creating your own spa H
By Cindy MacKay
ot tubs can be used year- round and those who have them find they are a great way to relax after a hard day
in the garden. If your hot tub is installed in a garden setting all the better. The healing powers of hydrotherapy
have been known for the last 4,000 years. The Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Turks, Japanese, Nordic and Native American native cultures all sought out hot spring mineral baths for both bath- ing and healing purposes. Immersing the body in water eases
pressure on joints and muscles. Warm water slows the internal organs while heat dilates the blood vessels, increasing circulation. This releases natural endor- phins which stimulate pain relief and promote sweating to help detoxify the body. With frequent use, hydrotherapy becomes a natural part of a health care regime, relieving not only muscle and joint pain, but easing respiratory and circulation ailments. The home hot tub was introduced in America in the 1940s and became popu-
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lar with the hippy movement, which used large wooden drums and barrels during the 60s. The Jacuzzi brothers were the first to introduce a fiberglass and acrylic shell-based home model into the market in the early 1970s. The development of jets and pumps with circulating filtration systems and acces- sories soon followed. The popularity of the home spa has
continued to grow and today many hot tub options are available on the market. Unlike an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub can be used year round. Personal preference is a huge decid-
ing factor when it comes to purchasing a hot tub. Basic units have fewer jets and would be appropriate for those who like a gentle relaxing soak in hot water. These units also have a smaller pump which will require less power to run. A larger pump will move the water
faster and requires more power to use. Many dealers will let you try out the tubs to help you make the best purchas- ing decision. The size of unit you purchase will
largely depend on the number of primary users. A five-person unit will accommodate a family and a few friends occasionally. Consider where you will put the
unit. Hot tubs filled with people can often reach weights of 5,000 pounds and require a reinforced deck or a cement pad. Access to an appropriate electrical outlet will be necessary and an upgrade to your current electrical service might be in order. Think about the sight lines of your
property; what kind of view do you wish to enjoy while using the unit and is there is enough privacy? If you enclose your hot tub in a
gazebo it is a good idea to make the structure large enough to allow for a sitting or storage area. You can make it a creative space
and soak away among plants, trees and ferns. Adding a skylight dome to your gazebo will allow you to stargaze from the comfort of your bubbling oasis and will bring light in to feed your plants.
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