This is the story of a busy family, maybe a lot like yours. They are a happy family, but every once in a while they experience moments of conflict.
For many years, spa cabinetry was made of wood, most commonly redwood or cedar, and this is still a popular choice today. The quality of wood has a direct effect on the color and overall look of the cabinet, and on its longevity. Wood cabinets require regular maintenance, though, especially in climates where they are exposed to wind, rain, snow, or the drying effects of hot sunlight. Typical maintenance includes staining the wood annually, plus taking precautions to keep water from pooling and standing in contact with the wood, which can cause it to rot.2. Is the shed going to play a prominent role in your day to day activities? If so, make sure that you choose a style and options that give you good access and provide adequate lighting. Windows and skylights provide plenty of natural light, but it is common to run electricity to the shed. For easy access, make sure that the doors are at least 34� wide, as most lawn mowers will easily pass through.Back home, Dad joined Mom and the kids for a serious discussion. �First of all, Mom and I want you to know that we understand how upset you both of you are. Of course, you want your parents to experience your moments of glory with you. But, you also need to understand that this is a bad situation for us big folks, too. It would break our hearts to ever have one of you believe that we thought the other�s activities were more important than yours.�3. How important is the look of the shed to my property. Remember that anything you erect will either add or impair on your property value. Metal and vinyl are the least expensive options, but these tend to look ordinary. Wood and pre-finished sidings normally add character and value, but are usually more expensive.Spa jets, both their position and their function, are another important choice that is personal in nature. Buyers primarily seeking hydrotherapy benefits from a hot tub usually favor multi-functional jets that provide varying massage movement and intensity. However, buyers who are more interested in using their home spa for entertaining or other social purposes often prefer standard jets, in varying quantities and positions.Understand that people don�t always agree on everythingThe spa cabinet is significant because it is the other very visible part of your spa. If the cabinet deteriorates or otherwise decays in some manner, your hot tub will become an eyesore and may even fail structurally.Dad broke the silence by joking, �Hey, Shane wasn�t that Science project you did last year on cloning? It is the only way I can see how one person can be in two places at the same time.�The internet is an excellent source for information on the hundreds of suppliers and styles available. If ordering online be sure to read the warranty and returns information carefully as often goods of this nature cannot be returned. Just because a company has a fancy website it does not mean it stands behind its product � try searching for articles or information on the particular company. Most companies offer either pre-cut or pre-fabricated kits delivered to your residence. If choosing a fully installed product, deal with a local company with a fixed location (avoid the ones that set-up at seasonal locations), and again be prudent with your research. I strongly recommend avoiding companies that require more than a 30% deposit � you�ll end up waiting longer than you should. A storage shed is an important purchase � a little research will go a long way in helping making the right decision.Two places at the same time�hmmm. Shane stared hard at his revolving thumbs as an idea started forming in his mind. Soon everyone was watching those thumbs go round and round, first one way and then the other.The CabinetSynthetic materials are becoming very popular because they require little or no maintenance to keep their handsome looks. Early versions of synthetics looked very �plastic� and cheap, but modern synthetics have a rich, elegant look that spa owners really like. Coupled with their easy care and long life, synthetics are thought by many to be the wave of the future in spa cabinetry.�Here let me see your schedule�, Sarah snatched the paper out of Shane�s hand in a typical little-sister fashion.�Yeah, we know�, Shane and Sarah said at the same time and grinned at each other.Seating And Jets�Give that back. Let me see.� Shane snatched the paper back out of Sarah�s hands (in a typical big-brother fashion). �Which day?�There is a nearly endless array of hot tub features and amenities from which to choose. Some of the most common include:�Oh, yeah.��You�re getting me flowers?� Sarah flung herself into her father�s arms.�I know what you are saying is true, Sarah�, said Shane. But, this is a special meet. Victor has beaten me every year, and at practice, my times have been so great that I just know I will win this year. Your dancing isn�t a race or anything. Nobody wins any ribbons or trophies.� He used his most reasonable voice and glanced out of the corner of his eye hoping his parents had noticed.�Okay then, I�ll take Shane to his swim meet and then end up at Sarah�s dance�, Dad said. �That way I can gallantly present the Prima Donna with her flowers after the show.