Hot Tubs Burnsville, Shoreview, St. Paul – Create a Hot Tub Party This Holiday Season

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Hot tub parties were once a symbol of wealth and extravagance, but now are a common occurrence all across the country. Hot tubs add an extra element of fun and relaxation to any type of party, in any climate. Holiday hot tub parties are fun at any time of the year; you don’t have to have heat outside to create a warm and enlivening atmosphere when you have a hot tub on your side.

Indeed, hot tub parties can take place even in the dead of winter if you plan well. A hot tub can turn even a cold winter’s night into a festive, outdoor event. There are plenty of holiday themes you can create around a hot tub party, but you don’t have to wait for a holiday to enjoy a friendly gathering around the fun of a hot tub.

How to Plan for a Holiday Hot Tub Party - The first thing you need to do is clean the hot tub well. You’ll want to ensure that your guests have a clean tub so drain the hot tub, clean the sides and bottom well, and disinfect it before refilling the water. Well before the guests are to arrive, make sure the water is treated properly, and the temperature is set to the correct heat level so everything is ready for your guests to jump right in.

Decorating for Your Holiday Hot Tub Party - The decorations you choose will really create the atmosphere of the holiday around your party. Decorate your outdoor hot tub area the same as you would for an indoor party. One way to create a happy, festive party feel is to string lights. No matter what holiday or event you are celebrating, you can use lights to make the area feel connected to the theme.

One word of caution is that you must remember to keep the lights strung about the area away from the hot tub water. Place candles about the area for a warm, comfortable glow at night. If the weather is warm, have citronella candles in strategic places both in the daytime and at night to keep away mosquitoes.

Guest Comfort - It is a good idea to have plenty of extra towels for guests who forgot to bring one, or need an extra. Having a few extra swim-suits can help a lot as well, for any guests who may not have one. Put up a small changing area for guests to get ready. If you don’t want them to use your bathroom or bedrooms, put up a small tent, or cordon off a section of a garage with blankets or other cloth for a changing area. If the weather is cold, make sure the changing area is free of drafts, indoors to keep them from getting chilled.

Festive Foods for Holiday Hot Tub Parties - Food is an important element of any party. Keep foods light and easy to eat when hosting a hot tub party. Finger foods like sandwiches or chicken wings are an excellent option. Drinks should also be light, and alcohol should be limited because the mixture of alcohol and heat can increase the effects on the heart and blood pressure to a greater degree. Light wine, or limited mixed drinks should be offered along with soda or water.

Safety First: Guidelines for Safe Hot Tub Parties - Never let any decorations or tables block the entrance/exit from the hot tub. Guests should be able to get in and out freely. Rules can dampen a party, but there are a few important rules guests should be aware of for their own safety. No one should adjust the temperature on the hot tub but you, and loose items such as towels and shoes should be placed in available areas away from the entrance to the hot tub.

Any party is better with a hot tub, and it won’t take much to make your parties the envy of all your friends. Take the time to make your hot tub parties fun and safe, and enjoy the holidays in style.

Hot Tubs St. Paul  Hot Tubs Shoreview   Hot Tubs Burnsville  

HotSpring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota offers a large selection of new and used hot tubs and saunas for sale and a variety of hot tub, sauna, repairs, parts, and accessories. We are Iowa's and Minnesota's premier source for Hot Spring Spas and Hot Tubs, Saunatec and Finnleo Saunas, A & B Backyard Accessories, and proudly carry the SilkBalance for Spas water treatment system. To learn more, pick up a copy of our free report “7 Critical Question You Must Ask Before Your Buy a Hot Tub”. Just give us a call at 651-731-9745 or go to http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

Hot Tubs Minneapolis – Best Ways to Accessorize Your Portable Hot Tub

Friday, October 21st, 2011

Having a hot tub can be one of the best ways to beautify your property. But once you've bought the hot tub, you might start thinking about ways to accessorize your hot tub so that you can build around it and make it the focal point of your outdoor space. If you don't know where to start, here are the five best ways to accessorize your hot tub:


1 - Cover - A spa cover is the first logical choice for a spa accessory. It protects your spa and the water inside from the elements. A spa cover should be durable for all seasons. For easy handling of your spa cover, you might also invest in a spa lift.


