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Posts Tagged ‘Spain’

Properly made and designed Hot Tubs should have the very latest ideas in design and in this aricle I set out a couple of points that need to be taken into account when you are choosing a Hot Tub that is namely Energy Conservation Systems and Manifold Plumbing.

Energy Conservation Systems

One example is that in today’s modern age one must consider energy efficiency and as one example does it have an Energy Saver System built into the Hot Tub. Combine this also of course with the ability to run on say only 16 amp as opposed to many cheap eastern imports which more often than not have a high amperage requirement.

A Jacuzzi needs to have an energy saver system so as to be more economical in use and also to be more green to the planet – obviously an energy efficient hot tub will save the consumer money and use less precious energy thereby reducing ones carbon footprint which is very politically correct.

Some manufacturers use full-foam when they make their Hot Tubs and these are in my view and that of very large American manufacturers an old design as they need to be able to vent off the motor-generated heat to the outside air where of course the latent heat contained win in the unit is just simply wasted. Now when a modern Jacuzzi has an energy saver system the heat produced by the mechanical equipment in the Spa is re used for the Spa rather than just vented and wasted way to the outside so it must obviously be more efficient.

The way an energy saver system works is simply to conserve the heat generated by the operating components so that it can be recycled, and used again.

As water flows through the pipes and plumbing towards the jets it can draw in air so as to make a water air mixture by an action which is known as venturi. This air for the venturi effect is in fact taken from the pocket of warm air created by the Insulation on the shell and the cabinet. Not only is this warm air recycled and used to warm the water in your jets, but it also helps to maintain the water temperature and thus saves energy and indeed the user money as it will help to reduce the electricity used.

I have heard it said that some manufacturers fully foam their spas so as to keep the noise of the pipes down. That is just poppy cock as a properly designed spa will not make much noise. They usually have to do this as the shell is not made out of branded acrylic and not as strong as it should be hence the need for the full foam reinforcement. If such a spa has a leak it is very difficult to trace as the leak is usually behind the foam.

Manifold Plumbing

Old fashioned hot tub manufacturers and indeed those hot tubs that are not made to the very latest designs and standards use linked, jet-to-jet plumbing systems which can often result in the very first jet in the line being very powerful and the last jet being much less so.

A spa manifold plumbing system is designed to automatically balance the water pressure and even out the water distribution system such innovative designs means that it is possible to reduce the number of actual plumbing joints and in so doing so this helps to maximize the flow of water

This manifold system allows everyone in your spa to enjoy equal jet power – not just the person who happens to be sitting in front of the first jet in the line! The more modern manufacturers construct and build into their plumbing systems two types of pipes – one that is designed specifically for air, and the other designed specifically for water. Where an out of date manufacturer or perhaps a cheap import may use the same type of plumbing and piping throughout the Spa in those circumstances, leaks may arise over time. The better makers do not cut corners to build a cheaper product – they build spas to last! That way there products are recommended by end users and a strong loyalty brand is formed.

Choosing a Hot Tub

by John Lewis

The shape of modern Jacuzzi style Spas and Hot Tubs continues to evolve at quite a pace with manufacturers introducing more and more models in order to catch the publics imagination with increasing Shapes & Colours.

Some Hot Tubs are square say 2 metres by 2 metres and comparably shallow holding just over some 200 Gallons whilst others are exactly the same size but much deeper holding 300 Gallons. This gives one an insight into the purpose of the Hot Tub. The more shallow one with less water capacity would be for semi bouyancy whilst the deeper Hot Tub would produce a much more bouyant sensation. Some would argue for one above the other but we are back to what the consumer actually wants if its a more deeper tub then the choice is obvious equally a more shallow tub may be the one the consumer wants. Possibly the more deeper Hot Tub may be better value but it is I think pretty marginal.

Some hot Tubs are rectangular and indeed any shape is available that the Hot Tub manufactures believe will generate interest in the market place. For example there are octagonal and now deep round shapes. Also there are Swim Spas those Jacuuzi Style Hot Tubs that have a dedicated Swimming area with a special Hot Tub Massage area. These are now becoming very popular.

