A hot tub is a large manufactured tub or small pool full of heated water and used for soaking, relaxation, massage, or hydrotherapy. In most cases, they have jets for massage purposes. Hot tubs are usually located outdoors, and are often sheltered for protection from the elements, as well as for privacy.
There are two different styles of hot tubs:
- Simple wooden-staved soaking tubs
- Fiberglass-reinforced plastic tubs (usually referred to as "spas")
Hot tubs are usually heated using an electric or natural gas heater, though there are also wood-fired hot tub heaters. Hot tubs are also found at natural hot springs; in this case, the water may be dangerously hot and must be combined with cool water for a safe soaking temperature.
There are two different styles of hot tubs:
- Simple wooden-staved soaking tubs
- Fiberglass-reinforced plastic tubs (usually referred to as "spas")
Hot tubs are usually heated using an electric or natural gas heater, though there are also wood-fired hot tub heaters. Hot tubs are also found at natural hot springs; in this case, the water may be dangerously hot and must be combined with cool water for a safe soaking temperature.
Copyright ©2009 What-is.Net All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
Water sanitization is very important in hot tubs, as many organisms thrive in a warm, wet environment. Maintaining the hot tub water chemistry is also necessary for proper sanitization and to prevent damage to the hot tub.
Fiberglass spas, also commonly known in America as Jacuzzi or Whirlpool tubs (though both are brand names), are formed as one piece with shapes that provide a variety of seating arrangements within the tub. They are shallower than wooden tubs, usually being 32" to 36" high so they can fit through a doorway. Although wooden tubs were the most common type of hot tub in the 1970s, fiberglass hot tubs now dominate the market as they are less expensive to manufacture, easier to install, and more energy efficient.
Each integral seat is often equipped with one or more water jets that allows water to be directed at parts of the body. The water flow may be aerated for additional effect, and some or all of the jets may also automatically move or rotate, providing a massage-like effect.
Although Jacuzzi is probably the best known brand name of spas, the company primarily concentrates on making bathroom fixtures. Of the 130-odd manufacturers in North America, the top twenty-five each produce more than 10,000 spas annually.
Effective insulation greatly improves the energy efficiency of a spa. There are several different styles of spa insulation: some manufacturers fill the entire cabinet with foam, while others insulate the underside of the shell, the inside of the cabinet, or both. Not surprisingly, many manufacturers advertise the superiority of their approach to insulation, but few independent side-by-side comparisons are available. Both the California Energy Commission and National Resources Canada have taken an interest in the energy efficiency of portable spas (late 2006).
Spas usually have at least two water pumps, with one small circulator pump serving the heating and filtration water loop and the other(s) driving the hydrotherapy jets. Sophisticated computer controls are now common and many tubs now are equipped with extensive lighting, sound systems, and even flat-screen televisions with DVD players.
Fiberglass spas, also commonly known in America as Jacuzzi or Whirlpool tubs (though both are brand names), are formed as one piece with shapes that provide a variety of seating arrangements within the tub. They are shallower than wooden tubs, usually being 32" to 36" high so they can fit through a doorway. Although wooden tubs were the most common type of hot tub in the 1970s, fiberglass hot tubs now dominate the market as they are less expensive to manufacture, easier to install, and more energy efficient.
Each integral seat is often equipped with one or more water jets that allows water to be directed at parts of the body. The water flow may be aerated for additional effect, and some or all of the jets may also automatically move or rotate, providing a massage-like effect.
Although Jacuzzi is probably the best known brand name of spas, the company primarily concentrates on making bathroom fixtures. Of the 130-odd manufacturers in North America, the top twenty-five each produce more than 10,000 spas annually.
Effective insulation greatly improves the energy efficiency of a spa. There are several different styles of spa insulation: some manufacturers fill the entire cabinet with foam, while others insulate the underside of the shell, the inside of the cabinet, or both. Not surprisingly, many manufacturers advertise the superiority of their approach to insulation, but few independent side-by-side comparisons are available. Both the California Energy Commission and National Resources Canada have taken an interest in the energy efficiency of portable spas (late 2006).
Spas usually have at least two water pumps, with one small circulator pump serving the heating and filtration water loop and the other(s) driving the hydrotherapy jets. Sophisticated computer controls are now common and many tubs now are equipped with extensive lighting, sound systems, and even flat-screen televisions with DVD players.
