As manager of Long Island Hot Tub’s Farmingdale showroom, Mike Berkowitz hears on a regular basis several misconceptions about hot tubs. We asked Mike to address some of these today for our readers:
Q What is the most common misconception about hot tubs?
A. “This always surprises me, but the most common one is that you can’t or shouldn’t run a hot tub in the winter. The reason behind this stems from years ago when hot tubs were not as well insulated as they are now.”
Q How does the better insulation help?
A. “Well, it saves a good deal of money. The temperature gets quite cold here on Long Island and the hot tub still has to keep the water up to temperature. In fact, in recent years Bullfrog Spas — which we specialize in — really beefed up their hot tub and hot tub covers insulation, which brought costs down from about $100 per month to about $25.00 today, so it’s no longer a problem.”
Q Are there any other misconceptions related to winter?
A. “Another issue concerning winter is that it’s a challenge to get to the hot tub when it snows. I always tell them that winter is the best time to use their hot tub. They should just position their spa as close to the backdoor as possible. Also, that it’s well worth shoveling a little path in order to enjoy the warm bubbling waters when the air is cold and crisp.”
Q. What other misconceptions do you hear a lot?
A. “Many people believe that if you have a pool it will affect hot tub use. However, they are thinking of in-ground spas that are connected to the pool operation. An independent portable spa, like the ones we offer, run 24 months a year, while a pool operates only four. In fact, portable spas with their terrific insulation are a lot cheaper than a pool-attached spa because of the lower energy consumption involved.
Q. Any others?
A. “Well we hear a good deal that people fear a strong chemical smell. We hear this mostly when the only experience someone has had with a hot tub has been at a hotel where they do have powerful odors. But when someone comes to our showroom and sees our working hot tubs he or she realizes that the chemicals we use to purify the water don’t have a strong smell at all. A personal home hot tub can’t be compared to a commercial one at a resort.
That’s not to say that it isn’t important to keep your home hot tub’s pH and alkalinity correct.
Indeed, it’s essential in a pool and in a hot tub for health reasons to adjust it as needed. We recommend using test strips to check the water on a regular basis — but the chemicals to correct any imbalance will not be unpleasant.”
Hot Tub Use in Winter:
Long Island Hot Tub Owner, Bill Renter, and his wife, Gina, use their hot tub a good deal in winter. “Winter months are fantastic for using your hot tub. We have it fairly close to our back door, but I don’t mind shoveling a little path to it. It’s so worth it.” —BR
Convenience of Portable Hot Tubs:
A portable hot tub doesn’t need a custom installation; simply set it against a deck or patio. With its pristine rejuvenating waters bubbling away, a Bullfrog Spa is a beautiful sight all on its own.
Standard Bullfrog Spas Hot Tub Cover:
A hot tub doesn’t need to be under a pergola or encased in a gazebo. “This is really not necessary, although it can offer a lovely look,” says Mike Berkowitz. “The hot tub cover on its own, which is very easy to use and comes standard with all our spa packages, can hold an amazing amount of snow and will protect the spa water all year long from unwanted debris. In fact, 80-90% of Long Island Hot Tub clients do not have a pergola or gazebo and yet enjoy their hot tubs all year long.” Photo: Bullfrog Spas
Bullfrog Spas Hot Tub Gazebo Cover:
For those who want a little automation in their cover, there is a very special custom option available for Bulfrog Spas. This cover creates a beautiful, safe, and private place for you to relax. Designed for Bullfrog Spas, this “Cabana Escape,” with 4 hydraulic legs outside the tub, offers with one purchase, a gazebo, spa cover, and automatic lifter. Photo: Bullfrog Spas