The choice of Jets is also expanding considerably with some manufacturers offering the ability for the consumer to be able to choose the positioning and type of Jets in certain models. This means that it is now possible to have a custom Hot Tub made for you.

The original Hot Tubs of years ago were circular and made out of wood like very large beer barrels and today some modern Hot Tubs are produced in that shape also. These round Hot Tubs provide a great deep Tub with plenty of Jets and a great Hydro massage effect. At the same time they are very good for friends and the family to get together and have a chat.

Some of the many other things to consider when choosing a Hot Tub are the combination of colours available not only for the shell but also to the cabinet. Some Hot Tub suppliers / manufacturers have quite a limited choice in colours but it is possible to get literally any colour in the shell of a modern Hot Tub.

Do you want a flag say the Spanish Flag perhaps,or the British Flag or the Irish Flag or the French Tri-Colour through the shell of your very own Hot Tub of course it is all possible today? Perhaps the colours of your favourite football team or indeed a real life example the racing colours of the Kawasaki Motor Bike racing colours !!!

Anything is possible today in the modern market place for the consumer to specify exactly the Hot Tub that they want.

Do you want to be able to specify the Jets in your Hot Tub and more than that there location? Yes you can choose the combination and the placing of the Jets in the latest modern Hot Tubs. This gives the consumer the chance to choose exactly what they want and have a Hot Tub custom built for them. No longer is one restricted to the standard ideas made by the manufacturers who are only interested in mass production.

Next time you are looking for a Jacuzzi style Spa – Hot Tub why don’t you look out for the new round shapes and the very varied colours that are becoming available.

When looking to buy a hot tubs & Jacuzzi style spa you must decide on the type and size of spa and then consider on what budget range that you are prepared to spend! It is best to have a budget range as then you can have some choices and options in your decision making process.

 A smaller Jacuzzi style hot tub will usually cost less than a larger model obviously then will depend on the options and the features of the Spa.  A smaller spa will hold fewer people but at the same they take up a smaller space and sometimes space is an important consideration.

A smaller hot tub can work very well for a just a couple or small family.

However if you  plan on entertaining your friends or if you have a large family a  large spa could well be a better choice as it can accommodate  more people. Also bigger spas and hot tubs tend to have more features.

Basically Hot Tubs and Jacuzzi style Spas usually come in two main designs that is one with a Lounger and Non-Lounger.

A hot tub that does not have a lounger will usually be able to accommodate more people but of course a non lounger means that there will be no   seat that you can lie down in.

Maintaining a Hot Tub is similar to a car in that it will require regular checks and upkeep in some ways not dissimilar to checking the oil or water on a car.

 There is a tremendous range of products available that greatly help you to reduce the amount of maintenance and chemical use however it will not make your Hot Tub maintenance and chemical free.

 Undoubtedly one of the most important points to consider with owning a Jacuzzi style Hot Tub is the chemical composition of the water.

One very important consideration is that a Jacuzzi Style Tub is completely different from that of a swimming pool.  With the combination of high water temperatures and the ratio of people to water, one has to be careful that problems do not occur.

Items such as sun tan lotion, sun screen and fake tan together with deodorants, cosmetics, perfumes, soaps and ordinary natural body oils are released into the water in the Jacuzzi style Hot Tub water and these can of course cause contamination. Sunscreen and fake tan are two items to be avoided when using a Hot Tub and a quick shower before using a Jacuzzi is a great idea to eliminate these items.

This is one of the reasons why one should use chemicals and products that are specifically designed to be used in Jacuzzi style Hot Tubs.

The testing of the chemical balance in your Tub water is much simpler than many people imagine.

Something that is very important is that regular checking of the water chemical content in ones  Hot Tub and the adjusting as required will of course help to prolong the life of your Jacuzzi and the related pumps and motors.

What with there being so many different Jacuzzi Hot Tub manufacturers in the marketplace today. It is a very good idea to find a manufacturer who has been in business for many decades – probably since the time that portable spas first came onto the marketplace as that will eliminate many pitfalls that can occur with newer companies.

