Make Your Spa Personal

But how do you narrow down the dazzling array of spa options and design a hot tub that is best suited for you and your family? To help you sort through this process, we have developed a guide detailing common hot tub features that can be personalized without a weighty price tag.

The Perfect Fit

Your spa can be tailor-made to fit the size of your family, your home, your backyard -- you name it. Whether you and a loved one plan on intimate evenings under the stars or you wish to host family reunions in your hot tub, most manufacturers offer models designed for couples, small families (four to six people) and larger parties (typically with a maximum of eight users at a time).

In addition to the number of hot tubbers, you need to consider the placement of the unit. Designing a hot tub to fit a designated space is crucial in creating a spa that works for you.

Seat design is also a key element. Manufacturers offer a number of seating options, like recliners and captain's chairs, to match the way you wish to lounge in the spa and to take your height into account. Seating configurations, not just the seats, per se, are important because they offer options in the way you plan to use the spa and also help determine how many people can fit comfortably in the unit at the same time.

The Color Scheme

Like kitchen countertops, hot tub interiors, known as shells, have become a popular way to upgrade and display your style. Now available in pearlescent, metalescent and faux granite finishes in almost any shade of the rainbow, your hot tub can be personalized to match its surroundings.

You can further enhance your hot tub look with customized lighting. If you intend to use your outdoor hot tub at night, soft interior lighting not only enhances the quietude and relaxing mood, but it also adds a safe means of getting into and out of your hot tub. In contrast, you can personalize your hot tub interior with vibrant colors that create a more upbeat and energetic feel -- perfect for large festive get-togethers.

The Exterior Appeal

Today's hot tubs can be built with wood paneling (typically cedar or another highly durable wood) or synthetic cabinetry, which looks like real wood but does not require its care. Wood hot tubs remain a popular and attractive choice, but require annual sanding and staining. Make this decision based on your taste and the time you plan to devote to maintenance.

You can dress up the look of your hot tub by adding matching planter boxes, benches and/or steps, which allow easy entry and exit into the hot tub.

The Jet Set

Perhaps one of the most important decisions in customizing your hot tub is the number, placement and style of its jets. Although the general consensus is the more jets the better, this precept may not necessarily be applicable to you. Are you looking for a Zen-like tranquil hot tub experience or a more intense Swedish-style massage? The ideal number of jets depends more on the type of water massage that you seek. If your needs happen to be different from those of your spouse, make sure that each individual spa jet can be turned on or off easily, allowing each bather to adjust the jets when using a particular seat, regardless of another soaker's settings.

The majority of hot tubs come with at least 10 jets, but the number can quickly rise to over 100. Carefully review the placement of jets with your salesperson to ensure that the jets meet all of your needs. For example, if you have neck pain, see that some jets are strategically placed where your neck will be positioned. If your aches and pains remain focused on your lower back, customize your spa jets to work on this particular area.

Spa jets come in a number of different types, as well. Some gently pulse water on specific areas, while others aggressively focus on one spot. Again, select your jet types to match your desired massage.

Most hot tub companies offer air bubbling systems in addition to jets. These systems provide frothy bubbles and a more calming water rotation than jets alone.

For Your Health

Soaking in a hot tub or spa has been shown to alleviate a number of ailments, including arthritis, insomnia, stress, high blood pressure, sports or accident-related injuries and lower back pain. Various models include features that make hot tubs easier to use for people with these specific conditions and that address muscular tension directly. For instance, there are now hot tubs with valves that open and close effortlessly for those with limited finger dexterity, as well as entry systems that make it possible for folks with bending difficulties to get into and out of the unit easily. When customizing your hot tub, review any health-related issues with your salesperson and note the features that will work best for you.

A number of hot tub manufacturers now offer models that promote physical fitness and well-being through water exercise. Water workouts generally result in fewer injuries than other forms of exercise. They provide a great deal of resistance, allowing for a safer, shorter and more powerful regimen. If you are looking to use your hot tub for exercise, make certain that the hot tub provides enough room for the strokes and kicks that you want to perform.

For Your Peace of Mind

Some spa shoppers are solely looking for a spa that provides relaxation and a completely stress- and hassle-free environment. If this description matches your criteria, consider such options as a built-in ice bucket that can be accessed without emerging from the warm water. Handy remote controls allow you to heat up an outdoor hot tub without going into the chilly night air beforehand.

For the Big Party

Want to host a Super Bowl party in your new hot tub? Many manufacturers offer hot tubs with popup TVs and DVD players that allow you to watch part of the big game, your child's favorite video, or anything else that may strike your fancy. A surround sound stereo system lets you play your favorite mixes or tune into some easy listening before hitting the sheets. These options, of course, add an additional cost to the price of your hot tub, but they can make the difference in creating a truly accommodating atmosphere.

For a backyard hot spot, also consider such personal features as a side-mounted bar with stools that wrap around the exterior of your hot tub and a built-in refrigerator to keep your drinks and appetizers chilled.

You can, indeed, have the hot tub of your dreams, so go ahead, personalize it!