THE HISTORY OF HOT TUBS

Authors of an article published in Nature Communications last year contend that microbial life began in a hot spring in what is now Western Australia. That hot spring was a fantastic place for single-celled and nascent multi-celled organisms to thrive. In fact, those organisms flourished to the point that the hot spring eventually couldn’t contain them all. Thus began the great movement of our history—from nature’s hot tub to the modern spa in your own backyard.

A LOVE AFFAIR FROM THE START

Given what we know about the joys of hottub, we think it’s safe to assume early humans enjoyed a good soak. When they stumbled upon a turbulent hot water spring, it’s likely they immersed themselves and found pleasure in it. So it’s really no surprise that in time some began settling near hot springs on the Tibetan Plateau in central Asia. The many benefits of the springs probably brought great relief after a long day of hunting and foraging for food.

As humans continued to evolve over centuries, their relationship to hot water began to change. Here are a few of the early innovations:

• Hot Water in Homes. In Ancient Egypt, the wealthy built bathing chambers in their homes and took “showers” with the help of body servants who poured jugs of water over their heads. This method was fine if you were the one bathing, but a nuisance for servants forced to heat and carry the water to the chambers.
• Improved Natural Hot Springs. Ancient Greeks built “thermal complexes” on discount hot tubs, believing that the water had the power to heal. They carved seats from the natural rock, creating elegant and accommodating areas in which to bathe and relax. The Ancient Romans eventually copied the Greek style and advanced the bathing techniques.
• Artificially Constructed Hot Springs. Relying on an ancient form of concrete, Roman architects around 200 BCE started creating public bathhouses. By 33 AD, 170 baths had been built in Rome. Aqueducts, which used gravity alone to move water from higher elevations, channeled cold water to the bathhouses. An intricate heating system called the hypocaust warmed the water and, eventually, the floors and walls as well. The Ancient Romans were an industrious and expansionary culture, and many of the baths they built still exist.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, upkeep of large communal baths ended. During the Medieval period, many disappeared while others became social centers and, to the chagrin of the Catholic Church, even brothels. However, the bathing tradition persisted in Japan and elsewhere in the world, eventually inspiring the hot tubs enjoyed today.

JAPAN INSPIRES THE MODERN HOT TUB

While people enjoyed soaking in hot water all over the world, it was in Japan that the practice which led to the modern hot tub flourished. Japan consists of volcanic islands with many natural hot springs in which people have soaked for centuries. A love of hot springs led the Japanese to develop three unique styles of swim hot tub baths:

1. Onsens. Public or private bathing houses located on or around natural hot springs, which supplied geothermal heat.
   1. Sentōs. Artificially-constructed communal bathhouses, similar to Roman bathhouses and built in imitation of natural hot springs. Sentōs are heated by boilers or furnaces.
2. Ofuros. Private, personal swim hot tubs built (or installed) for home use. Ofuros, traditionally wood-heated, are roughly the size of American bathtubs but about three to four times deeper. Intended for relaxation rather than cleanliness, Ofuros are the precursors of modern hot tubs.

After WWII, American troops returning from Japan brought with them the bathing culture of the Onsen, as well as wooden Ofuro tubs, and inspired the first wooden hot tubs in the US. From there, vineyard workers and migrant “flower children” used discarded wine barrels and vats to begin creating hot tubs in the 1960s, making homemade, wood-fired heaters with varied success.

HOT SPRING^Ⓡ PERFECTS THE HOT TUB

The wooden hot tubs manufactured in America from the 1940s through the 1960s were mainly products of California. Most did a good job of holding hot water, but the wood invited issues, namely bacteria, mold, and leakage. These early hot tubs had no filters, and as the wood corroded, the tubs lost their ability to hold water.

But a huge advancement came in 1956, when in an effort to relieve a family member of some of the discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis, the Jacuzzi brothers invented the first portable hydrotherapy pump. Twelve years later, the brothers built jets directly into the walls of the tubs. It was a major innovation that sparked an industry.

American-made swim hot tubs have improved greatly since then. In the late 1960s, wooden hot tubs were replaced with more durable fiberglass. Fiberglass, in turn, was replaced by even stronger acrylic in the 1970s and 1980s.

Watkins Wellness^TM was instrumental in the shift, introducing a portable spa made of vinyl ester resin and acrylic, rather than the standard polyester resin. Watkins also began installing full insulation, top-loading filters, and underwater lighting. As home hot tub manufacturing processes continue to improve, the company moved away from build-your-own hot tub kits and toward full-service delivery, installation, and service.

Today at Watkins, we continue to innovate with your love of hot-tubbing in mind. Leading spa collections like the Hot Spring Highlife NXT include hot tubs big enough for seven, with 43 powerful jets. Advanced filtration systems keep the water as clear as glass and as pure as desert air. Temperature and jet settings, lights, waterfalls, and entertainment systems can all be controlled wirelessly, and service plans provide professional help with maintenance and repairs. At long last, our dreams have come true. Truly, we now live in the golden age of hot tubs.

At Hot Spring Spas, we’re proud to be doing our part to usher in the golden age of hot tubs. Since we began, we’ve designed our spas with the utmost attention to detail and elegance. We’ve engineered them for comfort, to last for decades, and to hold their heat. To learn more, check out our website to find a dealer in your area, download a brochure, or request a quote.

HOT TUB MODEL COMPARISON: THE HOT SPRING COLLECTION

To find the perfect hot tub, you first need to figure out what’s most important to you. The next step is finding out what’s available on the market, so you can pick the spa that best suits your particular needs and expectations.

This can be a little easier said than done. Today’s hot tubs are loaded with appealing features, and you may feel overwhelmed by choices. How many seats would you like? What sort of massaging jets do you need? What color would go best with your patio? Does it need to have a stereo? The sheer number of options can cause even experienced hottub shoppers to pause in their search.

Once you have a basic understanding of what you’d like in your spa, the best way to answer all the ancillary questions about what you want is to research the discount hot tubs brands and models currently on the market. By comparing the different options available to you, you can develop your preference based on the relative strengths of different models.