Here a few questions and answers to consider when evaluating the selection of a Hot Tub.

Can a Hot Tub be installed inside or outside?

Hot Tub Jacuzzi can be installed indoors or outdoors, although many spas in the world are installed outdoors. Most modern Hot Tub makers provide models that will fit through European standard doorways. Many spa owners choose to locate the spa on a deck or perhaps a terrace. For an easy solution to privacy, comfort and visual appeal, a gazebo may be just the thing you need to provide a complete and easy solution to weather, comfort and privacy concerns.

Is plumbing necessary, is the installation complicated?

No as all Hot Tubs are easily filled from the top using a garden hose. The only thing required is the electrical connection. Modern portable Hot Tubs contain all the key features such as plumbing and pumps. They are to all intents and purposes self-contained and all modern Hot Tubs now come complete with a high standard insulating cover.

How often do I need to change the water?

A modern Hot Tub will be equipped with an easy access top-loading filter. Avoid the lower priced front-loaded type that causes you to drag the dirty filter through the clean spa water every time you want to clean it. An integrated chemical dispenser avoids the problem of the less effective “floating chemical dispensers” and provides a simple and adjustable method of sanitizing Hot Tub water automatically. It is recommended that the spa water be changed 3-4 times per year. A dedicated drain fitting integrated into the spa cabinet provides easy access for garden hose hookup to drain the spa without having to unscrew side panels or open up the spa interior.

How is the temperature controlled?

Modern quality Hot Tubs will employ digital thermostatic controls. Temperatures can safely be maintained to the nearest degree and readouts can be in Fahrenheit or in Celsius for the European market. Modern Hot Tubs will have built in freeze and overheat protection to make owning a spa effortless. Balboa is the leading manufacturer of this type of Hot Tub control. It is much better to utilize a high end 3.0 kW or 2.5 kW heater instead of the lower priced 1.5 or 2kW heaters as this makes sure that energy is efficiently used and heating time can be significantly reduced.

What about insulation?

Quality manufacturers consider the long term of spa ownership when designing spas. Manufacturers that use advanced manufacturing methods, which employ ABS-backed acrylic instead of older style fiberglass, are able to provide a sturdier, longer lasting product. Not only is the manufacturing process that does not use fiberglass more environmentally friendly, but the stronger more expensive ABS backed shell material allows for elimination of foam shell support. There are many manufacturers who use the lower priced standard Acrylic that must be supported with fiberglass and foam. The foam is referred to as insulation, but actually supports this lower priced shell material. There are many disadvantages with spraying low cost expanding foam into the spa cabinet including lack of access to important plumbing parts and jet surfaces as well as the ability to quickly check for and fix a leak should it occur. Very often, a leak in a foam-filled Hot Tub will manifest itself over a long time period some times many months and the result is a rotted out interior with odorous, soaked foam material that creates a very big mess. It does not in my view represent a “clean” approach to long lasting maintenance, but is necessary for the support of lower priced shell materials. You also see some with a mild steel frame and again the shell is poor quality and needs the support of the steel frame.

As with most things, it is good advice to buy from a well-established manufacturer who has had many decades of experience.

The most important think to lookout for when buying a Jacuzzi is Quality.

Hot Tubs from the east usually have every accesory but not the one they really need a Skip!.

I heard the other day that somebody who had bought a cheap Hot Tub which was an eastern import is unable to get spare parts so that the heater does not work.

You even hear stories of people that buy cheap eastern hot tubs and they do not get the cover for the hot tub till months later.

We saw a cheap eastern import recently with out any floor or base, no insulation, just a load of rubbish. No insulation on the side panels so heat will simply be lost.

Then the electric cables were loose running across the floor and with no base that means that they would get wet when it rains! Good chance of getting electrocuted just so that one can save some money but only in the short term that I would call false economy.

Naturally we told the owner to tie all the cables clear of the floor. The quality of the cables used are not up to western standards and you can tell that by one glance its as simple as that. The plumbing also falls way short of western standards.

