Orange County Landscaping: Spa Design and Construction

Basically, the word spa is used to describe any one of a number of jetted, heated, water-filled tubs. Inground spas can be set in an outside deck, sunk into a cement floor or can be installed semi-inground with a wood or tile deck built around it. Inground spas do require some plumbing, electrical and sometimes gas work before you have the finished product. Frankly, an inground spa is initially more costly than the same model in a portable unit, but it will substantially add to the value of your home, while providing you with quite a unique and relaxing luxury.

There are basically two ways commonly used to heat a spa: electricity or gas (natural or propane). With inground spas, you have more of a choice of heaters. When purchasing an inground unit, your heater is a separate consideration. An inground spa package must be thought of as a custom design, each piece of equipment being sized individually depending on the size of the spa shell. You can use either an electric or gas heater with an inground spa. Gas heaters will initially be more expensive than electric heaters, but in the long run they will be less costly to run on a monthly basis.

It is impossible to give the exact figures concerning monthly operating costs. Your monthly energy bill will be solely dependent on how often you use your spa and at what temperature. All we can tell you honestly is that we have never had a customer complain about the operating costs of their unit once they started using and enjoying the relaxing benefits that it provides for them.

Spas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many units have contoured seating and some feature lounger sections that let you fully recline in the spa. We urge you to look at a number of different models before you decide which interior configuration you would enjoy most. You should even get inside one without water in it to see which tub feels best to you.

You can add a light to your spa. Lights come with a variety of colored lenses that color the water to set the mood of the spa.

On inground spas, you have your choice of exactly where the jets are located in the spa. You can not only choose the number of jets, but their color as well. You can also choose between fully adjustable and non-adjustable jets which will affect the direction of the water flow through them.

You may want to add an Ozonator to the spa as well. Ozonators automatically inject sanitizer into the spa water in the form of Ozone gas, making the spa easier to care for.

Make sure you ask which options are available on the particular model spa you are interested in as all options are not available on all spas.

Buying a spa is a decision you shouldn't feel rushed or pressured into, so be sure to ask a lot of questions. Like shopping for anything else, knowledge is everything.

Here is a checklist of things to consider and questions to ask.

• Learn about the spa's specific features, ease of use and maintenance.
  
• When the spa is not in use, does the water always remain hot and clean?
  
• Do the jets and jet systems allow you to customize your hydro massage experience?
  
• How loud are the jets and pump?
  
• Does the spa offer a balanced filtration system to ensure clean, clear water?
  
• Is the heating and filtration system fully automatic?
  
• Inquire about the heater-typically the most vulnerable component of any spa. Make sure corrosion will not occur.
  
• Are the controls user-friendly, easy to operate and adjust?
  
• What are the electrical specifications of the spa?
  
• How is the seating configured?
  
• Are you able to move about easily?

There are two main types of spa pools. These are:

• The type that uses air - ie a Jacuzzi bath. The air is fed in through multiple jets in the bottom of the pool - this can be for example 10, 20, 30 and even up to 40 different little jets that are built into the bottom of the pool, which essentially put lots of small air bubbles into the water.
  
• The second type is often referred to as a "Hydrotherapy" or "Whirlpool" type spa bath. These have bigger jets in the side of the bath and are actual jets of water as opposed to air. They may be 5mm or 10mm in diameter, but squirt water quite forceably, usually horizontally, across the bath, so that a person sitting in the bath is stimulated via these jets of water. This itself produces a massaging effect on the body, by positioning oneself against these jets.

Spas are perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, athletes and those with physical ailments. Whether you’re looking for an inviting gathering place or a private setting, if you’re looking to enjoy a soak in the winter or need an oasis to escape from the day, we have a design just for you to enhance your backyard and your life with a relaxing way to benefit your mind, body and spirit.

Reduce stress. Help relieve ailments. Entertain. Create an exotic environment for a romantic interlude. Even exercise. Now is the time to discover the relaxing, revitalizing and rejuvenating qualities of an in-ground spa.

An integrated fountain adds drama and charm. Optional features including a floating fountain and rock waterfall, that can be added at any time. Optional Architectural Series remote controlled, fiber optic lighting beautifies the spa and can be extended to decoratively light a pool and the surrounding landscape.