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Smart spas

The spa has come a long way since its early beginnings in history. Today spas are making a big comeback with smarter technology, innovative designs and exciting new accessories.

Since the days of Alexander the Great (the ancient Macedonian king), who after his campaigns would have his troops soak in hot water to revive them and heal their ailments, to the 1960s when Italy’s Jacuzzi family invented the first hot tubs (with jets), to the noughties when swim spas became popular, the humble spa has certainly come a long way.

Today spas come in all shapes and sizes, cater from one bather to 25 people, can be used for therapeutic purposes or exercise – and even come with a range of added extras. New technology has allowed spas to become a home entertainment system, a piece of exercise equipment, or your very own health retreat. Now you can get spas with plasma TV screens, iPod docks, reflexology feet domes, pop up speakers, ice buckets, aromatherapy, mood lighting, dual zone swim spas, and even circuit training stations. Then there are the different jet styles, from swirl, whirlpool, pillow, shoulder, mini and moving massage.

Spas are now known as an affordable luxury item. And since the downturn, they have become more popular than ever, with people creating a holiday environment at home, and looking for affordable ways to relax at home with friends and family.

Keep in mind that a spa is actually part of a whole landscape project. By incorporating lighting, waterfalls and water features, like Balinese decorations, you can make it a really nice environment to come home to.

So what’s on offer?

Portable spas

Prices for portable spas start at around $5000 fully installed. Consisting of prefabricated acrylic shells, they’re much easier to set up and run, as they require just a level base to rest on and don’t need planning permission. Plus they can move with you, whether to a new home or elsewhere in the yard or on the deck.

Swim spas

For those who would love a lap pool but just don’t have the space, a swim spa is the ideal solution. A swim spa is a longer, larger spa pool that allows people to swim and train on the spot, thanks to resistance created by counter swim surf jets. Adjustable current jets make it possible to adjust workout intensity depending on the user's fitness level, and increase intensity over time as the level of fitness improves

Just Spas has a five-seater Aquazone swim spa in its Signature Infinity range, designed with dual temperature controls. That means you can choose to relax in the warmth of the jetted hydrotherapy seats in the spa end or swim continuous laps in the cooler swim end.

In-ground spas

One of the greatest developments over the past decade or so is that portable spa shells can now be installed in-ground, offering a cleaner, integrated look to your backyard. Although you can’t take them with you when you move house, in-ground spas open up a whole world of interesting and stylish landscaping options.

Integrated swimming pool spas

Integrating purpose-built spas into swimming pool designs is a growing trend. A pool is a large investment for most people, so it makes sense to end up with a finished product that you will love and use for many years to come. Incorporating a spa into a swimming pool creates a more dynamic entertaining area for the whole family.

Integrated spas can blend more naturally with their environment, providing a streamlined look – and the custom-made, concrete variety can be built to any shape or size.

Timber hot tubs

Ray Davidson from Ukko Saunas and Hot Tubs says the beauty of its Nordic-style timber spas starts with their appearance. “They are beautiful to look at and you’ve even got the smell of the Cedar, so it involves all of your senses.” Another plus is longevity. “The timber tubs can last a lifetime, so long as you maintain the outside of the tub and the decking,” Ray adds.

Images courtesy of Just Spas and Ukka Saunas & Tubs