2 - Steps - Steps are another logical choice for a hot tub accessory. Practical and useful, steps make getting in and out of the hot tub easier. More than that, they provide a safe way to go from the wet tub to the dry ground.


When choosing steps for your spa, keep the surface in mind. Your feet will be wet, so you want to choose stairs with non-slip surfaces but also stairs that can handle being wet over time. You can get steps with any appearance that can be matched with the tub for a unified look.


3 - Spa Surrounds - Spa surrounds can be a fantastic choice for those who really want to dress up their yard. Surrounds are available in a variety of colors and styles.


When choosing a spa surround, keep in mind the general mood you hope to evoke in your backyard, as well as the surrounding foliage and your home itself. Select a surround that will complement the existing landscape and stand out in it. Spa surrounds come in a variety of looks and styles, so whatever you want is available.


4 - Music System - Everyone loves music, and having music near your spa means that you can create any kind of environment near your spa that you wish. You can choose music depending on your mood and the mood you want to create. If you'd like to listen to an audiobook, you can do that too.


Make sure not to put the music system and its cords too close to your spa; even better, make sure to cover all cords with water-resistant tape and protection so it does not get wet. To avoid that trouble completely, consider getting a wireless system put in.


5 - Gazebos - A gazebo can be a simple elegant way to adorn your spa. Not only that, but it can provide some coverage from the sun and in some cases privacy. If you choose a gazebo, make sure to find one that fits nicely with any of your other accessories. Make sure there are no there are no low-lying branches that will lay on top of it.


Adding accessories to your hot tub can be a fun process resulting in a beautiful addition to the look and feel of your spa. Take your time browsing all the different options and choose something that you find truly beautiful.


Click Here to check out our Hot Tub Accessories -  http://www.hotspringgreen.com/silkbalance-and-hot-tub-accessories

Hot Tubs Minnetonka – This Fall, Fall for a Hot Tub Spa

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

As the leaves start to change color and we put away our bathing suits, there can be no mistaking that fall has arrived. Autumn is a season for families, outdoor activities, and getting ready to settle in for the winter. Having a hot tub makes this season even better.


A personal spa can be an excellent way to unwind and to enjoy the beauty of the autumn landscape. Being in a spa can transport you to a warm oasis in the midst of everything else going on at this time of year. Here are a few ways hot tubs are just perfect for the fall season:


Busy schedules - Autumn typically means back to school for the kids, which means back to crazy schedules for everyone. After running everyone to their activities and checking everyone's homework, take a walk out to your personal spa and soak. The warmth will soothe your muscles and being away from the madness for a while will only make you stronger once you return to it.


Children can also enjoy a nice soak in the spa. After starting up with school again, children have stress to deal with too, and soaking in the spa is something they can look forward to after a long day. You might want to take advantage of this time and soak with your children; after being so relaxed, when you ask them how their day was, they might say more than “fine”!


The night air is cold but the hot tub is not - What could be better than relaxing under a clear starry sky in a warm hot tub? Fall weather is the perfect weather for a hot tub. It's still pleasant enough during the day, but when the temperatures drop during the evening and it's brisk at night you want something warm to get into. And there's nothing better than a warm bubbly soak on a cool dark night. Gaze at the stars and the moon and imagine that there's no one else around.


Wonderful autumn smells - From pumpkin pies baking to cooked turkeys, everyone knows that autumn is the best time for your sense of smell. It's that way outdoors, too. The unforgettable smell of a fireplace can reach you and make you feel cozy and right at home while you're sitting in your hot tub. Even the scent of clean, crisp autumn air can be a wonderful, invigorating experience.


You don't have to shovel out a path to reach it - Laugh if you want, but anyone who has ever had to shovel knows that's a big deal! It's still early enough in the year that you can still walk out to the hot tub without making any special preparations to do so. Anytime you want to jump in that warm water you can. Enjoying a soak is easy to do.


