If you're thinking of buying a spa, knowing about the different components of a spa and how they all work together can help you choose the right spa for your needs. Knowing which components you need and which ones can be considered optional extras will also help you choose a spa that suits your budget and lifestyle to a tee. After that, it's just a matter of having a look at some spas at a spa showroom near you and making arrangements for delivery and installation.
How Does a Spa Work?
The essential difference between a spa and a bath tub is that a spa continuously recirculates warm water through pressurised water jets. These jets have both a direct and indirect massaging effect on the body. For example, you can sit with your back or neck in front of a water jet for a direct back or neck massage while at the same time the swirling water indirectly gives you a soothing all over massage.
A spa works in three stages:
- Water is drawn from near the surface of the spa and goes through a filtering process. The filtration system can be either a suction system which skims away impurities as the water is being pumped or a pressure system that forces water through a cartridge filter.
- After the water is filtered, it passes through the heating element. The heating element can be gas, electric or solar. Solar systems may also have gas or electric backup or be used as an energy saving partial heating element.
- The heated water is then pumped into the pool through the water jets. Many of today's spas use an air induction system that mixes air with water to increase the thrust of the water. The pressure from the jets can usually be adjusted to suit your preference.
A spa will also be fitted with a drain. Unlike an ordinary bath tub, the filtration system and water additives make it unnecessary to drain the spa every time you use it, but periodically you will need to drain your spa for cleaning and maintenance.
Optional Spa Components
Underwater spa lights and waterfalls are two of the most popular optional spa components. A more practical option is an ozonator, which is a filtration system that drastically reduces the need for chemical additives.
Types of Spas
While all spas have some things in common, there are many differences between spas as well. Some of the more common types of spas include:
- Portable spas are an inexpensive and effective alternative to in-ground or above-ground permanent spas.
- Swim spas are longer, narrower spas fitted with resistance jets at one end for "swimming in place" just as you do on a running or cycling machine in the gym.
- Therapeutic spas are designed specifically for hydrotherapy.
- Spa baths are smaller spas designed for a single user that can be used indoors as a replacement for an ordinary bath tub.
Which spa is right for you? Really, with so many available options, the choice is entirely yours. A portable spa is a great idea if you are on a budget, living in a rental accommodation or like the idea of being able to relocate your spa occasionally. Other types of spas will vary in price depending on their size and inclusions. The best way to choose a spa is to get a quote for your dream spa first and then decide what you need the most and what you can live without.
