| HISTORY OF THE SPA Beginning with the most primitive underground hot springs, spa baths have been used for centuries for general health and well being. Early on, the Romans, Greeks, Japanese, Nords and other cultures realized the many benefits of warm water therapy to mind, body and spirit.
The Spa
It is believed the name spa is derived from the Latin words “espa” (fountain) and “sparsa” (from spargere = to bubble up). The word “spa” has now become a generic word referring to natural mineral springs and surrounding areas where people came to relax and enjoy the healing qualities of warm water. The Greeks
As early as 500 B.C., the Greeks built mineral and thermal baths near natural hot springs or volcanoes. These were places where the elite Grecians would meet to discuss philosophical ideas and treat physical ailments. The Romans
The ancient Roman baths weren’t about personal hygiene or hydrotherapy. These baths were used more as recreational arenas where hundreds of citizens at a time would gather to lounge, soak and socialize. A complex system of ducts carried mineral waters throughout a facility into stone bathtubs in private rooms, steam rooms and public baths. The British
Back as far as 800 B.C., the healing waters of Bath, England have been enjoyed. The thermal waters of Bath maintain a constant temperature of 116 degrees Fahrenheit and rise from a depth of 10,000 feet at a rate of about 250,000 gallons per day. British royalty continued to use the waters well into the 20th century. The Japanese
A centuries old family custom in Japan is the “ofuro” or hot water bathing in freestanding wooden tubs. To the Japanese, ofuro is not about getting clean – you do that before entering the bath. Instead, it is a time for relaxation and contemplation as well as promotion of good health as the hot water stimulates circulation. America
Native Americans enjoyed the health benefits of natural hot springs before European settlers arrived. During the early 1900’s hundreds of thousands of people flocked to spa resorts in areas such as Hot Springs in Arkansas, Saratoga in New York and Calistoga in California. These resorts, fashioned like the famous European resort spas, initially attracted wealthy Americans with the allure of their therapeutic hot water springs. In America, the evolution of the modern hot tub was started in 1960’s California where people soaked in simple wooden tubs made from used oak barrels and vats from nearby wineries. The 1970’s brought fiberglass in ground spas. Since then, the spa industry has continued to evolve to offer a multiple array of spa and hot tub options for the consumer to use indoors and out. Today, more than ever, the industry continues to grow with over one million hot tubs in use across America; spas are expected to become a permanent fixture in most every home within ten years.
Get to know the spa equipment and how it operates. Not all spas have the exact same equipment, but they all have these items in common: a filter, pump, heater and jets. Filter
The purpose of a filter is to keep the water clean. As water flows through the filter it traps oils, dirt, hair and other organics in the water. The spa will contain either a skimmer/filter combination near the water line or it will have what’s called a pressure filter, which is a cartridge canister located in-line with the other plumbing located after the pump. Pump / Motor
The pump is what circulates the water in the spa. Most portable spas will come equipped with the appropriate size pump for that particular spa Keep in mind the more jets your spa has the more horsepower that is needed. Some spas contain more than one pump or have pumps with a two-speed design. Heater
The spa water is warmed as it passes through the heater assembly. The climate in your area, the size of your spa, and the voltage of the heater all play a big part in its ability to heat the water up quickly. The amount of insulation around the spa will determine its ability to maintain that heat. Jets
Water returns into the spa through jets, which give you a burst of water and create a soothing massage. The water rushing through the jets is powered by the pump, so make sure you have the correct pump size to fit your spa. Many spas have a feature that allows a mixture of air and water to flow through the jets by way of an air venturi system or a blower. Optional Equipment Features - Blower: an electric air blower that produces tiny air bubbles, which flow up through the bottom of the spa or are mixed in with the jets.
- Covers: made to fit the top of the spa, this item is important in keeping your spa free of debris, retaining water heat and acts as a safety device to keep children out. Look at the cover density, length of the apron that extends off the cover (the longer the better) and a heat seal gasket at the fold crease of the cover to prevent vapor loss.
- Control Systems: some spas have basic controls while others are more elaborate, but the controls can provide many benefits. Automatic shut-off and panel locking are nice safety precautions, fault display will help diagnose a spa problem, remote operation allows spa control even from a distance and there are many, many more options to choose from.
- Sanitation Systems: some spas have systems built right into the plumbing to help maintain your water sanitation, such as the SPA FROG IN-LINE SYSTEM. These features allow for ease of maintenance and keep the spa a fun and relaxing place to gather.
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Hot Tubs/Covers 