For millennia, people have enjoyed the soothing and tranquil powers of the hot bath.  In fact, ancient Romans loved the comforting and relaxing atmosphere of the hot bath that they built their entire existence around it.  Today's outdoor spas are scaled down versions of the Roman bath that can help you to unwind and de-stress at the end of a long, endless day.  Many people swear by their outdoor spas not just for relaxation purposes, but for entertaining friends and family as well.

Outdoor spas are sometimes referred to as hot tubs, or even as Jacuzzis - which actually refers to a popular brand name. Typical outdoor spas come in a diverse array of shapes and styles, with sizes ranging from the smaller two person spa to large family sized tubs that create a party atmosphere.  When buying a spa, your purchase should be based on your requirements and the space you have designated for installing it outdoors.

Choosing Outdoor Spas

Most outdoor spas are purchased for relaxation and fun, but some are bought with the intentions of using them for therapy purposes, such as for help with medical problems like arthritis.  Some are big enough to allow for swimming laps against the resistance of water jets - and may be referred to as a swim spa for that reason.  Determine the purpose for your spa before selecting one, as there is a difference in models based on what you will use it for; for instance, a spa that is designed for therapy may have more jets than a simple relaxation tub.  A spa for relaxing may also be smaller than one used for exercise.  And for those who are looking to entertain in the tub, you will want to look at outdoor spas that will accommodate a larger number of people and that is customized with features like waterfalls, a sound system, and lighting.

Taking a Test Swim

Outdoors spas are sold by a number of manufacturers, from high end retailers that specialize in pools and spas to big box retailers like Wal-Mart or Home Depot that sell cheaper models of lesser quality. Keep in mind, when purchasing your spa that going with a dealer who specializes in selling a particular brand of spa will make service and repairs easier. Most spa retailers will have a showroom with several popular models set up and ready for a "test swim", and encourage those who are in the market for an outdoor spa to stop by with swimsuit in hand to take a dip and experience what the spa has to offer before buying.  And while many spa retailers will send a salesperson out to your home if you request them to do so, there is no substitute for trying a particular spa out firsthand, or perhaps taking a test swim to compare two or more models at once.  When taking your test swim, be sure to turn on all the jets and try out all the features - and be sure to bring along your significant other or friend so that you can get their opinion as well.