�Look for creative solutionsWeigh possible outcomes4. Consider the grade and accessibility of the location. A level site is the starting point for all shed construction The greater the grade, the more work needs to be done. Typically a grade of 6� or less over the dimension of the shed can be compensated for by using patio stones, especially for smaller units. In areas faced with frost upheaval or poor drainage, it is recommend that at least 6� of topsoil be removed and filled with screening stone (1/2� or smaller gravel is also acceptable).In addition to these extra amenities, spa dealers also promote and sell various decorative elements like matching steps, planters, bars and stools, gazebos, tables and chairs, etc. The choice of whether or not to invest in these extras is based solely on your personal preferences as well as your budget.�Yes, that�s right.��Brainstorm time�, Mom declared. �Put on your thinking hats, we need some ideas here.�The shell is composed of a surface and an understructure that are bonded together during the manufacturing process. The surface is the source of the color, look and feel of your spa, so it should resist deterioration due to the sun, spa chemicals, or normal wear and tear. Some high-end shells have special coatings to make them more stain resistant and even anti-bacterial ingredients molded right into the shell material.�Get in the car. We�ll look at your schedule when we get home. Sarah has her dance recital announcement too, we can write everything down on the calendar.� Mom smiled at her talented children in the rearview mirror as she drove toward home.Finalize the decisionOh no! Mom! That is the match with Victor�s team. I�m going to beat him this year, I just know it! You and Dad have to be there to see it!Everyone was quiet, thinking. Shane twiddled his thumbs.�But Dad, Shane has 10 swim meets this season. Dance class only holds one or two recitals a year! That should make my event more important.�5. Be considerate to your neighbors! Don�t put up something that belongs in a junkyard beside your neighbor�s manicured backyard. Most municipalities require that storage sheds be 2 ft from the fence or property line, so be sure to check ahead of time to avoid any aggravation. Talk to your neighbors about your intentions � 99% of the time they will appreciate your concern and be very supportive of your project.Whatever material you choose for your spa cabinet, it is important to select a cabinet style that allows easy access to internal components such as pumps and heaters. A fully removable panel is best, but a standard access door is acceptable in most cases. The easier it is to access internal parts, the less you will pay in labor charges for any repairs that may come along.Following the above steps when solving problems through confrontation gives the proper respect to everyone�s point of view and increases the likelihood of reaching a win/win solution. I hope it works as well for your family as it did for Shane and Sarah�s family.Though not as flashy and visible as the shell, cabinetry, seating and jets, the pumps, heaters and controls are vital components of your home spa. Choose a pump, or combination of pumps, that has the power and water-moving capacity to suit the size of your spa as well as the type of jets. High action jets typically require a more robust pump, while standard jets can usually get by with a smaller pump. In most cases, though, a multi-pump system is preferable to a single pump system for the most efficient and effective water movement.Mom did notice and hid her smile at his veiled attempt at manipulating things in his favor. She then turned a patient face toward Sarah who had sprouted some tears (a not-so-veiled attempt of manipulation). �Yes, Sarah, we know that you are unhappy, but we need clear heads not emotions if we are going to find a solution to this problem.�The understructure of the shell is the source of its strength. It is the main reinforcement for the shell, and if it is of poor quality the shell will tend to bubble, crack or even delaminate and come apart. If the understructure is not built with sufficient strength and durability, the shell will be unable to withstand prolonged pressure from the heavy weight of water in the spa.�I do have an idea,� Shane announced. �Sarah will have a dress rehearsal for the dance, right?��That�s a very creative solution, Shane,� said Mom as she put her arm around a fuming Sarah, �but I don�t think it is the answer to our problem. A dress rehearsal really isn�t the same as the performance itself�For instance, if hydrotherapy will be the primary use then it is important to buy a hot tub with therapy seats in the appropriate shape and jet configuration for the body area that will be the focus of therapy. If socializing and entertaining are at the top of the priority list, though, then it is important to buy a spa with seating that makes it easy to accommodate groups of people and facilitate conversation. Bench seating is usually a good choice for buyers with this use in mind.
Following the above steps when solving problems through confrontation gives the proper respect to everyone�s point of view and increases the likelihood of reaching a win/win solution. I hope it works as well for your family as it did for Shane and Sarah�s family.
Author: Jean Fisher
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