To give you a good idea of what’s available, we’ve created a comparison of two premium spa collections: the G2 Diamond Edition. Designed in partnership with Design works, a BMW Group Company, the Hot Spring G2 Diamond Edition is the pinnacle of modern luxury spas. Swim hot tub engineers sculpted a beautiful and energy-efficient spa for the discerning owner. The Master Spas^® Michael Phelps Legend^®Series spas, like their namesake, are designed to excel. Models in the Legend^® Series are top-class spas from a top manufacturer, with artistic form and optimal function. By comparing these series next to each other, you’ll see what the world’s best hot tub brands have to offer.

This first chart will give you a broad overview of each series. You’ll see what’s available in terms of sizes, seats, and number of jets. It’s a good idea to keep in mind that quality matters as much as—or more than—quantity in each category. Strength and positioning can be more important than the total number of jets, and comfort and spacing may balance out a lower seat count. What’s truly right in swim hot tubs, is what’s right for your lifestyle.

While the last chart gave you a broad overview of some key features of the top-level hot tub models available from Hot Spring and Durasport G6 L Luxury, it didn’t provide much detail. That’s where this next chart comes in. We’ve taken the top spas from each series, the Durasport G2 L Luxury and the Durasport G6 L Luxury LSX 900, and listed their specifications side by side. This closer look will show you all the different features to give you some insights into how different brands approach the various aspects of their spas.

Please be aware that the specifications listed, while accurate at the time of publication, may change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, consult your local dealer or visit the appropriate branded website before making a purchase and clearance hot tubs.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOT TUB FOR YOU

There are many different hot tubs available, and the right hot tub for you will be the one that suits your lifestyle best. Now that you’ve got a good idea of which features and options are available from some of the best hot tubs on the market, you may have a better idea of which features you find the most appealing, which will help you narrow down your search for the perfect spa.

For more information on the G2 Diamond Edition Collection and other premium Hot Spring hot tubs, browse through our website or visit your local dealer. Many dealers offer test soaks, so you’ll get a chance to try your spa before you buy it. When you’ve made your choice, settle in and relax. A well-built hot tub will bring you joy for years to come.

At Hot Spring Spas, we pride ourselves on engineering quality and our innovative designs. We’ve engineered our spas to provide you with a blissful soak each time you slip into the water. Purity is guaranteed by our powerful filtration systems, while our energy-efficient construction preserves heat and conserves energy. Request information on pricing.

HOT TUB BUYER’S GUIDE FOR SECOND-TIME SHOPPERS

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of owning a hot tub, but you don’t know how to make that dream a reality. Maybe your family members are eager to add a hot tub to your household, but you’re concerned about how well it will fit with your lifestyle or budget. Or maybe you’re already a spa owner, and you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your existing model. Regardless of your particular circumstances, this buyer’s guide will take you through your most pressing questions and concerns about buying or replacing a hot tub.

WHY SHOULD I BUY A HOT TUB?

Everyone’s personal reasons for wanting to own a hot tub are unique, but in general, hot tubs fulfill four valuable purposes:

• Hot tubs help you relax. Modern-day living is stressful and hectic. Reclining in the luxury of warm, soothing, gently bubbling water is one of the best ways to unwind at the end of a grueling day, while in the morning, soaking in your hottub can help you feel up to facing a full slate of new challenges. Owning a hot tub is like having your own personal masseuse on call at all times: You can use your spa’s combination of heated water and powerful jets to give yourself a relaxing massage anytime you feel like it.
• Hot tubs help you entertain. Your hot tub will make you the envy of your neighborhood. If you enjoy entertaining at home, hot tubs can give you a built-in social life: Your friends and neighbors will be delighted to receive an invitation to come over and enjoy your spa. To help establish a festive atmosphere, today’s high-tech hot tubs can be outfitted with optional speakers and monitors, so you can listen to music or watch a film or sporting event while soaking in your spa.
• Hot tubs can promote wellness. Soaking in a hot tub before and after exercise can prevent muscle strain and damage and promote healing. A hot tub soak before a workout can relax muscles, which might help you avoid injury; a soak afterward might help you recover from exertion faster.
• Hot tubs can temporarily alleviate the pain of some medical conditions. Soaking in hot water—otherwise known as hydrotherapy—may temporarily relieve joint and muscle aches and pains. The pain and discomfort of some medical conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, may be temporarily ameliorated by soaking in your discount hot tubs. If you have a medical condition that causes you recurring pain, ask your physician if hydrotherapy might be beneficial to you.

WHERE SHOULD I BUY A HOT TUB?

Your local hot tub dealership is the best place to buy a hot tub. You do have plenty of other options—for instance, you could buy a hot tub online, or you could purchase a used hot tub from an individual or a swap meet-style website such as Craigslist—but the surest way to end up with the hot tub best suited to your particular needs is to visit your local dealer. Hot tubs are large and complex, and it helps to have someone with a deep and comprehensive knowledge of the subject on your side when you’re considering a purchase. By visiting a hot tub dealership, a knowledgeable sales staff can walk you through the purchasing process and answer all your questions. Your dealer will also help you with onsite installation consultation, the installation process, and long-term care of your spa. By visiting a hot tub dealership, you can compare multiple models up close, and you’ll be able to view the exact model you plan on purchasing. Many dealerships will even let you take a test soak before deciding whether a  hot tub clearance is right for you.

WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING?

Hot tubs come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, with a dazzling array of features. Having some idea of what’s most important to you before heading to the dealership will help you and your dealer make an informed decision as to which hot tub is best for your needs:

1. Your budget. What are you planning to spend upfront on a hot tub, and how much are you expecting to pay in recurring expenses, such as the ongoing costs of replacement filters and water care chemicals, to keep it running in peak condition?
2. How you plan to use it. Do you need a hot tub that’s roomy enough to accommodate a large family, or do you primarily expect to use it on your own?
3. Where you’ll put it. Due to the wide range of hot tub sizes, the amount of room you have available on your deck or in your backyard is a significant consideration when deciding which swim hot tubs model to buy. Placement is crucial. If you have any questions as to where your new hot tub should go, your dealer may be able to visit your home and consult with you about the best possible arrangement.

HOW MUCH WILL MY HOT TUB COST?

