When Should I Replace My Spa Cover?

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Your spa cover is more than an attractive accessory. It’s also has the very important job of holding in heat when your spa is not in use, helping to reduce energy consumption and keep energy costs low. The cover also prevents excess evaporation, helping you conserve water, and it prevents debris and objects that could clog your filters from falling into the spa. Maintaining the cover in good condition is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your spa operating at its very best.

Signs your cover is ready for replacement

Spa covers are designed to last for a long time. But like any object exposed to sunlight and weather over time, your cover will eventually show signs of wear. Inspect your spa cover monthly for warning signs.

It’s time to replace your cover if:

You see breaks, cracks, tears, fading or sagging. Deteriorating condition and changes in shape could cause the cover to let heat and water vapor out, and dust and debris in. Look for dry or brittle texture in addition to holes and other visible signs of breakage.

Your cover is waterlogged. When the vapor barrier fails the inner foam absorbs water, creating a perfect environment for bacteria and mildew to grow. Not only is a waterlogged cover a health hazard, it could lead to accelerated deterioration of the other parts of your spa.

Maintenance tips to extend the life of your cover

Regular cleaning

To keep your spa cover looking great and doing its job, periodically clean it. To clean the cover, remove it from the spa and lightly spray the outside surface with a garden hose. Then use a very mild soap solution (1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to 2 gallons of water) or baking soda and a large sponge to gently scrub the cover using a circular motion. Work in sections and rinse each area before the soap dries on the vinyl. Then condition the cover with a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield™. On the inside surface, use water only and wipe it clean with a dry towel.

Let the spa breathe

When you treat or clean the spa itself or the water in it, leave the cover off for about half an hour immediately afterwards. Water purification agents need air to mix properly. Covering the spa immediately after adding chemicals can trap vapors inside that work against the longevity of the vinyl.

Your spa cover is not a table.

Don’t put objects or people on the cover. Anything with weight could cause the cover to stretch and sag, speeding premature deterioration. Remember to remove snow in the winter. If ice accumulates on your cover, loosen it with warm water before removing. Prying or chipping it off could tear the vinyl.

Lastly, be kind to your cover. Spa covers are heavy and large and can be difficult to remove and replace alone. Don’t drag it, even on grass. Get a friend to help, or install one of our cover lifters.

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When Should I Replace My Spa Cover?

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Your spa cover is more than an attractive accessory. It’s also has the very important job of holding in heat when your spa is not in use, helping to reduce energy consumption and keep energy costs low. The cover also prevents excess evaporation, helping you conserve water, and it prevents debris and objects that could clog your filters from falling into the spa. Maintaining the cover in good condition is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your spa operating at its very best.

Signs your cover is ready for replacement

Spa covers are designed to last for a long time. But like any object exposed to sunlight and weather over time, your cover will eventually show signs of wear. Inspect your spa cover monthly for warning signs.

It’s time to replace your cover if:

You see breaks, cracks, tears, fading or sagging. Deteriorating condition and changes in shape could cause the cover to let heat and water vapor out, and dust and debris in. Look for dry or brittle texture in addition to holes and other visible signs of breakage.

Your cover is waterlogged. When the vapor barrier fails the inner foam absorbs water, creating a perfect environment for bacteria and mildew to grow. Not only is a waterlogged cover a health hazard, it could lead to accelerated deterioration of the other parts of your spa.

Maintenance tips to extend the life of your cover

Regular cleaning

To keep your spa cover looking great and doing its job, periodically clean it. To clean the cover, remove it from the spa and lightly spray the outside surface with a garden hose. Then use a very mild soap solution (1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to 2 gallons of water) or baking soda and a large sponge to gently scrub the cover using a circular motion. Work in sections and rinse each area before the soap dries on the vinyl. Then condition the cover with a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield™. On the inside surface, use water only and wipe it clean with a dry towel.

Let the spa breathe

When you treat or clean the spa itself or the water in it, leave the cover off for about half an hour immediately afterwards. Water purification agents need air to mix properly. Covering the spa immediately after adding chemicals can trap vapors inside that work against the longevity of the vinyl.

Your spa cover is not a table.

Don’t put objects or people on the cover. Anything with weight could cause the cover to stretch and sag, speeding premature deterioration. Remember to remove snow in the winter. If ice accumulates on your cover, loosen it with warm water before removing. Prying or chipping it off could tear the vinyl.

Lastly, be kind to your cover. Spa covers are heavy and large and can be difficult to remove and replace alone. Don’t drag it, even on grass. Get a friend to help, or install one of our cover lifters.

