November 2011
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Whether you like to be entertained or are just seeking escape, owning your own spa allows you to personalize the experience for you and your family. One great way to get more enjoyment out of your hot tub is to add amenities to the spa and the area around it. POOLLife Magazine offers up ideas for two types of spa owners.
High-Tech Hot Tubs
If you’re a gadget-fiend, the spa is a great place to indulge your fascination with high-tech entertainment. The water-resistant products below are a good place to start.
Television/DVD Players. Manufacturers offer waterproof televisions in a variety of models, including freestanding, spa-side and wall-mounted. Be sure to choose a marine-grade model with an anti-fog shield for high-quality viewing. Some user-friendly models are mounted on movable arms so viewers can enjoy programs while heeding manufacturer instructions to limit in-spa time. Depending on where you locate your television, you might consider one with built-in DVD capability to make set-up and installation easier.
Sound Systems. If your indoor sound system is near your spa area, connect it to wireless outdoor speakers and a waterproof remote for the easiest adaptability. Outdoor systems are available, but generally must be kept in a covered area. For the best sound quality, have a professional install waterproof speakers flush to the top or side of your spa or install pop-up speakers that raise and lower into your spa ledge.
Because every outdoor sound system must contend with background noise, consult an audio professional to be sure your speakers have the power to compete. Some systems also come equipped with satellite radio capability — a nice option if you like variety.
Remote Controls. Why move your relaxed muscles when you can create a high-tech experience at your fingertips? Electricians or pool contractors can put your spa functions including jets, heating and lighting onto remote control. The SONIS system from Patterson, N.J.-based Lux Entertainment, LLC, can even open and close the gate to your house and retract into its pod-like structure at the first sign of bad weather.
Soothing Spa for Low-Tech Lounging
A soothing spa, says Paul Thompson, sales manager for Aqua Spas, a Fort Collins, Colo.-based spa dealership, should have upgrades that prioritize the sensory experience.
“It’s a stressful world out there,” says Brian Van Bower, president and owner of Miami-based Aquatic Consultants and president and co-founder of Genesis 3 Design Group, an educational organization for landscape architects, pool designers, contractors and others who work in water-related environments. “Spas are a great way to replace your mood with something mellow or just a great way to get outdoors.”
Here are some ideas to help you create a more relaxing spa environment.
Sound. Drowning out ambient noises with soothing music or relaxing, natural sounds will help to complete your spa escape. To add to the illusion of a natural retreat, you can buy speakers that are cleverly disguised as planters or faux rocks.
Lighting. Retrofit LED or fiber optic lighting into your spa interior with the help of a trained professional. Use solid or gently changing colors to set the mood, and remote activation allows you to enjoy your spa lights from inside your home, too.
Mist and Fog. Fresh water misting or fogging systems can be attached to a trellis or tree adjacent to your spa for ambiance and a cooling effect.
Aromatherapy. Tap into all your senses to provide an invigorating soaking atmosphere. Try being® aromatherapy products, unique blends made exclusively for hot tubs and baths. being aromatherapy products contains natural blends of essential oils, herbs, and botanicals that further enhance the spa experience. Always follow label instructions and talk with the provider before purchasing any product. For more information, visit www.beingaromatherapy.com.
Enclosures. If you really wish to escape from the outside world, install a spa enclosure. Custom or prefabricated models can make your spa area feel like a lakeside cabin or a Japanese garden.
Remember that to truly relax in your spa or enjoy your gadgets, the water has to sparkle and the exterior should be clean. For tips on maintaining a spa that is worthy of the environment you create around it, read our story on Immaculate Spas.