The total purchase price of a hot tub depends on such variables as size, features, and the quality of the manufacturing, engineering, and design. While your local dealer is the best person to give you precise pricing information, online research can give you a ballpark estimate of how much you might expect to spend on your ideal model. Hot tubs are divided into four levels of price and quality, ranked from lowest to highest: entry-level, value-priced, premium, and luxury.

• Entry-level hot tubs are generally made from molded plastic and may be plugged into a traditional electrical outlet. They’re simple to use and have very few features. Expect to pay in a starting range of $3000-$5000 for one of these very basic spas.
• Value-priced hot tubs generally cost between $4000-$8000. They have acrylic shells and more jets and features than their bargain-priced entry-level cousins. The quality of the craftsmanship in a value-priced spa fluctuates from brand to brand, so if this is your price point, do some research first to make sure the hot tub you have in mind will satisfy your expectations.
• Cheapest Hottubs feature high-quality design and engineering, complete with ergonomically-designed seats and powerful motors and jets. They’re engineered to be energy-efficient and will save you money on your electric bill. Premium hot tubs start at about $6000 and may go up to around $10,000.
• Luxury hot tubs are, as the name implies, the best money can buy. Luxury hot tubs have the best features, the best engineering, and the best design available. They generally cost in a range from $9000-$16,000, though that price can go even higher.

Unless you’ve purchased an entry-level hot tub that can plug into a standard outlet, plan on hiring a licensed electrician to handle all the necessary electrical wiring. In addition, there will be additional recurring expenses, including routine maintenance, supplies, and energy costs.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL MY HOT TUB?

In order to install a hot tub in your backyard or on your deck, you’ll need the following:

• A sturdy and level foundation. If you’re planning on placing your hot tub on your deck, you’ll need to make certain your deck is structurally sound, with a load capacity that can accommodate the significant weight of your filled spa. A building contractor or a structural engineer is the best person to tell you whether your deck is a suitable home for your clearance hot tubs. If you’re going to place your spa on the ground, you will need to place it on a firm, level foundation. A thick concrete pad is a good choice, though stone, brick, wood, plastic, or even gravel may be possible foundation alternatives, depending on the weight of your tub. Ask your dealer which surface would work best for your location and your hot tub model.
• A source of electricity. As mentioned above, some inexpensively-made hot tub models can be plugged into a traditional 110-volt electrical outlet. Higher-quality hot tubs, however, will require either a 220-volt or 230-volt outlet, which must be installed by a licensed electrician.
• A source of water. You only need two items to fill your hot tub with water: a working faucet, and a garden hose long enough to reach from your faucet to your hot tub.

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY WILL MY HOT TUB NEED?

How much your hot tub usage affects your electric bill depends upon a number of factors, including your local climate, how often you use your spa, the temperature at which you keep your water set, and the cost of electricity in your area. One of the most influential factors is the quality of your hot tub: A well-made hot tub constructed of premium materials with high-quality insulation, a durable and well-fitting cover, and an energy-efficient circulation pump will cost considerably less to heat per month than a budget model possessing few or none of these features.

While your hot tub dealer will be able to give you the most accurate information as to how much your hot tub will raise your monthly electric bill, this planning tool will give you a general idea of the cost of heating your hot tub in your location.

HOW DO I KEEP MY HOT TUB WATER CLEAN?

Keeping your spa water consistently clean and free from impurities is a vital part of spa ownership. As a hot tub owner, you’ll have plenty of water care options to choose from. These are the most popular types of water care systems:

Whichever water care system you choose, it’s important to follow all manufacturer instructions and the advice of your hot tub dealer to make sure your water remains constantly clean and ready for use.

HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE WILL MY HOT TUB REQUIRE?

Hot tubs do require a bit of regular maintenance to keep them in peak working condition. Your maintenance schedule will depend on your water care system and how much use your spa receives, but in general, you can expect to perform the following tasks on a regular basis:

• Clean your filters regularly as often as once a week, depending on how much you use your spa. Replace your filters every three years or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test your water quality a couple of times a week. Add more water care chemicals weekly or according to instructions.
• Clean your hot tub cabinet, cover, and any part of the shell that isn’t submerged in water whenever there are signs of grime.
• Depending upon your water care system, you will probably need to drain and refill your tub every three or four months. Spa owners fortunate to have a salt water-based water care system will need to drain and refill their tubs far less often than this.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY HOT TUB DOESN’T WORK?

The best action you can take as a spa owner to keep your spa in peak working condition is to follow all manufacturer and dealer instructions for hot tub use and routine maintenance. Common hot tub problems with simple solutions include tripped GFCI breakers, cloudy water, and clogged filters. If you’re handy, you may be able to troubleshoot and fix simple problems on your own.

If there’s something seriously wrong with your hot tub, your first course of action should be to contact your dealer. They’ll be able to help you with your problem and arrange for a trained, licensed service professional to come out and help get your spa back up and running. If you’ve purchased a hot tub with a good warranty from a reputable dealer, any problems with your tub’s operation shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER REPLACING MY SPA?

A state-of-the-art hot tub can last from five to twenty years. Even a well-made but less luxurious model should remain in excellent working condition for several years. Nothing lasts forever, though, and at some point, you will want to consider replacing your spa. Over the years, your situation and your needs may have changed. If the size of your family has increased, for instance, you might want a spa that can accommodate more people. Or maybe you’ve finally reached the stage in your life where you feel it’s time to upgrade from a value-priced hot tub to a premium or luxury model. Or maybe technology has moved beyond the limitations of your old model, and you’d like to add features or accessories that aren’t compatible with your spa. Today’s spas are much more energy-efficient than the models of just a few years ago; if you’d like to see a decrease in your monthly electric bill, it may be time to consider a replacement.

You are the best person to decide whether you need a new hot tub. The time to consider replacing your spa is whenever you feel like your old spa is no longer the best choice for your present needs.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE HOT TUB I WANT TO REPLACE?

Before bringing home and installing your brand-new hot tub, you’ll have to do something about the old one. Your options include the following:

• Dispose of it. You can hire a disposal company to come to your house and haul it away. If they’re planning on reselling it or salvaging it for parts, they may even pay you a small amount for your old tub. Before anyone comes to pick it up, make sure your hot tub has been drained and disconnected from the electrical supply.
• Sell it. If your old hot tub is still in decent working condition, you can try to sell it or auction it off online on a site such as Craigslist or eBay. Be sure you do some careful research and calculation first—you don’t want to get stuck paying exorbitant shipping fees to transport your old spa to its new owner. You can also see if a friend, neighbor, or family member would be interested in purchasing it from you.
• Trade it in. Your dealer might give you a discount on your new tub in exchange for giving them your old one. Check with your hot tub dealer to see if this would be a good option for you.

