Today, what with the advent of the portable spa, the concept has been catapulted to a new level – one that the ancient Romans or Greeks could never have envisioned.

The options now available are endless, everything from LED lighting to stereo systems to built in LCD televisions. “A spa is really the modern day appliance of the 21st Century,” says Chad Piteau of Trevi Outdoor. “It encompasses so many aspects of living. The snapshot is really about rest and relaxation, health and family time.”

Robert Neal, general manager of Rocky Mountain Pools and Spas agrees. “Spas have really changed since the hippies used Redwood wine vats for a good soak in the 60’s,” he explains. “It’s not about partying anymore. The health benefits are phenomenal.”

The healing properties of water are certainly no secret and when you add heat and hydrotherapy, the benefits increase exponentially. A spa can relieve tension, decrease stress levels and eliminate insomnia. “You will find that at night after a soak in the spa you will get to sleep faster. You won’t have the tense muscles or that buzz when you initially lay in bed. In the morning a good soak finished with a cool shower can have a really energizing effect, clearing your mind for the day ahead,” A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus can significantly benefit from soaking in a hot tub. As well, he explains, a morning soak in a hot tub can provide temporary relief from arthritis pain.

A spa also provides a terrific venue to spend time with your family and friends. “People that have a hot tub realize that it is like taking a family vacation. They know how much time they spend in it and how valuable it is,” says Shelly McCrimmon, district manager at Polar Spas. As a result, she notes that they are willing to spend top dollar for all of the bells and whistles like built in stereo systems with surround sound. She says that her top seller for the past two years has been the Trident Model that seats six with led lighting, stereo system and a water fall.

Speaking of options – just what is available these days? Apparently the trend is toward mood creation, and most importantly indulging all of the senses. Most top models now have multicolored LED lighting, surround sound stereo systems and cascading waterfalls. If you really want to go all out, you can even find a model at Polar Spas (Paramount Deluxe Model by Dynasty Spas) with a built in 17-inch self-rising TV and DVD player.

There seems to be a wide selection of choices when it comes to finishes and cabinetry colour as well. “People are choosing more earth-toned colours – things like antique copper and desert horizon,” says McCrimmon, while adding that the most popular colour is pearl alba. “The pearl finish picks off the colour of the lights beautifully.”

As for actual design? You can find a model that accommodates three people or one that fits eight as well as models that are sized in between. “In Calgary people seem to gravitate toward large, roomy, barrier free designs,” says Neal from the showroom floor at Rocky Mountain Pools and Spas. He gestures toward his most popular model, The HotSpring Grandee which seats up to eight and boasts an open design with molded seating and two corner Moto-Massage® seats which sweep your entire back. “It’s like having your own massage therapist that never gets tired,” he says. Of course, this model also has led lighting, stereo system and waterfall.

Chad Piteau at Trevi Outdoor notes that the big thing now is using the spa as a water feature. “The covers are coming off and people are using them as fountains. They really create a mood, with the lighting and waterfall and stereo.” Piteau says that the top seller at Trevi Outdoor incorporates it all – the isolated massage sequencing, the LED lighting, the surround sound and the water features.

One wonders just what the cost is to experience one of these health enhancing, family bonding, appliances of the 21st century? Well, depending on the options and model, the price can range anywhere from $5,000 upwards to $20,000 and monthly maintenance and heating costs are actually much less than you would think. According to Neal the new generation of spas are extremely well insulated, but just to be on the safe side he cautions that for Calgary’s climate you should ensure that your spa is insulated with high-density polyurethane foam. He says that monthly heating costs should even out around the $25 a month mark with 6 day a week use at 40 degree Fahrenheit ambient water temperatures. He is so sure, he even guarantees this amount in writing.

So given all of the benefits of owning a spa, the convenience and the affordability, why isn’t there a spa in every backyard in North America? According to Piteau there is just too much confusion – confusion about number of jets, type of jets, seating and options. He says that selecting the right model is very important because of the variation in body size.

Robert Neal at Rocky Mountain Pools and Spas is adamant about trying out a model before purchasing. “Throw the inhibitions aside and test soak. Everyone is a different weight and size. Test soaking will definitely get you into the right model,” he explains. He also has some other words of advice when shopping for a spa: “ Don’t take the salesman’s word on it. Go third party and look at the National Spa and Pool Institute; go online to chat rooms on hot tubs and find out who’s making the quality product and who isn’t.” Also, he explains that instead of looking at the number of jets or horsepower rating – the consumer should consider the adjustability of the jets, the quietness level and the feel and quality of the massage.

McCrimmon suggests that when buying the most important thing is comfort. “Try to get comfort for mom and dad and then everything else is gravy.” She also implies that it is always better to get more options than to come back five years later saying ‘Oh I wish I had that’. “ People are happier with their spa if they get more than they think they should.”

The bottom line explains Robert Neal is that spas are one of the few things that you can buy that really aren’t a fad – they become part of your lifestyle. “When you are caught in traffic for two hours, a soak in the spa is something that you really begin to look forward to when you walk in the door.”  NL

Water Management Tips
Today every effort has been made to ensure that spa water quality is healthy and crystal clear – not to mention easy to maintain. Most spas now utilize in addition to built-in  filtration and circulation systems, an ozonation process. “With it, your reliance on bromine and chlorine is reduced substantially,” says Robert Neal of Rocky Mountain Pools and Spas.

According to Chad Piteau at Trevi Outdoor there are three legs to proper water management: one is filtration; one is circulation; and the other is water chemistry. “It is like a three legged stool – with one of them off you are down.”

That being said here are a few tips on water maintenance:
• After each spa use add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of bromine or chlorine and run the jets to distribute it.

• Two or three times per week take a test strip to measure the pH, the alkalinity, the sanitizer level and the calcium level. Adjust accordingly to get each one into balance with water care products. pH should be at 7.5, which is the pH of human tear ducts, so eyes won’t itch and burn.

• Once a week, shock the spa with an oxidizer and use a mineral inhibitor.

• Every few weeks have the water analyzed – most dealers will do it free of charge.

• Spa water should be changed every four months. Most spas are gravity drained and can be drained into your yard. According to Neal if you have cared for your water pH and alkalinity, the water quality in your spa will be better than that in the tap. “It is fine to go into drains without concern, just make sure that you let the sanitizer level drop to zero before draining.”