Your Cal Spas Hot Tub Options: Surround

Maybe you have already made your decision on the size and shape of your hot tub. You have decided on the seats and the jets you want. Now, decide on the surround. What will the cabinet look like? Will you choose a plastic composite or will you go with a wood surround? There are many options to choose from when considering the cabinet. You will surely be able to find the right cabinet surround to complete the look of your hot tub oasis. As you walk to your spa to enjoy the wonderful hydrotherapy that awaits you will first see the cabinet. You will want that to enhance the look of the hot tub helping to complete the scene for your relaxation.
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Remember that you need to consider the location of your hot tub when deciding on the cabinet surround. How much space do you have around the outside of your spa. You need to factor that in when choosing your cabinet. If it's a tight space, be sure that the cabinet will fit in there. If you have lots of space, make sure that the view of the cabinet is what you desire. These finishing touches will enhance the experience all the more as you relax away in your spa. The retreat like environment you are creating will surely help release the tensions of the day as your muscles relax to the efforts of the jets massaging hydrotherapy.

Now wood cabinets are beautiful. Many are made from redwood or cedar. Hardy woods that can stand up to the elements and maintain an attractive appearance. These woods will stand up the weather and normal usage, but with some maintenance. You will need to clean and stain your cabinet surround if it's made from real wood. For some this is worth the look of real wood. It's elegant, it's classy, it's real. But for others, and maybe you, convenience wins out. And to be honest, maybe synthetics have a wonderful appearance as well.

An alternative to wood cabinetry for your hot tub is synthetic materials. There are many out there today with many different names and claims. The advancements made in the recent past have made the maintenance of the spa cabinet almost nothing. These cabinets are almost maintenance free. No sanding, no staining, no scrubbing, just an occasional cleaning with a mild cleanser, rinse and you are set to go.
These synthetic cabinets will not fade, warp or splinter. Many have the attractive appearance of wood without the maintenance. Ah, but you don't want the look of wood, no worries. There are other looks available in almost any color you can imagine.

As you choose your cabinet you want to remember the location and the surroundings of your spa. Do you want your spa to blend in with the natural environment of the landscaping you already have? Do you want it to be a statement piece standing out for the eye to see? No matter the look, you will most likely find it.
Be sure to inquire about the cabinet warranty. You do not need to worry about the integrity of the structure or the durability of the materials. Once your hot tub is set up, you only need to be concerned with your date with the hydrotherapy that awaits to rid your body of that unneeded tension as your relax in your very own hot tub.

The cabinet you select may have options. Often they come with steps to ensure the safety of you and yours as you get into and out of your spa. Be sure you have the proper space around your time for the safe placement of these steps. You want to be sure they are level and on a solid surface. Rails are often another feature that is available with the cabinet surround.

You need to think about whether you will need a rail to safely navigate your way into and out of your spa. As you consider this escape from the stresses of life, you must also consider how you will get in. Do you need the help and support of a rail? If you don't, maybe you have some family members who would enjoy and benefit from the hydrotherapy massage and relaxing environment of the tub, but might need the assistance of a rail to ensure their safety as they exit and enter the hot tub. It may be well worth the purchase of a rail to safely enjoy the use of the spa for you and your friends and family.


Some cabinets have storage within them. This is a great place to store chemicals out of sight. Consider this as you look at cabinets. If you don't have that storage in the cabinet itself, where will those items be stored? If those items are not conveniently located within close proximity to the tub you will be adding time and frustration to the care and maintenance of your hot tub. And your hot tub is not supposed to add stress to your life; it's supposed to wash that stress away in its soothing massaging waters.

Your Cal Spas Hot Tub Options: Filtration and Purification

In order to enjoy your hot tub, your hot tub needs to be functional and ready to use. Keeping your hot tub clean does not need to become a time consuming burden. Which filtration system your hot tub has is something to consider when you are purchasing a hot tub. To enjoy the many benefits of your hot tub, you want to be sure the water is clean and ready to use. The relaxing hydrotherapy that awaits you at your own home won't melt the tensions of the day away if that water is not ready for you to enter. So be sure to choose the right filtration system for you so you can relax and let the stresses of life melt away.