Soaking in a hot tub this fall may be just the thing you need to feel relaxed and serene after those busy fall days. Consider a hot tub as the perfect accessory to a cool autumn day; warm and soothing, you can leave all your troubles for a while.


Check out our Hot Tub sale going on right now - Go to http://www.hotspringgreen.com/promotions

Hot Tubs Des Moines – Is it Time for a Hot Tub Tune-Up?

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

Now that summer is winding away and the kids have gone back to school, now is an ideal time to perform some maintenance on your spa.

Just like your car needs a tune-up, your hot tub needs regular maintenance to stay in good shape.

Here are a few things to consider doing during your hot tub tune-up:

1- The “once over”

Do a quick assessment for any problems. Look around for leaks and parts that aren't working well. Catching problems early will mean lower repair costs and less aggravation. Make a list of anything that raises an eyebrow, and consider calling your dealer's service department to come check it out.

2-Flush the spa system

You may already perform daily and weekly maintenance methods such as sanitizing your water and watching pH levels, but how clean is the water flowing into your tub? Without getting inside the jets and inner plumbing of the hot tub, you won't know. The inner tubes and systems can be lined with dirt and mineral deposits. Flushing the system cleans the parts of your spa you can't see, ensuring good water quality before you even fill the tub. Don't forget to drain and re-fill the tub too.

2-Clean the Filters

Take the filters and soak them in a solution overnight. Ideally, filters should be changed every month, but if you haven't had a chance, certainly do it now. Think about having two sets of filters, so that you can rotate them each time you clean them. While you are cleaning the filters, don't forget the grids and cartridges.

3-Check the spa cover

Spa covers take a lot of pressure from the elements. It is possible for covers to crack under the relentless heat of the sun, and rain and snow can cause damage. Make sure to spray the cover with ultraviolet protectant and be sure that you have the adequate spa cover for your climate. Sagging can cause water pooling, and if you have these little puddles on your cover try flipping it. This may correct the problem in the short-term, but consider getting a stronger cover or one of a stronger substance.

Taking care of your spa protects the investment you've made in your hot tub. Making sure that your hot tub is well-maintained needn't be a arduous process. Taking the time to do a little maintenance now will keep your spa working as it should, and can avoid costly repairs in the future. Try a fall hot tub tune-up, and your spa will be well enough to enjoy soaking for days to come.

Hot Tubs Des Moines – Back to School can be Stressful – Here’s How a Hot Tub can Help

Friday, September 9th, 2011

Miss summer already? With all the kids going back to school (or starting school for the first time!), September makes life hectic.

New schedules, new faces, first day jitters.....it can be a lot for kids to adjust to. And when you add parents and their schedules into the mix, September is one of the most stressful times of the year for a family. Luckily, there's a solution to soothe all that stress: a warm bubbly spa.

How can a spa help a family deal with stress this fall?  

Here are a couple of ways a hot tub can help you deal with the stress of September:

Quality Family Time

Much has been made of the importance of “quality time” with your family. That can be hard when the kids have sports practice to get to, a laptop to do homework on, and an ipod in their ears. By scheduling a time for the entire family to jump in the spa, you remove all distractions. A nice soak for the entire family will give you time to talk about events of the day, or whatever else comes to mind—all while relaxing you.

You'll be surprised how open and forthcoming children can be when they're soaking in a warm spa, calm and relaxed. Wouldn't it be nice to get a better answer than “fine” when you ask how their day was?

Soaking will alleviate stress for everyone, and not just the adults in the family. Kids can deal with a lot of stress during the school year, and a personal spa will melt away tension for kids just as easily as it does for their parents.

Stress is just one of the health issues that improves with time in a personal spa. Hot tubs improve circulation, soothe muscles and provide a variety of other health benefits. When you tell the kids to jump in the hot tub, you can feel good about looking out for their overall health.

How About a Time Out for You?

