A year ago, I experienced Devine Inspiration. Still basking in the new of Winterpast, something was missing. One thing that would make life as a Covid Recluse bearable. A hot tub. Call it a Spa. Call it a Jacuzzi. Call it heavenly, for sure. I needed a place to bubble my troubles away so I began to shop. Sticker shock set me back a little bit, as they had certainly gone up in price since the last time I bought one in 2007.
Fourteen years ago, with the patio view off my California mountain top home, I had surprised VST when I announced that I had found a spa. It didn’t take much arm twisting for delivery and installation to occur, leaving us with evening full of conversations and soaking.
This time would be different. This was a spa for me and me alone. An added expense on my power bill. Necessary chemicals. Bathing suits. Beach towels. Face it, a spa is a commitment you make only if you are SURE you will use it many times a week. I envisioned this happening, but then, soaking in a spa for one was a new proposition.
Looking around Reno, I found a few but there were issues with every one. Too big. Too small. Too few jets. Too many jets. Cheaply constructed. Poor company representation. It was then that a friend mentioned a Hot Tub and Swim Spa Extravaganza was coming to the local Convention Center in the Biggest Little City near me. Well, I’d just need to check that out.
The last day of the show, I found THE ONE. I already knew exactly what I was looking for. Seating for four. Me and three of my imaginary friends. Seats at different heights. One lounge. Wired 220 not plug-in 110. As many jets as I could possible afford. Pretty lighting. A nice and relaxing waterfall. Easy to clean filters. A cover. That was about it. Of course, all the warranty and service issues that a prudent buyer would expect.
There she sat on the showroom floor. Glistening. Waxed. Inviting. Sitting alone and empty, I went to her and got in to try out the lounge. I almost went into a trance. It fit like a glove. I had found THE ONE. Haggling a bit over the price, the salesman lowered it 12%, and I purchased a hot tub to be delivered at some unknown date. With Covid, it seemed everyone was ordering hot tubs, so this could take awhile. It did. About ten weeks to delivery.
In the last year, I’ve learned a lot about caring for my very own hot tub. The water in my little town is full of minerals that leave marks on the sides. Although not as shiny and pristine as her showroom sister, just under the cover bubbles water that is treated with the proper chemicals.
The spa man visited this week to repair a minor problem with the external corner of the tub. Just a minor problem. It fell off. Still under warranty, he quickly fixed it for me and then gave me tips on water care.
If you’re considering a spa, do consider the hidden cost of chemicals. This isn’t a minor budgetary knock, but a significant monthly charge of which the salesman doesn’t speak. There are necessary enzymes, chlorine, non-chlorine bio-shock, scum balls, and testing strips. Chemicals that make the pH go up and those that make the pH go down. Chemicals to remove metals and those that add fragrance. The list is endless. They take up a cupboard in my laundry room.
Then, there is the issue of swim suits. My Dale Evans conservative suit. My Sophia Loren non-conservative suit. Two long sleeved suits (which might as well be considered Chinese finger traps for the entire body. The more you struggle, the more impossible they are to get off when wet.) There are stripes and leopard print. Floral and black. When you are in and out of the spa during the day, it’s necessary to own a variety. Otherwise, the neighbors have more to speak of during their daily rounds of gossip. Heaven knows they have enough already when speaking of the Widow Ho.
Do consider location. Mine is steps from the laundry room door, providing just inches through which to slither out of the house, over the snow, and into nirvana. A warm place waits inside to drip, dry, and regroup after a long soak.
If you already have a spa, do keep up with water care. Your fellow soakers will appreciate it. Don’t forget to change out the scum balls once in awhile. Take that as you will.
Have a wonderful day today, whatever you do. For me, I’m off to the hot tub to catch the last of the desert sky extravaganza. Stay warm and well. More tomorrow.