All hot tubs need a method of water purification. Like a swimming pool, a hot tub needs chemical sanitizers to maintain clean water. Chlorine or bromine are the top choices. To reduce the amount of these chemicals needed to maintain clean water, many tubs use water purification systems to supplement the chemicals. Automatically sanitizing the water, these purification systems are built into the spa. There are a few different type of purification systems available on today's hot tubs - ozone, silver ionizers, copper ionizers and zinc ionization.

Ozone is created by a ozone generating unit in the spa. Ozone if formed when the molecules of oxygen are split apart into oxygen atoms by ultra-violet light (UV) or by corona discharge (CD). Ozone is a very practical addition to chemicals of chlorine or bromine helping to keep the water clean. And ozone will not affect the water chemistry. Ozone destroys contaminants when it comes in contact with them. Ozone also oxidizes and eliminates the contaminants in the water that are the result of residues on the skin from soaps, shampoos, perfumes, lotions and makeup.

When used with the sanitizing chemicals of chlorine or bromine, ozone helps kill germs, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. Ozone itself is not a sanitizer and should not be used alone to maintain a clean spa. Ozone allows the chlorine and bromine to work longer, enhancing the performance of the sanitizer. This will allow you to use less chemicals in your water while still maintaining a sanitary and safe environment for you and your family to enjoy while you relax in the warm soothing waters of hydrotherapy.

Ionizers are electrolytic devices that deliver small amounts of the specific ions into the water. Silver, copper and zinc ionizers are available. Some combine two of these elements, some even all three for effective filtration of the water. The process allows the metal ions to travel into the water. The technology allows the minerals to purify the water naturally. An ultra low voltage charge runs though an electrode. This releases the ions into the spa water and helps with the elimination of algae, bacteria, viruses and mold. The ions come in contact with the contaminants and either destroy them or cause them to cluster so that they are filtered efficiently. These systems enable the filtration systems to efficiently remove impurities. These ionizers need to be used in conjunction with spa chemicals like bromine and chlorine. The amount of chemical needed though, will be greatly reduced. The use of these ionizers may extend the life of the hot tub itself, your swim trunks, the filter and more.


Whichever filtration system you decide to use, be sure to maintain your water to enable the safe, clean enjoyment of your spa.

Your Cal Spas Hot Tub Options: Jets

When considering your hut tub purchase, you will, of course, want to consider jets. Otherwise, you would just fill your bathtub with hot water and sit for a good soak. Jets are what make the hot tub experience worth experiencing.

Relaxing in the water, releasing the tensions of the day, sounds good. An oasis of relaxation right at our own home. Ah, you can just feel the pressure of the jets melting away the stresses of life. Well, before you sink in, let's make sure you are making the right choice.

The number of jets will be a factor in your choice. But it's not your only factor to consider with jets. The placement and performance of jets is also very important. More isn't always better. And hydrotherapy is highly personal. Some people want powerful jets massaging into their tired, tight muscles. Other people want the hot soak itself to relax and loosen the muscles releasing the tensions calmly. Maximize the potential massage of your hot tub by choosing the right number of jets as well as the proper placement for your personal needs. You want to be sure that the position of the jets in the tub address all the major muscle groups. Will the jets get your neck, shoulders, upper back, low back, legs? The variety of jet type will help you enjoy your hydrotherapy experience and get the most out of it. You will want to be sure that the jets are adjustable not only in position but in the strength of their massage. Can you control the direction and the flow of the water through the jets? After all, you should be able to customize your massage to meet your needs - this is your hot tub after all.

Choices, choices and more choices.

Ah, the accessories and aesthetic touches. Waterfalls, entertainment systems and more. What do you want to put the final touches on your hot tub to make it the perfect retreat from the chaos of life? Imagine yourself relaxing in the water, the tensions of the day floating away, the hydrotherapy working to relieve the stress from your muscles and mind.

You can enjoy music or even the pleasure of television as you enjoy your tub. Spa entertainment systems are available for you to choose from including wireless tv and sound systems. You can connect to cable, satellite or use dvds. Waterproof and temperature resistant they are built to endure the outside, so you can enjoy your hot tub experience fully. Your wireless sound system can play from your personal device (ipod, mp3), am/fm radio, satellite radio or from your collection of CDS. Control it all conveniently from the panel of your hot tub.