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Sleep Better

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Why do I sleep better after a soak in the hot tub?

Many people struggle to wind down completely at the end of the day, in order to get a complete and restful night of sleep.

In fact, in his groundbreaking book, Undoing Perpetual Stress, Dr. Richard O’Connor makes a solid case that the human brain and nervous system just cannot process the constant stress that most Americans absorb every day. He laments that the health-care establishment hasn’t been able to adequately help patients with sleeping problems. And, our sleep problems are being compounded, too, by the light-emitting iPads, iphones and televisions we think we’re relaxing with at night and even in bed. As a result, 132 million Americans have trouble sleeping at least one night each week[1] and the sleep aid industry earned $34 billion dollars in 2014 (a 50% increase from 2008’s $23 billion dollars.)[1]

Fortunately, we have good news. If you’re considering getting a hot tub to help you relax and even sleep, the science stands behind you. A warm soak in the hot tub can improve circulation which can help sleep.

Warm water raises our body temperature, which in turn dilates the blood vessels, improving circulation. Oxygen rich blood flow to the organs and extremities helps every part of you feel better because cell growth proceeds more efficiently.

Improved circulation helps you sleep because it fuels “the relaxation response.” With cells and organs properly nourished with oxygen and nutrients and the heart beating in a steady, reliable way: Breathing rate slows, relaxing you naturally, the production of stress hormones decreases, and muscles relax.

All of these physiological changes can promote better sleep.

Sleep specialists push insomniacs to develop a night-time, wind-down routine involving darkness to work with our natural brain wiring. For decades, these hard working researchers have known and broadcast the fact that light affects the brain, sleep patterns and mood. Their (and the insomniac’s) biggest enemy now is artificial light, delivered after sundown. So to get your best sleep, put the device down and get into your hot tub. Turn the lights down or off. Listen to relaxing music. Take a friend or loved one with you for light, pleasant conversation. Alone time is a great strategy to wind down. Make this a nightly ritual, and sleep like a baby.

[1] Mackay, Maureen. “Sleepless in America.”  www.thefiscaltimes.com

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Sleep Better

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Why do I sleep better after a soak in the hot tub?

Many people struggle to wind down completely at the end of the day, in order to get a complete and restful night of sleep.

In fact, in his groundbreaking book, Undoing Perpetual Stress, Dr. Richard O’Connor makes a solid case that the human brain and nervous system just cannot process the constant stress that most Americans absorb every day. He laments that the health-care establishment hasn’t been able to adequately help patients with sleeping problems. And, our sleep problems are being compounded, too, by the light-emitting iPads, iphones and televisions we think we’re relaxing with at night and even in bed. As a result, 132 million Americans have trouble sleeping at least one night each week[1] and the sleep aid industry earned $34 billion dollars in 2014 (a 50% increase from 2008’s $23 billion dollars.)[1]

Fortunately, we have good news. If you’re considering getting a hot tub to help you relax and even sleep, the science stands behind you. A warm soak in the hot tub can improve circulation which can help sleep.

Warm water raises our body temperature, which in turn dilates the blood vessels, improving circulation. Oxygen rich blood flow to the organs and extremities helps every part of you feel better because cell growth proceeds more efficiently.

Improved circulation helps you sleep because it fuels “the relaxation response.” With cells and organs properly nourished with oxygen and nutrients and the heart beating in a steady, reliable way: Breathing rate slows, relaxing you naturally, the production of stress hormones decreases, and muscles relax.

All of these physiological changes can promote better sleep.

Sleep specialists push insomniacs to develop a night-time, wind-down routine involving darkness to work with our natural brain wiring. For decades, these hard working researchers have known and broadcast the fact that light affects the brain, sleep patterns and mood. Their (and the insomniac’s) biggest enemy now is artificial light, delivered after sundown. So to get your best sleep, put the device down and get into your hot tub. Turn the lights down or off. Listen to relaxing music. Take a friend or loved one with you for light, pleasant conversation. Alone time is a great strategy to wind down. Make this a nightly ritual, and sleep like a baby.

