Different Advantages of Owning Your Own Swim Spa
A swim spa is a relatively new idea, but one that more and more people is taking advantage of. Often called “endless pools,” these are much smaller than a traditional swimming pool but a little bit longer than your average spa. The jets in a swim spa can be set so that the current is constantly flowing in one direction. This allows you to swim against that current “endlessly” (thus the name endless pool). There are many different kinds of swim spas, and the jets can usually be set so that you may either enjoy a relaxing soak with the full benefits of a traditional spa, or you can get in a good swim without the need of a full size pool in your backyard.
Benefits of a swim spa
Obviously the main benefit is the ability to have a swim whenever you like. Studies show that swimming is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise, providing great cardio and muscle training while also easier on the joints than running. Swimming is a full body workout, unlike most exercises which focus on only one or a handful of parts of your body. This is actually better than a pool though, because it eliminates the need to “turn around” every dozen or so strokes. You can keep a comfortable pace all in one direction for as long as you want, you can usually also adjust the pace at which you must swim to keep with the current.
Along with being a great way to workout, a swim spa is perfect if you do not have a ton of room for a full size pool in your backyard. Also because it is smaller than a pool it is much easier to heat in the winter months, meaning you can swim year-round even if you live in a colder climate.
On top of that, in most swim spas the jets can be adjusted for when you just want to relax. Whether you need to loosen up after a swim or if you are inviting friends or family over to enjoy your spa, simply adjust the settings and you are ready to go.
Different types of swim spas
There are mainly three types of swim spas available; Molded shells you put inside of a deck, self-contained swim spas and component or modular swim spas.
1. Molded shells – These are usually 12 to 24 feet long and come with only the molding for the spa. Heaters, jets and filters are set within the deck however you wish—though generally you’ll need the help of a contractor to do this. The benefit is you can install them anywhere you would like in your yard and decorate the surrounding landscape however you feel.
2. Self-contained swim spas – Also called a portable swim spa, these are just like an above ground spa, but made to the specifications of a swim spa; meaning longer in length with jets that can be adjusted for swimming purposes.
3. Component swim spas – This can go inside or outside and is the most versatile type of swim spa. These can be built to nearly any specified length or depth.
4. Self-contained Fast Lane swim spa jets – While not a swim spa officially, this is one option where jets can actually be fitted to an existing pool, allowing for the “endless swim” experience without the need for an entire swim spa.
Click here to see our gallery of Long Island Swim Spas
Medallion swims spa long island
Gappsi Pools and spas is a leader in the spa industry. With many brands and applications Gappsi can find the right spa for you. Saratoga, Catalina and Medallion spas are a few of the lines we carry and have in stock for you see before buying. For any additional information, call or visit our showroom for more information at (631)-543-1177, 1015 W. Jericho Turnpike Smithtown NY 11787.
Long Island Natural Stone and Travertine Pavers
Natural stone is has become incredibly popular over the last several years. Some of the options include travertine, granite, limestone, and sandstone. Here are some of the benefits of natural stone in general:
1. Many enjoy the natural look and feel of stone. It comes in a variety of very earthy and natural looking colors that can match nearly any décor. The feel itself is unique. Unlike glass and synthetic materials, the tiny imperfections really make one feel part of the environment. It is a soothing, natural feel that can add an inviting feel to any home.
2. Natural stone is very easy to take care of. It will look good for decades literally if it is cleaned regularly, and this is simple with pH-balanced cleaners and regular mopping and sweeping for floor tiles.
3. It is one of the longest lasting materials available. Along with looking great and being easy to maintain, natural stone will outlive the vast majority of materials making up the build of your home.
4. Natural stone, though generally more expensive per square foot than many synthetics, can actually be less expensive over time due to how easy it is to maintain and how long it will last.
5. When incorporating natural stone your options are nearly endless, and in recent years even more colors and types of stone have been introduced to the market. With tiled stones you also have the option of different styles and can choose either a uniform look or vary the size of each tile for a more original look.
Where can I use natural stone?
