5 Easy Hot Tub Spa Maintenance Tips

1. Clean your filters every week

At least every week you should take your spa filter out of your tub and rinse them thoroughly with your garden hose. And about every month you should spray them down with a spa filter degreaser or cleaner, let them sit for 15 minutes and then rinse them very well for another 20 minutes or so

2. Keep an Eye On Your Spa Chemistry

An obvious tip to most but there are some people who do not know about spa chemistry. In fact it is more important than you think. Think of your hot tub spa like your home's bathtub. And image keeping that bathtub filled all the time with the same water and everyone of your friends and family used it every day. Gross right? Well a spa is basically the same thing so it's very important to sanitize your spa a few times a week. And keeping your pH and alkalinity balanced will even help prolong the life of your spa's heater

3. The Hot Tub Cover

If you don't already have one, then get one! It will keep unwanted debris out of your spa, it will keep the heat in which will save on your electric bill and it will keep young children out and safe. And if needed you could buy a hot tub cover lifter to help you pull the cover on and off.

4. Know Your Equipment

Make sure you fully learn and understand how your spa works so that during the life of the spa you will be able to run it properly and know when something is wrong. Some spas give off warning signals if something is not correct. Be aware of these warning signals and be aware of where your main control panel is inside your spa

5. Drain, Clean And Refill Your Spa Ever 3 Months

Remember the whole bathtub analogy? Yeah that's way. And also because the chemicals can build up in your spa causing you to have high levels of TDS which can cause scaling in your pipes and heater, which in turn causes you to run your filter more to keep it heated. Bottom line, if anything is the most important, it's this one and always remember to use and enjoy your hot tub spa.

Swim University http://www.swimuniversity.com The Ultimate Guide To Caring For Your Pool or Spa Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Gio

Know Someone in Need of a Lift? Spa Gift Baskets Are the Perfect Gift

Have you run out of ideas when it comes to buying someone special a present?

Perhaps they are somebody who leads a stressful life or busy life? If they do, or even if they don't a spa gift basket may be just the gift for them. They can offer a real spa experience in the comfort of their own home.

If you have decided that a spa gift basket would be a great gift to give there are several options you can consider:

Make Your Own

You can make the spa gift basket extra special and personal by making your own by simply filling a basket with their favorite spa items, this way you can be sure that you are giving exactly what you want to give and have control over what goes into your basket your basket. You might want to go one step further and have some fun in the process by actually making your own home made spa products and add your own label for that special touch. Spa gift baskets really are very easy to put together and there are many books on the subject.

Some of the additions that you might like to put into a spa gift basket could be:

- Cleansers and face masks
- Facial scrubs
- A massage roller
- Body brush
- Massage or bath oils
- Body creams
- Scented candles
- Soothing music
- A Yoga DVD
- A quality shampoo and conditioner
- A good quality sun block
- A relaxing book or maybe a book on health and wellness.
- Bath robe
- Perhaps a gift certificate to their favorite beauty and day spa

Simply choose a suitable sized basket, arrange the products nicely and wrap it in plastic, then tie it with a bow or something more masculine if it is for a man.

Visit Your Local Beauty and Day Spa

Many beauty and day spas make up their own spa gift baskets that you can purchase, at a little more than the cost of making up a basket yourself and it will include many specialist spa products that they themselves use at the spa. You might like to then add a spa gift certificate so they can visit the spa for more specialist spa treatments that you canýt ýput in a basketý and that are impossible to replicate at home.

Buy a Spa Gift Basket

Many people don't have the spare time to visit their local beauty and day spa or to make up a spa gift basket , you can always order on the internet. Ordering on the internet is a very simple process and there are many sites that specialize in spa gift baskets and spa gift certificates. You can choose a themed basket and have it delivered directly to the lucky person themselves.

One thing for sure, the person that you give the spa gift basket to will be very very pleased and will have no excuse but to relax.

The Handcrafters Companion is a book that gives some great recipes and ideas for making you own day spa products. Visit Spas4Health for ideas on spa gift baskets sets or day spa gift certificates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Francis

Spa Treatments Are More Than Just A Luxury

In the last few decades, the concept of a spa treatment has undergone a widespread revolution, both in America and the rest of the world. While spas were once seen as the domain of only the rich and famous, today a variety of people see attending a day spa or a spa holiday as a wonderfully relaxing and rewarding way to spend their time and money. Moreover, spa breaks have become less of a female-only domain, with more men now indulging in the luxury that spa treatments provide.

Traditionally, the name "spa" comes from the town of Spa in Belgium, which is famous for its hot thermal baths (balneotherapy) and mineral water treatments (hydrotherapy). While spa towns have historically been concentrated in Europe, hot springs in the USA have acquired similar importance for spa treatments, as their high mineral content is especially suitable for hydrotherapy. Modern day spas, however, incorporate a wide range of body treatments, including a wide variety of facials, massages, body wraps, aromatherapy and even yoga or meditation classes.

