Spas & Hot Tubs

A hot tub is a large home-made or manufactured tub or small pool full of heated water and used for soaking, relaxation, massage, or hydrotherapy. In most cases, they have jets for massage purposes. more...

Hot tubs are usually located outdoors, and are often sheltered for protection from the elements, as well as for privacy.

There are two different styles of hot tubs:

• Simple wooden-staved soaking tubs
• One piece plastic tubs (usually referred to as spas)

Hot tubs are usually heated using an electric or natural gas heater, though there are also submersible wood-fired heaters, as well as solar hot water systems. Hot tubs are also found at natural hot springs; in this case, the water may be dangerously hot and must be combined with cool water for a safe soaking temperature.

Water sanitization is very important in hot tubs, as many organisms thrive in a warm, wet environment. Maintaining the hot tub water chemistry is also necessary for proper sanitization and to prevent damage to the hot tub.

Of the 130-odd manufacturers in North America in 2005, the top twenty each produced more than 7,000 spas annually. China is quickly becoming the largest supplier of Hot tubs.

Wooden tubs

This style of hot tub is constructed with wooden staves and steel bands, very much like a very large barrel. The staves are usually made of redwood, cedar, or teak, with most older tubs made of redwood. Wooden hot tubs are often quite deep, 36"-48", and can be inset within a wooden deck for ease of entry. Inside the tub, wooden bench seating is common, forming a ring around the inner circumference of the tub.

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