There is no denying the popularity of hot tubs and spas. They are ideal when the temperatures drop and you want to have a warm jet-filled place in which to relax and work the cold out of your bones. Should you get a portable spa or a built-in spa? This is a personal decision that the swimming pool and hot tub contractors from Advanced Pools, Inc. in Memphis, TN work with their customers on.
Hot tubs and spas have come a long way since the early 1970s when it seemed that everyone had one sitting on their deck or in the back yard. Hot tubs can be used year-round but seem to be more popular in the cooler months of the year. You can even enjoy a dip in the hot tub when it’s freezing and snowing — as long as you have heated towels available for when you get out of the water!
If you’re shopping for a hot tub or spa spend time with your Memphis, Tennessee swimming pool and hot tub contractor to gain an understanding of whether you should get a portable hot tub or one that is built into your existing swimming pool.
Should you get a portable spa or a built-in spa?
What is a hot tub? A tank of water, heated and featuring hydrotherapy jets.
What is a spa? A heated tub with jets, made from thermoplastic or acrylic. Acrylic is a popular choice for hot tubs as well because of its contour-design and superior maintenance features.
When you’re shopping for a hot tub or spa, visit the showroom of your contractor and be prepared to don a swimsuit and try them out. You may be overwhelmed by the choices – none of which are what you could consider truly portable.
Technically the spas you see in the showroom are “portable” as they will be delivered to your backyard, but once they’ve been installed, you won’t be easily picking up and moving it around, especially if your pool contractor needs to dig a hole and run plumbing for it. However… if you were moving and wanted to take it with you, it is possible, but you may find it’s less expensive to invest in a new one once you move than it is to take your existing one with you.
Is a spa or hot tub portable? Maybe, but maybe not. Spas weigh hundreds of pounds empty and require a special truck to transport it. Plumbing and electricity will need to be unhooked and then reassembled in a different location — it can be done, but it could be a pricey proposition. A hot tub, may be more portable than a spa, especially if it is a smaller model. Talk with your pool contractor if you think you may be moving in the near future; you may want to wait until you’ve moved to get a hot tub or spa.
