The Swim Spa Fallacy

     You've seen or at least heard of the Swim Spa.  It's a hydrotherapy/exercise product that can be a self-contained, all in one product, like a portable spa. A swim spa can also be an in-ground, custom built product, like a swimming pool.  They are smaller than a pool and able to heat to temperatures like a hot tub. The swim spa will use powerful pumps that move water to create a flowing current one can swim against.  The idea is that it can be used for soaking in hot water, like a hot tub, and it can also be used for exercise, swimming in a stationary manner.  Like running on a tread mill.

     The fallacy in this perception is the water temperature required for soaking comfortably is much higher than the temperature that makes swimming for exercise comfortable.  At your local swimming pool the water temperature is around 82 degrees.  This temperature allows a swimmer to raise his heart rate and get the cardio exercise desired, while not over heating.  A water temperature of 100 - 104 is required to comfortably soak in a hot tub.  Anything lower than body temperature cools you to the point of being chilled if you're not moving or exercising.  So the images many of these swim spa makers present of people enjoying the soak while a family member exercises are not realistic.

     Another issue I have is the constant nature of the water flow.  When I swim laps to exercise I am constantly changing speed.  As I feel winded or tired I slow, as I begin to feel stronger I increase my speed.  I even change strokes, free style for when I'm feeling strong and breast stroke for when I tire.  When water flow is created mechanically it is constant.  The speed of the current does not slow when you swim slower or increase when you swim faster.  It is difficult to use these products the way the makers claim they can be.                                                                                                                            

The Horse Power Conundrum

     One of the things many spa sales people talk about is horsepower and jet numbers.  They'll say things like this tub has "two, five horsepower pumps and 80 jets".  You might hear another say "two, seven horsepower pumps and 100 jets".  The idea is that more is better.  It does seem logical, if 1 is good, 2 must be better.  I think the most jets I've ever heard of in a spa is 150.  What is being implied is that if you have more horsepower and more jets, the better the hydrotherapy, the better the spa.  In fact, horsepower and the number of jets in a spa have very little to do with the quality of the hydrotherapy or the quality of the spa.  

     What makes for quality hydrotherapy is engineering and design.  It is not how many jets or how much horsepower, it is the way the spa feels when you use it.  Are the jet configurations designed to deliver a comfortable massage?  Does the spa work different areas of the body as you move from one seat to another?  Can you sit in a multi jet therapy seat for more than just a few minutes before the jets start to feel uncomfortable or irritating?  When you turn on the jet pumps do they operate quietly or are they loud and noisy?  A Hot Spring Spa delivers superior hydrotherapy, quietly and energy efficiently.  They accomplish this through superior design and engineering. 

     The Moto-Massage DX jet is an exclusive jet system in Hot Spring Spas. Imagine two warm streams of water sweeping up and down the entire length of your back, soothing overworked muscles and loosening all the little knots of tension. With just a slight shift of your body, the warm stream glides easily over the muscles on either side of your spine.

The Soothing Seven jets are unique as well.  Each jet's seven outlets broadcast a large volume of water. Positioned side by side, these hot tub jets provide gentle treatment to your shoulders and upper back. A Hot Spring spa exclusive.

These are just two of the nine different jet systems you'll find in a Hot Spring Spa.  They provide excellent hydrotherapy.  And they do it quietly and in an energy efficient manner.  It's all about engineering and design.

Silk Balance spa water care system

     Soft, silky, sparkling, clean water.  Silk Balance, a water care system for spas that leaves your skin silky smooth, soft, and moisturized.  It's like a  spa salon skin treatment every time you use your personal backyard spa!  This is real luxury!  You'll feel like a million bucks!!!    

     This product is the real deal.  Finally, a water care system for spas that is simple.  Really!!  Simple!! No testing.  No balancing. Just put the products in and your done.  It's used with spa chlorine, monpersulfate (non-chlorine shock), and a silver ion mineral purifier (Nature II).  It will work with any spa but it's best with a spa that features a constant circulation pump and a 24-hour ozonator. This product was made for a Hot Spring Spa that uses a Silent Flo Circ pump and constantly injects ozone.

     I know many struggle with dry skin in Colorado, especially in the winter.  Some may even use their spa less.....or not at all.  And that's a shame.  Hot water therapy is a wonderful thing and for anyone who has been forced to limit his or her time in a spa, Silk may be the answer.  We've been selling Silk for over 18 months and have overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.  I can recommend it with complete confidence.  There's a 30 day guarantee.  If your not satisfied with the product, return it and we'll replace it with conventional chemical products of your choice.  Try it, you'll love it!!