FAQ
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Softub products:
Q: How long have these been around?
A: We have been manufacturing Softubs since 1987 and some of our first tubs are still in customer's backyards.
Q: Where are they made?
A: We have two manufacturing plants. Our west coast plant is in Valencia, California, outside of Los Angeles, and our east coast plant is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, outside of Boston. We also have service facilities all over the United States if you need help.
Q: What are they made of, are they inflatable?
A: No, they are not inflatable. They are made of space-age, high-density foam that is extremely strong yet lightweight. That means you will be able to move the tub inside or outside without any help.
Q: Do they go inside or outside?
A: Because they are made so tough and lightweight they can go anywhere but the vast majority of Softubs are used outside.
Q: How long will they last?
A: Talk about peace of mind, we have many Softub spas still in operation after over 15 years of service.
Q: How well does the vinyl hold up outside?
A:The vinyl is a marine grade vinyl that is designed to withstand the harshest climates and sun. That means with care you can expect to get many years of service.
Q: How much does it cost to operate?
A: Softubs are easy on the pocketbook. The average cost to operate a Softub spa outside nationwide is between $6 and $10 per month.
Q: How does it heat with no heater?
A: We use a revolutionary heat recovery system which uses the heat created by the pump motor. What that means to you is operating costs that are a fraction of the cost of a hard tub, a reduction of service problems, and extension of the life of the motor by keeping it cool.
Q: How hot does it get?
A: Our thermostat can be set as high as 104 degrees Fehrenheit, the same as all hot tubs. No matter what temperature you select it's ready for you when you are ready to relax.
Q: How do you treat the water?
A: We include a water treatment kit with every Softub spa that fully explains the treatment process. To make maintenance as simple as possible we also have a patented, fully automatic, ozone injection system that significantly reduces the amount of chemicals needed to keep your tub clean and sanitary. That means less time and less money out of your pocket to keep your tub sparkling clean.
Q: How much do they weigh when full of water?
A: A 220 gallon Softub spa weighs 1972 pounds including the pak, lid and tub. Check with your builder but most new decks can easily support a Softub spa and a few of your friends.
Q: What kind of preparation is required to install a Softub Spa?
A: The great news is all you need is a level surface and an electric outlet. The Softub spa is the go anywhere hot tub, unlike hard tubs which required a concrete pad or reinforced platform to support their heavy weight.
Q: Will I need an electrician or plumber to hook it up?
A: No, although almost all hard tubs do require expensive electrical work to install, the Softub spa is designed for anyone to install themselves and they plug into a standard 115 volt outlet. With our Smart Chip TM we take the worry out of any power surges or brown outs.
Health Benefits (continued...)
Arthritis
Arthritis
affects over 40 million people and causes pain, general stiffness, and
for some, swelling and inflammation of the joints. Treatment by a physician
may focus on controlling pain, minimizing degeneration or optimizing
a treatment plan for maximum benefits. Effective treatment often combines
medicine with exercise and relaxation techniques.
Controlling
Pain
Arthritis sufferers experience pain from sore and stiff joints. Worry,
anxiety and the stress of chronic soreness can magnify the pain. A warm
soak in a Softub spa relieves the pain of muscle and joint stiffness
in four ways.
First, the buoyancy
of the water reduces 90% of the body weight. The strain on muscles and
joints is relieved as soon as you are immersed.
Second, the warm
water improves your blood circulation. As the blood flows through your
body, the warmth relaxes muscles that have become stiff from protecting
sore joints.
Third, as you relax,
your brain releases endorphins into the blood stream. Endorphins are
the body’s natural relaxant and pain reliever.
Fourth, the gentle
massage created by the Softub spa jet loosens knots of tension and enhances
the muscle’s range of motion.
Exercise
The Arthritis Foundation recommends exercise in warm water as especially
effective for treating stiff, sore joints because water helps support
the body so there is less stress on your hips, knees, feet and spine.
There are several types of water exercise that are frequently recommended
for the person with arthritis.
Range of
Motion Exercise
Range of motion exercise is a way to maintain and improve flexibility.
Performing these exercises in a Softub can increase their effectiveness.
The warm water relaxes the muscles, aiding freedom of motion, while
the buoyancy of the water relieves stress on the joints. The jets massage
stiff muscles allowing you to extend them in fuller range.
Strength
Exercise
Strength exercise is often recommended because strong muscles help support
your joints. A 15-minute warm-up in a Softub spa prior to exercising
is an effective way to loosen up stiff muscles and reduce the risk of
injuries. While exercising, lactic acid builds up in the muscles. This
build up causes that sore and tired feeling after exercising. Using
a Softub spa after you exercise increases blood flow to your muscles,
replenishing nutrients and removing lactic acid much faster.
Improved
Sleep
A good night’s sleep is often difficult for arthritis sufferers.
