In a way, the recession has been a backhanded sort of boon to the hot tub industry, as many opt to stay home and create their own backyard resort.

 “We’ve really been busy these past two months, custom hot tub projects that had been put off last year are suddenly on again as people get a clearer idea of the economic times ahead,” says Andrew Kondi, president of Rocky Mountain Pools and Spas.

Although it is still considered a luxury item, improvements in hot tub technology have made them more affordable, sturdier, more environmentally-friendly, and generally a better value than ever before.

“Imagine, years ago people had to undertake a long, arduous journey to get to the various hot springs in the world, like the ones in Radium and Fairmont, to take advantage of the medicinal qualities that a soak in their warm waters can bring. Now all you have to do to enjoy this kind of healing and relaxation is just step out your back door,” says Darren Jordison, general manager of Jacuzzi Premium Spas of Calgary.

And, with the recent advancements in hot tub technology, almost anybody can own one because they’re more affordable, and can be installed almost anywhere because now they can make them more compact with the same pleasure power.

For a perfect example of this, check out the SpaBerry at Trail Appliances. About the size and shape of a bathtub, the SpaBerry features powerful massaging jets, molded drink holders, colourful LED lighting, is portable and has space enough for two adults. It is the next step in the evolution of the hot tub, and at just under $4,000 it is pretty affordable.

But high-end models with all the bells and whistles are still the most popular.

The Greenboro Homes show home that was the top prize in this year’s Foothills Hospital lottery featured an indoor hot tub on the main floor, which was unheard of some years ago. The Mission Crossing ultra-high-end townhomes that Tricor Developments is building, have rooftop patios with rough-ins for hot tubs.

“The Mission Crossing will be one of the most exclusive townhome developments in town and we realize our clientele would like the best things in life, so having the ability to put in a hot tub on the roof patio to enjoy the scenic view seemed like a great idea,” says sales manager Christina Brown.

Quality time
Hot tubs aren’t all about luxury though, as having one really can also pay for itself through its huge therapeutic benefits — not to mention increasing the quality time families spend together.

“People are constantly searching for newer and better ways to improve their home, health and quality of life, and the therapeutic benefits of soaking in a hot tub provide that and more,” says Jen Griffiths of Glacier Spas. “One of the many conveniences of owning a hot tub is that families don’t have to plan ahead and co-ordinate schedules in order to enjoy quality time together, they have a year-round getaway in their own backyard everyday.”

“It is a great way for families to re-connect,” Jordison agrees, “and it is just one way to illustrate the growing importance of hot tubs to family life, not to mention the health benefits.”

Rocky Mountain’s Kondi says one of the more popular models are the swim spas (sometimes called resistance pools) that stretch from nine feet wide to 15 feet or even 25 feet in length. “You can swim in place against the current, it’s tremendously effective for water aerobics.”

The hydro-massage provided by even regular hot tubs alleviates stress, soreness, and even arthritis pain through a combination of heat, buoyancy and a deep massage. The heat alone provides a load of benefits that refresh, revive and relax. Immersion into hot water raises your body temperature, which greatly increases blood circulation throughout every last capillary reviving every tissue, muscle, gland and organ.

Bubble tech
Not all hot tubs are created equal, however. There have been plenty of innovations over the past half-century since Jacuzzi introduced the product in the market, and the latest developments are sure to raise some bubbles — so to speak.

At Jacuzzi Premium Spas, Calgary’s only authorized dealer of Jacuzzi products, they have 16 different models ranging in price from $5,900 to $19,000. “We’ve been able to establish a name not only for quality but for the award-winning after-sales service we extend all our customers,” Orison says.

The modern day hot tub was, after all, introduced by Jacuzzi half a century ago, and it stands to reason that they would have the latest technological advancements in the field.

Among their hot sellers is the Jacuzzi Hot Tubs J-400 Designer Collection. In creating the J-400 Collection, Jacuzzi spa designers and engineers were inspired to rethink traditional spa design — in terms of innovation, features, and performance. And the ingenious result literally breaks the mold by taking Jacuzzi WaterColour™ waterfall technology to new heights. Graceful curves present a dramatically new, contemporary profile and a natural backdrop for cascading water and light.

Glacier Spas distributes Bullfrog Spas, which have the world’s only spas equipped with the patented JetPak System™. JetPak technology delivers incredible power, maximum versatility, and allows you to upgrade your spa’s jetting with new JetPaks, both now and in the future.

“Because of this innovative system, Bullfrog Spas are virtually leak-proof and are extremely energy efficient. They use 90 per cent less plumbing and have eliminated diverter valves, which in return gives Bullfrog Spas more power than the competition. This cutting edge technology gives you peace of mind to enjoy the ultimate reason for purchasing a hot tub... deserved rest and relaxation,” says Glacier Spa’s Griffiths.

At Rocky Mountain, Kondi says they are doing a lot of custom spas, and the most in demand have been the “infinity pool” also known as “vanishing edge pools.” It’s where the water goes right to the lip of the hot tub and creates a mirror like surface. “It has a low flow system and a gutter system that drives the water as high as possible without spilling over, the result is a turbulence-free surface with a very reflective quality.” They are meant for the high-end niche and can cost from $150,000 upwards.

Whatever the cost, for many Calgarians, the benefits are worth it.  CL