Powering a hot tub could cost you more than you bargained for if you don’t know what to look for when buying. Choosing an energy-efficient hot tub means more savings on your electric bill every month so you can get the most out of your purchase. Learn how to recognize an energy-efficient spa with this helpful guide so you can relax knowing you made the smart choice. InsulationWhen choosing an energy-efficient hot tub, the first thing you want to look for is full-foam insulation to ensure no heat is escaping. If the hot tub isn’t properly insulated, you will waste a lot of energy trying to heat the outdoors. Energy Efficient Plumbing SystemPlumbing in a hot tub can sometimes mean lengthy stretches of pipe and tubing that takes a while to heat up, using quite a bit of energy. Look for an energy-efficient water delivery system that uses less plumbing. For example, Bullfrog Spas uses 90% less plumbing than other traditional hot tubs, which means the water reaches the hot tub more quickly. It is also completely submerged in hot water, so it heats up faster and stays hot longer. Plus, all the heat stays on the inside where it belongs. Fitted CoverA tightly fitting, high-quality cover is a major asset when it comes to owning an energy-efficient hot tub. Warmth will be trapped inside and cold air will be unable to enter, leading to less energy needed when heating the hot tub before the next use. A cover will also help to protect your hot tub and keep it in good condition so it will last longer. Energy CostThe cost of energy used to power your hot tub will vary depending on the outside temperature and frequency of use. Currently, Bullfrog Spas is the leader in energy efficiency, according to the California Energy Commission. Shop smart with Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. Ask us about our energy-efficient hot tub models and how you can save on your electric bill.  Since their humble origins in the 1970s, hot tubs have been associated with pleasure and relaxation. Today, hot tubs are often referred to as spas and can come with so many features it can be hard to decide which one to buy.
Two brands, in particular, can be difficult to decide between: Bullfrog Spa and Jacuzzi. While similar, there are distinct differences that separate these spas. Here is our comparison of Bullfrog Spas vs. Jacuzzis. JacuzzisSimilar to ‘Kleenex’ and tissues, people have been referring to hot tubs of every kind as a Jacuzzi. However, a Jacuzzi is a trademarked brand of hot tubs which became very popular with consumers around the mid 20th century. Today, Jacuzzis can come with a wide variety of features, including:
This said, there are drawbacks to buying a jacuzzi. The above features aren’t unique to the Jacuzzi model, as many other hot tub manufacturers can offer the same features, often at a much lower price. Bullfrog SpasBullfrog Spas are known to be unique, sleek, and innovative. Ever since the founding of Bullfrog in 1996, the simplicity and elegance of their spa design have attracted many customers. Like a Jacuzzi, Bullfrog Spas can come with a plethora of features, including the ones listed above. In addition, Bullfrog Spas can be equipped with
Even better, Bullfrog Spas are known to be affordable, meaning that you won’t have to break the bank to purchase one. Get Your Own SpaAt Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co., we are proud to display Bullfrog Spas at our location. To learn more, contact us today. For more articles, be sure to follow our blog where we cover all things pertaining to hot tubs, including how to prevent hot tub itch.  Many of us desire to make improvements to our health or our exercise habits, but struggle with personal challenges like joint pain or injuries. Fortunately, one of the many hot tub health benefits associated with regular use is that there are exercises that can be performed right in the water. The heat of the water helps your muscles to stretch and work more easily, plus hot tub exercises eliminate the impact that comes with many other workouts. Try these moves in your hot tub workout for effective strength-building without stressing out your joints—and to impress anyone who happens to wander by!
