Articles

Take a Vacation in your own Back Yard

Story by Judy Colbert

So, you've checked the prices of a well-deserved vacation at a luxurious resort or spa or on a cruise and decided you could spend that money on a hot tub or even a pool instead.

Vacations involve the logistics of scheduling everyone's time, reservations, tickets, packing, dealing with airport crowds or driving long distances and when you return it's back to the stressful grind you took the vacation to escape. You decide it's a no-brainer. You're going for the long-term benefit and pleasure.

Kevin Greenwell, service and retail manager of Stevenson Pools in Owings, says he can't think of a single reason not to install a pool, but he can think of dozens of reasons you should. "First, it's a life time of fun and fitness. Secondly, they're maintenance-free." Yes, with automatic chlorinators and automatic pool cleaners, and Stevenson to winterize your pool, all you need to do is enjoy.

One of the first considerations is how you'll be using your hot tub or pool. How many people will be using it? Then, you'll want to think about location, water and electric connections, safety factors, and any county regulations that apply. Relaxation is the primary reason people buy hot tubs. When you sink your body into water heated to between 98 and 104 degrees with hydromassage, your muscles relax, your pulse slows, your blood pressure may lower, and studies indicate a 15-minute soak in hot water can help you fall asleep faster. An added bonus is the beauty that a hot tub or pool can add to the value of your home should you decide to sell it. Keep in mind that although hot tubs and spas are interchangeable terms they aren't the same as the jetted bathtub in your house.

If you plan to use your hot tub for family entertainment, you'll want a model that seats four or more people. If you plan to exercise in your pool, you'll want length over depth, with the standard size running 16 by 32 feet or 16 by 40 feet.

Dave Lants, and his son Joe of Spa and Pool Service in Waldorf, says the typical above ground vinyl lined pool runs about $15,000 to $18,000. An in-ground pool costs about $25,000. Portable hot tubs are from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the amenities, including an ozone generator, more jets, bigger motors, and other options. A larger, built-in spa, one that can be used for therapeutic uses, such as swimming against water jets that give you the effect of lap swimming without the length necessary for lap swimming, can run as high as $20,000. They're usually built into a wooden or cement deck.

Hot tubs come in two varieties, self-contained or non-self-contained. A self-contained unit has a cabinet and the heating, electrical, and filtration systems are within the unit. Typically, it's installed above ground or as part of a deck and can be replaced if you decide to upgrade to a larger or better unit. Non-self-contained hot tubs usually are installed in-ground and are considered a permanent installation. You'll want a locking cover on the hot tub for safety reasons and to prevent evaporation and ambient air-cooling. Safety standards F1346-91 issued by American Society of Testing Materials should be part of that cover. You may want a cover for your pool, again to prevent evaporation and heat loss, and to avert leaves and other debris from falling into your pool.

Greenwell has two major pieces of advice. One, buy a heater to extend your swimming season for over two months. Secondly, consider a freestanding spa over a recessed or in-ground spa. The freestanding spas are more economical, powerful and comfortable.

No matter which way you go, however, hot tub, pool or both, each are guaranteed to provide many hours of family fun and relaxation.