Lighting within and with out the hot tub can enhance your spa experience greatly. External lighting can create ambience and ensure safety around your spa. Lgihting within the tub can set the mood to whatever your heart desires. Many spas have lighting that varies in color and mode - allowing you to control the lighting zones. Craete just the environment you want with underwater lighting and water feature lighting.
Water features add that extra special touch to make your hot tub experience even more enjoyable. A gentle waterflow creates a relaxing sound to put your stresses further out of mind. The sight and sound of running water is calming to all. So sit back, relax. Let your muscles enjoy the hydrotherapy experience of the hot water and jets massaging action as your mind relaxes to the soothing rhythms of the waterfall. Choosing your hot tub's water feature may be the finishing touch that allows you to relinquish the worries of the day for good.


There are many choices to make when deciding on the perfect hot tub. From location, size, shape, seats and more. Don't fret. Soon you will be enjoying the benefits of hydrotherapy at your own home and the small stress caused in narrowing down your options for your hot tub will wash away in the hot water massaging your tense muscles into loose, relaxed ones.

Your Cal Spas Hot Tub Options: Seats

Now we have come to options. The choices are numerous - almost endless. Once you have decided on the type of hot tub, now you'll need to choose within that category. Oh, the possibilities! You can have almost anything your heart and aching muscles desire. But, as always, remember that they come at a cost. You will want to know what you want, what you need and what you can really afford. Hopefully, you'll find that you can have everything that you want and need with some smart shopping.

Number of Seats

Let's think back to why you want to purchase a hot tub in the first place. Relaxation? Stress reliever? Help for your sore back? Entertainment? Now that you remember why, you will be better able to decide on the number of seats you will want for your tub. Also, the number of seats will effect the size of your tub, so you'll need to know where you are going to place the tub and your size restrictions, if any. Be realistic about your seat number choice. You want to really consider how you will most use your spa to get the best tub for you.

Who is using the tub?

If it will just be you and your significant other, consider a 2 person tub. If you do choose to go with a smaller tub, consider that you are limited in your entertaining options. You won't want to host a hot tub party with 10 folks, if only 2 can fit in the tub at a time. However, also consider that you don't want to get a huge tub with lots of seats if all but one night of the year, it will just be you in there relaxing the evening away. Be realistic. Do you often entertain large groups? Do you have a large family who will want to be in the tub enjoying the relaxing water? You may need a larger hot tub able to fit 10 people. Maybe you and your spouse would like to have another couple over for a relaxing evening in the hot tub. So a 4 person tub would be just perfect. Your lifestyle will determine the number of seats you will want in your tub. And obviously, the size of your wallet will be a factor.

Hot tubs come with many seat combinations. You will want to consider the number of people who will be using the tub at the same time, but also layout. How big is the footwell? Will you be sharing a small footwell space with 8 other pairs of feet? How comfortable are you sitting that closely to a party guest dressed in your swim trunks? Is one of the seats a lounger that may provide the function you want, but might hinder larger groups? As you consider seat count, you really have a lot of things to take into consideration.
You will want to choose a seat number, but you will also want to make sure the seats are comfortable. Will the hot tub seats provide the support and comfort that you expect and want and need? Seats are often contoured to provide comfort and support. Will they be comfortable for you? Remember that they will be designed for the average sized person. If you are extremely tall or short, you may find that the seat isn't quite as comfortable for you.

Some spas offer seats with head and neck support. Depending on your own needs, this may be a feature that is a must for you. Headrest may make the spa experience more enjoyable and therapeutic for you.
Seat depth is another consideration. Again, if you are outside of the average range of height, this could be a factor worth considering. Short folks may need to bob up and down to keep above water, while tall ones might be slouchy just to get that hydrotherapy they so desire for their neck and shoulders.

Seat variety, yet another consideration. Spas often have a lounger. Will you use it? Only you can answer that. Loungers take up considerable space that may well be worth the sacrifice if you like to lounge. The relaxation and the jet massage may be exactly what you want and need. Like so much in the hot tub purchase experience, this is highly subjective. Bench seats are easy to move around in and allow you to squeeze more folks in. Individual seats will provide a bit more recline with more jet pressure and maybe even armrests. Some tubs have seats that are raised up so more of your body is exposed to the air to help you cool down. All these choices are available. It's up to you to decide what you want, need and ultimately, what you can afford. The best way to know is to test out the spa. We'll talk more about wet testing.