With so much going on, it can be difficult to find time for yourself. Yet making time for yourself can be necessary and beneficial for you and the rest of your family. Spending time alone can give you perspective, new ways to think of things, and a chance to recharge your “batteries”. Create a little oasis for yourself in the backyard, and give yourself the gift of peace with a spa—even if it only lasts half an hour!

If you feel up to it, consider spending time with your spouse—time for the two of you is also important.

Your family is thrust back into high speed when September rolls around. A hot tub will calm you and re-energize you for all that lies ahead. Try making time for a warm soak in your future!

So Go Ahead and Enjoy September!

Thad

Hot Tubs Minneapolis MN – Creating a Backyard Spa Paradise With Creative Landscaping

Sunday, August 21st, 2011

When we buy a hot tub, we tend to imagine relaxing in it and drifting away to a peaceful oasis. But how many of us actually make that dream come true? Creating a backyard paradise with your hot tub is much easier than you think. How can you do it?

Create a theme.

This is perhaps the most important step. Creating a theme based around your spa allows you to focus on one thing you really enjoy and to discard irrelevant things. You know how you only need milk at the supermarket, yet come home with 10 other items? That's what you want to avoid when building your backyard paradise spa.

Have fun with the landscaping.

Some people will buy a hot tub, mount it on a deck, and call it a day. But you can really have fun turning your backyard into a fully fleshed-out spectacle by using what is available and by concentrating on them. Keeping the theme in mind will especially guide you toward the right elements to include.

Plant exotic trees and plants that present a striking visual treat if you are recreating a rainforest. For high drama, or those attempting a secret garden effect, consider creating a pergola--a lush leafy path leading to a hot tub surrounded by a dome of gorgeous greenery.

Titillate all the senses, not just your vision. Use flowers that smell wonderful, such as honeysuckle. Add chimes to the posts of a pavilion gazebo and surround your spa with music. Install a fountain or a mini-waterfall for the sound of running water, or consider a fire pit not only for the flickering soft light, but the smoky smell.

When getting creative, consider the following:

-The impact of the landscaping on the hot tub. Trees that look beautiful but will eventually hang over the hot tub and drop berries or leaves into it might not be a wise choice.

-Time and cost. Whatever you choose is certainly up to you, but don't make an elaborate plan if you will become outspent and burnt out making it.

Take these ideas and build on them, creating your own personal piece of heaven. The great thing about making your backyard paradise is that whatever you envision, you can create. Soaking in your bubbly spa will feel much better knowing that you've created all that you see.

Now go out there and soak!

Thad

Hot Tubs Minneapolis – How to Make Your Hot Tub Surroundings Private

Sunday, August 7th, 2011

There's a funny question that comes up when one buys a hot tub: how can you enjoy a spa when you've got neighbors? It can be challenging to come up with ideas to enjoy your hot tub while hoping the neighbors aren't staring, so here are three creative ways to landscape the surrounding area so your personal spa stays personal:

1 - Create a Rainforest - Not literally of course--create a thick green barrier between you and the rest of the world. Use plants that are large and leafy to provide natural privacy. Just make sure not to use plants and trees that shed leaves in autumn or drop berries in the spring. Keep in mind that you want the inside of your hot tub to stay clean. Some exotic trees, such as espalier that only grow sideways, will not only provide privacy but lend ambiance.

2 - Get a Gazebo - Gazebos can be customized to fit in with the look of your house. They are very good for muffling sound so that eavesdroppers don't catch every word of your conversation, but they are also beautiful. There are many different styles of gazebos, suitable for different tastes and different privacy levels. However, most seem to fall into two types:

-Pavilion - These are perhaps the most recognizable, consisting of a roof and four posts. They offer protection from the sun as well as provide a bit of cover.

-Open Air - Usually enclosures without roofs, the open air gazebo allows fresh air in private. Different styles offer open lattice "walls" so you can enjoy the outdoors and your privacy. This type will also allow you to see the night sky while you soak in your hot tub.