IS IT WORTH IT TO TRADE IN MY HOT TUB?

Trading in your old spa to your hot tub dealer can be a wonderful solution to the tricky problem of disposal. While you’ll probably receive less in trade-in value that you could earn from selling it outright, you’ll save a great deal of time, energy, and uncertainty. Trade-in value depends on your hot tub’s age, condition, and model. If you’re interested in upgrading to a brand-new hot tub from Hot Spring Spas, you can find out the trade-in value of your old spa by filling out this form. Your local Hot Spring dealer may accept trade-ins from other brands, so be sure to talk to them about all your options.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN HOT TUBS?

Hot tubs are constantly evolving as designers and engineers come up with new innovations in technology and design. Premium and luxury hot tubs possess the most state-of-the-art features, which can include the following:

• Multi-density foam insulation is found in the highest-quality hot tubs. As the name implies, multi-density foam uses several different foam densities to comprehensively insulate your hot tub shell, bottom, and cabinet. In addition to providing the best hot tub insulation available, multi-density foam also provides extra structural support.
• Control panels with wireless remotes. Adjust your hot tub’s jets, temperature, lighting, and entertainment options without ever leaving the comfort and warmth of your spa. Today’s best control panels feature wireless remotes with full-color touchscreens and a resting dock built into your spa.

Buying a hot tub – or replacing the hot tub you already own—doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Equipped with knowledge about the options available to you, you’ll able to make an informed decision as to which hot tub is best suited to your individual needs and situation.

Ashley Furnitures Review: Recliners and More

The La-Z-Boy name became synonymous with recliners after the company made its first reclining chair in 1928 in Monroe, Michigan. The first La-Z-Boy reclining sofas was originally a wood-slat porch chair, which was later upholstered at a buyer’s suggestion.

The company was a very modest operation at that time, and the name La-Z-Boy was later suggested by an employee who won $25 for coming up with it.

While La-Z-Boy makes upholstered furniture only, the La-Z-Boy corporation owns several other well-known brands, such as American Drew, Kincaid Furniture, Hammary, and Lea, which also manufacture case goods.

 

The La-Z-Boy Brand

The company is so well-known for its sofa reclining that the name of the company is often used to mean “recliner.”

You will find Ashley Furnitures in the mid-price point, and it is good value for the price. The quality and price points are comparable to Lane, Broyhill, and Pottery Barn.

Style-wise, La-Z-Boy has stayed close to its traditional roots, but the company has been making an effort to change that image by bringing in fresher design in response to changing demographics. The company brought in Brooke Shields in 2010 to enhance its appeal to younger female buyers.

Ashley Furniture Stores

La-Z-Boy manufactures upholstered seating furniture — sofa with recliner, chairs, sofas, theater seating, sectionals, and sleepers in a variety of fabrics and leather.

Most La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries try to stock for immediate delivery, but the Ashley Furniture Store can be custom ordered. This adds to the delivery time frame up to eight to 10 weeks.

Customization is limited to fabric only. La-Z-Boy offers close to a thousand fabric and leather choices in different grades. The choice of fabric affects your final price, as is to be expected when you buy any piece of upholstered furniture.

The Good

This is a well-known brand of affordable furniture with a reputation built up over time.

It offers good value for the price. La-Z-Boy furniture is widely available at Ashley Furniture Outlets.

The company is also trying to become more environmentally friendly by taking steps such as reusing or recycling most factory scraps. Most of the furniture is made in America. The frames and many of the components for furniture that reclines are manufactured domestically.

The Not So Good

Maybe the biggest consumer peeve is not enough variety in style, although the company is trying to address that. Also, because many La-Z-Boy Galleries are individually franchised stores, and not company-owned, your shopping experience might vary considerably from one store to another. Guarantees may also differ from Ashley Home Furniture Store to store. You also cannot buy a La-Z-Boy product in one area and have it shipped by a La-Z-Boy store in another part of the country.

Where to Buy La-Z-Boy Furniture

La-Z-Boy products are available worldwide through several different channels, such as company-owned and individually franchised La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, La-Z-Boy Comfort Studios and independent retailers who carry a mix of furniture from different brands.

La-Z-Boy products can be seen and purchased online on its website, which also has a store locator to help you find your nearest store.

It is best to test drive upholstered furniture before you buy.

WHAT ARE HOT TUB SHELLS MADE OF?

Your hot tub’s shell keeps your water contained inside your tub; it’s also a key determining factor in how well your spa retains heat. As the surface of your hot tub presents to the world, the shell must be strong enough to stand up to mishaps and to withstand years of regular use. If aesthetic concerns are important to you, it must be visually appealing as well as highly functional. Hot tub shells come in a variety of materials, each possessing their own strengths and weaknesses. Learning more about what hot tub shells are made of can give you a better idea about which hot tub would be best suited for your needs.

Until the 1970s, hot tub shells were primarily constructed out of wood. Today, only a few manufacturers continue to craft shells this way; these days, a typical hottub shell is most likely to be made from vinyl, rotomolded plastic, or acrylic. Hot tubs can also be constructed from cement, stainless steel, fiberglass, or inflatable PVC, though these are less common.

HOT TUB SHELLS MADE FROM VINYL

Some cheapest hottubs are constructed through a process in which a vinyl liner is placed over a frame made from another material, such as cement. This is the same method that’s frequently used in the manufacturing of swimming pools. Vinyl liner hot tubs are commonly found attached to inground pools; while they’re inexpensive to produce, they don’t retain heat well. A vinyl liner hot tub may be relatively cheap to purchase, especially if it’s part of a package deal with your swimming pool, but what you save on the sticker price may be eaten up by the cost of the electricity it takes to keep your hot tub warm. Vinyl is not an especially durable material; a vinyl hot tub shell is more likely to crack or tear than a shell made from stronger materials. Continuous exposure to sunlight will fade the color of your vinyl hot tub liner, while an incorrect balance of chemicals in your hot tub can damage it.