Lower BodyMany traditional lower-body moves can also be used during a hot tub workout, including squats and calf raises. Perform several repetitions of each exercise or rotate through them and repeat. SquatsThis move is popular for its beneficial effects on the thighs and glutes. Stand with feet about shoulder-width apart and extend your arms straight out in front of you. Keep your back straight and your knees above your feet (not in front of them) while you squat down until the back of your thighs are parallel to the water or ground beneath you. Calf RaisesFor gorgeous calves, stand with feet shoulder-width apart and lift yourself up until your weight is distributed among your toes. Spread your toes apart and focus on a point straight in front of you for better balance. Make this move even more difficult by putting your weight on one foot at a time. Leg ExtensionsBegin in a seated position with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly raise one leg at a time until it is extended straight in front of you. Use the water resistance and flex your quadriceps as you raise your leg, as if you are lifting a heavy weight. Upper BodyHot tub exercises are great for your upper body and don’t require weights or any additional equipment. Repeat each move several times. ArmsSit low enough in the water for your torso to submerge all the way up to your neck. Begin with your arms down at your sides, palms facing upward. Cup your hands to provide more water resistance and slowly raise your arms toward your chest, bending at the elbow. Once your hands have reached your shoulders or chest, turn your palms to face downward and push against the water as your arms return to your sides. This will work both your biceps and triceps. AbdominalsSit forward on the edge of the seat and cross your arms over your chest. Lift your legs, bent at the knee, and bring them toward your chest. Find your balance using the water to help you, then rock slowly backward and forward, using your core to stabilize your body. You can also do Russian Twists as part of your hot tub workout. Begin in the position described above, but instead of rocking back and forth, alternate turning your torso to each side. Touch the seat on your left side with your right hand, then touch the seat on your right side with your left hand, and so on. Chest Extend your arms straight out in front of you with the palms facing each other. Bring them together as if you are clapping, but use the water to provide resistance. Hot Tub Workout LengthThe length of your hot tub workout does not only depend on physical ability. You should take into consideration the temperature of the water, whether you are adequately hydrated, and how long your entire body is submerged. Learn more about how long you should stay in a hot tub for a safe workout with these tips from Bullfrog Spas.  Hot tubs are a great way to relax and unwind after a stressful day and to massage and soothe your aching muscles. Much less relaxing is deciding which hot tub to bring home! There’s a lot of options out there, and Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co is here to help you figure out everything you need to know so you can make a fair portable hot tub comparison. Make the buying process simpler by considering the factors listed in this hot tub buying guide.
1. Location First to consider in this hot tub buying guide is where you will place your new hot tub. This will help you answer a few questions: Will the hot tub be outdoors or indoors? An outdoor hot tub needs to be sturdy enough to withstand temperatures and weather all year long. Will the hot tub be in the ground or portable? In-ground spas are built into the deck or landscaping of a backyard, and are considered aesthetically pleasing. Many people prefer portable hot tubs because of the lower prices, easy installation, and functional design. Portable hot tubs need to be placed on a sturdy, level area, such as a deck, and near an electrical outlet. 2. Capacity When doing a portable hot tub comparison, you’ll notice that the spas are built to comfortably fit a specific number of people. Before shopping for a hot tub, consider how many people will be using the hot tub on a regular basis—and add a few more. Chances are, once you install a new hot tub, you’ll see more of your friends. Everybody loves relaxing in the hot tub, so make sure there’s plenty of space to go around. 3. Jets For some people, jets are the best part of a hot tub. The location, number, and power of the jets control the massage power of a portable hot tub. Your sore muscles will thank you for prioritizing jets. But remember more jets means more energy is needed, as well as a more powerful pump. Look for a hot tub with adjustable jets that allow you to customize the direction and strength of the jets. 4. Cost and Efficiency How much does a portable hot tub cost? That depends on a number of factors, including materials, size, pump power, heating system, and insulation. Choosing features that maximize efficiency and heat retention, such as a quality heating system and solid foam insulation, will be more expensive now but will pay off in the long run. Efficiency means you’ll spend less on heating costs throughout the lifetime of your hot tub. Ready to buy a hot tub? No one knows more about helping you find the best portable spa hot tub than Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. Give us a call today!  Nothing entices people to a party quite like a hot tub. If your friends or family don’t have one of their own, getting an invitation to a hot tub party is quite a thrill. They can get in on the many benefits of soaking in a hot tub while enjoying a great get together.