Chronic pain can deprive a person of truly restful sleep. Many therapists
recommend a warm soak before bed as an excellent aid to a good night’s
sleep.
If you are considering
a Softub spa as part of doctor recommended therapy some or all of the
expense may be medically tax deductible.
Stress
Stress
is not necessarily good or bad. Some amount of stress is a natural part
of life and our bodies are equipped to deal with it. When a situation
we perceive as stressful arises, our bodies release hormones such as
adrenaline, that increase our heart rate and metabolism, raise blood
sugar levels, and tense our muscles.
Stress becomes
a problem when these “situations” occur frequently or over
an extended period of time. A build up of stress-produced hormones in
the body can cause lack of concentration, irritability and disrupted
sleep. These symptoms then cause more stress that can lead to frequent
headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure, insomnia, and reduced immunities.
Stress can come from anywhere; our jobs, society, even our family. Stress isnÕt always the result of negative situation. Busy life styles, prosperity and positive life changes can add to stress levels. While we cannot avoid stress, we can manage stress and protect our health.
The hydrotherapy
provided by a Softub spa offers the perfect combination of elements
for healing the mental and physical effects of stress.
Taking
Time for Yourself
Taking time to relax and letting your body recover from the efforts of the day is essential to relieving stress and truly enjoying life. In
the warmth of a Softub spa, your blood vessels open up. The blood absorbs
the warmth of the water and circulates the heat throughout your body.
As the warmed blood circulates, it travels deeper into muscles, easing
the tension. At the same time it carries nutrients to muscles and washes
toxins out of the system. The adjustable jets in a Softub, provide directed,
gentle massage to muscles, adding to your relaxaton.
To better prepare
your body for sleep, medical experts advise a warm soak 2 hours before
bed. A warm dip in a Softub spa is a healthy, long-term alternative
to medication for improving your sleep patterns.
Exercise
A regular exercise regimen is also a highly recommended and effective
way to manage stress.
Proper warm-up
in a Softub spa can help prevent injury during exercise by loosening
and stretching your muscles in preparation for a good workout. During
exercise, muscles release lactic acid as an energy source. Buildup of
lactic acid during exercise contributes to soreness and fatigue.
A 15-minute hydromassage
in a Softub spa after exercising is an effective way to help prevent
muscle stiffness. The massaging effect and improved blood flow facilitate
the removal of the lactic acid from your system. As most professional
athletes know, relieving the “pain” and improving the “gain”
of exercise can help you to keep a regular exercise routine.
Diabetes
Many
people develop Type 2 diabetes, also referred to as “adult-onset
Diabetes”. Watching our weight and moderate exercise is an essential
part of managing Type 2 diabetes. There are many ways that managing
diabetes can be improved through hydrotherapy in a Softub spa.
Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of any treatment plan. Exercise releases
lactic acid into the muscles. Lactic acid is responsible for the sore
tired feeling we experience after exercise. Hydrotherapy in a Softub
spa increases blood circulation, delivering nutrients to muscle cells
and carrying away lactic acids. The Softub spa’s adjustable jets
gently massage your muscles delivering warmth deeper into your tissue
and providing greater relaxation and relief of soreness.
Stress
management
Diabetics are particularly susceptible to stress, which can aggravate
complications associated with the disease. When stressed, the body releases
hormones that cause elevated blood pressure, and increased metabolism.
For the diabetic, this surge can release stored glucose from the liver
and muscles, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar.
A warm soak in
a Softub spa with a gentle massage of the jets has been shown to reduce
the effects of stress in many ways. As the body relaxes and the blood
is warmed it flows more easily, reducing blood pressure. As circulation
increases, more nutrients are delivered to muscles, replenishing tissue.
At the same time, toxins that have built up in the muscle tissue is
flushed away.
Limited
Joint Mobility
People with Type 1 diabetes may develop joint stiffness and limited
mobility. Hydrotherapeutic massage in a Softub spa is an excellent method
for relieving both the pain and stiffness of sore joints. The gentle
massage of the jets brings the warmth of the water deep into muscle
tissue, relaxing muscles that have stiffened to protect inflamed joints.
The buoyancy of the water relieves 90% of the weight on your body and
eases the pressure on nerves and joints.
Improved
Blood Flow
Diabetes is a major risk factor related to cardiovascular diseases.
A recent British study demonstrated that lowering blood pressure can
significantly reduce the diabetic’s risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Soaking in the warmth of a Softub spa dilates the blood vessels and
drops blood pressure. The improved blood flow carries increased levels
of antibodies and white blood cells to affected areas, stimulating the
formation of new tissue. Hydrotherapy’s positive effect on blood
circulation can be especially helpful for diabetics who are unable to
exercise.
Please consult
your physician for proper treatment of diabetes. If you and your doctor
agree upon utilizing the benefits of hydrotherapy, some or all of he
costs of a Softub spa may qualify as a deductible medical expense.
