Softub vs. Hot Tub
Hydrotherapy boasts many desirable benefits, from stress reduction, eased anxiety and pain relief to immunity boosts and improved sleep. To enjoy these benefits more often, you can set up an at-home spa — but what if you don't want to deal with the costs and complexities of installing a traditional hot tub?
Softub is a portable, easy-to-install spa that's energy-efficient and affordable. It has ushered in a new era of relaxation with features and technological advancements that make it comfortable, safe and inexpensive to operate, especially compared to the traditional hot tub.
What Is a Softub?
A Softub is a hot tub alternative that offers portability and energy efficiency. It can be used year-round in all climates. It's perfect on a deck or patio, in a home or apartment, and even at the cottage or on a houseboat. The Softub inner shell is made of Polybond Foam, and marine-grade vinyl makes up the exterior. This design makes it lightweight, so you can set and reset it anywhere without compromising on the performance or life expectancy of a Softub.
Why Choose a Softub?
Softubs are designed to perform the same purpose as a hot tub, promoting hydrotherapy and relaxation. However, the two types of spas have some distinct differences.
Site Prep and Installation
A Softub is incredibly easy to install and doesn't require extensive site preparation. One person can complete the installation process — just roll the Softub onto flat ground, whether indoors or outdoors. You can also relocate it if necessary. A traditional hot tub requires a crane and a crew for installation. The process typically involves construction, excavation, plumbing and electrical work. Sometimes, installing a hot tub may require altering a home's structure to get the most secure and permanent placement.
Portability
Softubs are made using lightweight materials like Polybond Foam and marine-grade vinyl, making the heaviest components less than 80 pounds. Traditional hot tubs are made from fiberglass, stainless steel or cement, which results in tubs that weigh between 400 and 900 pounds. Softubs can be rolled up and down stairs, through a doorway or across a yard when you want to store them during the winter or change their location.
Energy Efficiency
The California Energy Commission has documented that Softub is the most energy-efficient hot tub gallon for gallon. They can be maintained at the desired water temperature for an average cost of only $10 a month — more on that a little later. This is possible due to energy-efficient technological attributes, such as the high-density insulated cover, the SmartChip™ Power Monitoring System and the HydroMate® System.
Hot tubs require a separate heating element and other complex configurations that cost $40 to $75 monthly. Softubs don't require advanced electrical work because they don't need a separate heating element like a traditional hot tub. They also come with an insulated thermal lid to save heat and water, which, in the case of a traditional hot tub, you'll have to purchase separately.
Safety and Comfort
Looking for ultimate relaxation? Go with Softub. The Polybond Foam interior provides cushioned padding, making it flexible, comfortable and relaxing. Softubs are also safer than traditional hot tubs because they don't have slippery surfaces, hidden depths or hard corners. Additionally, they allow flexible seating and barrier-free interiors that let you stretch out and relax. Traditional hot tubs have molded plastic seats, which limit comfort, activity and positioning.
Ease of Use
For all their power and features, Softub spas are remarkably simple to operate. In a climate with an average temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, a Softub requires just 4 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per day to stay 102 degrees F and ready to use. At 8¢ per kWh, that would be just 32¢ per day — or $9.60 per month.
A Softub plugs into a regular household outlet at no additional cost. It's cord-mounted and comes with a ground fault indicator. It's always hot and ready to use 24/7. For traditional hot tubs, you must give them time to heat prior to using.
Industry Regulations
All of our domestic tubs (120-volt, 60 Hz) are built to meet or exceed the UL-1563: Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies and Associated Equipment standard, which is the applicable standard for our products. We are certified by ETL, and our control numbers are 59987 for our Valencia, California, manufacturing facility and 3037126 for our New Bedford, Massachusetts, facility.
All of our export tubs (240-volt, 50 Hz) are built to meet or exceed all of the applicable standards for the European Union. For this reason, we apply the CE certification label, which is a self-certification.
All of our export tubs (240-volt, 50 Hz) are built to meet or exceed the requirements of the CB scheme in accordance with the IEC standards, the applicable EMC standards and the following GS standards:
- EN 60335-1:91 + 1:94 + A11:95 + A1:96 + A12:96
- EN 60355-2-60:97
- DIN EN 292-2:91 + A1:95
- EN 27779:91
- EN 50366:2003 +A1:2006
- DIN EN ISO 12100-2:2004
We are certified by Nemko, and our report number is 79992.
All of our tubs are also manufactured in accordance with ANSI/NSPI-6 1999: American National Standard for Portable Spas. We also test our suction systems to ANSI/APSP -7: American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Catch Basins. We meet or exceed the requirements of the standard.
All of our covers meet or exceed ASTM F 1346-91: Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for all Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.
The bottom line is that Softub is more convenient, more comfortable and less expensive!
Order a Softub for Ultimate Relaxation
Softub offers more convenience, comfort and affordability than a traditional hot tub. It's also environmentally friendly and sustainable because it's made from renewable and recyclable materials and is produced in a VOC-free environment.
At Evergreen Softub and Sauna, we offer Softubs of all shapes and sizes. They come with a full range of accessories to provide you with maximum enjoyment. Shop our range of Softubs, or contact us today for more information!