Oh why worry if they are fool enough to buy a cheap import from the east what do they honestly expect.

It’s a a bit like the lead paint in toys that come from the east, many people think that they are clever by saving money, but the truth is that they buy a lot of trouble for the future. So in reality it is a very false economy.

Quality manufacturers consider the long term of spa ownership when designing their products. Manufacturers that use advanced manufacturing methods employ ABS-backed acrylic instead of the older style fibreglass and they are able to provide a much sturdier, longer lasting product.

Not only is the manufacturing process that does not use fibreglass as a backing material much more environmentally friendly, but the stronger more expensive ABS backed shell material allows for elimination of foam shell support.

So those manufacturers that use full foam are doing it to support a cheaper shell material. Their approach to production is simply to start from the approach of lets find the cheapest way of construction not the best.

Many manufacturers use the lower priced standard Acrylic that must be supported with fibreglass and foam.

The foam may be referred to as insulation, but in reality it actually supports this lower priced shell material and does not represent a “green” approach to long lasting maintenance, but is only necessary for the support of lower priced shell materials.

We have also heard it said that full foam is used to eliminate the noise of the water in the pipes. Well we are appalled to hear that said as it simply must be a badly designed spa that needs that. It is just simply a cover story to hide the cheap production methods.

There are many disadvantages with spraying low cost expanding foam into the spa cabinet including lack of access to important plumbing parts and jet surfaces as well as the ability to quickly check for and fix a leak should it occur.

Many times a leak in a foam filled cabinet will manifest itself over many months and the result is a rotted out interior with odorous, soaked foam material that creates quite a mess.

Obviously a very well designed and engineered product will lead to an outstanding hydrotherapy massage. Where one will be able to enjoy a vigorous or perhaps soothing massage with the ability to be able to adjust and modify your massage experience to suit or enhance your mood as appropriate.

In summary I would suggest that as a Hot Tub Jacuzzi style spa is probably the third most expensive purchase that you make after your home and perhaps a car that you should try to buy the best that you can afford but make sure that you do not buy a cheap eastern import or a the dog dish looking hot tub. Look for proper branded acrylic such as Lucite and Quarite and ask to see the dealers colour chips from those manufacturers. Sometimes it is Lucite inspired but not Lucite. Look for Balboa controls and aim for a manufacturer who has been making spas for many years. A very good simple test is to see if your hot tub dealer is on first name terms with the owners and directors of the manufacturers of the products’ he is supplying. This is of course impossible if they are based in the East !!!!

Why is it that some Hot Tub manufacturers inject their Hot Tubs  with full foam? Ask them as it could be and is often simply hiding a cheaper form of construction.

So simply ask the sales representative why is it that they inject their Hot Tubs with full foam?

If they come out with the old Chestnut that all the pipes are  covered so as  to keep the noise down it does make wonder what they mean, indeed  have you ever heard such a stupid statement – what noise – it must be a very poorly engineered and designed spa  if that is what they have to do – the plain truth is that they start with the cheapest way to make a spa as they don’t use a quality branded acrylic like Lucite ™ and then you ask yourself the simple question as to why they do not – it is very simple – Lucite ™ costs some four times as much as what they use.

In my view based on many years experience the worlds leading Hot Tubs are made using proper branded acrylic such as Lucite ™  if it does not have a shell  made out of a sheet of either Lucite or an equivalent such as Arisitech Quarite ™ then I think you need to question how well the spa is made internally. It may be cleverly packaged but just because the wrapping paper is good does it mean that the contents of the box of chocolates’ are any good.

When they say it is filled with foam that means that you can not see where the pipes go if there is a leak and it could well be that there is  some inherent weakness in the shell in that it needs the foam for extra strength in any event in my view it is an out of date manufacturing process. 

One large maker of Spas has made a practice of selling cheap-to-make spas in an expensive presentation package, but the end user does need to know that they are made with an inferior shell material. This company fully foams their spas as structural support for the thinner and porous shell material (thus creating a service nightmare if there ever should be a leak somewhere). They also openly vent their cabinets which may lead to bug and rodent infestation that can hide and nestle inside the blown in insulation, and also by venting the cabinets they are loosing expensive heat. 