HOT TUB SHELLS MADE FROM ROTOMOLDED PLASTIC

Rotomolded swim hot tubs are made from plastic powder, which is added to a mold, heated until it melts, and then rotated until it covers every bit of the mold in a smooth and even layer. Unlike the glossy surface of acrylic shells, rotomolded plastic shells have a dull matte finish. Compared to acrylic shells, plastic shells are relatively lightweight. This results in a lighter and more easily transportable hot tub, which may give you more options as to where it may be placed in your yard or on your deck. The downside, however, is an inability to efficiently retain heat. As with hot tubs built with vinyl liners, the initial savings from their lower purchase price will be eroded over time, as owners of rotomolded hot tubs typically pay more in electricity than owners of more energy-efficient spas.

HOT TUB SHELLS MADE FROM ACRYLIC

An acrylic hot tub shell is made from a single sheet of acrylic, which is heated until it begins to melt, then placed over a mold. Vacuums help suck away any air trapped between the mold and the acrylic sheet, resulting in a smooth and perfectly formed shell. After the acrylic has cooled and hardened, it’s reinforced with a combination of resin and fiberglass to give it additional strength. Some acrylic shells are formed through a variant process in which a layer of the polymer acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, known as ABS, is pre-applied to the sheet before molding. The resulting hot tub shell is durable, energy efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. This video provides an overview of the way in which acrylic shells are formed.

If you own an acrylic hot tub, expect it to withstand normal wear and tear for many years without showing signs of damage. Acrylic hot tubs are produced in a variety of stunning colors and patterns. Also, acrylic hot tubs retain their heat very well when insulated with a high-quality material.

Acrylic hot tubs are heavier than rotomolded hot tubs. As they can’t be easily repositioned, they work best as a permanent installation in your backyard or on your deck. While acrylic tubs are more expensive than vinyl or plastic tubs, their excellent temperature retention translates to lower energy needs than other hot tubs. This in turn reduces the ongoing cost of the electricity needed to keep your water hot.

While hot tub shells made of other materials have some advantages, hot tubs with acrylic shells are the connoisseur’s choice, aimed at those who value quality, performance, and appearance. For a better idea of which hot tub shell would be best for you, visit your local hot tub dealer. Your dealer can answer all your questions about energy costs and durability; you may even be able to take a test soak. When purchasing a hot tub, many decisions are involved, such as determining which shell material would work best for your lifestyle. Your hot tub dealer can help you find the solution that works best for you.

At Northeast Factory Direct, we’re dedicated to offering the absolute highest quality clearance hot tubs available to our customers. Our top-of-the-line Highlife and Highlife NXT hot tub collections feature attractive, durable, energy-efficient acrylic shells in a variety of colors. We build with acrylic to give out customers the peace of mind that comes from knowing their hot tub investment will pay them back for years and years.

Ashley Furniture Stores – Furniture Review

Ashley Furniture is for the consumer looking for affordable, modern furniture.

The company has been around for over twenty-five years. Their furniture is certainly reasonably priced and lives up to the promise of quality and durability.

Ashley Furnitures manufactures and carries a complete line of home furnishings with products for all the living spaces in your home, including outdoor spaces, as well as a wide range of accessories.

Design Inspirations

Furniture design at Ashley Furniture Store draws its inspiration from a range of design movements, mostly from the twentieth century. but you will find inspiration from Shaker and Asian traditions as well.

• If Mid-Century Modern is your style you can select from iconic Mid-Century Modern pieces such as Eames Compact Sofa by Herman Miller, priced at around $3,299, as well as pieces that have been inspired by that period such as the stylish 1950s inspired Anson sofa, which sells for around $1,799.
• You can find Danish Modern greats such as Hans Wegner. His Wing Chair can be found there for about $4,755 among his other classics.
• Asian inspired design with its zen sensibility can be seen in collections such as Mondo. This collection is made using traditional Chinese joinery techniques.
• The Anders bed is inspired by the work of George Nakashima, an American Craft Movement designer. The bed has mortise and tenon joinery and the oil and wax finish plays up the grain of the wood.

• The Linear collection is Arts and Crafts inspired.
• A Shaker design influence is present in the clean lines of such groups as the Hancock collection.

These different influences give you the ability to furnish your home exclusively in one style, or mix and match pieces for your own special look. In keeping with today’s trend of customization, Ashley Furniture Stores also lets you customize your selections.

If you decide to customize, you will have to wait an extra six weeks or maybe more.

Lighting, Accessories and Outdoor Furniture

Ashley Home Furniture Store offers multiple choices in lighting. Pendant lamps are available in a variety of styles from around $149 and up. George Nelson’s pendant lamps can cost from $269 to $1,395 depending on your choice.

There are plenty of other lighting choices such as floor lamps, table lamps, task lighting, and sconces.

In addition to lighting, you can choose from rugs, accent tables, pillows and throws to accessorize your home. There is a wide range of good design and prices.

Ashley Outlet also offers outdoor selections for seating, dining tables and cocktail tables along with umbrellas and bases.

Who Manufactures it?

Ashley Furniture Outlets mostly partners with American manufacturers, so that most of the furniture is made domestically. This creates a smaller carbon footprint and makes it possible to keep prices low. Both traditional handcrafting and modern techniques are used to manufacture the furniture.

They also partner with international artisans who provide an added depth to the available choices.

How to Buy

There are three ways to buy from Ashley Furniture Desks brand:

• You can buy online by visiting their site.

• Visit one of their stores. It’s a great experience as their staff is always knowledgeable and helpful. The huge showrooms offer plenty of design ideas.

• Buy over the phone.

Cleveland

• 3321 West 140th Street
• Cleveland, OH 44111
• (216) 941-7727

Hours

• Monday – Friday: 10am – 7pm
• Saturday: 9am – 6pm
• Sunday: 10am – 5pm

Euclid

• 24470 Lakeland Blvd
• Euclid, OH 44132
• (440) 942-7945

Hours

• Monday – Friday: 10am – 7pm
• Saturday: 9am – 6pm
• Sunday: 10am -5pm

 

HOT TUB BUYING GUIDE – FOR NEW HOT TUB BUYERS

If you are shopping for a new hot tub, it can be difficult to sift through all the information available. Deciding which factors are the most important and choosing the right hot tub for you can seem impossible. You need a hot tub buying guide to help.

