JAMES AND MORRIS CAREY \ On the House Spas provide cool-weather, warm-water fun

There are some interesting misconceptions concerning spas (hot tubs). First, they aren't "most comfortable" during the summer months or other hot times of the year. We equate water-related recreation with hot days. Spas are water-related recreation devices, all right -- except they run at high temperatures, about 99 F to 104 F. This makes them most functional on colder days. And we love getting in ours when it's raining.
Some assume that spas and swimming pools are similar forms of water recreation, but they aren't anything alike. A swimming pool is ideal for cooling down and getting exercise. A spa, on the other hand, is for warming up the musculature and getting a massage. There is not a lot of moving around in a spa. The jet system in most high-end spas is capable of massaging deep into the tissue, reducing muscle aches and joint soreness.
Drinking wine in a spa is a dangerous proposition. Getting the blood to be slightly thinner in viscosity is a good thing for a short time -- as long as the thinning process isn't exacerbated by intoxication.
Making it worthwhile
A spa is a lot less expensive than a swimming pool, but don't be surprised when you end up paying somewhere between $8,000 and $13,000. That's what you'll pay for a good one. The key to a good spa is the number of different stations (seats, positions, etc.) it has and how many pumps are included with the unit. Less expensive models have only one pump. Upper-end spas have as many as three for churning water. We know of one spa company that offers a spa within a spa.
Another misconception: A bench (bed, couch, etc.) in a spa is great for relaxing. Wrong. Some spa companies would like you to think that you can lie down in water and not float to the top. When you lie down in water, you do, indeed, float. Problem is when you float in a spa, you can't enjoy the massage as much. Floating in the water takes you away from the real action -- up-close and personal contact with the water jets.
Look for a spa with lots of seating and no bench. Each seat position in a good spa has a different jet configuration, and therefore, a different massage. And the one most important thing that you will be looking for once you own a spa is variety of massage. Look closely at what you are getting ready to buy. One station may be set up for neck and full spine, whereas another might be designed for hips and legs or feet or calves. Look at where the jets are located and study how you will be massaged. Also, look for innovations in jet configuration. Some jets pulsate and others rotate.
Installation
Once you pick your spa, you will have to get it installed. You will need 220-volt power if you expect to get a unit that is worthwhile. In our opinion, the 110-volt units are woeful. They take days to heat up, and the pump motors are nearly useless. Most spa companies perform their own installation, so be careful. Make them get a permit. With a spa you are dealing with electricity and water in the same container. You don't want an amateur putting it all together and leaving out an important part -- such as a ground wire. Getting a permit forces the spa company to be on its best behavior, so your safety is better protected.
Be sure to get a very good cover when you buy a spa. Better covers will create an airtight seal and save you on your energy bill. Also, the top should have a lock on all four corners -- you can't endanger little ones in your neighborhood.
Also, look into a high-quality cover lift. Good-quality covers are heavy; getting them off of the spa is hard work, even for a burly guy. If you aren't powerful, a cover lift is essential. Be sure your spa is placed on a level surface. We poured a concrete slab for ours. When it comes to construction, there is nothing like a good, solid base.
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