Purchasing a hot tub, spa or a swim spa is one of the best things you can do for yourself your friends and your family.  It can also be very stressful when choosing the right product if you are not prepared.  This web site is here to help you make an informed decision before your buy your new, hot tub, spa or swim spa.  

For a quick reference click on the "Where To Purchase A Spa" tab above or continue below.

Hydrotherapy has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.  It has always been a means of healing physically through the effects of water, emotionally by taking the time to relax, and spiritually by creating an opportunity to sit still and just be. Today people travel around the world seeking the natural healing effects of soaking in mineral springs.  Our bodies are predominantly water, so it stands to reason that water can have an affect on one's body. In other words, allow me to share my wisdom. I encourage you to explore your desire to purchase a swim spa from a place of wellness rather than a place of stress. This is not like purchasing an appliance for your home, but instead like purchasing a retreat in your very own backyard.

Let's begin the exploration together.....
 

Spas  

Let’s get right into it.  Let’s start with semantics. What is the difference between a hot tub, spa, swim spa, lap pool, Endless pool, and Jacuzzi?  From this point on we will refer to hydrotherapy as a spa. When people refer to a portable tub that gives hydrotherapy (ie, spas) a name that comes up over-and-over is Jacuzzi.  I'm not a Jacuzzi sales rep but people come to me all the time asking for Jacuzzi hot tubs and we spend too much time working on the clarity of what exactly are they really looking for? There is also MastersSpas, Viking Spas, Cal Spas, HotSprings, Bullfrog, Catalina, Dynasty, Hydroworx, Premium Leisure, and the list goes on and on. Keep in mind Jacuzzi is a "name brand" of a company that started marketing portable spas about 50 years ago. For many years and still today when people think of spas they call them Jacuzzis, but let's start calling this product a spa so we can have clarity about how I can assist you in your purchase. It is similar to the way people call cotton swabs as Q-tips, tissue paper as Kleenex, and petroleum jelly as Vaseline. Not to belabor this point, but the Jacuzzi Company is not the only company to choose from.  The term hot hub is the name of spas of the past.  Hot tubs are referred to as basic hot water therapy, a tub with hot water and little water motion.  Spas today are far more sophisticated and therapeutic than in the old hot tubs. You can find spas with total body massage therapy seats, ipod ready stereos, and built-in televisions. Spas can range in price from $3,500 to $28,000. 

Swim Spas  

A swim spa is basically a big spa that you can swim in. Although the name swim spa suggests that you have to be a swimmer, there are many benefits to purchasing this product over a hot tub or spa. I want to remind you that you can do much more than swim in a Swim Spa. For example, (i) this product is fantastic for aqua fitness where you can bounce on the spot and do aerobics in the water without all the damaging effects of gravity and impact on joints, (ii) water walking is great for walkers and people with hip or knee replacements and may have difficulty walking but want to increase their distance without strain on their injuries, (iii) watsu (short for water shiatsu or aqua massage) is great for couples while one person holds the other in the water and floats them around gently for stress relief, (iv) watsu is also great for people who have had strokes, people with cerebral palsy, and other conditions that require stimulation with very limited impact or stress,  (v) or perhaps just floating alone in the jets and allowing the water current to massage your entire body is a great way to relax after a long day at work, (vi) and then there are the kids ... this is a great way to keep them entertained in the backyard while they get exercise instead of playing video games all day and gaining weight, (vii) swim spas are great for family time together and it gets the kids involved where you can create moments they'll remember forever. Other conditions that benefit from a swim spa over and above a spa are fibromyalgia, strains/sprains, neck and back pain, injuries to ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders, post-surgical rehabilitation, muscle aches and pain, scoliosis, arthritis, spinal degeneration, heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy, and the list goes on.  Please note that some conditions perform best in hot water while other conditions should not be in hot water. For example, I highly recommend anyone with heart disease keep temperatures below 100F. Pregnacy is great in water but you too keep the water below 100F.  Most of the other conditions mentioned can be in 104F. If you require more clarification on your specific condition, please use my email below and I will help you make a decision about the water temperature. Let's move on now. Just think about how wonderful taking a walk in hot water would feel on a cold morning, or floating after a long day at work would feel on your aching muscles. All these activities are done in the warmth of the swim spa where the water temperature can get as hot as a spa, hot tub, or as cool as a pool.   Now more about the additional benefits of a swim spa over a spa. The water resistance and water current in a swim spa is created by powerful jets or a propeller (again let me help you choose which is best for you), or you can turn that all off and create a tranquil peaceful walk, soak, or float, without the workout of water pushing you back.  However, for you triathaletes, marathon runners, and fitness buffs; I recommend keeping the jets on to take your workouts to an advanced level of training. Swim spas range in size from [8 feet by 12 feet] to[ 8 feet by 19 feet]. Measure the space in your backyard to determine what size best suits your home. Or if this is for a physical therapy center, hospital, pregnancy center, chiropractic office, or rehabilitation center; keep in mind you need a doorway large enough to get this in as the swim spa typically comes to you in one solid piece. There are some manufacturers that offers multiple pieces so call me if you want to put your swim spa indoors.  As if that's not enough information - it gets better! You can get different colors of lights to change the mood of the water, a swim spa with a stereo system to make your swim, workout, or relaxation motivating and/or tranquil; and the jets are stainless steel to ensure wear and tear  Some swim spas have an attached spa with dual temperature controls, one for the pool and one for the spa. In addition to manual covers, there are also hydrolic cover lifters for people that want the convenience of the cover lifting either my wireless remote control or a control panel on the side of the swim spa. Swim spas range in price from $12,000 to $50,000.

What’s next?

Now you know the benefits of a spa/swim spa .... and MORE! It is one of the best things you could invest in for your health, mental and emotional wellness, and fitness.  What do you do next?

Ask yourself a few questions.

• Do I want it more for swimming?
• Do I want it more for aquatic aerobics, or water walking, or both?
• Do I want it for relaxation and a workout?
• How much should I spend?
• What is a good Brand?
• Where is the best place to buy one?
• What questions should I ask the salesman?
• Should I buy new or used?
• What do I need to do to prepare the location where I want to place it?
• Who can I trust? 
• Email your questions to royspas@hotmail.com royspas@hotmail.com