3 - Build a Room or Spa Enclosure - Spa Enclosures are just like rooms and are made specifically to house the hot tub. This setup offers the most privacy, maximum protection from the elements, and can be decorated and customized any way you like.

Other ways to make your hot tub surroundings more private are to take steps to make your entire backyard more private. Allow crawling vines and plants to engulf a side fence, for example. Plant leafy trees along the perimeter of your backyard.

It's possible to enjoy a relaxing soak in your Hot Spring Spas hot tub without feeling like you are on display. Let these tips guide you toward hot tub surroundings that are landscaped in a way that are private, creative, and beautiful.

Time to enjoy your hot tub!

Thad

St. Paul Hot Tubs – More Than Just Relaxing – A Hot Tub Can Be Good for You Too

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

More than a millennia ago, ancient cultures discovered how the mind, body and spirit can be improved by immersing in hot water. Taking a long, peaceful soak in a hot tub from HotSpring Spa will not only ease your tension and stress, but could also be just what the doctor ordered. A HotSpring Spa can help you feel better naturally, whether it’s just to relax after a long day or to reduce the tightness and pain in your joints and muscles from an injury or strain.


The Hydro-massage Experience

Massage, heat and buoyancy are all working together to give you a calming, relaxing experience infused with hydrotherapy.


Soaking in a spa increases circulation as the body temperature rises with the hot water causing the blood vessels to dilate. Buoyancy creates a weightless sensation that releases the tension in joints and muscles when it reduces body weight by about 90%.


The jet nozzles give a relaxing massage with the use of air and warm water. Endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers, are released and tight muscles are loosened with the “energized” stream of water.


Arthritis Benefits

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, affecting an estimated 50 million Americans. Most types of arthritis are identified as inflammation of the joints causing stiffness, swelling, and pain, many instances ending with the result of joint function or movement loss.


Finding relief by immersing in the relaxing, warm water of a spa is common among people affected by arthritis. Having a hot tub conveniently located in the comfort of your backyard, provides you with the buoyancy, warmth, and massage required to exercise and soothe muscles and joints.


Diabetes Benefits

Help may be as near as the closest hot tub for people who suffer from diabetes (Type 1 or 2), more than 23.6 million people. There are many advantages to owning a spa and for people who are affected by Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus there are many benefits to soaking in a hot tub, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.


People can, many times, control their condition by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet with this type of diabetes. Sadly, vigorous activity and maintaining a consistent weight is physically impossible for some diabetics. Immersing yourself in a hot tub can lead to an increase in overall sense of well being and improved sleep.


Sleep Benefits

Stressful, busy lifestyles are the cause of insomnia for many patients, according to sleep researchers. Worn nerves, memory loss, mood swings, grogginess, and depression are just some of the symptoms of sleep deprivation. Have a deeper, more peaceful sleep, relieve stress and relax by soaking in a hot tub before going to bed.


A decrease in body temperature can help calm your body into a relaxing and soothing sleep, according to a study in the scientific journal Sleep.


For that reason, it is suggested to soak in 103F degree water for 15 minutes an hour and a half before going to bed. This allows sleep to set in easily, because after soaking in a hot tub the body decreases its internal thermostat.


Many people want to avoid grogginess and other adverse side effects from alternative sleeping aids such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine and alcohol. A natural remedy to induce relaxation and a deeper sleep is through the use of a spa.

So what are you waiting for, Relax in Your Own Hot Spring Hot Tub!

Hot Tubs St. Paul – Shopping for a Portable Hot Tub in St. Paul, MN

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

With so many brands, products, features and options available, choosing the right hot tub can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. Since a hot tub purchase is not an everyday type purchase, there are a few things we suggest you do before you even start the shopping process. You’ll need to consider your lifestyle, budget, placement, time required to maintain and even environmental issues.


To start off with, let me clarify a few of the common terms people us to describe a hot tub. They include; spas, portable spas, hot tub spa and portable hot tub - all describe the same thing, so don’t get too caught up in the terminology.