[1] Mackay, Maureen. “Sleepless in America.”  www.thefiscaltimes.com

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Tips for Your Next Hot Tub Date Night

Monday, September 19th, 2016

It’s Friday night. You promised that special someone a romantic date night but you’ve just sat in an hour of traffic and your back hurts. Getting gussied up to go out is the last thing you want to do. So skip the dinner and movie and head back to your Hot Spring hot tub for an ultra-romantic and relaxing date night that’s sure to make your loved one feel special. You could make a custom invitation and line the path to the hot tub with rose petals, or you could just keep it simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Food and Drinks – Love is in the air so crack open a bottle of your favorite sparkly beverage to kick off the night. Drinks are great but they’re even better when accompanied by some light refreshments. No need to overthink it – you can pick up something ready-made from the grocery store deli like a meats and cheeses platter, or you can go straight for the sweet stuff, like mini cheesecakes or brownies. But if you’re really feeling ambitious, you can prepare something a little more exotic, like Cooked Oysters with Burnt Butter.
  • Music – Nothing sets the mood like a great soundtrack to your evening so be sure to get the tunes going. Pick out a curated playlist from one of the many stations on Slacker Radio (link to slacker.com) or create your own custom playlist on Spotify (link to Spotify.com). Use this opportunity to create the ultimate Romance playlist to let your partner know how you really feel. Whether you prefer Barry White, Jimmy Buffet, or Journey, make sure to set the right tone of the night with some serious love ballads.
  • Lighting – If music sets the mood, lighting creates the atmosphere. Turn down the lights and create a romantic setting by using mood lighting. You can use dimly-lit paper lanterns, tea light candles, or, flameless candles.

Now that you’ve got everything set up, it’s time to reconnect with that special person. Talk about the week, the moon, the future – the sky’s the limit and there are no distractions tonight. It’s just you, your loved one, and your Hot Sprint hot tub. Enjoy the moment!

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Tips for Your Next Hot Tub Date Night

Monday, September 19th, 2016

It’s Friday night. You promised that special someone a romantic date night but you’ve just sat in an hour of traffic and your back hurts. Getting gussied up to go out is the last thing you want to do. So skip the dinner and movie and head back to your Hot Spring hot tub for an ultra-romantic and relaxing date night that’s sure to make your loved one feel special. You could make a custom invitation and line the path to the hot tub with rose petals, or you could just keep it simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Food and Drinks – Love is in the air so crack open a bottle of your favorite sparkly beverage to kick off the night. Drinks are great but they’re even better when accompanied by some light refreshments. No need to overthink it – you can pick up something ready-made from the grocery store deli like a meats and cheeses platter, or you can go straight for the sweet stuff, like mini cheesecakes or brownies. But if you’re really feeling ambitious, you can prepare something a little more exotic, like Cooked Oysters with Burnt Butter.
  • Music – Nothing sets the mood like a great soundtrack to your evening so be sure to get the tunes going. Pick out a curated playlist from one of the many stations on Slacker Radio (link to slacker.com) or create your own custom playlist on Spotify (link to Spotify.com). Use this opportunity to create the ultimate Romance playlist to let your partner know how you really feel. Whether you prefer Barry White, Jimmy Buffet, or Journey, make sure to set the right tone of the night with some serious love ballads.
  • Lighting – If music sets the mood, lighting creates the atmosphere. Turn down the lights and create a romantic setting by using mood lighting. You can use dimly-lit paper lanterns, tea light candles, or, flameless candles.

Now that you’ve got everything set up, it’s time to reconnect with that special person. Talk about the week, the moon, the future – the sky’s the limit and there are no distractions tonight. It’s just you, your loved one, and your Hot Sprint hot tub. Enjoy the moment!

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The Art of Hot Tub Relaxation

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Take Your Relaxation to a Whole New Level.

Taking time to relax and destress is an important element of maintaining a balanced life. Being immersed in warm water has been proven to help you relax both physically and mentally, and even helps your body turn down the “fight or flight” response we have to stress. Like hot tubbing, meditation is another tool that can help promote mental health and wellbeing. And, a hot tub can provide the perfect environment to practice your meditation skills.

Consider using your hot tub time to practice regular meditation to really capitalize on your “me time.” Read on to better understand the value of meditation, and how it

The Art of Meditation

Meditation techniques are a great tool to help you relax. Studies have shown that meditation can help reduce stress, lower your heart rate, lessen anxiety, and increase feelings of wellbeing.

However, those skilled in the art of meditation might argue that these benefits are not the true goal of meditation. They would offer that the true goal of meditation is to help the mind detach from things that are outside of its control.

What is Meditation?

The word ‘meditation’ is equivalent to a word like ‘sports.’ “It’s a family of activity, not a single thing,” Dr. Richard J. Davidson, University of Wisconsin neuroscience lab director, told the New York Times.