Cal Spas Hot Tub Electric concerns - 220 vs. 110

220 volts or 110? That is the question that hovers over your hot tub selection whether you are aware of that or not. The choice is yours, obviously, but the choice may be more complicated than you imagine. Don't leave this decision to the end thinking it's a secondary consideration. Knowing which voltage will best meet your needs will help you select the best hot tub for you and yours. Many spas are now being manufactured to run off 110 volts. Traditionally spa ran off only 220. Many larger tubs still only offer that choice. But which is right for you? Let's consider the implications of your choice.

Climate and use. Consider where you live. Is it a colder climate? A warmer climate? Consider when you will use your tub. Will you use your tub in below freezing temperatures? Only in mild weather? Consider the length of use. Will you use your tub for hours on end? Or just for an evening soak of an hour or two? How you answer these questions will guide you toward the right voltage. If you live in a cold climate and will be using your tub year round, you will want to consider a 220 volt spa. Why? We'll get into that. If you plan to have social gatherings where guests will be getting in and out of the tub for a period of hours, you'll want to consider a 220 volt tub. Why?

Here's why. A 220 volt tub draws more energy into the heater and pump. The water will heat more quickly and will be able to maintain that temperature over a longer period of time and in lower temperatures. Once you remove the cover of your tub, heat begins to escape. With the jets flowing and the water moving, heat is lost more rapidly. Spas that run on 220 volts run the jets and heater simultaneously allowing for the temperature of the water to stay where you want it.

Now, if you live in a milder climate and/or will typically be using your hot tub for a soak lasting an hour or two, a 110-volt tub may be exactly what you need. These tubs are the easiest to install. Plug it in. Yep, that's it. Your heater, jets, and lights will all run off 110 volts. The water temperature will drop more quickly than with a 220 volt tub, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem for you. If your jets are at their highest, the energy will be used there and the heater will most likely not be running, but your water is already hot and the heat created by the pump will keep the water temperatures up there.

Will a 220-volt save you money? Not really. It will heat up more quickly as more energy is drawn by the heater, but it is still using the same amount of watts to heat that water -- just at a faster rate. A 110-volt tub will take twice as long, but still uses the same amount of energy.


The ease of installation makes the 110-volt tub attractive. No electrician needed, just plug in and start her up since most homes in the US have standard outlets with 110 volts. You may have 220 outlets in your kitchen for appliances and in your laundry room, but rarely will you have that outside. So you'll need an electrician to do that for you which can cost as much as a grand or more. Don't forget to check your local regulations to see about permits and inspections for such things. 220 or 110? The choice is yours, but know what is best for you before you purchase.

Types of Cal Spas Hot Tubs Available

You have decided you want a hot tub - a place to unwind after a long day dealing with the stresses of life. Lots of choices, lots of options. Let's consider the type of hot tub that is perfect for you and your lifestyle.
Portable hot tubs are a great choice for many people. These units are self contained. They come with all the features of permanent tubs but are able to be moved from one place to another. Portable tubs come in many shapes, sizes and aesthetically pleasing surrounds. Many are able to plug right into your household outlets. Today, there are many options out there for you to choose from when it comes to portable spas. Before you buy you will want to know exactly what you want. Your choices are almost endless when it comes to size, seats, jets, and other features. Educate yourself on the options and you won't regret your purchase.

Portable spas are often more budget-friendly than permanent tubs and are able to fit into limited spaces. You are still able to get all the top of the line features you may desire in a permanent tub. You can also create a built in look with your choice of surrounds. Portable spas offer not only the comfort of a hot tub, but the convenience of its portability. Portable spas come in many sizes and with a variety of seating options. You won't be limited in your choices by choosing to purchase a portable spa. They seem to come in any size, shape, color and configuration imaginable.

Soft tubs are a wonderful for choice for many buyers as well. Maybe a permanent tub isn't an option for you due to location, situation or cost. Soft tubs are simple, easy to move and provide many of the features of permanent and portable tubs. Soft tubs are often a less expensive choice. Soft tubs are easy to move, can be used indoor or out.

