OT -- Cold-weather Spas--?

Broc,

I have arthritis back pain--but not from injuries. I've found that a hot shower (as hot as I can stand it) in the mornings works miracles. Does it help you? If so, I'd say it would be a great thing to have. Don't know about the cold whether part of it, but the hot water soak with whirlpool sure might help.

Hi! we have one and it is out side in Maine. It is on a screened in porch not outside, outside I don't want to shovel my way to it. We use it twice a day and just love it. Hubby is a pool and spa guy so he sees everything. mostly the trouble comes from "bargain" spas that are meant more for the south and are not insulated well or even not at all. they have little pumps and have to run constantly to keep from freezing and to help heat. make sure any you look at are meant for cold weather use. We have sat out there and had frozen hair and eye brows and hot jets in the middle of our backs. They carry Saratoga Spas that are made in New York. and a few others as well. Ours is a Saratoga. We turn our water 3-4 times a year and have no trouble with it at all. A cap full of ?? (fat white jug LOL I just dump it in not read the bottles) every time we get out and test it on a reg basis so if there is a change it does not get away from you. It is only us that use it and like I said twice a day. it is our time clean the filters and keep swim suit bottoms out of them I don't know how many service calls he has had with spa problems and he takes things apart only to hand Daddy his daughters swim suit bottom Julie

I've had back problems for years but nothing even close to what you've been through. I've used all kinds of chair vibrators and heating pads and ice packs and medicines (rub-on and swallow) and most recently, injections but I still hurt like the dickens from time to time.

So we decided to look at hottubs. Well, the more we looked the more we learned. First of all, there's a big difference in "hottubs" and "therapy spas." We ended up going with the therapy spa. It has like 50 therapy jets, one of which can be adjusted to blow you out of the water if you want it to. I use it on my back.

It is also well insulated (very important), including the cover and it came with a built-in stereo system (nice) and an easy-to-use cover-lifter. We think we got all the niceities we would ever need or want. It's by Catalina and I'm told that it will last forever.

I can't say it eliminated my aches and pains but it sure feels good when I use it and sometimes for a few hours afterward.

We don't have the kind of cold weather you have but I've been in it on some nights that were close to freezing. No problem at all if the wind isn't blowing. It helps that we put it close to the back door.

One thing to keep in mind besides what has already been mentioned is that many states have provisions to eliminate the sales tax if you get a doctor's prescription. The dealer can advise you on it. We saved about $800 in taxes alone.

We also found an inexpensive "gazebo" thingee at Target that helps with shade and rain.

I think we made a good decision purchasing a quality spa as opposed to a pool. It is great for pain management as well as just plain fun.

And our spa monkey thinks so too... (Monkey's are easier to handle than apes like Cat'n Cook's)



Randy may have a dealer in your area. I'm sure he will chime in soon.

Good luck.

Spring "Soaking In A Winter Wonderland" Chicken
Spring Texas USA

I hve a Hot Springs now for 14 years and still looks and works as well as the day I got it, also very energy efficent at the time it was said to not cost more that $20.00 a month to run in the winter, (wisconsin) and to this day I do not notice it on the electric bill.

It is like buying the egg. But every time you use it you will be thrilled. Ours is a 5 person, my parents is a 2 and is just two lounges. I don't care for the lounges as I am a little "hippy" and find it snug. Post egg of course! LOL do not scrimp in insulation or pumps. the more jets the more power you need, more pumps. There are some here in Maine that are spending 200.00 a month to heat their spa 'cause they were saving 1000.00 on the spa, and thought they were getting a deal. it has hardly any insulation in it. mainly the door that opens to the main pump, to look good shop around and make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Julie

i have a marquis brand spa.... for eight years... it gets very cold he in northeast PA...it's super insulated and well made... i'm in there twice a day... especially when it;s cold out... i concur with others about the hot spring spa... i would have bought that one over the marquis... but i was short on cash at the time,,,my electric bill is not a problem... it costs on the average about ten bucks a month to operate...my average bill is 60 bucks... with two fridges, a freezer and 2 water heaters..so that cost doesn't play into the equation... check the cubic feet per minute of the pumps( you need at least 2).... some spas have air pumps that make for a spectacular effect if you're trying to impress teen age girls,,, but when it comes to therapeutic effects.... you want large amounts of warm water pumping against your bones.( i have a total of 17 broken bones)....the spa is the best thing for your injuries...trust me, i know..... like the egg... your dealer has a lot to do with where you buy.... don't buy one with a wooden frame( they rot),,,if they are outside...if it's gonna be outside,,, make sure the bottom's sealed cause the mice will love the warm temps too....spas with blowers.... just suck in cold air and cool the water down very quickly... hope this helps.... check back issues of consumer's reports..that's very helpful.... i hope this info was of some help too... thanks!