For those looking to buy their first hot tub there can be a lot of guess work regarding how often you’ll use the tub and for what. If you are looking to replace your old tub it can be a bit easier. At least you know how you will use it. Even if you’re looking for a replacement tub, though, you probably bought your last one quite some time ago. Features, styles, and materials have come a long way. You might just find yourself second guessing what options are right for you.

This post aims to un-muddy the waters somewhat, to help you focus on the important parts of buying a new discounted hot tubs.

Where is the Hot Tub Going?

The first consideration is where you are going to put the hot tubs. First of all will it be outdoors or indoors? If outdoors you’ll need to make sure the thermal properties and build quality of the hot tub can stand up to your climate year round. If indoors, it won’t need to be quite so sturdy. You will need to make sure that it isn’t too big to pass through doorways and hallways on its way to its final location though.

Once you’ve decided on out or in, you need to make sure that the place you intend to install the tub meets all the requirements. The surface the tub will rest on needs to be flat, level and solid. A poured concrete patio or a solid deck is fine, but paving stones are a bad idea. They can shift and cause structural problems for your factory direct hot tub’s frame. In-ground hot tubs are, of course, dug in. They still need to be level, though.

The hot tub will also need power and water, so should be conveniently located for both. Hot tubs come in 110V, 220V and mixed voltage varieties. You’ll need to make sure you have the correct wiring in place to run the hot tub. You will also need to empty and refill the tub a few times a year. This is much easier to do if you have a convenient source of running water nearby. And speaking of draining and refilling, the site for the (hot tubs prices) also needs to have adequate drainage.

It is also important to make sure that there is enough room on all sides of the hot tub to service it when necessary.

How many People do You Know?

It goes without saying your popularity will increase once you take the splash into a new hot tub. All kidding aside, you need to consider how many people are in the family and how many will use the spa. If your a family of four or more you will want a 7′ to 8′ hot tub that will fit your family. If you are just a couple, a smaller hot tub might do the trick but do consider you may have some friends over at some point.

Hot tubs come in all shapes and sizes, you just need to choose the right one for you and your guests. The other thing that may help make your choice is the power source you can dedicate to your new hot tub. If you only have a 110v available you will be looking at a smaller hot tub or sacrifice the hydrotherapy in a larger tub.

What’s it For?

There are a few reasons people buy a hot tub.

• Recreation
• Fitness
• Relaxation/stress management
• Medical treatment,

Your main reason will determine the type of tub you want, and what features you’ll need. If you are buying one for fitness, you may want to look into models with built-in exercise equipment or maybe get a swim spa. If you are interested in hydrotherapy*, you’ll be most interested in temperature controls and the variety of jets the different models have. Your use for the hot tub will determining the features you need.

There are portable hot tubs and then there are really portable hot tubs that you can put up and take down in minutes. You will want to decide if that is the type of portability you want in your hot tub. The blowup tubs or the soft-sided tubs can be taken anywhere and moved easily. However, you do give up a little in the hydrotherapy department and the aesthetics of the unit.

*Please also remember that any medical treatments that involving your hot tub should also involve the advice of a qualified physician.

Consider the Cost

It’s important to consider of the purchase price of your hot tub. It’s even more important to consider the total cost of ownership. Especially for an outdoor tub, you should be asking how efficient the heating system is, how well the tub retains heat, and how effective the water filtration system is.

It might be a bit more for the model with solid foam insulation, for example, but many people will recoup that extra money in the first year through lower heating costs. More efficient heaters means less energy, and money, spent getting the tub up to heat. More effective filtration means less time and money spent on chemicals and adjustments to water chemistry.

Sometimes spending a bit more can actually save you money.

Also included in the cost of ownership are accessories and chemicals. You will need a hot tub cover that fits your tub, and a cover lifter is never a bad idea. You’ll probably want some sturdy steps to help getting in and out easily as well. None of these things are generally included in the purchase price of a new hot tub, but you should certainly include them in your budget.

Hot Tub Buying Guide – Try before you Buy

It’s a great idea to do your research into the different models, features and specifications online. It’s also a great idea to make a list of a few models that meet your needs on paper, and then go to a local dealer if possible to try them out. Most reputable dealers will be able to arrange for you to test a few models and see how they feel “in the flesh”. And if you can not try them out in your trunks, then just sit in them dry it will still give you an idea. You will want a tub with different seating levels because not everyone is six foot tall. Consider the kids, smaller, or large adults when trying the seating in the hot tubs.

When it’s time to buy you can either buy from a dealer or online, but make sure to ask about warranty service, and only buy from a seller that’s been in business for a while – they are more likely to still be around a year or two down the road.

New or Used

I am a big believer in looking for used hot tubs! For whatever reason you can find hot tubs on Craigslist or other classifieds all the time. Whether people are moving or looking to change their backyard you can find used hot tubs and a lot of times people just want them moved and are not looking to make much or anything back in return. The secret to this is to be patient and find the right tub, you don’t want someone else’s problems. If you take your time and wait for the right hot tub to come along you may save yourself a bunch of money and be just as happy as you would be buying new.

A few things to look at if you are buying used is moist and wet foam insulation means it has a leak steer clear of this. The hot tub cover is really heavy, you will have to replace it with a new hot tub cover. The jets fallout when the tub goes on means you will have to replace a few jets make sure they are still available.

That’s most of what you need to keep in mind while shopping for a new hot tub. There are other factors and details that you can think about, but if you stick to these bases you can’t go too far wrong. We hope are hot tub buying guide will be helpful in your search for the perfect hot tub for you. The hours of stress relief and the soothing of aching muscles, the better sleeps and full range of motion in the morning will make the hours invested in picking out your perfect hot tub worthwhile!

SALT WATER SANITATION SYSTEMS: THE PROS AND CONS OF SALT WATER HOT TUBS

One of the best parts of visiting the ocean is the salty water. Before you hear the waves breaking, before you even get close enough to see the sand and surf, you can smell the salt in the air, clean and invigorating. It’s this scent that gives many beach towns part of their special charm. Bathing in salty ocean water, with its increased buoyancy, is its own pleasurable experience. Now, some hot tub owners are able to bring the ocean into their backyards with salt water-based hot tub sanitation systems.