The techniques for relaxation through meditation are vast, but they all share a common goal – reaching a tranquil state of being. Meditation comes in a variety of forms, like concentration meditation, mindfulness meditation, and tai chi, but we will keep it simple by sticking to some basic descriptions and core techniques.

When you think of meditation, think of it as a way to focus your mind and separate from the mental distractions of the day. For example, the commute home can be replete with distractions, like thinking about what’s for dinner or worrying about a project at work. Amit Sood, author of The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living, describes this state of mind as ‘autopilot daze’ and refers to it as our ‘default mode,’ where we spend about half our time. In it, he says, we’re typically unhappy. Spending too much time in this “daze” can lead to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and attention deficit.

In the driving-home scenario, imagine police car lights show up in your rear view mirror. Now you’re in ‘focus mode.’ Your thoughts shift to the present.  All your distractions are replaced by a clear, single-mindedness. You check your speed, concentrate on the road ahead, and so on. You’re in the moment.

Meditation, Sood told the U.S. News and World Report, is essentially that process of cutting through the brain’s static and finding focus.

Meditating in your hot tub

Can you meditate in your Hot Springs Spas hot tub? Of course! One of the key elements to successful meditation is getting as comfortable as possible. Basking in the warmth of your spa can be an ideal way to relax and achieve a perfect state of comfort.

Is meditation hard to learn?

Like most things in life, meditation takes practice. Check out these basic tips to help you get started:

  • Practice meditating for just two minutes at first. As you feel more comfortable, increase your meditation time little by little.
  • Plan to meditate at the same time every day. Schedule a 20-minute renewal soak in your hot tub every day. This soak can relax your body while you focus on relaxing your mind.
  • As you begin, focus on resting with complete stillness, mindfulness, and awareness.
  • Make comfort your priority. Pick your favorite seat in the hot tub. Remove any distractions, including the hot tub jets. You can easily turn them off and soak quietly.
  • Relax completely. Let your eyes close. Breathe normally through your nose, taking deep breaths as needed.
  • Turn away from the outside world and bring your attention inward. Focus on your breathing. Feel each inhalation and exhalation. Push all thoughts out of your mind and focus completely on the act of breathing.
  • Bring your focus inward and you try to achieve true stillness. As you practice more and more, you will find stillness is easier to accomplish.
  • Don’t be hard on yourself if your thoughts wander (and they will). You’ll get better at it with practice.

Achieving true silence in your mind is the most difficult part, as it is contrary to our mental nature. Keep practicing, as each effort is a great stress reducer!

Your thoughts

Are you a fan of meditation? Have you ever practiced meditating in your Hot Springs Spas hot tub? If you try daily hot tub meditation now, we would love to know how it has worked for you! Have you noticed a decrease in your daily stress?

Interested in more information on meditation? Take a look at these links:

https://www.summum.us/meditation/simple.shtml

https://zenhabits.net/meditation-guide/

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The Art of Hot Tub Relaxation

Monday, September 19th, 2016

Take Your Relaxation to a Whole New Level.

Taking time to relax and destress is an important element of maintaining a balanced life. Being immersed in warm water has been proven to help you relax both physically and mentally, and even helps your body turn down the “fight or flight” response we have to stress. Like hot tubbing, meditation is another tool that can help promote mental health and wellbeing. And, a hot tub can provide the perfect environment to practice your meditation skills.

Consider using your hot tub time to practice regular meditation to really capitalize on your “me time.” Read on to better understand the value of meditation, and how it

The Art of Meditation

Meditation techniques are a great tool to help you relax. Studies have shown that meditation can help reduce stress, lower your heart rate, lessen anxiety, and increase feelings of wellbeing.

However, those skilled in the art of meditation might argue that these benefits are not the true goal of meditation. They would offer that the true goal of meditation is to help the mind detach from things that are outside of its control.

What is Meditation?

The word ‘meditation’ is equivalent to a word like ‘sports.’ “It’s a family of activity, not a single thing,” Dr. Richard J. Davidson, University of Wisconsin neuroscience lab director, told the New York Times.

The techniques for relaxation through meditation are vast, but they all share a common goal – reaching a tranquil state of being. Meditation comes in a variety of forms, like concentration meditation, mindfulness meditation, and tai chi, but we will keep it simple by sticking to some basic descriptions and core techniques.

