Hot Tub Enclosures For Every Season

Wednesday, August 28th, 2019

Does the weather stop you from enjoying your home hot tub? Perhaps the snow or rain disrupt your plans to walk out into the yard and relax in the warm water. One of the greatest joys of owning a hot tub is warming up in the water throughout the winter months—when you can make it happen. Maybe it’s the hot sun that overwhelms you during your daily soak. Regardless of the season, don’t let unexpected weather forecasts or season-long extremes get in the way of your well-deserved hydrotherapy.

A hot tub enclosure may be just the thing to resist the elements and allow you to enjoy the warmth and massaging jets of your spa all year round, whatever the weather may bring.

Your first step is to consult with an expert who can point you in the direction of your building, plumbing, and electrical needs. A hot tub enclosure can provide long-term shelter and enjoyment but only if done carefully and correctly. Turn to expert contractors for up-to-code construction and a spa enclosure that is specifically suited to your home.

WHAT DO TEMPORARY HOT TUB ENCLOSURES HAVE TO OFFER?

For shade and portability, a spa side umbrella is better than temporary hot tub enclosures.Image result for covana

When you’re searching for a hot tub enclosure, one of the first things you’re likely to come across are temporary options. These are typically lightweight structures that snap or bolt together and are covered with a waterproof cloth. Temporary enclosures provide shade, but as they’re usually open-sided, they do not provide much protection from the wind or other elements. In cases of extreme weather, you may need to pack up these temporary hot tub enclosures to avoid damage.

A spa side umbrella may be a better choice if you’re looking for shade and minimal shelter. It is a less-expensive option than a temporary hot tub enclosure, and it is anchored by a steel plate that slides beneath the spa. It is more solid than temporary structures held down by stakes, and you can easily put it into storage in cases of severe weather.

A spa side umbrella can shield you from the sun and light rain. If you’re looking for an all-season hot tub enclosure, you may need something more permanent that fully surrounds the hot tub.

A Covana automated gazebo cover is another great option. They are completely automated gazebos which offer you maximum comfort, safety and intimacy. You can order them with different backdrops or shades. In the turn of a key your hot tub or swim spa can turn itself from a locked down cover to a beautiful gazebo for privacy.

BUILDING HOT TUB ENCLOSURES TO RESIST THE WEATHER

For year-round protection of your hot tub space, your options include pre-made structures or enclosures and additions built precisely for your needs. Pre-made hot tub enclosures range from bolt-together structures of metal or plastic with windows and screens to kits that include everything to construct a free-standing building in your yard. Home additions are more permanent solutions, but they give you the flexibility to customize your hot tub enclosure.

Whatever you decide is the best hot tub enclosure for you, remember that all work should be done by a qualified contractor, electrician (Iowa’s preferred), or plumber with the skills to do the job. You want to relax safely and comfortably for the long term while enjoying everything your hot tub enclosure has to offer, so be sure that it’s built correctly and to code.

Here are some very important things to keep in mind before you build:

  • The foundation of any hot tub enclosure is critical. A permanent enclosure will stand outside all year long, and how well it is grounded will determine how well it resists the weather.
  • A hot tub enclosure must provide enough space to be safely wired. When wiring a 240 volt hot tub, you’ll need to be aware of special code requirements. This includes a GFCI switch that must be at least five feet away but clearly visible from the hot tub.
  • Ventilation for the steam that comes from the hot tub. The warm water from a spa creates a lot of humidity, which can collect on the inside of your room or other enclosure. To avoid related complications, it’s important to ensure that your hot tub enclosure has adequate ventilation. We’ll discuss steps to installing proper ventilation below.

Prefabricated hot tub enclosures must be large enough to accommodate safe electrical requirements. And they may have limited flexibility for wiring, ventilation, and other fixtures. But this might be the right choice if you’re looking for a less-than-permanent option.

Home additions and from-scratch structures may offer more customizability when checking off the necessary foundational, electrical, and ventilation requirements. And you may have many creative and flexible options to adapt a hot tub enclosure. An uncovered patio can be easily roofed over. The posts that hold up this roof can be framed in to create a wall for more complete shelter. Often, a power outlet is already available for you to plug in a hot tub. If you’re planning to wire your spa directly to the home’s power, then this lead is already in place and an electrician can change it to run at 240 volts and place the GFCI in a safe location. Powering a ventilation fan is also easier when the connections are already there.

ENSURING PROPER VENTILATION FOR YOUR HOT TUB ENCLOSURE

One of the most important things to be aware of is ventilation—whether you’re dealing with a hot tub enclosure, a home addition, or putting your hot tub in a basement. The high humidity your hot tub creates can be damaging to these structures.

In a warm environment, you can open the windows of your hot tub enclosure after you are done using your hot tub and let the steam out. In the middle of a cold winter, this is probably not a good solution because the water can simply freeze to the interior surfaces of the enclosure. Conversely, in a humid environment like Florida or the southeast, opening up the windows will not help because the environment outside may have more moisture than the interior.

A powered ventilation system is the key to a truly all-season hot tub enclosure. These are inexpensive and available at any home improvement store. They mount directly over the hot tub or in an exterior wall of the hot tub enclosure to allow the venting of excess moisture with the flip of a switch. An expert building contractor will be able to determine the best ventilation solution for your home and your best hot tub experience.