Next time you are thinking of  buying a Hot Tub Jacuzzi I suggest that you probe a little beneath the wrapping and  presentation and don’t accept what is clearly the glib patter of  a salesman who repeats by rote but is not that of someone who has a passion for their products.

If you are thinking of buying a used hot tub many of the points still equally apply as if you were going to buy a new one.

So it is very important to look for a quality product.

Buying second hand can be a good opportunity for some people but on the other hand it can be fraught with difficulty and much grief for others.

The only advantage in buying second hand is that the price will be lower.

Similar in many ways to a brand new car that once it is driven out of the showroom it will no longer command the brand new price.

The main disadvantage will undoubtedly be the lack of a meaning full manufactures guarantee. Even if it is so young to still be with in the original owners warranty invariably it will only apply to the first owner. Perhaps if it comes with the house that you are buying you may well find then that the dealer may be able to extend the warranty to the new owner.

However if you are buying from a dealer in second hand Hot Tubs then you should obviously be entitled to and indeed insist on some sort of guarantee.

One of the key points to look out for is a well known brand that has been around for many years.

These products from a well known manufacturer are generally well made and provide many years service if looked after and maintained.

They usually have American pumps and components and for example Balboa controls which are recognised as being one of the best in the field.

Obviously it is best to avoid hot tubs that are made in the east as they generally lack the basic electronic components and getting spare parts for them can prove to be a nightmare.

Also my own experience of them is that their build quality is ,to say the least, very variable and not a patch on a properly made American or European product.

If you buy a second hand Hot Tub that has come from a well known manufacturer then you will probably find that it will have a good well made shell.

Look out for Lucite Acrylic shells or Aristech Shells both acknowledged as being high quality acrylic suppliers.

One big disadvantage in buying second hand is that your model will be older in efficiency and design than a new one.

In the last few years designs have improved at quite a pace as has the heat retention so whilst there may be some initial savings on the cost price the running cost may be somewhat higher.

Another is that Jet design has also improved as has the variety of features such as wave massage systems and that kind of thing so you will be buying an outdated model.

If you do buy a second hand hot tub you should make sure that the cover is serviceable and also that it can be locked for safety reasons.

One other point is to find out if the Spa is fully foamed. Just remove a side panel off and you can soon find out.

If the shell is foamed but you can still trace the piping that is not a fully foamed spa and for many reasons that would be my choice.

For one reason if by chance there should be a leak you can find it and fix it easily but if the cabinet is full of foam you can’t see where the pipes go you have a mighty task on your hands. First to remove the wet foam and then to trace the leak.

For another I believe that a fully foamed spa is an outdated mode of construction possibly because the shell is made from a cheaper plastic and having less inherent strength so that it needs the additional support of the foam.

This article is not meant to be exhaustive but to touch on a few points to take into account if you are considering to buy a second hand hot tub.

Here are just a few ideas to take into account to make sure that you do not buy a dog dish looking spa!

The way to avoid that is to make sure that the shell of the Hot Tub is made of a branded American Acrylic such as Lucite or Quarite. Not just that it is simply Lucite inspired or based on a Lucite design. Get the dealer to show you his colours chips marked Quarite and Lucite as appropriate.

If it is not made of these materials then one has to ask one self why not, as these two makers of Acrylic are acknowledged as making some of the best acrylic for Hot Tub Jacuzzi Spas in the world.

If the shell is made out of these materials it is of course your very own assurance that your choice of a Hot Tub Jacuzzi Spa will give you many years of beauty, pleasure, and satisfaction.

I always suggest that one should try the lipstick test and simply apply lipstick on the shell and see if it just wipes off with a tissue as it should? If it does not, then that simply shows that the surface is slightly porous and therefore will provide a home for germs and bacteria.

When these materials are not used then it is usually a clear sign that that cheaper materials are being used (quite often at 25% of the cost of ABS backed acrylic) in the shell, then to provide support to this weaker material the manufacturer blasts the cabinet full of structural foam.