It’s not only possible to have a hot tub full of salt water, it’s amazing. By using a salt water sanitation system with your hot tub, you’ll have constant access to soft, clean water with simple, low-maintenance upkeep. As with everything in life, there are drawbacks as well as advantages. Here’s an overview of what to expect with a hot water sanitation system:

BENEFITS OF SALT WATER HOT TUB SYSTEMS

A salt water hot tub system is not just a hot tub filled with seawater, nor can it be achieved by dumping a bunch of table salt in your tub and hoping for the best. A salt water sanitation system is carefully designed and engineered to create a constant supply of chlorine in your hot tub from the interaction of salt and water through a process known as electrolysis. The small amount of chlorine produced by this process is more than enough to keep the water constantly fresh and contaminant-free, while remaining too low to generate a smell or irritate the eyes or skin. It’s the best of both worlds—clean water without the possible side effects of chlorine or contact with your local hot tub service providers

The primary benefits of salt water and hot tubs prices sanitation systems include the following:

• Irritant-free water. Salt water hot tubs are free from chloramines, a potentially irritating byproduct produced in hot tubs when chlorine interacts with ammonia or other substances. For chloramine-sensitive individuals, a salt water factory direct hot tubs system is a perfect solution: It keeps the water constantly clean and free from any harmful microorganisms while limiting exposure to chloramines.
• A soft, buoyant soaking experience. Salt water increases buoyancy, which many find especially conducive to relaxation in a hot tub. In addition, the salt water produced by a salt water sanitation system feels especially soft and gentle against the skin.
• Simplified maintenance. Traditional hot tub water care systems involve regular testing and monitoring to make sure pH levels are correct and that the chemicals are properly balanced. While most hot tub owners find it easy enough to follow a consistent schedule for water care and maintenance, salt water sanitation systems make the process even simpler. After the initial setup, the system practically takes care of itself, constantly producing clean, pure water on its own for months of continuous use.
• Longer-lasting water. With traditional hot tub water care systems, owners generally must drain and refill their hot tubs every three or four months. While this is a relatively simple and straightforward process, changing the water can be time-consuming and tedious. Salt water sanitation systems can keep spa water clean for up to twelve months before needing to be replaced.

While the benefits of a salt water sanitation system are many, there are a couple of drawbacks. Here’s a rundown of the possible sticking points that hot tub owners should know when considering a salt water system:

• Initial cost. Salt water discount spas sanitation systems cost more to purchase and install than traditional water care systems. While this cost is offset by eliminating the ongoing costs of water care supplies and test kits, you will spend more up front on your salt water system.
• Corrosion. While salt is corrosive, corrosion isn’t a serious concern with salt water hot tub systems—the level of salt in a salt water hot tub is far lower than that found in the ocean, and most high-end hot tubs are made primarily of non-corrosive materials, like molded acrylic. However, there’s a slightly increased risk of damage to certain parts, like rubber seals or metal fixtures, from constant exposure to salt water.
• Salt water cell replacement. After a few years of use, the salt water cell that powers the purification process in a salt water sanitation system will need to be replaced.

WHERE TO FIND SALT WATER SANITATION SYSTEMS

Northeast Factory Direct features a great selection of living room, bedroom, dining room, home office, entertainment, accent, furniture, and mattresses, and can help you with your home design and decorating. View recent additions to our online furniture gallery. Northeast Factory Direct offers great quality furniture, at a low price to the Cleveland, Lakewood, Euclid, Eastlake, Willoughby, Cleveland Heights, Mentor, Strongsville, Parma, Elyria, Lorain, Ohio area.

Information Accuracy – We have taken great care to provide you with information that is accurate and useful. Please notify us if you find an error and we will do our best to correct it. We ask that you contact us directly or visit our stores to confirm information about pricing, color, features, dimensions, availability and special order lead times.

10 TIPS FOR USING YOUR HOT TUB IN WINTER

The long, cold months of winter encourage us to take it easy, conserve our energy, and be more selective about how we invest our time. But while you might feel inclined to spend the winter hibernating, your hot tub doesn’t have to follow your lead. In fact, using your hot tub in winter has special advantages—provided you follow a few tips to stay safe and keep your hot tub in prime condition.

THE BENEFITS OF SOAKING IN THE HOT TUB IN WINTER

Winterizing your spa for the season—draining it, cleaning it, and protecting it from the effects of freezing weather—can be a complicated and time-consuming procedure. In many cases, it’s better for the health of your hot tub to keep it running. Plus, in addition to enjoying the everyday benefits of your home spa, you’ll get to experience some perks unique to the winter months:

• Staying Warm Outside in the Cold. In freezing weather, a soak in your home spa allows you to spend time outside in warmth and comfort, instead of huddling indoors or shivering in the cold air.
• Cold-Weather Hydrotherapy. When your muscles and joints are cold, you’re more likely to pull or strain them during physical activity. In chilly temperatures, soaking in your hot tub before exercise can help warm you up and prepare your body for a safer workout, while soaking after a workout can relax and soothe aching muscles or stiff limbs. Learn more about integrating your hot tub with exercise in this guide.
• Winter Socializing and Celebrations. The winter holidays are a perfect time to enjoy the company of close friends and family. Your hot tub can serve as a unique and memorable site for a festive winter gathering.