Really you can use natural stone almost anywhere. It is most popular in kitchen areas for counter tops, and it can be especially useful around your pool because it is naturally very water resistant and requires little or no treatment to ensure it stays beautiful even outdoors.
About Travertine
Travertine is one of the many types of natural stone available. These stones are created over centuries in shallow bodies of water, usually geothermal springs that have a high concentration of lime. Part of the forming of Travertine does involve lime but Travertine is a different sort of natural stone than limestone. Travertine offers very soft and natural colors in marble patterns, there are a lot of colors and styles available.
The imperfections found in this type of stone actually add to the attractive nature, giving it a beautiful and intimate look and feel. It can be found in a wide range of colors as well, and the cut can be customized to nearly any need. This type of stone is found all over the world and stones from different regions may have different looks and feels.
Travertine is also impressively resilient. Some of the oldest buildings in the world in fact used travertine in construction such as the coliseum in Rome. If you want a stone that will really last this might be your first choice. It is excellent for pool areas because of how resilient it is, but will look great indoors or outdoors.
Click the following link to visit our Long Island Natural Stone & Travertine Paver Page.
Hot Tubs in Long Island
A hot tub is technically any heated pool of water. In most instances it refers to a small tub heated using electricity of gas, and which is used to soak in, relax in, for massage or for hydrotherapy. Hot tubs are also commonly called Spas or Jacuzzi. Jacuzzi is actually a brand name which has become a generic term for hot tubs. The main difference between a spa and hot tub is that usually a spa will be indoors or inlaid within a pool, deck, or in the ground while a hot tub will more commonly be above ground. Also many times plastic tubs will be called a spa instead of a hot tub. The two terms are for the most part interchangeable though and referring to a hot tub as a spa or vice versa is not uncommon or even incorrect necessarily.
The two main kinds of hot tubs are wooden hot tubs used to soak in, and plastic tubs made and molded from one piece of plastic.
Wooden hot tubs vs. one piece hot tubs
Wooden tubs offer a specific look and style separate from plastic hot tubs or spas, usually built using redwood, cedar or teak staves and metal to bind it similar to a barrel, there are also differences in how they function however. Generally a wooden hot tub will be deeper and is meant more for soaking, though jets may be incorporated.
A one piece spa molded from plastic enjoys a greater number of design options. They can be arranged with many different seating patterns and jets are incorporated more easily with this type of hot tub. These are also called Jacuzzis or Whirlpool tubs, these are actually brand names though, and there are many other manufacturers of hot tubs of this type.
Hot tubs available
Today the options are nearly endless when it comes to hot tubs or spas. You can have them custom made to nearly any size, wooden or plastic, and they can be indoors, outdoors, in ground or above ground, they can be part of your pool or separate. The jets for hot tubs have advanced as well, designed specifically for hydrotherapy and with a number of settings available depending on your preferences. Filtration and means of ensuring the hot tub remains sanitary have improved as well. You have the option of adding entertainment systems, televisions, DVD players, audio systems and much more. Even with all of these advances spas and hot tubs can be relatively affordable, and often are more affordable today than in the past despite the many advances.
What to consider when buying a hot tub
There are many things to keep in mind but most of your options are simply a matter of preference. Plastic gives you far more freedom of design, however many enjoy the look and feel of a wooden hot tub. Consider the types of jets you want and whether it will be used for hydrotherapy. Consider maintenance issues, especially sanitization because many bacteria like the warm environment, and ease of access.
Take a look at our past works of Long Island Hot Tubs.
Saratoga spas dealer long island
Saratoga Spas here at Gappsi, Long Island, New York…
Come to our showroom and see the new line of Saratoga spas. Any and all your spa needs all in one. Whether you’re looking for recreational spas, or therapeutic spas Saratoga has customized lines to fit your needs. As a direct dealer with Saratoga Gappsi can save you money time and effort in your search for the perfect spa. Come in and visit our showroom and see some of the spas on hand, or call us at 631-543-1177. Our showroom is located at 1015 W. Jericho Turnpike Smithtown NY 11787