Jets, Water Care Systems, Lighting, Entertainment, And More!
Ask any number of hot tub owners what the best part of owning a hot tub is and you’ll get just as many different answers. That’s because hot tub owners have ‘customized’ their hot tubs to fit their different lifestyles and needs. When making their decisions, they put a lot of thought into how they want to use their spa —and so should you.
At the dealership, you’ll look at spa collections and choose a model that has all the fantastic features you need, and then you’ll choose the options and upgrades that will allow you to personalize your new spa even more. So, you’ll want to think ahead.
Whether you’re trading in your current spa or buying a new hot tub for the first time, you’ll want to take your time making your final decisions, so that the spa you purchase will provide you with enjoyment and healthy benefits for as long as you own it. Here’s everything you need to know.
WAYS TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR HOT TUB
Customizing your hot tub is a two-step process that’s similar to buying a car. First, you’ll look at the spa collections and choose the perfect model by considering the features of each— size, number of seats, jet configuration, pumps, water care system, cabinet design, and lighting that you like best. Then, you’ll choose your options and upgrades, such as an entertainment system, water care accessories, cabinet and shell color combinations, spa steps, umbrellas, and more.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOT TUB MODEL FROM A COLLECTION
Spa manufacturers typically offer a number of hot tub collections and a number of models in each collection. The models vary in size and the types of features offered. So, selecting a hot tub comes down to finding the model that will suit you and your family best. Here’s a look at the factors to consider when selecting a hot tub model.
SIZE
How much hot tub do you need? Large spas offer plenty of space to stretch out with friends and family. Smaller hot tubs have fewer seats and fit in tighter spaces, such as small patios and balconies. Finding a hot tub that’s the perfect size for you will help you feel at home when you soak. When it’s just right, you’ll know.
SEATS
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when shopping for a hot tub is the number of seats in the spa. Some hot tubs are intimate, designed just for two people, while others are perfect for a large family and entertaining guests, with room for up to seven people. Generally, as the number of seats increases, so does the spa price. So, you’ll want to consider your budget as well as seating options.
Some hot tub manufacturers also offer special seats, such as the unique lounge seat found in the 2018 Limelight® Flair®. Having a seat you love in your spa is like having your favorite chair in the living room—it’s the spot in which you’ll feel most comfortable.
If you find a hot tub with a seat that looks perfect for you, it just might be the spa you’ll bring home. But you won’t know for sure until you try it out. Taking a test soak at your local dealer with allow you to make sure the seats are comfortable, shaped to fit your body, and that they help you remain in place even when powerful jets are turned on you. A test soak will also help you determine if the tread is deep enough to allow you to sit back and relax without having to hang your leg off the edge of the seat.
JETS
There are many ways to enjoy a warm-water soak, but what makes a hot tub soak so special are the massaging jets. Spa jets with just the right amount of pressure work wonders on sore muscles and help provide relief from stress.
Not every muscle needs to be worked the same way, however, and pressure preference varies among hot tub owners. So, manufacturers offer a wide variety of hot tub jets, including directional and precision jets designed to provide massages to specific body parts, such as shoulders, feet, and the lower back.
Also, depending on the spa model you choose, you can benefit from targeted jet massage in seating areas. For example, one seating area might focus on shoulders, wrists, and lower back; another area might focus on feet, calves, thighs, and the lower back. With select Hot Spring models, you can up the jet massage bar with our unique MotoMassage® jet configuration that through two adjustable streams of water ‘walks’ up and down your entire back—similar to a skilled masseuse.
Discover how Hot Spring designs spas for the very best massage experiences.
WATER CARE SYSTEMS
One of the most important aspects of hot tub performance is its water care system. Fortunately, hot tub manufacturers have developed several ways to keep your spa water as pure and clean as Antarctic snow. Here are the three water care systems available from Hot Spring:
FreshWater® Salt System
The innovative FreshWater Salt Water System, available on Highlife and Limelight Collections, takes the guesswork out of water care and gives you the best water available. With just a little salt in your spa water, the system generates chlorine automatically so you’ll spend less time measuring and adding chemicals. This unique system makes spa ownership easier than ever by removing the guesswork and hassle of water care maintenance.
Traditional Chlorine Water Care Systems
Traditional water care systems rely on a regimen of chlorine sanitizers, pH balancers, water clarifiers and conditioners, and calcium removers. The amount of each chemical you’ll need to add depends on the spa water conditions, so you’ll have to test your condition levels regularly to be sure they’re within the right range. When using a traditional water care system, it’s a good idea to change the spa water every three or four months to prevent chloramine buildup.
FILTRATION
The cleaner your spa water, the more you’ll enjoy your time in it. While hot tub filtration systems purify spa water, filters vary in size and number. More large filters, or filters with greater surface area, clean more water faster than a few small filters. Some spas models have total filtration systems, which purify water more thoroughly than other filtration systems. You’ll also want to consider the filter material. Paper (polyester) filters have long been the standard, but new ceramic fiber technology is also available.
CABINET DESIGN
Your personal taste and home or backyard design will determine your choice of spa model cabinet style. Few cabinets are still made of wood, but most high-quality cabinets, including Everwood cabinets available from Hot Spring, are now constructed of durable synthetic materials.
LED LIGHTING
Elegant interior and exterior lighting is to be expected on luxury and premium spas. Myriad energy-efficient LED lights dot the insides of Hot Spring Limelight®, Highlife®, and Hot Spot®collections. Each model comes with a specific, factory-installed lighting system. The LED lighting on these spas change colors, repeat patterns, and highlight different areas of your spa in different ways. You’re sure to find lighting configuration that speaks to you.
