of time but its worth it. You have to test the water in order for you determine whether you should clean it, treat it, or drain it.


Spa Shell Cleaning

Most materials used in cleaning the spas can be maintained as long as you know how to care for these items.

November 04, 2008

Know The Spa Parts and Their Various Uses


Spa Parts and Their Various Uses

Spa pools aren't operational without the essential parts. We aren't only talking about the water and the bubbles that make it more soothing and relaxing. With parts, we are referring to the more technical elements. There are many different kinds of spa pools; thus spa parts will also differ in one way or another. Here are some of the most common parts and some descriptions on how they work:


Spa control packs are the moving parts which are behind the access panel door. They are spa frames and shells which routinely last for 30 to 40 years. Spa packs when installed with pumps, produces hot bubbling water. When broken, the most economical solution is to change the pack rather than fixing it. There are manufacturers who engage in the custom building of these packs so you don't have to worry if the pack doesn't fit your spa. Two of the widest categories of spa packs are pneumatic and electronic spa packs.


Spa air blowers are also known as air pumps. They pump air into the spa through a series of injectors in the edge of the seats and foot well. Water is aerated all throughout the spa producing gentle massage when the spa air blower is on. Air blowers can also be mixed with the water which comes out from the therapy jets; this process produces a different kind of massage.


Spa ozonators have always been proven to sanitize and purify spa and pool water more effectively and faster than the traditional chemical processes. With ozonators, water is treated 3,000 times faster without unwanted by products like bromamines and chloramines. Actually, the byproduct of spa ozonator is the life giving oxygen. The alkalinity and ph should be maintained and occasional oxidizer shock and chlorine must be used.


Spa air buttons are used to control the spa components in electromechanical spa like jet pumps, lights and blowers. These air buttons allow the on and off switching of components without electricity. They are attached to control box switches with air tubing on one end. The air switch is connected to the other end of the air tubing.


There are other spa parts that are worthy of mentioning like flow switches, pump and pump motors, heater assemblies and manifolds, time clocks, etc. All these parts are beneficial to the smooth usage of the spa pool. Spas can really be a very relaxing experience if all the parts are at their best. If you are really indulged in having your own spa pool or if you already have one, regularly checking the parts can help you maintain it and can save you from huge expenses in the future.

Hot Tub Bacterium