HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-05-03, Page 20(MS) — For centuries, people
around the world have enjoyed the
rejuvenating effects of warm water
in thermal springs and public
baths.
But you don’t need to travel to an
exotic location to take pleasure in a
relaxing and revitalizing soak.
Today’s technologically advanced
portable hot tubs bring an enhanced
lifestyle to your backyard.
First developed by legendary
inventor Roy Jacuzzi, hot tubs make
a terrific investment for families
with children of all ages, empty
nesters and seniors alike. The reason
is because they are a great place to
relax, socialize and enjoy the
restorative benefits of moving warm
water.
But how does a consumer find a
good hot tub? Here are 12 key
considerations.
1. Size:Consider the size of your
family and how many people you
expect to seat comfortably. Seating
options typically range from one
person to seven.
2. Body Type:Every person is
different and before settling on a
model, sit in the seats and test them
out. Not every spa and every seat
will be right for you.
Reputable companies will offer
free testing of spas so be sure to take
advantage.
3. Jets:Over the long term, many
people like to enjoy different types
of massage for relaxation and
recovery — so look for hot tubs that
offer a wide variety of jet types.
Don’t just look for the total number
of jets.
4. Lounge Seat or Not?Hot tubs
broadly fall into two categories:
models with or without a lounge
seat. “Try out both options to see
what is right for you,” suggests
Anthony Pasquarelli of Sundance
Spas. Sophisticated companies will
offer partially submerged cool-down
seats that permit an easier transition
in and out of the water.
5. Entertainment:Look for spas
with valuable features such as
stereos with subwoofers, MP3
plugs and docking stations for your
iPod.
You may want to avoid expensive
options such as built-in televisions if
you won’t use them frequently.
Should you want a TV, get a more
flexible indoor/outdoor unit that can
be used anywhere in the backyard.
6. Water Features:For many, this
is a “must have” element. “We find
that many spa buyers value water
features long after the initial
purchase because they can be used
year-round while entertaining in the
backyard,” reports Mark Kelleher of
Jacuzzi Hot Tubs.
7. Size and Space:How large is
your backyard or patio? If you have
limited room or a small access gate,
consider models that are less than
30” tall or models with a small
footprint. “Convertible” models
offer the ease of being able to plug
into a standard wall outlet.
8. Construction:Be sure to find a
model with full-foam insulation
under the spa to ensure maximum
heat retention. Inexpensive models
without it will end up costing more
over time to operate.
9. Skirting/Cabinetry:The spa
skirting goes around the outside of
the hot tub and enhances the overall
look. Advanced options include
synthetic materials that require no
maintenance and coordinate with
landscaping.
10. Covers:Ensure that your hot
tub comes with an insulating cover
and be sure to utilize cover locks to
keep children out of the spa when
adults are not supervising.
11. Manufacturers:Not all hot
tubs are created equal, so choose a
manufacturer with a reputation for
quality. Be sure the company has
been in business for decades so that
you know they stand behind the
product.
Manufacturers that offer third-
party endorsements or awards from
highly reputable organizations will
provide the greatest consumer
assurance.
12. Planning Guides:Leading
manufacturers offer free guides to
homeowners to help in the planning
of backyards for the arrival of a hot
tub.
Not sure what season to install a
new hot tub?
The spring is an ideal time so that
the warm, bubbling water can be
enjoyed immediately. Be sure to do
your homework before heading
out to buy so that you get the
perfect model to complement your
lifestyle.
PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2007.How to choose a portable hot tub
Exotic relaxation
Soothing waterfalls and docking stations made for media
devices are among the entertainment features families
enjoy on new models of portable hot tubs. (MS photo)
LONG LIVE THE HOMETM
WE DO SO MUCH MORE
■ Commercial Store Fronts
■ Wide selection of vinyl and vinyl clad wood windows
■ Entrance Doors - steel or fibreglass
■ Interior wood French doors
■ Garage Doors - commercial and residential
■ All Glass and Mirror work
Andersen is the registered trademark of
Andersen Corporation.
All other marks where denoted are
marks of Andersen Corporation.
1st Avenue, VANASTRA
LOCAL CALLS IF BUSY CALL
519-482-7869 519-482-5816
EMAIL: dndglass@tcc.on.ca
CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!
Deciding to remodel your home is a big
decision on its own, but choosing a
remodeler can be mind boggling. That’s
where we can help. We keep a list of
professional remodelers with track records for customer satisfaction.
They all do top quality work, use reliable products and have the
references to prove it. So, before you lose any sleep over who to
have remodel your bedroom, check our list of recommended
professionals and put your mind at ease.
PROFESSIONAL SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION
BLYTH BUILDING SUPPLIES
208 Hamilton St., Blyth
519-523-9305
■■mini ties ■■ lattice
■■ potting soil, mulch & organic fertilizer
■■ shovels ■■ rakes ■■ brooms
■■treated deck & fence materials
■■paint, stains, rollers, brushes
■■picnic tables - pressure treated & spruce
We h a v e e v e r y t h i n g
y o u 'l l n e e d f o r
Annuals
Bedding Plants
Patio Pots
Hanging Baskets
Perennials
Flowering Shrubs
Evergreen Shrubs
PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
OPEN:
Mon. & Tues. 1 pm - 5 pm
Wed. - Closed
Thurs. 1 pm - 8 pm
Fri. & Sat. 9 am - 5 pm
Sun. - Closed
or by appointment
519-527-0761
Bert & Carol Reinink
& family
43079 Hullett-McKillop Rd.
R.R. # 4
Walton
❀❀ Open House ❀❀
May 12th
Growing Every Year
MAITLAND
MANOR NURSERY
42291 Amberley Road
RR 1 Bluevale
On Hwy. 86 just east of Bluevale
Phone: 519-335-3240
Ron & Jacqueline Knop