If you have a leak, good luck finding it and the job of ripping out the foam will take hours. Once the spa is out of warranty, you can pay the engineer 5 hours labour to source and repair the leak. Usually it also means that where sprayed foam has been used as structural support, the maker cannot cannot pull the spa shells very deep, since the shell material is thin and cheap to begin with.

One particular maker claims that they fully foam the shell so as to keep the noise from the pipes down and all I can say is that is must be a badly designed Hot Tub if they have to do that

If you can feel under the shell of the Hot Tub do so and try and feel its strength or possible weakness, if it feels damp to the touch or perhaps slightly crumbly this gives one a clue that the shell is not properly cured. I personally would not buy a Jacuzzi if the shell felt like that and I have seen many that fit that description usually cheap eastern imports.

It always pays to probe beneath the surface and just do not listen to the patter of some zombie like sales man or woman just repeating a script.

Another good idea is that you should always buy a Hot Tub with Balboa Controls a company from California, which is undoubtedly one of the worlds leading manufacturers and very well known for reliability and accessibility of spares.

It is best to buy a spa which is made by a leading American or Western manufacturer preferably one with decades of years of experience and therefore they will have had the time and experience to be able to design and construct models where the components naturally work well together.

Leading Western manufacturers have developed their technically advanced systems so as to be able to maximize the performance from the pumps, heaters and blowers to give you the very best water flow to provide an excellent Hydro Massage.

In the latest designs, Water Jets are placed scientifically so as to maximize the flow of water to your body’s pressure points, while allowing one to be able to control the intensity of the flow and pressure as required.

It speaks for its self that a well-engineered and designed product will lead to an outstanding hydrotherapy massage where perhaps one is able to enjoy a vigorous or perhaps soothing massage. It is great to have the ability to be able to customize and modify your massage experience to suit your mood.

In summary buy, the best spa you can afford but make sure that you do not buy a cheap eastern import or one that looks like a dog dish hot tub.

One should look for Balboa controls and proper branded acrylic and aim for a western manufacturer who has been making spas for many years. A very good test is to see if your dealer is on first name terms with the owners and directors of the manufacturers obviously that is much harder if they based are in China!!!!

What a fantastic way to get the relaxing water therapy that you need and refresh your mind and body and get the respite that you deserve from your Hot Tub Jacuzzi. The physical properties of water make it a very helpful medium in which to exercise to treat muscle, neck and back pain. The advantages that water provides to help with Hydro massage and Hydrotherapy is related to the Buoyancy and Viscosity effect of water.

Buoyancy – The flotation effect of water helps to counter balance gravity to a limited degree and helps to support your body weight and this can be controlled by using different massage seats in the Hot Tub. This semi buoyancy can be a support to the development of improved balance and strength and some simple exercises such as stretching and flexing could be carried out.

Jets – On a well made our Hot Tub the Jets will be Interchangeable and completely adjustable – Turn on and off – Total water control – A wide variety of Hydro therapy zones. This interchangeable jet system allows you to control the flow of water pressure and the type of massage you will get at each and every seating area in the spa. Other Hot Tubs & Spas have fixed high pressure jets that may give you a stinging and itching type of massage and may not penetrate deep enough to allow you to get the relief you need & deserve. Avoid spas that have a large number of fixed jets so that you can change jets in your spa as your therapy needs change.

Viscosity – Water naturally provides resistance by means of gentle friction and this coupled with a mixture of pressure provided by warmed Water and Air Jets allows one to strengthen and improve the condition of aches and pains , while reducing the risk of further injury due to loss of balance.

Hydrostatic pressure – there are powerful effects produced by hydrostatic pressure that improve heart and lung function, making some gentle exercise a very useful way to maintain and strengthen heart and lung function. This pressure effect also aids in improving muscle blood flow.

