Tips on How to Purchase a Hot Tub

Hot tubs are gaining popularity. Unlike the pool, a hot tub can stay open year round. But before you purchase your hot tub, there are a couple of things you need to consider.  Let our list below help you make a more informed decision on buying a hot tub.

1. Make sure you properly measure the space available for the hot tub to determine the size you need. Whether you are looking to accommodate 2 or 10 people, you need to calculate the area first.
2. Contact your insurer to find out how much space you need between the hot tub and the home as well as the edge of the property.
3. The shell of the hot tub, usually made of acrylic, fiberglass and resin, must be at least 5 millimeters thick. Microban technology is used in certain finishes to prevent the spread of bacteria.
4. Make sure all four panels of the hot tub are well insulated.
5. Choose which type of skirt, a wooden structure surrounding the hot tub, you’d like for the hot tub. The skirt is usually made of cedar or resin. You’ll need to preserve the skirt with a water-repellent treatment. You’ll want to make sure that parts of the skirt can be removed in case you need to get to a part in the hot tub.
6. Choose a pump that best suits your needs. If you want a more therapeutic massage two pumps might be necessary. The more jets in a hot tub, the more powerful the pump needs to be.
7. You’ll want to make sure the light and control panel for the hot tub are within easy access once you are sitting in the tub.
8. The cover of the hot tub must be at strong enough to support the weight of a small child and we recommend getting one with a lock.
9. The filtration system should be closely monitored and we recommend purchasing two filters so you can rotate them during cleaning.
10. The water heater must have an output of at least 5.5 kilowatts.

Below are some of our hot tub enclosures, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Great Ideas for your Deck Decor!

One big mistake that homeowners often commit is over-looking their decks and patios.  Decks are very important to the design of a home.  You should think of your deck or patio as another room in your home, just outdoors.  Adding some visual appeal to your deck can tremendously increase your backyard experience!

Midwest Living created “10 Ideas to Dress Up Your Deck.”  The list of ideas provide you with great inspiration to get started on your home’s deck.

Here are a few tips from the list provided by Midwest Living.

1. Focus on Furniture

When decorating your deck, start with the furniture.  These pieces will take up the most space and should be used as focal points.  Using a minimal amount of furniture  is a great way to maximize your outdoor living space.  The idea is to design, not clutter, your backyard escape.

2. Get Creative with Cushions

Pillows are a great addition to your outdoor living spaces.  Choosing multi-purpose pillows that are suitable for chairs or for sitting on the deck itself can stretch your dollars very far!  Use your cushions to tie in the design elements of your deck.

3. Add Some Greenery

Not only do plants add a splash of color to your deck, they provide privacy from your nearby neighbors.  Getting plants that are at least 5 ft. tall can act as a privacy screen for your deck.  Place the plants on the edge of your deck to get the full privacy affect.

4. Splash Some Color

There are several ways to add color to your deck.  The patterns and fabrics in your furniture are great starts for color.  The color scheme can be tied in through plants, painted terra-cotta plant pots, and wall art.  Personalize your deck with beautiful splashes of color.

Don’t let your deck or patio go unnoticed.  A little bit of design can go a long way!

Click here for more ideas on how you can decorate your deck.

Spend Memorial Day Outdoors

It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful weekend, so start up the grill and invite some friends and family over to celebrate Memorial Day!  Todd Childs, Assistant Home Editor of Southern Living has some great tips on outdoor entertaining.  Click here to learn a few pointers for throwing a fabulous Memorial Day party!

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