Sparkling spas

Sparkling spas

Spas or hot tubs are becoming increasingly popular in Australia for the lifestyle, fitness and relaxation benefits they offer. And it's not hard to see why. Today, there's a spa just waiting to be tailored to suit your individual desires. From cosy two seater spas to enormous 25 seater spas, portable or in-ground configurations, to swim spas or spas where you can just kick back and relax (or even both), prices range from as little as $5,000 up to $40,000-plus.

There's now a wealth of added technological extras to choose from, such as pop-up TV screens, iPod docks, reflexology feet domes, mood lighting and even circuit training stations. And that's not to mention the varied jet styles on offer that include swirl, whirlpool, pillow, shoulder, mini, and moving massage.

So what are your options?

Portable spas
Portable spas consist of acrylic shells that typically hold three to 12 people with seating arrangements and jet combinations tailored to provide the ultimate hydro massage. The beauty of a portable spa is that it's a longterm investment - when you move house, your spa can come too.

Extremely easy to install (all you need is a power point and a stable level surface), portable spas have automatic filtration and heating systems and all equipment is neatly tucked away around or under the spa in an enclosed cabinet.

If you're a bit of a romantic at heart, you might want to take a look at the new Nordic-style portable timber spas. Not only are they beautiful to look at, the smell of the cedar wood as you soak is particularly relaxing.

Swim spas
If you would love a lap pool but just don't have the space, a swim spa is the perfect solution. A swim spa is a longer, larger spa pool that allows you to swim and train on the spot, thanks to resistance created by counter swim surf jets.

There are now even dual zone swim spas on the market that have two areas - one for hydro massage and one for swimming. You can control the temperatures in each zone separately; you can relax in the spa at a toasty 38°c while your partner swims some laps at a cooler 20°c.

In-ground spas
One of the best developments over the last decade or so is that portable spa shells can now be installed in-ground, offering a cleaner, integrated look to your backyard. Although you don't have as much freedom to move your spa around, in-ground spas open up a whole new world of interesting and stylish landscaping options.

Another alternative is to have your very own in-ground spa designed, created and installed by a pool and spa building company. If you're stuck for space, a spa pool is a great option (basically a small pool with spa jets and some heating).

Swimming pool spas
For the best of both worlds, opt for a swimming pool and spa all rolled into one. Integrating purpose-built spas into swimming pool designs is an established trend - not only does it look great, you can relax and entertain family and friends at the same time.

Swimart offers a comprehensive range of spa products which are all designed for the very best spa maintenance. Our range in store includes:

• Aqua-Health
• Aquaspa
• Pool and Spa Poppits