WATER FEATURES
Most hot tubs now come with beautiful water features that add gentle white noise and a bit more magic to your daily soaks. Waterfalls and fountains are entrancing, especially when complemented by LED lights.
PERSONALIZING THE HOT TUB MODEL YOU’VE CHOSEN
Once you’ve chosen your hot tub model, you get to really make it your own by selecting the colors that match your taste, the entertainment system that fits your lifestyle, the water care upgrade that will fit your needs, and the accessories that will put your spa over the top. For added versatility and maintenance support, you can also consider a cooling system and a remote monitoring system. Owning a hot tub that you’ve personalized, will make all the time you put into choosing just the right one worth it.
SHELL, CABINET, AND COVER COLOR OPTIONS
Most hot tub manufacturers, including Hot Spring, offer several shell, cabinet, and cover color options to match your taste and your home’s design. Which shell color will best match the style of your deck? Will a lighter cabinet look better than a darker shade under your favorite elm? What color cover will best match everything? By visiting your local hot tub dealer, you can get the full color experience and even turn on the spa lights to see how brilliant your hot tub will look when lighted in different color configurations.
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
Hanging out in a hot tub can be a hoot. Many spa manufacturers allow you to choose built-in factory speakers through which you can stream music and podcasts. But high-tech spa upgrade options allow you to connect the spa speakers to your home entertainment system using Bluetooth® technology. Imagine choosing your tunes right from your hot tub’s Captain’s seat. Hot Spring entertainment options also include a 22” HD TV spa monitor, so you can watch sports, movies, and your favorite shows as you recline into a jet massage.
COVER LIFTERS
A spa cover is an essential piece of equipment for hot tub owners because it keeps rain, debris, and insects out of the spa. It also keeps the heat in and your electric bill low.
Built for durability and insulation, a quality hot tub cover is necessarily heavy, which makes it difficult for one person to remove and replace. Fortunately, hot tub manufacturers offer efficient cover lifters that make it easy to remove and replace the cover with just one hand. This extremely helpful accessory means you’ll use your spa more often.
There are a few different types of hot tub cover lifters, so you’ll choose the one that’s best for you depending on your needs and budget. To be certain you purchase a lifter that fits your spa correctly and functions smoothly, it’s best to buy it from the same manufacturer that designed your hot tub. Here are the cover lifter options offered by Hot Spring:
COVERCRADLE® COVER LIFTER
The CoverCradle cover lifter makes moving your cover super easy with two pneumatic gas shocks and a smooth, gliding motion. It requires 24” back clearance and 3” side clearance.*
COVERCRADLE II COVER LIFTER
The second-generation CoverCradle, the CoverCradle II cover lifter is very easy to use but relies on only a single pneumatic gas shock. Like its predecessor, the CoverCradle II requires 24” back clearance and 3” side clearance.*
UPRITE® COVER LIFTER
Requiring just 7” back clearance and 3” side clearance,* the UpRite cover lifter is ideal for hot tubs placed in tight locations, such as on a balcony or under a gazebo. Because the cover doesn’t fold when stowed, it double-duties as a privacy screen.
LIFT ‘N GLIDE® COVER LIFTER
If you want to stow your cover folded, consider the Lift’N’Glide cover lifter. A gliding action makes it easy to lift, remove, and stow the cover in 14” of back clearance and 3” side clearance.*
*Actual back and side clearance may vary depending on spa model and location.
SPA SIDE STEPS
For some people, the height of a hot tub can be challenging. To make stepping into and out of your spa easy, consider stylish spa steps. High-quality steps have non-slip surfaces for solid footing and are made of durable materials.
SPA HANDRAIL
It’s good to have something to hold onto for added safety and security when entering and exiting your hot tub. Quality spa handrails are sturdy, and some even swing inside and outside the spa and lock in place.
TOWEL TREE
A towel tree is a great spa accessory— one that helps to avoid tracking water across the deck or inside the home. You can grab a towel as soon as you get out of the spa, dry off, and then settle into your favorite deck chair. No more hanging towels on railings to dry.
UMBRELLA
On a sunny patio or a rooftop deck, it can get a little too hot in mid-summer to enjoy an afternoon soak in your spa. But a beautiful spa side umbrella can provide all the shade you need and protect you if it starts to drizzle during a midnight soak.
THE COOLZONE™ COOLING SYSTEM
Soaking in a warm spa is wonderful, but sometimes, especially after workouts or on hot summer days, you might want the option to cool off in your hot tub. The CoolZone™ Cooling System from Hot Spring allows you to chill your spa water to as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit and heat it back up again in just a matter of hours. With CoolZone, you can wake up with a warm soak, cool off with a brisk dip in the afternoon, and then melt the evening away with a hot soak before bed.
REMOTE SPA MONITORING
A remote spa monitoring system is ideal for people with second homes, those who travel frequently, and on-the-go parents who want to keep an eye on their hot tub when the kids are at home. The Connextion® Remote Spa Monitoring System from Hot Spring allows you to view your hot tub’s current condition from a mobile device.
With Connextion, you can check the water temperature and the cleanliness of your filters. Plus, the system will message you and your spa dealer to alert you both to certain issues that need attention. If a circuit breaker trips, for example, you’ll be notified. You can also lock and unlock the control panel remotely and adjust hot tub settings from wherever you are.
Now that you know all the ways to customize a new hot tub, the next part is up to you. When you take your time to consider everything you need and want from a spa, you’ll quickly discover that there’s a hot tub perfect for your needs and just waiting for you.
