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Hot
Tubs
POSTED: 4:27 pm EDT September 8, 2004
UPDATED: 1:32 pm EDT September 9, 2004
If you’re thinking of a hot tub, but don’t want to spend a fortune or buy too big of a tub, there are now some alternatives.
A few manufacturers have been offering an alternative to the large, expensive hot tubs you seen in showrooms, and these have been around for a while. But recently, they have incorporated better components, more colors and better warranties.
One of the most noted manufacturers is Softub, which offers a soft, vinyl-sided tub with a swimming-pool interior liner, a cover out of the same materials and a spa pack to run the spa.
What makes these small tubs unique is that they do not require much electricity, they are lightweight and can be rolled around from place to place.
They weigh about 75 pounds and are made out of a rolled foam product. A vinyl covering is then applied over the foam. The spa pak operates on 120 volts and has a built in GFCI plug, required by law. The spa water is heated from the heat generated off the motor, a series of tubes run around the motor and when the spa calls for heat, the motor turn on and heat is generated.
The foam construction insulates the tub really well. These newer series of tubs also have ozonators that produce ozone to help clean the water.
T he controls are easy to use and have a digital read-out. The warranty is pretty good as well. The first two years are covered 100 percent and the next three years are covered, except for a possible $275 deductable maximum.
The softub comes in seven different colors and is available in a few days from most dealers. To find a local softub dealer, check out the Web site below. I found the softub quite soft and comfortable.
The price on these portable spas range from $3000 to $4500, depending on the manufacturer and local dealer.
A few items to check when shopping:
Make sure tub is "UL" rated and approved. Usually, most new tubs have two suction intakes in tub to protect children from being harmed. Check manufacturers warranty and if the dealer does the warranty work. What colors, features and options are available. The electrical average use for the spa in winter and summer. How long the company has been making these spas.
Updated June 18, 2004
Pool & Spa News welcomes news tips from our readers. Send news items, with company and contact information included, to Joshua Keim at jkeim@hanleywood.com or fax to 323-801-4986.
Softub Staff Aids Arthritic Boy
 The staff at Softub Inc. recently donated a spa to 9-year-old Marcus Yenter of Newport, R.I. Diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age 1, he and his mother, Lisa (shown), used to travel 60 miles round trip every week from their home at Fort Adams to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence for the boy’s therapy sessions.
That was before they met Sue Sherman, Softub sales manager. After talking with the Yenters at her son’s third-grade class party, Sherman took up a collection at work to purchase a Softub spa that Yenter could use at home for hot-water therapy. Staff members from two company offices — in New Bedford, Mass., and Valencia, Calif. — contributed to the fund.
Copyright 2004 by turnto10.com. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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