Since getting people to your party probably won’t be a problem, you can focus on the other logistics to make your event a success. Here are some hot tub party ideas to help. Preparing the Waters No matter how many people you plan to host for your hot tub party, you want to make sure your spa is freshly clean and ready to go for the event. A day or two before your party, take the time to get up to date on all your regular maintenance. That includes checking the pH balance, adding the necessary hot tub chemicals, or even changing the water. Give yourself at least a day between cleaning and your party. That way, you can have time to address any issues that might come up, and you will still have some time to take care of other party logistics. Think about Numbers When you choose the right hot tub for you, you might be thinking of the people who will use it regularly rather than the larger groups that come to your hot tub parties. Think about how many people can soak in your hot tub at once and how many people will be attending. If there is a big difference in numbers, plan for other activities so there isn’t a bottleneck at the hot tub. You can add yard games like lawn darts or corn hole, or kid games if there will be young ones at your party, to give people things to enjoy when not in the spa. Choosing the Right Hot Tub Party Accessories Accessories are important for a good hot tub party. This includes decorations in addition to games and activities. You can think of a theme for your party, like a tropical theme with palm trees and coconuts to go along with the warm waters of your hot tub. You can also base your food selections on your theme. How to Make Food and Hot Tub Work Together Speaking of food, mixing food and hot tub can be one of the challenges of a hot tub party. However, the logistics involved can actually help you ease the line for the hot tub. If you are grilling for your party, you can have some of your guests eat first as the food comes off the grill. They can then switch with the people who soaked first. Finger foods are another good idea so people can grab a quick bite between soaking in the tub or doing other party activities. Since soaking in a hot tub can increase a person’s circulation, it helps to have people soak before they drink any adult beverages. When they get out, they can enjoy a drink. The bar can also serve as a way to get people out of the hot tub. From enjoying a great party to having a relaxing or therapeutic soak, hot tubs make everything better. Contact your hot tub dealer with any questions or to get the hot tub you have always wanted.  A spa is a great addition to any home. Whether you’re putting it on your back patio, situating it near your pool, or creating an entirely new landscaping project specifically for it, a spa is an easily customizable piece that will create fun or relaxing moments for you and your family and friends. Because a spa is significantly smaller than a pool, there are a number of ways you can customize it to fit what you’re looking for. Take a look at some suggested ways you can design your own custom spa. Ideas for a Custom Spa A spa’s size makes it easy to maintain and keep clean, so the sky is really the limit when it comes to customizing yours. Seats The first thing you’ll want to get right on your spa will be the seating. Select from a range of seats from Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. We’ll help you find the ones that are the right fit for you. Adjustable Jets A crucial feature is the jets. Opt for adjustable ones you can change as needed. Waterfalls Add a waterfall for aesthetic appeal. This fun addition can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Fountains We can put in jets of water that shoot out from the side of your spa. This is another fun, visually interesting feature . Add a Roof Make the area around your spa unique by adding a roof or pillars or curtains. Put a Deck around It The options are limitless when it comes to adding a deck, both in colors and materials. Get Your Custom Spa with Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. We’re here to see that your vision for your spa is fulfilled. Contact us today with any questions or to get started ordering your customizable spa!  It’s a well-known fact that the best backyard parties are the ones that include a hot tub. As a hot tub owner, you have probably been given a standing obligation among your friends to host a hot tub party at least once a year. Or maybe you love throwing parties and are looking to purchase a hot tub to add that extra fun factor. Either way, we can have you ready to send out invitations in no time with these posh hot tub party ideas.
Plan AheadThe most important thing to remember when throwing any kind of event is that winging it is not an option. Start by creating a guest list and make notes of any individual needs that may need to be accommodated, like a food allergy or entertainment for your friends’ children. If there is anything you need help with or need to reserve in advance, put those items at the top of your to-do list. Make sure your plan also includes checking the temperature and chemical levels of your hot tub, and preparing for safety concerns. FoodAside from the hot tub, the best part about a social gathering is the food. Let your guests know what to expect and whether they need to contribute. Try some of these fun variations.
We recommend that you avoid pairing any of these items with wine or other alcohol, however, as the heat from the hot tub may increase its effects or exacerbate a hangover. You can also opt to serve alcohol after everyone is finished using the hot tub rather than before or during. EntertainmentDon’t overlook planning entertainment just because the hot tub is the main attraction. Unless it is an intimate hot tub party with only a couple of close friends, you will most likely not be able to fit all the guests in the hot tub at one time. It’s a great idea to have music playing to create a party atmosphere and encourage interaction. You can also have a sitting area with games available, such as yard or lawn games, water balloons, backyard volleyball, a slip ‘n slide, Twister, or any other games you think your guests (or their children) will enjoy. DecorationsNot every party needs decorations to be a success, but it certainly adds flair and creates a fun ambiance. Consider whether your party has a central theme and use that as inspiration. It can be anything from a Hawaiian luau to a simple understated elegance. If costumes or a certain dress code are involved, be sure to let your guests know when you invite them. Try some of the decoration ideas below or come up with your own.