An inflatable soft hot tub is easier to move because it is much lighter in weight than a traditional portable tub and comes deflated. Installation is easy. Unpack, inflate with accompanying motor, fill with the hose and turn that heater on. You can place a soft spa any where that is level. A soft spa can be used indoors - just be sure to have good ventilation. And it is easily transported through doorways and stairwells.
The ease of portability makes a soft tub a great option for traveling. Take it with you on a camping trip, an RV trip, to a friend's for a party. Moving? No problem, pack the tub up and move it with your belongings.
Even if you don't plan to move your tub often, a soft tub might be the best option for you. It's inexpensive, it's easy and it still provides the relaxation you want and need from the stresses of the day. Relax and enjoy the numerous benefits of hydrotherapy in your soft tub. Let the hot water and jets work their magic on your tired and achy muscles.

A permanent hot tub might be the right choice for you. Permanent hot tubs will be the most effective - the most efficient and the most durable. Do you already have an in-ground pool? Adding an in-ground hot tub makes the set up complete. You will clearly need to have a contractor do the work for you on this one. Just like your pool, a permanent hot tub will have a filter system, need chemicals and a heater to keep it functional. Many pool owners connect their hot tubs with a waterfall feature. A hot tub can help make your pool environment even more special. Not only will you get much enjoyment from your pool's activities but you will be adding the relaxation that comes with a hot tub.

Even if you don't have an in-ground pool, you may decide that a permanent hot tub is the right choice for you. Your yard and your lifestyle may be perfect for a permanent hot tub. Maybe it will be the final enhancement to your landscaping offering you the perfect spot for enjoying the hydrotherapy of your spa. Or maybe you want to build your hot tub into your deck so that's it easy to access and enjoy.

Remember to consider the view throughout all seasons. How will your privacy change as the foliage changes? Are the sights and sounds those that will enhance your experience? Remember this is a permanent hot tub and cannot be moved, so you will want the experience to be great year round. Pick just the right spot! You will want to be sure to get an estimate from your contractor to be sure you've thought of all the costs mentioned above. A permanent hot tub won't be cheap, but you are worth it.

The Real cost of owning a Cal Spas Hot Tub

As you begin the hunt for the perfect hot tub for you, there are many things to consider. Before you can slip into the soothing hot water to relax after a rough day, the tub needs to be purchase and installed, up and running. Let's get you there as smoothly as we can. As you consider the many options you have when purchasing a hot tub, you must first start with your budget. No sense in researching options that are way beyond your budget.

So let's now consider the cost of the hot tub. The real cost. The cost of a hot tub is more than the purchase price - always. First, of course, count the cost of the purchase of the tub. Even before you can plug it in, you need a place to put it. You will need to factor in the cost of the pad or platform. Will you need to level the ground? Will you need to hire professionals or enlist the help of buddies? And don't neglect a way to get in to your tub. Will you need to purchase steps or have them made? You'll need to either do the work yourself or hire someone for this job. Don't neglect to consider the cost of hiring an electrician to do the electrical work necessary to get your hot tub up and running. And once the hot tub is cranking, you need to keep it clean and functioning, so don't forget chemical cost and maintenance cost. Ah, how quickly those numbers add up. Once you know the real cost, you can set your budget and start the processing of choosing your perfect hot tub. . . .perfect for you.

Can you really afford it? Keep your eyes wide open. If you spend all your budget on the tub itself, but can't set it up properly, what's the point? If you spend it all on tub and set up, but can't afford maintenance and chemicals, it's like owning a beautiful, big boat but being unable to go anywhere because you can't purchase gas. In order to fully enjoy your hot tub and to benefit from all it has to offer your lifestyle, be sure you account for the full cost. You'll feel much better sinking your tired body into an invigorating hot tub knowing full well it's all paid for.


Now that you know your budget line items, it's time to figure out what to look for when deciding on the type of hot tub you will purchase. Are you in the market for a permanent hot tub? This type of tub will be the most efficient, but can often be the most costly. Maybe a portable hot tub is the right one for you. Portable hot tubs are self-contained free-standing units that can be moved if needed. Or maybe you are looking for a soft hot tub that is easily set up and moved. This is one of the first decisions you need to make in your buying process.