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Hot Tubs
A hot tub is both therapeutic and relaxing
and something that you will enjoy for years
to come. Hot tubs are around 102-104 degrees,
which makes your muscles relax (especially
when delivered with water jets); however,
the hot water can also temporarily lower
your blood pressure. If you have low blood
pressure or other cardiac concerns (or if
you are pregnant), check with your doctor
before using a hot tub.
Here are some hot tub features
to consider:
- Heaters - Electric heaters keep hot tubs hot. Efficient
tubs use heaters that take less that 100
watts to keep the tub hot for 24-hours. The
other half of the efficiency equation is
how well insulated the tub is. Look for tubs
that have multiple layers of foam (like that
found in a freezer) and come with a tight
fitting cover to retain heat while you are
not using the tub. Aftermarket covers don't
fit as snugly as those designed by the manufacturer
but may cost less.
- Lighting - Fancier tubs will also have interior mood
lighting. If you can, get LED technology,
which accomplishes this with very little
electricity.
- Filters - A constantly circulating tub will pass
all its water through the filter as many
as 15 times a day. A multi-stage filter will
catch debris (leaves, bugs, etc.) but these
are not all that effective at trapping harmful
bacteria. At certain intervals, you will
have to drain the entire tub, so look for
ones that have a convenient drain so you
don't have to get a bucket and bail.
- Ozonators - Chlorine is used to keep the tub water
clean, just like a swimming pool. Ozonators
are a way to reduce the amount of chlorine
you need to keep your tub water reasonably
safe. While ozonators do sanitize water,
the process alone is insufficient to keep
up with a lot of people climbing into the
tub, so they should be used in conjunction
with chemicals.
- Controls - Electrical service to the tub may require
some underground wiring, and be sure to observe
local codes when installing a tub. Consider
where you put the access controls so they
are easily reached. Better tubs have remote
controls, just like a TV.
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