Hydrostatics





Hot Tub Spas & Buoyancy

What is it that makes a Spa so enticing? Well one of the most attractive points in using a Hot Tub is the buoyancy effect provided by the water. Well for a minute we should consider what buoyancy is and why we can float in water.

By: John Lewis
s it that makes a Spa Hot Tub so inviting?

Well one of the most attractive points in using a Spa Hot Tub is the buoyancy effect provided by the water. Well for a minute we should consider what buoyancy is and why we can float in water.

It is simply that our specific gravity is lower than that of water. Specific gravity can be defined as the weight of the item divided by the weight of an equal volume of water so for example the specific gravity of water is one. Another way of expressing this is that if the item in question when submerged in water has a weight lower that an equal volume of water then the object will float.

In perhaps a more simpler way one could say the when the weight of the water that you or the object in question displaces an amount equal to your weight or the object will float.

Well now we have had a brief physics lesson we can ask our selves what is the relevance of all this for a Hot Tub.

Well it is very important as the buoyancy effect and semi buoyancy depending on the seats and loungers in a Hot tub reduces the normal gravity effects on ones body.

This reduction and in some cases elimination of body weight has very considerable therapeutic effects on the human body.

This reduction in gravity provides very good support to any form of exercise including perhaps exercises for flexing and stretching ones joints and limbs.

Apart from the Buoyancy effect that water provides there are two other qualities that are very useful in a Spa these are known as Viscosity and Hydrostatic pressure.

Firstly dealing with Viscosity this is the measure of resistance of a fluid such as water. In simple terms the thin fluid like water will have a lower viscosity than say a thicker fluid like honey. Obviously we do not want to put Honey in a Hot Tub but the comparison is an apt one as the water will provide natural friction and resistance.

This combined with the Hydro Therapy provided by the Massage Jets in the spa it will allow you to get extra movement and relieve any aches or discomfort in your joints.

Secondly there is hydrostatic pressure and this means that some gentle movements can be a good way to strengthen lung and heart function. The hydrostatic pressure results in a gentle pressure on the body system and is able to increase the blood flow in the body. By so doing more life giving nutrients circulate to where they are needed.

The combination of these two principles combined with Hydro Massage Jets go a long way to explain why people get so much benefit from using a Hot Tub.

The author supplies premium quality American & European Hot Tubs from Estepona on the Costa Del Sol in Spain and his web site is at Spas Sotogrande









Related Articles

Space Solar PowerWhat techniques can be utilized by a homeowner in accessorizing a deck?...
Space Solar PowerGeneral information on solar heating, solar thermal, and solar hot water systems. Information on how each one works and the differences between them....
Gravity solar systemA Solar hot water heater is the best way to save your money, time as well as energy and is used extensively to every nooks and corner of the globe....
AerodynamicsManaging our available resources should be a concern of each of us. Without getting on a bandwagon, it just makes sense to get the most out of what we...
Space ShuttleLost Lake Park in Whistler is where snow shoers, cross-country skiers, and summertime vacationers want to be. Conveniently, accommodation options only...