A hot tub's jets and warm water create a therapeutic environment.
Made from wood or plastic, the hot tub is a container full of water, heated either via electricity or gas, with jets that force out streams of air that create bubbles. Hot tubs provide a warm environment in which to unwind or undergo treatments such as massage. Typically, a hot tub is found outdoors. This is in contrast to a spa, which might be found indoors. Most hot tubs are large enough for several people to sit in them at once. Does this Spark an idea?
History
The hot tub has its roots in the wine industry. The original hot tubs were built from adapted wine barrels, as noted by the Hot Tub Information Central website. During the second half of the 20th century, hot tubs were further developed. A key year was 1968--the year Roy Jacuzzi launched his now-famous Jacuzzi brand, which made use of air jets.
Common Types
Among the most commercially successful hot tubs are the acrylic models, which contain built-in heaters and filtering systems. These hot tubs can be fitted with a breadth of optional extras including TVs and massage jets. As of February 2008, acrylic models cost between $3,000 to $30,000 to purchase, according to the Consumer Search website. Buyers also should be aware that their monthly energy bills are likely to increase substantially with use of a hot tub.
Another option is inflatable hot tubs, which are easy to move around; they simply need to be unfolded and snapped into place. These are the least expensive tubs, typically retailing at $500 to $2,000, according to estimates published in February 2008 by the Consumer Search website. Inflatable hot tubs are constructed from vinyl or plastic.
Benefits
As described by the Arthritis Foundation website, using a hot tub on a regular basis can have health benefits, as is common with many water-based facilities. The Foundation notes that thanks to the warm water and the buoyant conditions inside the tub, arthritis sufferers feel relief in their joints, and over time, may develop muscle strength from being in contact with the water.
Shells
Hot tub manufacturers use acrylic materials to recreate stone and marble surfaces; they use fiberglass to strengthen the surface, according to the Hot Tub Information Central website. Newer hot tubs are often put together using ABS plastic backing, which is less likely to come away from the surface.
Vinyl shells make for inexpensive hot tubs, but owners often find that this kind of material gets damaged easily, reports the Hot Tub Information Central website. Tubs are also made with thermal plastic, polyethylene shells.
Threats
Any shell material can be ruined by the effects of the sun. When a hot tub isn’t in use, cover it to avoid direct sun damage. Tubs can also be damaged by poor water sanitization as well as by the over-use of disinfectant, so maintaining the correct chemical balance in a hot tub is critical. Failing to do so can be dangerous for users' health as well as for the lifespan of the tub.
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