10 TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HOT TUB IN WINTER

During the winter, follow these tips to protect your hot tub, keep yourself safe, and enhance your enjoyment:

1. Invest in a Good Cover. Make sure your hot tub cover is well-insulated and has a tight-fitting seal. A high-quality cover in good condition will help your hot tub maintain a constant high temperature, even when the weather is frightful.
2. Monitor the Water Level. Check your water level frequently and add more as necessary. If the water level falls too low in cold weather, the components may freeze, which could damage your hot tub.
3. Keep the Water Clean. Make sure you clean and maintain your water,  cheap hot tub, and filters according to your usual schedule. Simple problems can become more complicated to fix in subzero weather.
4. Change Your Water Early. If your tub will be due for a scheduled water change during winter, it’s a good idea to shift it to earlier in the year. Changing water while the outside temperatures are low can be particularly challenging, as there’s a risk of water freezing and damaging your spa.
5. Turn Down the Jets. Use the jets to a lesser extent than you would in other seasons, and don’t forget to turn them off when not in use. The jets work by blowing air into the water, which can lower the temperature.
6. Be Smart About Soak Times. The longer you stay in your spa, the higher your body temperature climbs. While it may be tempting to linger in the comforting warmth of your hot tub when the outside air is cold, try to limit your soak time to about twenty minutes Moving from extreme heat to extreme cold can place dangerous stress on your body.
7. Stay Hydrated. It’s always important to stay hydrated when you’re using your hot tub. During the winter, you may want to drink warm or room-temperature beverages while soaking to keep yourself hydrated while combatting the cold. Since alcohol can increase the effects of dehydration, it’s best to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages in your spa.
8. Have a Plan for Retreat. Cold weather can be dangerous, particularly when you’re wet and wearing a bathing suit. At the conclusion of your soak, when you must leave the protective warmth of your spa and face the icy winter air, make sure to immediately shield yourself from the cold. Keep a bathrobe and shoes or sturdy slippers nearby, and get indoors as quickly as possible after leaving your hot tub.
9. Vacation Without Worry. If your winter plans involve travel, rest assured your hot tub will be fine without you. Consider adding Connextion™ from luxury hot tubs, a subscription-based service that will remotely monitor your hot tub and alert you and your dealer to any potential issues, no matter where you are in the world. If problems arise, your dealer can arrange to have them fixed without disrupting your vacation.
10. Enhance Your Outdoor Sanctuary. Use accessories to add warmth and comfort to your outdoor hot tub environment in the winter. Consider adding heating lamps, or a towel warmer, or maybe simply a weatherproof rug to protect bare feet from the frozen ground. Just make sure all electrical devices are either battery-operated or are placed far enough away from your hot tub to avoid any possible risk of electrocution from contact with water.

If you’re still debating whether to keep your hot tub running all winter long, it may help to know how much energy your spa is likely to use in cold weather. For any questions you may have about winter hot tub use, talk to your local dealer. They’ll be able to help you better understand your model and its known performance specifications. They also can offer more tips for getting the most out of your hot tub in winter, especially for your area’s particular climate.

Find out about hot tubs prices and their exceptional energy efficiency ratings in any season. You can even request a price quote.

ARE HOT TUBS A GOOD INVESTMENT?

Let’s say you’ve found yourself with a little extra money—maybe your company gave you a year-end bonus, or maybe your stock portfolio performed above expectations—and you’re looking for the best and most satisfying way to spend or invest it. You could take the entire family on a vacation, or you could buy an RV and travel around the country. Or you could remodel your kitchen, or splurge on new furniture.

Or you could buy a hot tub.

What are you investing in when you buy a cheap hot tub? You may be looking for a complete and luxurious way to unwind and relieve stress after a long day of work. Perhaps you want a therapeutic solution to sore muscles, or a chance to bring your friends and family closer together. Or maybe you’re looking to add an attractive and appealing feature to your vacation home or rental property.

Owning a hot tub comes with many benefits. Having a Cheap Spa right at home could be the key to unlocking your work-life balance. It could be just the thing to reignite your romance. It could be the factor that encourages prospective tenants to choose your rental property over another, or convinces prospective home buyers to place an offer. Or it could be a way to get the kids excited about family time again. The question of whether an investment in a hot tub is worthwhile depends on how much you enjoy the personalized benefits of spa ownership.

EVALUATING WHETHER HOT TUBS ARE A GOOD INVESTMENT

When you decide to buy a hot tub, your total investment will include the upfront cost of the spa, the time and effort required to maintain it, and the ongoing costs to run it. The question of whether the advantages of a home spa are worth the expenses and responsibilities hinges on the overall quality of the hot tub and the ease of care and maintenance.

Well-made, high-quality hot tubs are designed to minimize the time and effort spent on cleaning and maintenance with easy water quality tests, well-integrated filtration, and self-sustaining sanitation systems. Likewise, while older or cheaply-made, poorly insulated hot tubs demand a great deal of electricity to heat the water and run the jets and pumps, today’s premium and luxury hot tubs are designed to be highly energy efficient, resulting in lower energy costs. Check out our analysis of how much it really costs to maintain a hot tub to avoid surprises down the road. A reliable hot tub that runs well, requires little ongoing care, and doesn’t spike your electric bill will be a better investment in the long term than a bargain-priced but trouble-plagued model.

INVESTING IN YOUR WELL-BEING AND HOME LIFE

Modern hot tubs are designed to enhance your home environment by complementing its existing aesthetic, running quietly in the background, always ready when you need it. Your home spa is there to support an active lifestyle by easing muscle tension after exercise and warming you up before you work out. Some spas offer complex massage therapy jet systems designed to target all areas of the body while you sit back and relax.

Your hot tub offers a chance for your entire family to get together and reconnect on a regular basis, without the barriers of phones or other devices between you. The hot tub is an experience everyone can look forward to sharing. The same goes for your friends and community: Your house may become a popular gathering spot when you open it up for others to enjoy the benefits of your hot tub. No matter what your personal priorities may be, a high-quality hot tub will be there to support your interests without demanding more than a minimal ongoing investment of time, energy, and money.

INVESTING IN YOUR HOME’S VALUE

While determining the value of your home is a complex issue with many variables, a high-quality hot tub that is seamlessly integrated into a complete landscape environment has the potential to increase your home’s value. Even if your hot tub doesn’t affect your home’s appraised value, it may still appeal to prospective buyers. If you’re considering adding a new hot tub to an existing rental property, a low-maintenance spa is very likely to be worth your investment.

THE REAL VALUE OF YOUR HOT TUB INVESTMENT

When you use your hot tub regularly and thoroughly enjoy its intended benefits, it’s worth the investment. Whether you’re investing in your well-being, in your family and community connections, or in your home’s rental value, always shop for a premium-quality hot tub that will have a long life and carry its own weight in the relationship. When you choose the right hot tub, you won’t regret the investment. In fact, you’ll most likely discover benefits you never even expected.