ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 20, 1994                   TAG: 9404140171
SECTION: TODAY'S HOME                    PAGE: 2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DONNA MUSSELWHITE
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SPAS OFFER VACATION AT HOME

When you get your tax return check, you might want to consider investing in that luxury you always wanted, but never thought you could have - a spa.

Shelli Martin of Cal Spas of Virginia says many people have the misconception that spas are a big ticket item that are expensive to maintain and that require special plumbing, wiring and a huge amount of space.

"The irony is that none of that is true. We have spas starting as low as $1,995; there's no plumbing involved - it's totally self-contained and you fill it with a garden hose; and we have some spas that run off 110-volt electricity, so you don't even have to have new wiring run."

Spas come in a range of sizes, from two-person units up to a swim spa "that you can actually swim laps in," Martin said.

Spas are perfect for people looking for relaxation - "Everybody likes a vacation. Well, spas are like coming home everyday to a mini-vacation" - and models are also available with special seats and special types of jets suitable for physical therapy.

Martin says spas are great for decks, patios, sunrooms, screened-in porches, and even in basement recreation rooms. They're built to withstand the elements, particularly the redwood cabinetry, which Martin says stands up well to all types of weather and insects.

The spas are foam-filled for heat retention and are thermostatically controlled so they can be used in all types of weather. "They're great when it's cold out since they go up as high as 104 degrees. And when it's hot out, you can turn the thermostat down and enjoy the benefits of the jets," Martin said.

In addition to a range of cabinet styles, the spas come in a variety of colors. The delivery and installation are included in the purchase price, so once the spa is in, maintenance costs are limited to chemicals to treat the water and the monthly electricity costs which are minimal, Martin said.

Martin advises people to look at a variety of spa models to be sure they get the correct size spa - whether it be for two or for the entire family - and specific options that suits their needs and available space. 


 by CNB