Home Spas

I have recently signed on as a regular monthly columnist for Duluth Superior Magazine, a monthly publication dedicated to the finer attributes of life in our Northland.  My column appears in the Style section and will be titled ‘Design for Living’.  My first column just appeared in the current issue: January 2011, Vol 4, Issue 1.

Visit www.duluthsuperiormagazine.com if you wish to view their website or subscribe to this nice magazine.

Visit www.lindquistandcompany.com if you want comprehensive information of how to complete a successful kitchen or bath project!

 

 

Home Spas by Rebecca Lindquist

Having lived in northern Minnesota most of my life, I have always enjoyed our four distinct seasons.  Sometimes it’s hard to choose   which one I love best, but winter certainly ranks high on the list! The first blanket of snow transforms our world into a winter play land; and, like many of you I look forward to a host of fun winter activities from downhill and X-C skiing, to ice skating and hiking the beautiful frozen rivers of the North Shore. Add snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and broomball to the mix and it’s hard to imagine how anyone could get bored in January!

Unfortunately, all this winter activity tends to ‘wake up’ some otherwise sleepy muscles, and that’s when I turn to my ‘home spa’ to help ease those pesky aches and pains!

A ‘home spa’ need not be an elaborate addition to your home as it can exist within the space of your current bathroom.  It can be as simple as augmenting your existing shower space to include a steam bath or replacing your bath tub with a whirlpool or air-massage tub.  And let’s not forget that most popular Northland amenity – the sauna.

Of the two tub options, whirlpools are more familiar to most. Offering the benefit of hydro-therapy massage through the action of jetted hot water, whirlpools do have a couple of drawbacks. All that moving water tends to cool down quickly unless an in-line heater is installed; and, because soiled bath water is pumped through the tub’s system, the concealed pipes tend to collect residue requiring frequent disinfection to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.

A pleasing alternative is a tub featuring ‘air bubble’ technology.  Often referred to as an ‘air-massage’ tub, the water is infused with tiny, heated air bubbles, also resulting in hydro-therapy massage. The hot air helps maintain the water temperature.  After bathing is completed and the tub is drained, an air-massage system automatically ‘purges and dries’ itself, reducing maintenance.  Whereas bath beads and oils are not advised for use in whirlpools as they contaminate the piping system, they are perfectly acceptable in air baths – an added benefit to this ‘home spa’ amenity.

Steam baths and saunas  produce  heat therapy; however, a steam bath may be easier to install to most existing bathrooms as it only requires space for a small steam generator.  A sauna usually requires an entire room. The deep penetrating moisture of a steam bath is especially beneficial in relieving muscle tension and stiff joints.  It has the added benefit of easing respiratory symptoms caused by colds and allergies.   Both steam baths and saunas cleanse and tone the skin.  And some studies suggest the intense heat may help to stave off viruses.

Whatever ‘home spa’ system you choose to ease those January aches and pains …hire a professional to make sure the system is properly designed and installed. You’ll want to benefit from optimal performance.

And now … if you’ll excuse me… my steam bath is calling!