When you think of meditation, think of it as a way to focus your mind and separate from the mental distractions of the day. For example, the commute home can be replete with distractions, like thinking about what’s for dinner or worrying about a project at work. Amit Sood, author of The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living, describes this state of mind as ‘autopilot daze’ and refers to it as our ‘default mode,’ where we spend about half our time. In it, he says, we’re typically unhappy. Spending too much time in this “daze” can lead to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and attention deficit.

In the driving-home scenario, imagine police car lights show up in your rear view mirror. Now you’re in ‘focus mode.’ Your thoughts shift to the present.  All your distractions are replaced by a clear, single-mindedness. You check your speed, concentrate on the road ahead, and so on. You’re in the moment.

Meditation, Sood told the U.S. News and World Report, is essentially that process of cutting through the brain’s static and finding focus.

Meditating in your hot tub

Can you meditate in your Hot Springs Spas hot tub? Of course! One of the key elements to successful meditation is getting as comfortable as possible. Basking in the warmth of your spa can be an ideal way to relax and achieve a perfect state of comfort.

Is meditation hard to learn?

Like most things in life, meditation takes practice. Check out these basic tips to help you get started:

  • Practice meditating for just two minutes at first. As you feel more comfortable, increase your meditation time little by little.
  • Plan to meditate at the same time every day. Schedule a 20-minute renewal soak in your hot tub every day. This soak can relax your body while you focus on relaxing your mind.
  • As you begin, focus on resting with complete stillness, mindfulness, and awareness.
  • Make comfort your priority. Pick your favorite seat in the hot tub. Remove any distractions, including the hot tub jets. You can easily turn them off and soak quietly.
  • Relax completely. Let your eyes close. Breathe normally through your nose, taking deep breaths as needed.
  • Turn away from the outside world and bring your attention inward. Focus on your breathing. Feel each inhalation and exhalation. Push all thoughts out of your mind and focus completely on the act of breathing.
  • Bring your focus inward and you try to achieve true stillness. As you practice more and more, you will find stillness is easier to accomplish.
  • Don’t be hard on yourself if your thoughts wander (and they will). You’ll get better at it with practice.

Achieving true silence in your mind is the most difficult part, as it is contrary to our mental nature. Keep practicing, as each effort is a great stress reducer!

Your thoughts

Are you a fan of meditation? Have you ever practiced meditating in your Hot Springs Spas hot tub? If you try daily hot tub meditation now, we would love to know how it has worked for you! Have you noticed a decrease in your daily stress?

Interested in more information on meditation? Take a look at these links:

http://www.summum.us/meditation/simple.shtml

http://zenhabits.net/meditation-guide/

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How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015

When shopping for hot tubs, you will quickly find that there are several factors that can affect the final price of your dream spa.  And while we would love to provide you with some sort of online price calculator, the reality is that all pricing is set at the local market level.  Which means the best place for you to get pricing on specific models is your local retailer.

What goes into the price of a hot tub?

The biggest factor in hot tub cost is the construction of the spa.  There are basically two options to consider: is the spa acrylic or rotationally molded?

Acrylic spas are traditionally more expensive than rotationally molded spas due in part to the nature of how they are made.  They require more labor and higher material costs which means a more expensive spa for you.

Roto-molded hot tubs on the other hand take much less time and labor to produce, resulting in a hot tub that is naturally more affordable. But don’t mistake the lower price tag to mean lower quality. Roto molded hot tubs are extremely durable since they are made of polyethylene resin. And Watkins Manufacturing, the maker of Fantasy Spas, is the world’s largest producer of hot tubs.  In fact, our factory in Vista is ISO 9001:2008 certified, which means we manufacture our spas in accordance with one the strictest quality management systems around.

Energy Efficiency and Heat Retention

Since above ground hot tubs stay on all the time, you want a spa that is fully insulated and will keep the water hot all the time, with minimal energy consumption.  Quality hot tubs will always have full-foam insulation. Be careful of spas that have their cabinets filled with bags of fluff – those won’t keep the spa insulated nearly as well as filling the entire body cavity with foam. And if you have poor insulation, your hot tub will have to continually heat the water, using more energy and increasing your electric bills.  Fantasy Spas use only full foam insulation and are certified to the strict guidelines set forth by the California Energy Commission for hot tub consumption (the strictest set of guidelines in the country!)

Heater versus Heat Recovery (Thermal Friction)

It seems odd, but some spas don’t have an actual heater. They use what’s called a heat recovery or thermal friction heating system.  This system heats the water by capturing energy from the pump and converting it to heat.  The spa water will still get as hot, and stay as hot, as spas with a traditional heating units. The only difference is the base price of the hot tub.  Hot tubs with thermal friction units will generally have a lower price tag than those with stainless steel heaters.