When you’ve taken the necessary precautions, a hot tub enclosure gives you the opportunity to relax and soak regardless of the weather conditions outside. In winter, you can marvel at the way snow smooths over the imperfections you normally see. In the pouring rain, you can relax while listening to your hot tub playlists or to the rain on the roof. The secret is simply to build a hot tub enclosure the right way and to match it with a hot tub that is well-built and equally reliable.

The post Hot Tub Enclosures For Every Season appeared first on Hot Spring Green.

Hydration in your Hot Tub

Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

Most people know hydration is important to health. While there isn’t much science supporting the “8 glasses a day” adage, we know water is essential to our well-being. The human body is 50% to 75% water. It’s true what they say: Water is life!

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. That can impact your body as well as your mind and make you feel tired, stressed or weak. What are the symptoms of dehydration? Generally, if you feel thirsty, you’re dehydrated. Other symptoms of mild dehydration include light-headedness, headache or fatigue. Mild dehydration can progress to moderate or even severe dehydration, which can cause rapid heartbeat, fever, listlessness and fainting.

Beyond water, what does dehydration have to do with hot tubs? A lot! Hot tub users can become dehydrated more easily. Make sure you’re well hydrated before entering your hot tub. You may also want to add a Covana Cover, that will protect you from the hot sun.

There’s no denying the health benefits of a hot tub. But simple steps can help you monitor your fluid intake and ensure proper hydration while you enjoy your spa. Check out these five easy tips for staying hydrated in your Hot Spring hot tub!

  1. Buy a reusable water bottle and take it everywhere! Having water at the ready removes roadblocks to staying hydrated. It’s also a good visual reminder to take a sip.
  2. Mom was right. Eat your veggies! And your fruits. While water is the easiest way to keep hydrated, fruits and vegetables are a great source of H20, as well. Most fruits and veggies are high water content foods that contribute to your body’s overall hydration. To see what Vegetables have the highest water content, click here!
  3. Want to make sure you’re staying hydrated? Check the color of your urine. Pale urine indicates that you’re meeting your body’s fluid needs. Dark, yellow urine means you need to drink more water.
  4. Infuse your water! Slice a few lemons, strawberries or cucumbers and toss them into your reusable water bottle. The fruits will enhance the flavor and appearance of your water and make every sip taste great. Add an antioxidant boost of rosemary or peppermint with your favorite fruits. Get creative – the possibilities are endless! Be sure to keep spa-safe glassware and thirst-quenching refreshments near your spa.
  5. Drink a warm cup of herbal tea before bed every night. The tea will relax you, provide health benefits and boost your daily hydration totals.

It’s important to follow all guidelines for your spa. Don’t set the temperature too high, which can further put you at risk for dehydration. For those who enjoy a cool dip during the day and a warm soak at night, Hot Spring offers the CoolZone System. Happy hydrating everyone!

The post Hydration in your Hot Tub appeared first on Hot Spring Green.

Hydration in your Hot Tub

Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

Most people know hydration is important to health. While there isn’t much science supporting the “8 glasses a day” adage, we know water is essential to our well-being. The human body is 50% to 75% water. It’s true what they say: Water is life!

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. That can impact your body as well as your mind and make you feel tired, stressed or weak. What are the symptoms of dehydration? Generally, if you feel thirsty, you’re dehydrated. Other symptoms of mild dehydration include light-headedness, headache or fatigue. Mild dehydration can progress to moderate or even severe dehydration, which can cause rapid heartbeat, fever, listlessness and fainting.

Beyond water, what does dehydration have to do with hot tubs? A lot! Hot tub users can become dehydrated more easily. Make sure you’re well hydrated before entering your hot tub. You may also want to add a Covana Cover, that will protect you from the hot sun.

There’s no denying the health benefits of a hot tub. But simple steps can help you monitor your fluid intake and ensure proper hydration while you enjoy your spa. Check out these five easy tips for staying hydrated in your Hot Spring hot tub!

  1. Buy a reusable water bottle and take it everywhere! Having water at the ready removes roadblocks to staying hydrated. It’s also a good visual reminder to take a sip.
  2. Mom was right. Eat your veggies! And your fruits. While water is the easiest way to keep hydrated, fruits and vegetables are a great source of H20, as well. Most fruits and veggies are high water content foods that contribute to your body’s overall hydration. To see what Vegetables have the highest water content, click here!
  3. Want to make sure you’re staying hydrated? Check the color of your urine. Pale urine indicates that you’re meeting your body’s fluid needs. Dark, yellow urine means you need to drink more water.
  4. Infuse your water! Slice a few lemons, strawberries or cucumbers and toss them into your reusable water bottle. The fruits will enhance the flavor and appearance of your water and make every sip taste great. Add an antioxidant boost of rosemary or peppermint with your favorite fruits. Get creative – the possibilities are endless! Be sure to keep spa-safe glassware and thirst-quenching refreshments near your spa.
  5. Drink a warm cup of herbal tea before bed every night. The tea will relax you, provide health benefits and boost your daily hydration totals.

It’s important to follow all guidelines for your spa. Don’t set the temperature too high, which can further put you at risk for dehydration. For those who enjoy a cool dip during the day and a warm soak at night, Hot Spring offers the CoolZone System. Happy hydrating everyone!

The post Hydration in your Hot Tub appeared first on Hot Spring Green.