by Tony Jones

Created on: September 19, 2008   Last Updated: November 08, 2010

After suffering a slipped disc my doctor suggested that I "stay off my back" and give it some rest. He went on to explain that negative buoyancy would be the best way to help my back muscles relax and heal. So I decided to purchase a whirlpool spa, but this decision was hampered by the following questions:

1. What are the differences between whirlpools, spas, Jacuzzis and hot tubs?

After conducting some research on the internet I realized that the what they call hot tubs in England, is the same as whirlpools in Germany, Jacuzzis in Italy, beachcombers in Slovakia, spas in Switzerland or portable spas in Poland and Estonia. The only real differences in today's market are money, utility and location.

2. Where do you plan to enjoy the rejuvenating spa experience? Where I live we enjoy four seasons. So I opted for a portable model that can be enjoyed in and out of doors. I wasn't interested in  the Finnish spa experience of rolling in the snow after enjoying a heated spa; besides, what would the neighbors say? It had to be rugged enough to withstand then extremes of summer and winter. It also had to be robust enough to maintain its integrity after transport. So we started searching for an inflatable portable unit that could easily inflate and deflate itself.

3. How much? This is a rhetorical question that easily addresses itself once you have addressed the first two questions. Naturally smaller units cost less, and smaller units are easier to transport. The only variable would be the accessories and materials. Filling the spa with water is only half of the work. Any open body of water needs care. Heated spas need extra care because of hygiene. Modern units will come with a filtering system that needs monitoring and maintenance. But the water also requires balancing to prevent unhealthy situations from arising. Don't forget that you are actually washing yourself in this pool of water with other individuals. As unappetizing as that might sound, this is a closer picture of reality.

Thanks to new technology, spa buyers can now enjoy a professional spa experience at a reasonable consumer price. Yet, the decision to purchase a portable spa shouldn't be an easy one. There are many daunting questions that need to be answered before you can start enjoying the rejuvenating powers of a spa in the privacy of your own home. Do your research and have a safe and happy spa experience!

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