Spas give families health, comfort options at home

While sales have slowed in some industries, spa companies are bubbling over with success.

Spa company salesmen and owners attribute that to two major factors: Families are traveling less, and people are realizing how spas can help relieve pain.

Kelly Thomas, a sales representative at Springfield Pool and Spas, said the company has sold 40 percent more spas this year than at this time last year.

"Retired people and families are buying them," Thomas said. "Families are enjoying a home spa instead of going on vacation, because they aren't traveling as much so they can be with each other."

Then there's the health benefits.

"A lot of people with arthritis, back problems and fibromyalgia say the water and the power of the jets helps relieve pain and helps them sleep better," Thomas said.

Debi Smith, owner of Le Dipping Parlor Spas, said she sees the same trends.

"Since Sept. 11, people aren't as comfortable traveling," she said. "People aren't traveling to go on vacation. Instead, they're staying home and cocooning. People are realizing what (spas) are. They thought spas were more for fun and entertainment, but now realize they have therapy benefits."

Rejuvenating waters

Thomas said if people are purchasing a spa for health reasons, they should look for one with a variety of jets.

"You can move around the spa and the jets hit different parts of your body," Thomas said. The strength of the jets can be controlled. The temperature of the spa can be set for anywhere between 80 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spas have a healing effect on the body, Smith said.

"The therapy of the water makes muscles feel better and makes you sleep better because it relaxes you, and is a stress and pain reliever," Smith said. "The spas have different jets that work on different muscle groups."

Spa buyers should check the power of the jets instead of looking at the total horsepower, Thomas said.

"You want to feel the power of each jet because you want a pleasurable experience, not a punishing one," she said. "Each person is different; what might be too much power in a jet for one person might not feel the same to someone else."

Jump in

Springfield Pool and Spas sells Hot Springs, Tiger River and Hot Spot spas. They're all manufactured by Watkins Manufacturing in Vista, Calif.

The portable units hold from two to eight people. The cost of a spa ranges from $2,695 to $8,200. The price includes delivery, setup, insulated covers and the chemicals. Financing is available.

Le Dipping Parlor Spas sells Sundance Spas, which hold up to 10 people. The cost of a Le Dipping Parlor Spas starts at $3,500 and includes delivery, set up and insulated covers. Financing is available.

An electrician needs to be at the home when the spa is delivered to run electricity to the spa. A predelivery guide explains what electrical equipment will need to get the spa running.

Spas will increase a homeowner's monthly electric bill, Thomas said.

"The electrical cost will run you between $12 and $18 a month," Thomas said. "That's based on the spa being plugged in all the time, using it two times a day for 30 minutes each time and using it during the winter. When it's colder outside, a spa has to work harder to maintain its temperature."

Smith said the electrical costs can vary based on the spa.

"The cost depends on what the insulation and cover are made of and how often it's used," Smith said. "The spa should be full foam insulated and the cover should be made out of marine grade Naugahyde, the same material boat seats are made out of."