The evolution of hot tub design

by Sally Bouorm | June 1, 2010 11:05 am

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By Vic Walker

New design technologies, processes and materials are contributing to the constant innovation and enhancement of modern hot tubs. Today’s designs not only improve the bather’s overall health and wellness, they serve as relaxing social centres for family and friends.

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Over the past several years, hot tubs have grown to include niche models that target needs ranging from soaking and relaxing to exercise and therapy. In this diverse age, for example, the swim spa illustrates the creativity behind these products and how they can serve multiple purposes such as exercise, therapy and rehabilitation. In fact, swim spas are one of the fastest growing segments in the hot tub industry, as consumers can now choose a model specific to their health and lifestyle needs.

As exciting new designs and styles continue to emerge, manufacturers have to seek ways to differentiate their products from the rest. Features such as curvilinear lines have revolutionized exterior hot tub design, while soft, organic forms offer a refreshing break from old-school hot tub prototypes.

As modern hot tubs cannot have flash without substance, features like high-performance massage lounges with tactile therapy designs for increased hydrotherapy are also important. A combination of light emitting diode (LED) illumination systems and water features are often part of the package and help set the mood with a variety of sights and sounds.

Energy efficiency standards

When it comes to energy efficiency standards and eco-friendly features, hot tub design has vastly improved. The California Energy Commission in the U.S., for example, has created energy efficiency standards all hot tubs must meet, while in Canada the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is currently evaluating an energy performance standard (C374) for spas and hot tubs.

With both Canadian and U.S. governments taking climate change more seriously, several consumer products are being evaluated to increase efficiency standards. Modern hot tubs from reputable manufacturers are much more energy efficient than they were several years ago.

The industry has benefited from increased efficiency in overall construction methods as well as in motor design, while some manufacturers have increased efficiency through the use of smaller circulation pumps, rather than using the hot tub’s jet pump for water filtration.

New cover designs have contributed to better energy efficiency and improved insulation techniques and materials are giving manufacturers the upper hand on heat retention, which helps lower overall operating costs. New control systems are also providing programming flexibility to schedule filtration cycles, further lowering ownership costs.

Improved materials

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Another growing trend in the hot tub industry is the increasing use of high-performance materials. New colour choices and interior shell and exterior cabinet materials are giving today’s hot tub customer more choices and value than ever before. Acrylic interior shell materials are still very popular and offer both glossy and textured finishes, while earth tones and soft whites are still the most popular choices.

Many new materials are also designed to look better. For example, early synthetic cabinet designs had a very ‘plastic’ look to them. Today, newer technologies are leveraging digital imaging to create realistic faux woods, while improved plastic resin compounds have also improved the esthetics of plastics in general. Not only does this give designers greater flexibility when creating low-maintenance designs, it also allows them to create hot tubs that become more integral components of an outdoor living space, while offering improved durability and a better ownership experience.

Innovative features

The hot tub industry has enjoyed a recent spurge of innovation, as many manufacturers continue to push the envelope with regular introductions of exciting new features and technologies.

As more consumers create and use outdoor living spaces, manufacturers are driven to offer more beautiful and useful products. For instance, the addition of a water feature element has been a major factor in revolutionizing the way hot tubs are designed.

Today, most hot tubs (even entry level models) can include some sort of water feature. These are a natural extension of the product; the ‘original’ hot tubs were natural hot springs, which were often accompanied by the sounds of running or falling water. Modern hot tubs have water features that mimic nature by capturing its sound and feeling to enhance the overall user experience. They can also provide a backyard environment with the look and sound of a waterfall feature even when the hot tub is not being used.

While not all new features can be considered ‘value added,’ they do enhance a product’s ‘bling’ factor. Flashy LED systems, exterior lighting, stereo systems and even LCD TVs have found their way into hot tub models that were originally designed for relaxation.

Certain features, like simple music systems, have had an especially positive impact on hot tubs. Relaxing music can enhance the bathers’ overall experience and help them unwind from a stress-filled day. LED lighting is also therapeutic, when done correctly, it can add to the relaxing effects of a hot tub. However, features like TVs, overcomplicated music systems and overly bright flashy lights can sometimes take away from the overall therapeutic experience of a hot tub. Having a party tub is great; it’s just not for everyone.

Increasing therapeutic benefits

Other innovations have focused on health and therapy; thus the industry has seen growth in design elements related to aromatherapy, mood lighting (photobiology), improved hydrotherapy options and soothing water features.

There are several aromatherapy solutions available on the market today. They are either liquid-based or use scent-infused air that is injected into the hot tub. Some LED lighting systems feature zoned controls that allow the consumer to turn on just the light system or zone they want (e.g. underwater only or bartop only). These new lighting systems promote tranquility through photobiology and use certain colours (e.g. blue) to promote relaxation, while also adding ambiance.

Improved hydrotherapy is seen in the vast array of jet styles and sizes available on the market today. Designers can choose from normal directional and rotator jets to specialty designs and custom seat compositions to perform specific massage tasks (e.g. deep tissue or acupressure).

Design should focus on the end user

Hot tub design should always be innovation-based and focused on health, hydrotherapy and quality. Practicing a ‘user-centred’ design approach, while offering a balanced mix of functional features, will allow users to customize their hot tub and enjoy the ease of ownership through quality design.

User-centred design is critical when considering any product with which the end user will have direct interaction. Everything from controls and seat comfort to ease of ingress and egress must be considered. Even maintenance items must be easy to obtain and understand. Understanding the goal of each design and the intended user group is critical in bringing a successful design to the market.

 

Vic Walker is a senior industrial designer at Dimension One Spas, a hot tub manufacturer in Vista, Calif. He has almost 20 years experience as an industrial designer and more than 10 years experience in the pool and hot tub industry, in which he has been awarded more than 15 patents for his contributions.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/the-evolution-of-hot-tub-design/

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