Spa pool pros & cons
Spa pools are considered to be good for health, wellbeing and family time. But are they worth the effort, asks Caroline Botting.
Spa pools have had a bad rap. In the 80s, they were often thought of as a place where people were looking to get wet and wild.
But now they’re increasingly seen as a household item to aid health, wellbeing and quality family time.
Hot Springs Spas General Manager Aaron Sampson said spa sales have been on the increase for the past decade and the main motivations are a reflection on the way we’re living (many of us having less quality time and also increasingly less space).
‘‘A lot of people don’t want the hassle of swimming pools or even have the space for them, but still want to get into a body of water,’’ Sampson said.
‘‘There’s also a new trend in health and wellbeing; a lot of people realise the significant health benefits of soaking in water. Who doesn’t relate to that feeling of hopping into the bath after a bad day at work? With a spa you can experience this at a drop of the hat.’’
‘‘It can also give you time out and help you connecting with others or have a moment to yourself.’’
As a father with three children under the age of 5, Sampson’s hot tub ticks off many of the benefits above.
‘‘It’s offline time for the family. We’re away from our ipads, phones and the general distractions of life. It’s just us connecting with each other,’’ he said. ‘‘We have 2-year-old twins and a 5-year-old, so my wife also likes soaking alone, with a glass of wine when the kids are in bed.’’
Enjoying more family time with their two young daughters has also been a plus for Marnie and Sam Cox when they were gifted a spa pool last year.
‘‘Almost every second night in winter we’d get in with the girls. We play and talk, there are no distractions,’’ Marnie said. ‘‘Friends will come over, bring their togs and have a swim. During some of these super-hot nights in summer it’s also been good as we’ve had it cool.’’
Likewise for Damon and Sarah Schiphorst who bought their spa a few years ago for health and wellbeing reasons, but also found it a great place to spend time with their young sons.
‘‘We both have back pain and it’s something we always wanted. Also, we thought it would be fun for the children to enjoy,’’ Sarah said. ‘‘It’s been nice on a lazy Sunday morning with a coffee.’’
But while the Schiphorsts and Coxs have appreciated their spa, there have been downsides. Maintenance wise, things haven’t always been smooth sailing with both experiencing leaking, filtration and heating issues.
‘‘We wouldn’t recommend [buying one] as we hardly use it,’’ Sarah said.