Spa massages are a common treatment enjoyed by people visiting day spas or on spa holidays. Spa massages rely on more than the simple practice of applying pressure to the body's muscles and tissues. Instead, these types of massages are much more complex in character, with visitors to spas being able to choose from a wide-ranging list of massages that offer different benefits. The treatment of Myofascial Release, for example, involves the freeing of fascial muscles, while neuromuscular therapy is used for pain relief and specific problems with structural and postural imbalances. Spa massages can also incorporate a wide range of national massage techniques: for instance, petrissage is an important form of the Swedish massage technique, while 'Lomilomi' is an ancient form of massage based on traditional methods employed by Hawaiian healing specialists.

Spa treatments are as much a beneficial activity for medical and healing reasons as they are for fun and indulging in a bit of relaxation. Of late, spa locations and spa hotels have become venues for spa parties or spa dates and also offer a sophisticated way to spend a bachelorette or ‘hen’ party for brides-to-be. Many spas even offer a "Couple's Treatment", so that a couple can indulge in the fantastic releases of spa treatments together. Moreover, spa gift certificates are becoming popular; so if you haven’t indulged in a spa treatment yet, what are you waiting for? The benefits - both physically and emotionally - could be endless.

rticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_McAllister

An Explanation of a Swim Spa

A lot of people ask what is the difference between a swim spa and a swimming pool? Well one of the more apparent differences is the size of each of the two, although you can now get relatively big swimming spas, they will not quite meet up to the size of a full blown swimming pool.

Besides the above there are a few other major differences that can be seen between the two, which we will now take a more in-depth look at, and also approach the benefits that a swim spa can bring.

A swim spa can be used as to practice regular water exercises, and it is accompanied by the satisfying warm water. Although the swim spa can be used as a fitness platform, there are also a number of other benefits, such as the efficiency and portability that you can get over a full blown swimming pool.

We will first take a look at the benefits the swim spa can bring, on the fitness and relaxation side of things. Most swim spas can be properly adjusted to cater for every style of swimming technique. An effective swim spa should also have sufficient depth, so that techniques such as aqua jogging can be performed. The relaxation of a swim spa in unbelievable, you get the benefits of a hot tub and a fitness pool all in one.

Another great characteristic that comes with owning a swim spa is that its maintenance is so much easier then it would be with owning a swimming pool. Keeping the water healthy and clean is a must, but with modern day technologies, it is easier than ever. With a fully equipped filtration system and ozone generator, your swim spa should always be working at 100% of its capacity.

One of the greater benefits that comes with a swim spa is in the form of efficiency and portability. Swim spas are very energy efficient and could cost you near to nothing to run. You can easily assemble a swim spa together and use it as a portable swimming pool, wherever you go.

If you are thinking of buying a swim spa in the near future, you should always get the features that suit you the best. I do feel that a swim spa is a great alternative to buying a swimming pool, and the best thing is that it's at a fraction of the cost.

Outstanding Hot Tubs Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Musa_Aykac

Choosing the Best Day Spa for a Holiday Gift Certificate

Day spa gift certificates are among the most popular gifts for every occasion. Providing relaxation, pampering and stress-relief is one of the best gifts anyone could receive. However, it can be difficult to know how to choose the best spa and the best treatment for a loved one. The following are some questions to ask to ensure that your spa gift certificate is a success:

Does the spa offer weekend and evening hours?

Having a variety of hours available to enjoy a treatment is important.

Does the therapist ever leave the room during a treatment?

Believe it or not, there are some spas that leave a client alone during a portion of a facial and will actually perform a second treatment while the client waits alone. This is unacceptable. A therapist should be in the room at all times providing pamepering and results.

Do the therapists have quotas?

A relaxing spa visit can soon turn stressful when a therapist begins aggressively pushing products. Professional skin care products are wonderful and can make a tremendous difference in the skin, but when products are being pushed by someone who has a quota to meet, often, the client’s best interest might not be the reason for a recommendation.

Does the spa have a website?

A website can be a wonderful way to learn about a spa. Upscale spas will have a virtual tour which will allow you to experience the environment of the spa. The spas philosophy and background will also help you decide if a spa is ideal for you. Gift certificate packages are typically described on a website. This will help you decide on the perfect package for you or a loved one.

Is there a physician affiliation?

Although, a traditional day spa does not require a physician to supervise treatments, it can be an indication of a high level of care. Medical spas are the fastest growing type of spa. Medical grade treatments like laser hair removal, laser skin tightening, and medical grade peels do require physician supervision.