Does size matter?

It usually does when looking at hot tub price tags.  Small spas, like the Aspire ® that are designed for two people, or small patios are going to have a much lower starting price point than larger spas, like the Fantasy Spas Entice®.

Fire up the Jets!

You will most likely pay more for a hot tub with more jets.  But in all honesty, who needs a 110 jets?  There’s only so many jets a person can enjoy at a time.

Accessories

Items such as steps, cover lifters and water care systems are usually not included in the base price of a spa, but they make a huge impact on the overall ease of use and enjoyment of a hot tub and are well worth the extra investment. Delivery is another thing to consider. Most acrylic spas weigh upwards of 500 lbs., so you may want to have your local retailer deliver the hot tub for you. Fantasy Spas, on the other hand, weigh less than 300 lbs, and because of their durability, you can easily turn them on their side, put them on a furniture dolly and wheel it into your backyard on your own – potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

So really, how much does a hot tub cost?

Depending on the construction, make and model, energy efficiency, jets, accessories, etc. hot tub costs can range anywhere from $2,699 to roughly $20,000. If you want to know about our Fantasy Spa models, sends us a request!

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How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015

When shopping for hot tubs, you will quickly find that there are several factors that can affect the final price of your dream spa.  And while we would love to provide you with some sort of online price calculator, the reality is that all pricing is set at the local market level.  Which means the best place for you to get pricing on specific models is your local retailer.

What goes into the price of a hot tub?

The biggest factor in hot tub cost is the construction of the spa.  There are basically two options to consider: is the spa acrylic or rotationally molded?

Acrylic spas are traditionally more expensive than rotationally molded spas due in part to the nature of how they are made.  They require more labor and higher material costs which means a more expensive spa for you.

Roto-molded hot tubs on the other hand take much less time and labor to produce, resulting in a hot tub that is naturally more affordable. But don’t mistake the lower price tag to mean lower quality. Roto molded hot tubs are extremely durable since they are made of polyethylene resin. And Watkins Manufacturing, the maker of Fantasy Spas, is the world’s largest producer of hot tubs.  In fact, our factory in Vista is ISO 9001:2008 certified, which means we manufacture our spas in accordance with one the strictest quality management systems around.

Energy Efficiency and Heat Retention

Since above ground hot tubs stay on all the time, you want a spa that is fully insulated and will keep the water hot all the time, with minimal energy consumption.  Quality hot tubs will always have full-foam insulation. Be careful of spas that have their cabinets filled with bags of fluff – those won’t keep the spa insulated nearly as well as filling the entire body cavity with foam. And if you have poor insulation, your hot tub will have to continually heat the water, using more energy and increasing your electric bills.  Fantasy Spas use only full foam insulation and are certified to the strict guidelines set forth by the California Energy Commission for hot tub consumption (the strictest set of guidelines in the country!)

Heater versus Heat Recovery (Thermal Friction)

It seems odd, but some spas don’t have an actual heater. They use what’s called a heat recovery or thermal friction heating system.  This system heats the water by capturing energy from the pump and converting it to heat.  The spa water will still get as hot, and stay as hot, as spas with a traditional heating units. The only difference is the base price of the hot tub.  Hot tubs with thermal friction units will generally have a lower price tag than those with stainless steel heaters.

Does size matter?

It usually does when looking at hot tub price tags.  Small spas, like the Aspire ® that are designed for two people, or small patios are going to have a much lower starting price point than larger spas, like the Fantasy Spas Entice®.

Fire up the Jets!

You will most likely pay more for a hot tub with more jets.  But in all honesty, who needs a 110 jets?  There’s only so many jets a person can enjoy at a time.

Accessories

Items such as steps, cover lifters and water care systems are usually not included in the base price of a spa, but they make a huge impact on the overall ease of use and enjoyment of a hot tub and are well worth the extra investment. Delivery is another thing to consider. Most acrylic spas weigh upwards of 500 lbs., so you may want to have your local retailer deliver the hot tub for you. Fantasy Spas, on the other hand, weigh less than 300 lbs, and because of their durability, you can easily turn them on their side, put them on a furniture dolly and wheel it into your backyard on your own – potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

So really, how much does a hot tub cost?

Depending on the construction, make and model, energy efficiency, jets, accessories, etc. hot tub costs can range anywhere from $2,699 to roughly $20,000. If you want to know about our Fantasy Spa models, sends us a request!

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