Spa adds luxury to the bathroom

Press, 13 February 1986, Page 24

Spa adds luxury to the bathroom

Have you dreamed about relaxing in your own spa pool, but never pursued the thought because you haven’t the money or the space to add a spa area to your home. Have you considered a spa bath instead? A big attraction of spa pools is communal bathing. If that is not a high priority, then you’ll find that a spa bath measures up favourably. The therapeutic benefits of hot-water massage are the same in either a spa pool or bath. Turbulent hot water is a great way to massage aching or stiff joints. Tension and fatigue are also eased by

the relaxing effect of being suspended in the water by a cushion of bubbles.

The spa bath is basically a standard bath with an air injection system which creates the spa effect. When the system is activated, the pump draws water from the filled bath, circulates water through the concealed pipework, and feeds it back into the bath through a series of jets. At the jets, air is drawn into the water, creating thousands of tiny air bubbles that agitate the water. A spa bath is filled from the household water supply and emptied like an ordinary bath after

each use. There is no need for chemical additives or filtration systems. Unlike a spa pool, soap and bath oil can be used — luxury and practicality combined.

The big bonus in opting for a spa bath instead of a spa pool is the savings in dollars. A basic spa bath can be fitted for less than $2,000 and it will -use no more water than an ordinary bath. Larger and fancier models are dearer. In comparison, an. average four seater spa pool will cost around $4,000, plus any extra building/decking and hot water supply costs.

Spa baths come in all configurations. Several manufacturers in New Zealand produce about 30 designs. between them. You have a choice of materials — fibreglass, acrylic, or porcelain-on-steel; a large choice of colours in up-to-the-min-ute shades; and a range of shapes and sizes suitable for single-person, two-per-son, or family bathing. You can select a bath that is right for your needs, to suit your home and budget. Some makes of spa baths have inbuilt heaters; others have heating units and thermostats sold as accessories. Although a spa bath is usually filled with warm water, there will be a gradual fall-off in water temperature as the water is agitated over

time. The heater, therefore, keeps the water at the desired temperature so you can soak comfortably for as long as you wish.

Some manufacturers also give a choice of spa options such as a booster or "turbo” air blower, and there is the air bath where masses of bubbles rise to the surface from tiny holes In the bottom of the bath.

Older people form a substantial part of the spa bath market. Once the children have left home, couples often make some changes to their homes or shift house.

In doing so, they give themselves a touch of luxury by buying a spa bath for its therapeutic benefits.

Another group of buyers are farmers. Spa pools are not practical when water must be conserved; a spa bath will do just fine instead. Convenience of use and no maintenance tend to be important factors. While adding to the pleasure of a long soak in the tub, a spa bath will improve the value of a home. Bathrooms are big news in the New Zealand' home fashion scene today. Co-ordinated decor, good design and modern fittings have transformed the sterile, cold-cubbyhole bathrooms of the past into comfortable, airy and colourful rooms. An attractive and well-equipped bathroom can also be a very strong selling point in a house up for sale.