There are various types of hot tubs and spas on the market today and they come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and sizes. The medical and relaxation benefits of hot water therapy are the same regardless of the hot tub you select, but selecting the right hot tub from a reputable dealer can save you time and money in terms of longevity and maintenance.


The Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub

There are lots of benefits to owning your own spa – from stress reduction to relieving the symptoms of arthritis to getting a better night’s sleep and even easing the aches and pains in your joints and muscles.


In addition to the medical benefits of owning your own spa, it can also be a great activity to enjoy with family and friends. Relaxing in the bubbling warm water makes for a fun way to entertain and enjoy the company of others. Many of our customers have made their hot tub the “center piece” of their backyard and created beautiful landscapes to surround it. Having a hot tub not only enhances your lifestyle but can also enhance the value of your home.


Before You Start Shopping

Regardless of your reason for investing in a hot tub, one of the most important considerations is how often you’ll be soaking in it and how many people on average will be using it at the same time? Is it mostly just for you and your spouse 2 or 3 days a week, or do you have a large family that will be enjoying it on a daily basis? All of this is important when it comes to size, budget, space required to place the spa and of course maintenance. Making these decisions ahead of time will make your research and buying decision easier later on.


One Last Note: A Cheaper Price Does Not Mean a Better Deal

There are vast differences in the way all hot tubs are designed and constructed that will greatly affect your price and your long-term enjoyment. You should consider issues such as comfort, ease of use, performance, safety, reliability, and most importantly, the total cost of ownership when selecting your new hot tub. Remember; you do get what you pay for!

Hot Tubs Minneapolis – Portable Hot Tub FAQ’s – 5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

If you are considering buying a hot tub, you probably already know about the great benefits you are about to receive. But there are hundreds of types, shapes and sizes, so how can you be sure you are making the best spa buying decision? It doesn't have to be a tough process. Here are 5 great questions to ask before you buy a hot tub:

Question #1—How easy is it to take care of a spa?

Luckily, most hot tub owners report that their hot tubs are easy to maintain. The manufacturer's manual will explain particulars but hot tubs typically require filter cleaning, sanitizing, and to be drained every few months.

Also is the dealer able to perform regular maintenance services for you? How much do they charge for their maintenance services? A good dealer will be able to tell you what upkeep costs you might be in for.

Question #2—How energy efficient is a spa—can you get estimated monthly costs?

The type of hot tub you buy will directly reflect the cost. If you want to be energy-efficient and keep costs down in the process, be aware that higher speeds, more jets and bigger pumps will cost more and use more energy. Insulation and hot tub covers can help to reduce energy use.

For your convenience, manufacturers have energy tables available so you can estimate monthly costs. Just make sure you get the current rate of power in your town so you can get a good estimate of how much the spa will cost you.

Question #3—Do you have to use harsh chemicals to keep your spa water clean?

The chemicals that hot tubs require aren’t any more harmful than those that you might use for your pool. They help the water stay at the right pH level, keeping grimy buildup from destroying your hot tub components. The right sanitizing system prevent bacteria and mold from growing in your hot tub as well as ridding your spa of viruses and other impurities.

Question #4—What kind of backyard preparation do I have to do?

The great thing about hot tubs is they are very easy to install and there is not much that needs to be done to prepare. Find a level area to place the hot tub that has access to an outlet and a hose. You also have to be sure that the location you choose will be strong enough to support a hot tub full of water and people. Be aware of trees and power lines that may be overhead, and make sure you are in compliance with local codes.

Question #5—What type of “after the sale” service does the company provide?

Find out what kind of support you can expect from both the dealer and the manufacturer of the hot tub after your purchase. Some things to consider:

-Warranties—Does the manufacturer have one? Does the dealer? What do they entail?

-Service hours-Do they offer 24/7 service?

-Maintenance services—What type of services do they offer? Do they offer both cleaning and repair?

-Stock and supplies—Can you get the part you need in a reasonable time frame?

There can be a lot of things to think about when purchasing a hot tub, but ask these five questions first and you will have a better chance of buying the right hot tub from the right dealer. The right choice will give you peace of mind while saving you time and money.