Types of Hot Tubs and Spas
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Hot tubs and spas are almost a requirement for a well-optioned home. More than five million households have a hot and/or spa according to the Pool and Spa Association with new additions daily. These large-ticket items are enjoyed by families everywhere yearlong. Hot tubs and spas come in different fashions to suit the buyer's need.
Inflatable Hot Tubs
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Inflatable hot tubs are the least expensive and most portable hot tubs on the market. Inflatable hot tubs are usually made of vinyl, plastic or nylon and seat two to four people. The ease of installation makes these hot tubs a popular choice for first time owners. They weight about 100 pounds and take up limited space, ideal for people with space constraints. They can be installed on just about any flat surface, both indoors and outdoors, and can be plugged into a standard 110-volt outlet. Inflatable hot tubs are easy to tear down and move should an owner decide to relocate. The drawbacks are that inflatable hot tubs are not nearly as durable as acrylic or wooden hot tubs and often come with little or no warranty.
Wooden Hot Tubs
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For people that like a traditional, rustic feel, wooden hot tubs are the perfect solution. Made from oak, redwood or teak, wooden hot tubs look like wine barrels from days gone by. Wooden hot tubs offer the added benefit of natural aromatherapy that cannot be found in any other hot tub construction. Like acrylic spas, wooden hot tubs need a permanent platform on which to rest. Unlike other hot tubs and spas, wooden hot tubs use fire as its heat source allowing it to be placed in remote locations without worrying about electrical outlets. This type of hot tub is of a simplistic design consisting of the barrel and bench seating. Wooden hot tubs require considerable maintenance making them a choice for the truly devoted.
Acrylic Spas
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Above-ground acrylic spas are what most people imagine when somebody mentions a hot tub. Acrylic spas are the most popular type of tub on the market and usually seat between two to 10 people. Acrylic spas consist of an above-ground, self-contained unit that requires a 220-volt power supply and a permanent ground support, usually a concrete pad. Acrylic spas, in general, are more expensive than inflatable hot tubs and offer better aesthetic value. Acrylic spas are more difficult to install and are expensive to move after installation. They normally come with an expansive warranty and have a longer life span than an inflatable hot tub.
In-Ground Spas
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In-ground spas, including those installed as part of a pool/spa combination, are the most expensive of all hot tubs and spas, seating between two to 16 people. In-ground spas require installation from a professional service because of the excavation, concrete, plumbing and electrical work involved. In-grounds spas also need to permitted by local authorities as well as inspected upon completion. Heating is provided from separate electrical or gas units; electric being the least inexpensive to install, gas being the least expensive over the long term.
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