When thinking of a day spa package, consider a treatment that will provide relaxation and results for the one you love.

To search for a spa in your area, you may go to websites such as www.spaindex.com or type in key words "best day spa" followed by your city. To find a day spa that offers the results of a medical spa, type in medical spa and the name of your city.

Kile Law owns Blue water Spa in Raleigh, NC. Blue water Spa was recently voted one of the top 4 medical spas in America by American Spa Magazine. Blue Water Spa has also been voted best day spa in Raleigh

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kile_Law

What is a Swim Spa?

A Swim Spa is a counter current swimming pool that also shares the same concept and ideas as a Hydrotherapy and Hydro Massage Spa and Hot Tub.

A Swim Spa is the ideal pool for the practise of regular water exercise, swimming or even aqua-jogging, with the comfort and relaxation of the pleasant soothing warm water.

Considering that all the operating equipment, Heaters and pumps are compact there is even a possibility of being portable, a Swim Spa can easily be placed in a garden, terrace or even in the interior of a house. A roof or pent house terrace is also a possibility subject to the weight and loading requirements.

A swim spa has many advantages some of which are :-

Fitness

With an adjustable water flow of between 730 and 2.200 litres per minute, the swim spa can be adjusted to each and every style of swimming and to varying degree of exercise levels.

With a varying number of high flow hydro therapy massage jets, sufficient pumps and air regulators a swim spa can create the ideal water flow for the intensity of exercise desired.

The water temperature is fully adjustable and can be set up to 40ºC and can be adjusted either for a swimming activity or orientated to relax or for exercise such as aqua jogging.

A swim spa should have an anti-slip floor combined with sufficient depth of say 130cm to 140cm so that it can also be used for aquajogging.

Relaxation

The water temperature of the swim spa can be kept always at the desired temperature so it can be used anytime and indeed at any time of the year.

Swim Spa are usually Equipped with LED lights, so as to create fantastic lighting conditions and environments to be used at night.

Water treatment

Contrary to the conventional swimming pools the swim spa needs low maintenance to keep the water clean and in its perfect condition.

A well made swimspa will be equipped with an efficient filtration system, with three cartridge filters and a sufficient circulation pump.

Also as with modern Jacuzzis a swim spa should be equipped with a ozone generator (O3) to help purify the water.

Efficiency

With proper isolation and a isothermical cover the swim spa is very efficient in the energy consumption to keep the water at the desired temperature.

To maintain the water temperature of a swim spa it will need more or less 1 € per day.

Portability

A swim spa can be equipped with panels and a structure (stainless steel or galvanized iron) and as all the equipment is assembled in its interior, the swim spa can be a portable swimming pool.

The author markets luxury Hot Tubs in Spain and for futher information his web site is at Hot Tubs Spain and for details on designer spas please go to Hot Tubs Fuengirola.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_E_Lewis

Take the Guesswork Out of the Spa

With more Americans than ever discovering the spa lifestyle, it would appear the road to wellness is a smooth path. But there are still those who have yet to discover the benefits to this life-affirming approach to living. In fact, for those who yet are unaware of what to expect from a spa and its treatments, the spa concept may seem a stressful venture.

The spa experience is meant to reduce stress, not cause it, according to a spokesperson from the International SPA Association (ISPA). The key to experiencing the full benefits of the spa is to first take out some of the guesswork.

One of the most accessible ways to experience the spa for beginners is a day spa. Day spas are local and most often offer basic treatments such as Swedish massage, facials and body treatments. First-timers should peruse the day spa's website to learn more about the treatments offered and follow that up with a pone call to learn more. Spa staff are always happy to answer questions and help beginners book an appointment. Referrals from friends and family are also a great way to learn about spas.

Some might also be nervous about what treatments will cost, as well as tipping. Just like other service-oriented businesses, spas come in a variety of price points. Check around for treatments that best fit the budget. Also, prices for treatments are typically listed online. Staff can also provide additional information in regards to pricing. When it comes to tipping, if a service has been rendered in a satisfying manner, it's expected the client will leave a tip. Typically, spa-goers should tip 15 to 20 percent for the cost of service, or about $10 to $15 for a treatment. Tips are made the time of check-out and many spas provide small envelopes at the front desk for a tip.

On a first visit, it's important to arrive approximately 30 minutes early. This gives guests time to soak in the ambiance a bit before a treatment. First-time visitors will also need to fill out a medical form listing any existing medical conditions or concerns. This is important for the therapist who will be providing the service. Some treatments can not be provided to clients with preexisting conditions. Staff will also provide guests wit a tour of the changing and relaxation areas, in addition to a robe and slippers.