Together, these properties allow for treatment of aches & pains but due to the buoyancy effect it allows you to reduce the weight placed on the body while stretching in the Hot Tub. For example, individuals with osteoarthritis in the neck and shoulder could practice arm circles or shoulder rolls in water to improve their range of motion and strength. Because the water provides both mild resistance and support through buoyancy, the person would most likely not experience the pain caused when a tired arm drops suddenly, as it can do at the end of other exercises. Also the concept of pain may be substantially reduced a result of many factors including the relaxing sounds as well as the warmth of the water provided by the Hot Tub often making this a very pleasurable experience. Also the buoyancy effect of the water allows a wider range of positions in the Hot Tub due to the semi weightless effect of the water.

What benefits can be derived from a modern Jacuzzi Spa for stress relief? The word spa is taken from the famous natural mineral water springs at Spa in Belgium and has become used as a common noun to describe any place with a mineral or medicinal spring

If one goes back in time to Roman times it is interesting to note that of all the various leisure options available at that time that bathing in warm water sometimes using naturally heated water was one of the most revered.

The liquid we know as water is an amazing natural resource. A liquid that we can drink and consume but is a fluid capable of being solid when frozen and increases in density at 4 degrees centigrade.

Warm water is often used in physiotherapy to help recover from injuries and to soothe and relieve muscle stiffness and aches by assisting in the reduction of lactic acid. Warm soothing water helps to open the blood vessels to naturally assist and improve blood circulation round the body. An increase in blood circulation helps to bring nutrients and thereby assists the tissue and muscle groups around arthritic joints relax, and at the same time promotes the flow of endorphins in the body. With out water on the planet the Human race would not survive.

Massage treatment to the feet and hands is known as Reflexology and this is because there are reflexes in the feet and hands that correspond to various parts of the body. The massaging effect of the warm water helps to apply gentle pressure to the feet and hands thereby increasing circulation and providing treatment and much needed respite to specific joint and muscular functions.

Clearly the Romans and indeed the Greeks and Phoenicians before them new that the beneficial effect of the warm water was helpful to their general well-being. This was very much a routine daily activity for men of every class and indeed many women. Bathing today is considered a private activity carried out in the home but bathing in Rome was very much a communal activity carried out usually in public baths. One has only to look at the Roman Baths that survive to see that in many ways they resemble the modern health spas that we have today although one imagines and hopes that they were less expensive. The acceptance of bathing as the main event in daily life belongs to the Roman way of doing things and at the height of the Roman Empire, the thermal baths embodied the ideal Roman way of urban life. Examples of these Roman Hot Tubs can found today. In Britain, there is of course the aptly named City of Bath. In Spain on the Costa del Sol near Manilva and not far away from the famous Roman Oasis Restaurant are the Roman baths of Hedionda. In addition, at Campo Valdes, in Gijon Roman Baths in Antequera Spain and at many other locations in Spain. On of my favourites is at Bolonia just north of Tarifa on the Costa de Luz on the N340 road to Cadiz. This example of an Ancient Roman Hot Tub can still be seen today. Fees for both types of baths were quite reasonable, and within the budget of most free Roman males. Since the Roman workday began at sunrise, work was usually over at little after noon. About 2:00-3:00 pm, men would go to the baths and plan to stay for several hours of sport, bathing, and conversation, after which they would be ready for a relaxing dinner. Today whilst you cannot go and enjoy an old style roman bath, you can still get a very similar effect by Hydrotherapy from a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi Style Spa.

The combination of soothing warm water combined with massage and buoyancy delivers a sensation that not only relaxes the mind and body, but also helps to heal and soothe. With an increased number of jets strategically placed in the Hot Tub Jacuzzi Style Spa for maximum benefit, each & every Hot Tub offers supreme therapeutic support in a carefree setting. The Hot Tub Spa treatment Increases blood flow and aids circulation, reducing & relieving muscle strain, soreness, pressure and tension throughout your body. Clearly something that the Romans were extremely aware of. Calculated buoyancy (and a corresponding feeling of weightlessness) blends perfectly with swirling warm water to deliver a pleasant relaxing soak with healing properties. In fact, you will feel noticeably better in just a very short time using a modern Hot Tub Jacuzzi Style Spa & a Hot Tub Spain