Spas

The soothing, hot bubbling water and hydro-therapy action of a spa provides another dimension for your enjoyment, either as a focal point or to compliment the total swimming pool experience. Before you know it, your stress will float away with the bubbles and steam of your own backyard sanctuary. Whether it’s a stand-alone spa, independent spa or a spillover spa, each spa will have its own unique set of pros. Which one is best suited to your requirements?

There are two main types of spa "set-ups":

Like other innovative home technology, pools and spas continue to benefit from improvements in the industry. This especially applies to maintenance as pools and spas require minimal care. Total automation systems can be integrated to control digital heaters, cleaners, sanitizers, lighting and covers from a hand held remote, satellite computer or even telephone.

A spa that is situated in its own private environment away from the pool can still seem connected to it, at least aesthetically. In naturalistic designs, for example, the spa often takes the form of a small pond or hot spring sequestered from the main pool. While a spa can be designed as a miniature version of the pool and placed within its perimeter, it can also assume a completely different shape and reside away from the pool.

It is best if an integrated spa is constructed of the same materials as the pool so that it doesn't appear to be an after-thought. If located off to one side, the spa should complement the pool's geometry.

Space is also one of the major considerations when planning for a new hot tub or spa. Ask this questions:

  • How many people will be using the spa?
  • Is it just for family, or do you plan to entertain guests?

Custom Built Gunite Spas are constructed to be permanent. This type of construction shares both the independent and spillover application. They practically always employ the second set up, a more substantial life support system.

Prefabricated Spas such as Bradford Stainless Steel Spas or Nespa Tiled Composite Fiberglass Spas, typically are used as independent shells and are normally built in to a more substantial surround. Technically still portable but rarely ever moved.

Wooden Hot Tubs are also used as stand alone spas as noted in the first set up. They are often built into a surround but are still regarded as dismantle-able and portable.

They are commonly installed in a raised wooden deck or on a stone deck. They come complete with a Wood skirt or "Surround" that provides an attractive and finished look and acts as the structural wall. They are easily portable when installed this way. Alternatively, they can also be installed below grade with the proper preparation at an extra cost. Technically still portable, this installation would require reparations to the void cavity once the spa was removed. These spas are much more minimalist in design than the acrylic discipline. They employ hot water and hydrotherapy mainly for function. These vessels are designed with benches for sitting and an overall depth of 4 or 5 feet deep, allowing the bather to fully immerse themselves vertically. Many purists consider this the only way to go as it provides a truly unique experience.

These spas most always used in a "Stand Alone" application. They are commonly installed in a raised wooden deck or on a stone deck. They come complete with a Red Wood skirt or "surround" that provides an attractive and finished look. They are easily portable when installed this way. Alternatively, they can also be installed below grade with the proper preparation at an extra cost. Although technically still portable, this installation would require reparations to the void cavity once the spa was removed. These types of spas are regarded as the most ergonomic, having graciously contoured interiors and employing a sophisticated multi valve system and dozens of hydro therapy jets used for different effects on various body parts.