The issue of clothing, or lack of it, is most often a concern for those new to the spa experience. A professional spa will never compromise a client's modesty. When guests change into a robe for a treatment, they can choose whether to wear underwear beneath the robe. A massage therapist has been trained in the art of draping a blanket, so that only the portion of body being treated is exposed.

During a massage or other body treatment, the therapist may seek feedback in regards to comfort and any areas that might need special attention. It's important that clients communicate to the therapist any discomfort they may be experiencing. In regards to conversation during a treatment, the therapist takes a cue from the client. Some prefer quiet conversation while others prefer to remain quiet.

Following a treatment, the therapist will quietly leave the room, allowing the client to take a few minutes to get up off of the table. While clients are not expected to rush out of a therapy room, it is good spa etiquette to keep in mind the room may be reserved for another client. A therapist should always provide a client with a glass of water following a massage, which will help cleanse the body of toxins.

First-time visitors who schedule a body wrap or hydrotherapy should expect not to be draped so as to receive the maximum results of the treatment. Swimsuits are optional in this case. When using a sauna or steam, clients always wear sandals provided by the spa and sit on their towels as a form of courtesy to other clients and to protect one self from germs.

Next to a massage, a facial is the second most preferred spa treatment. Using mineral essential cleansing products, facials are performed to purify, nourish and tone skin. Typically, most facials take about an hour and it's not necessary to be unclothed during the treatment.

Taking the guesswork out of the spa experience is not hard with a little bit of preparation. Many have already discovered the spa to be one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, achieve wellbeing and indulge in some much-needed pampering. A small amount of research can deliver big dividends.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
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Spa Glossary - A To Z

Know the difference between acupuncture and acupressure? How about Shiatsu and Watsu? The spa world is filled with a dizzying collection of terms and procedures. Following is a sample glossary, thanks to Spa Finder, to help spa-goers speak and understand the lingo with ease.

Acupressure
Used to stimulate the flow of energy in the body, acupressure is a traditional Chinese pressure-point massage.

Acupuncture
Administered using needles, a low-voltage electric current, or acupressure, acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing technique based on Taoist philosophy.

Body Wrap
Herbal body wraps cover the client in a cocoon-like form with strips of cloth soaked in herbal teas. Sea mud body wraps use mineral essential-rich mud to cleanse and hydrate the body.

Complementary medicine
Unlike alternative medicine which replaces traditional therapies, complementary medicine uses treatments and therapies in conjunction with traditional medicine.

Destination Spa
Property that focuses on improving one's lifestyle, enhancing health, and creating self-renewal in the company of other like-minded people.

European Facial
A treatment that includes deep cleansing, steam, exfoliation, and a professional face massage, followed by a mask that hydrates the skin.

Green
The buzzword that describes a concern with, or promotion of, environmentalism through recycling, creation of biogradable products, or reducing pollution.

Hot Stone Therapy
A treatment in which dark, smooth stones are heated in hot water and then placed or stroked lightly on key areas of the body.

ISPA
The International Spa Association, which represents all aspects of the spa industry.

Lymph Drainage
A type of massage meant to stimulate circulation in the lymph system to drain away excess fluids and trapped toxins.

Medical Spa
These are destination or day spas that offer traditional and complementary medical services including cosmetic procedures, diagnostic testing, and preventative care.

Organic
Food grown without the use of chemicals of any kind, including growth hormones, pesticides, and fertilizers.

Pilates
Developed by Joseph Pilates, this is a body conditioning program that develops flexibility and strength through controlled movements and specially-designed exercise equipment.

Qi Gong (or Chi Gung or Chi Kung)
A group of Chinese self-healing exercises, the term Qi Gong comes from qi (energy) and gong (achievement that comes from practice). The exercises include simple movements, breathing, and mental imagery to relax and strengthen the body and mind.

Salt Glow
Used to exfoliate and stimulate circulation, skin is rubbed with coarse salt combined with fragrant oils.

Shiatsu
This massage technique developed in Japan uses applied pressure to specific body points to stimulate and unblock meridians, or pathways through which energy is said to flow.

Thai Massage
With a client dressed in full clothing, this treatment involves yoga-like stretching and pressure-point massage to release blocked energy, relieve tension, and increase awareness.

Vichy Shower
Meant to hydrate the body and improve circulation, the Vichy shower was inspired by treatments in the French thermal spa city. It involves a client lying beneath a spray of warm water created by a five- to seven-head shower system.

Watsu
This treatment achieves deep relaxation in the client through rhythmic movements and a pressure-point massage administered by a therapist in a warm pool.

Yoga
Aimed at self-development and self-realization, the physical practice of yoga uses positions, deep breathing, and meditation to stretch and tone the body.

Zen
A school of Mahayana Buddhism that asserts enlightenment can be achieved through meditation, self-contemplation, and intuition by focusing on one's essential nature.

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