Dangerous Spas
Posted by admin on Aug 2, 2009
Most people are familiar with a horrible story about a spa accident that has gone completely wrong resulting in a severe injury or even a death. However, usually a lack of understanding about the cause for such accidents makes the reporting a bit vague and means the reason for these accidents is not properly explained.
Though I agree that there is some danger in spas, such danger is very easy to fix and correctly designed spas are not in any way a problem. Most problems occur in spas that are built into the ground as a part of a pool. The major problem with inbuilt spas is that buried plumbing poses a major maintenance issue for possible leaks or cracked piping that may occur in the normal service life of a spa. That is why today most home spas are portable spas (see Portable vs In-ground). In fact over 90% of home spas sold are portable spas.
The cause of most accidents is an unprotected suction inlet to a high pressure pump. The force of the suction can easily trap a small child causing drowning in some cases. However, this issue should never occur if the proper design considerations are taken into account.
Design Considerations
Well designed spas have several lines of defense against a dangerous suction situation occurring. Firstly, all suctions need an approved suction cover installed and not easily removable, such as the one below.
Because of the large size and small holes it is impossible for anyone to be trapped by the force of the flow. However, the secondary safety feature is that they should always be installed in pairs so that any restriction in one means the other takes over and the maximum suction on any one will always be at a safe level (see picture below). Inexperienced or unqualified pool builders sometimes miss this point.
Further, the filter inlets are usually on the circulation pumps and they are of such a small size in good spas that they pose no threat at all. Suction levels on these inlets are so small they have almost no suction. Even so, there are design rules that stipulate a pressure bypass as a part of their construction. So have no fear modern portable spas are safe – but you should be careful in spas at resorts in far away places. Safety inspections and concerns are not uniform across the world.
When buying as spa it is advisable to deal with a reputable company and you can ask to ensure that a local Safety Certification is in place for the spa you are buying.
layout Spa Swim Spa saunas
NOTE: the pumps all have a split input – A+B yellow and A+B+C in blue for the other. This is typical of well designed spas.
For further information go to http://www.spasplus.com.au/How-to-build-a-great-Spa.html
August 2009 J.Letica Spas Plus
Home Spas
Posted by admin on May 23, 2009
Finally, a spa! Once thought of as the domain of exclusive hotels; but now, home spas are popping up everywhere you look and with good reason.
Well the reason all these spas are so popular is that the Hydrotherapy. Water as a form of healing has been used throughout the centuries first made famous by the Greek Hippocrates, the “father” of medicine, in the 4th century BC.
Spas as Entertainment
Even though people by a Spa initially because it is so good for the hydrotherapy most soon learn that it is a great place to relax with a few friends and enjoy a chat or a glass. What a great way to remove the aches of the day and have fun also.
Having your own home spas means that although parties may start out on the patio, they often end up in the “spa ” accompanied by an escalation in the fun and enjoyment. What a great way to make your party a bit more interesting.
Today’s Choices
Today’s, portable spas come in all shapes, colors and sizes, you will find what you need to suit your likes and budget., if you want one, there is sure to be one that is perfect!
There are “family ” home spas with lots of seating room for up to 10 people right the way down to ones that just fit two.
The best of home spas include a wide variety of lighting, music, water jet and seating options. Seating comfort should not be overlooked.
You can even get a floating remote control to set your music and lighting levels along with jet pressure and temperature.
Portable home spas can be setup and moved relatively easily. They offer the best choice as well function well.
Indoors or out, cold weather or warm, home spas are relaxing and enjoyable way to soak away what ails you or to relax with that special person..
portable spas. swim spa/ saunas and barbecues
Portable VS Inground
Posted by admin on May 15, 2009
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Portable vs In-ground |
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The advantages & disadvantages of each Installation In-ground spas are more difficult, more involved and more costly to install than portable spas. You will need to have plans drawn up and approval from council to proceed. You will also need to use a licensed pool installer to do the job in order for the installation to be legal (a licensed installer may be hard to come by). This is because an in-ground spa is actually a mini swimming pool built into the ground or your deck – a “permanent fixture” to your home and part of your storm water plumbing system. You will need have the site prepared and the spa bedded properly, the spa plumbed to the equipment and waste water, and a timber or brick frame or other type of support and/or coping built. As gas heaters are recommended, you will also need to arrange a site for this equipment as well as a gas and electricity supply. Often gas bottles will need to be arranged and set up near the equipment as many houses do not have gas to their homes. All you need for a portable spa is a flat base and a power supply. Waiting Times To Use The Spa You can affordably keep a portable spa permanently heated so it’s always ready for use – just lift the lid and jump in. Due to the running costs involved, most in-ground spas are run on gas and are not kept permanently heated. This means that when you want a hot spa you’ll have half an hour or so to wait before you can get in. The only drawback with portables is that if you turn the temperature down or turn your spa off and then want to re-heat it, it will take 4-8 hours (depending on the spa size and how much you want the temperature to rise).