 We usually think of hot tubs as a nice perk, a bonus addition to a vacation home or hotel. While they are fun, there’s more to them than meets the eye. For example, did you know there are many health benefits associated with a soak in a hot tub? It’s true. Keep reading to discover what those benefits are and how to get the most out of your hot tub with Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co.
Hot Tub Health Benefits There are real-life, scientifically proven benefits to spending time in a hot tub, including the following:
Getting the Most Out of Your Hot Tub At Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co, we are dedicated to helping you get and maintain the hot tub you deserve. In addition to our high-quality hot tubs, we offer services including hot tub repair and maintenance. Contact us today with questions or to learn more about getting the most out of your hot tub!  Hot Tub Itch and How to Prevent ItHaving a healthy soak in your hot tub can be a wonderful, relaxing experience. That’s probably why you’ve either purchased or are considering purchasing a hot tub in the first place. A good hot tub soak can offer a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life.
However, for too many people, the relaxing feel of your hot tub stops just as soon as the itching starts. This so-called “hot tub itch” after a soak can be incredibly aggravating and put you in a sour mood. What Causes a Bromine Rash? Hot tub itch can occur for a variety of reasons, including non-showered guests using your pool or spa. However, arguably the most common reason is due to the cleaners used to sanitize a hot tub. The two most common cleaners for hot tubs are chlorine and bromine. While they can be effective, they require precision when applying them to your tub. Too little and you risk bacteria and germs. Too much and you will receive a chlorine or bromine rash. This bromine rash, sometimes called a “hot tub rash,” is caused by the cleaner destroying fatty acids and Vitamin E in your skin, which causes your skin to become irritated and to dry out. The end result becomes the common hot tub itch. How to Prevent Hot Tub Itch If you don’t want to have to worry about the balancing act of applying just the right amount of cleaner and to prevent bromine rashes, visit Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. today. Not only do we offer hot tubs that use alternative cleaning methods, but we can also service your hot tub to ensure the water in your tub is just right.  Hot tub care includes regularly checking, balancing, sanitizing, and shocking your water. These four components of hot tub maintenance are vital to keeping the water clean, safe, and pleasant to use.
While using hot tub chemicals may sound a bit intimidating, it’s actually quite simple. Just follow this guide and you’ll have pristine water just in time for your next ultra-relaxing soak. 1. Checking Your Water’s AlkalinityThe first thing to do is to check your water’s alkalinity, which should fall between 80 ppm-120 ppm. Alkalinity between these levels will help to prevent fluctuations in the pH level. If the alkalinity is too high, your chlorine-based disinfectants won’t be as effective. This will lead to mineral buildup, cloudy water, skin/eye irritation, algae formation, and scales along the sides and bottom of your hot tub. If the alkalinity is too low, the water can irritate or dry out the top layer of skin. To correct, use a Total Alkalinity Increaser or check to see if you have significantly hard water. 2. Balancing Your Water’s pH LevelNext, you need to check and balance your water’s pH level to see how acidic or basic it is. It should fall between 7.2-7.8. If the pH level is too low, it can impact the overall efficiency of your hot tub, corrode equipment, and cause ear/eye irritation. If the pH level is too high, it can cause cloudy water, poor sanitizer efficiency, and skin/eye irritation. To correct, add either pH increaser or pH decreaser. When it comes to brand, the best hot tub chemical comes down to what works best in your particular circumstances. You might ask your local dealer for recommendations. 3. Sanitizing Your WaterSanitizing your hot tub water is important to keep it disinfected from bacteria and viruses, to keep it clear, and to keep it smelling fresh. To do this, you can choose between bromine and chlorine:
You might look at that list and determine that one, in particular, is your choice for the best chemical for your hot tub. Each has its strengths and weaknesses so it comes down to your preferences. Performing a Shock Treatment Finally, performing a shock treatment to your water breaks down the organic contaminants that can lead to cloudy water and unpleasant odors. Shocking the water reduces the need for high doses of chemicals, helps to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and algae, and keeps your equipment lasting longer. A shock treatment should be performed at least once a week. There are two types of treatments: non-chlorine shock (used regularly) and dichlor shock (used occasionally). The dosage depends on:
By correctly using hot tub chemicals, keeping your hot tub clean, and performing routine hot tub maintenance, your hot tub will provide you with fun and relaxation for many years to come. |
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