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Noise & Equipment Portable spas have all the equipment contained within an insulated cabinet, making the pump/s and blower much quieter. Two-speed pumps are a popular option on portables, making them almost silent during their regular heating and filtration cycles (most of the time that the spa runs). Because in-ground spas have external equipment they can be very loud and there is no two-speed pump option. The outdoor equipment pack really needs to be set up in a special box with proper ventilation for the noise level to be acceptable and to ensure the equipment is not damaged by the elements. Unfortunately the pump and heater need to be relatively close to the spa which may look unsightly or create a noise problem. Heating Costs Good brands of portable spas are very well insulated and use an electric heater and thermostat to keep your spa permanently heated for a reasonable cost (around $1 per day). In-ground spas, however, are positioned against the cold ground and in-deck spa shells are usually open to the cold air from underneath. Therefore, neither type is thermally efficient, making them much more expensive (and generally not viable) to keep permanently heated. A gas heater is really the only choice here and this will be cheaper with infrequent use, but will become expensive when permanently heating your spa. Repairs If the plumbing or jets in an in-ground spa require repairs the whole spa will usually need to be removed and re-installed. Tree roots are a big problem as they wrap around the plumbing and pipework causing leaks. Another costly occurrence with in-ground spas is where the spa “shell” pops out of the ground due to underground water turning you spa into a boat that wants to float. Portable spas experience less problems than in-ground spas. When repairs are required they are |
much quicker and easier to access and fix – just unscrew the side panels and everything is accessible. Portability If you were to move homes it would not be economically viable to remove and re-install an in-ground spa at a new site. Therefore it would need to be left behind and you would have to hope that the new buyers are willing to give you something for it. By having your spa and all of its equipment in one unit (a portable spa), it can easily be moved to a different site inside or outside your home. More importantly, you can relocate your spa to another house if you move in the future, retaining your valuable investment. With spas now designed to last well over 10 years and with most people moving homes more regularly, this factor must be taken into consideration. Fully Automatic Controls The super-reliable, state-of-the-art automatic controllers used on modern portable spas are the ultimate in efficiency and user-friendly spa care. Just set the temperature and your spa will always be filtered and at your required heat. These control panels have a temperature readout (some with an LED screen). Many also have self-diagnostics and some even have a time clock, “sleep cycle” setting, lights, and “lock-out” functions. In-ground spas use basic push (air) buttons and a timer system to provide semi-automatic filtration and heating. Summary There are hundreds of thousands of happy in-ground spa owners around the world and there is no doubt that in-ground spas can look great – especially when installed as part of a landscaped outdoor entertaining area. If you feel that the drawbacks relating to in-ground spas are not relevant or important to you, please do not feel that an in-ground spa is a bad choice. However, for the compelling reasons listed, around 95% of spas sold today are portable.
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hot spas
Posted by admin on Apr 29, 2009
Spas Plus your leisure superstore!
The relaxing healing powers of warm water and spas is well established and you also get relief from a variety of health conditions such as arthritis and orthopaedic injuries.
The power of modern Spas is great for hydro massage and ideal for aching muscles and joints and they hit all the right places.
Spas are a perfect way to relax with the one you love after a hard day.
Not only that, but spas are a fantastic entertainment unit. Just watch you party jazz up with the addition of a spa.
The latest addition to the spa family is the SWIM SPA, a perfect combination of a small pool and a good spa in a compact package for small blocks. Easy to install and complete these are a great pool alternative and a fast growing sector of the industry.
Add a fantastic infra red Healthwave sauna and you have a five star lifestyle without the huge cost.
Spas plus is the direct importer of HealthWave saunas so the offer quality at much reduced prices.
Investing in your better lifestyle is important so at spas plus we endeavour to make the experience great with full service backup on our products.
Unlike the others we have our own people to look after you.
So visit our two huge locations in Kedron and Springwood.
For further information 3808 2818 Springwood
Back Yard Spas
Posted by admin on Apr 22, 2009
Backyard solutions for family entertainment.
Small yard is no hindrance to your fantastic pool.
Many people are now choosing a swim spa as a space saving alternative.
The latest swim spas offer a great spa and a full lap pool in a really compact package. Used by athletes or just to cool off they are a fantastic solution.
This year Spas plus have had a complete upgrade with a complete new range. Elite Spas have been completely updated with all the latest features, including new control systems, even better quality control and a host of upgrades as well as new models. Now featuring Led lighting, stereo systems and TV.
We now have an all new home theatre spa featuring a 106cm flat panel TV
Artesian Spas are still the industry leaders for the very best in spas and the new 2009 Range is fantastic in both performance and looks.
Our Saunas are now right around Australia and are being recognised as the premier brand for quality and design. Benefiting the user, with infra-red therapy, colour therapy, heat therapy, sound and aromatherapy. Healthwave Saunas are comfortable, functional and stylish and will add value to your home. All this and you will love to use them as part of your rejuvenation and relaxation. These saunas are an valuable too to ensure healthy detoxification.
You can see why we call ourselves the Leisure Superstore.
Visit our store and you will be amazed at the choice and the service you will receive. www.spasplus.com.au or Phone 38082818.