Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

Can a hot tub be eco-friendly? That’s debatable since it costs quite a bit to keep that water heated around the clock, but you can find models that are more energy efficient and “green” than others.

Artesian Spas offers some eco-friendly options with their hot tubs. Examples include “ozonators” for water purification (meaning there’s less need for chlorine, bromine, or other chemicals that are harsh for you and the environment), full foam insulation (so more heat is retained and less energy is wasted on keeping water hot), and its “Nature 2″ mineral process (which kills off bacteria naturally).

While hot tubs may not be the most eco-friendly things you can purchase for your home, they sure do feel good, and it’s nice for the wallet (and the environment) when you can choose models that use fewer chemicals and save you money on your energy bill.

If you’ve been dreaming of getting a hot tub, but you dread the idea of having your yard torn up to install underground electrical cables and all that mess, then you may want to look into something like the Lifesmart Rock Solid Luna Spa with Plug & Play Operation.

“The Lifesmart Luna has the same standard parts and features as any name brand hot tub – such as Topside Controls, Interchangeable Jets, Top-loading filters. We also feature our highly indestructible Rock Solid™ Shell. The Lifesmart Luna is a 110volt Plug & Play spa. This feature avoids the high cost of hot tub installation. Simply set it up, fill it up and plug it in. Only Lifesmart use ECO SMART technology, the highly efficient energy management system built into every Lifesmart Luna spa Lifesmart Spas require less energy and deliver better performance than any other hot tubs in their class this is due to our full foam insulation system and a thick energy saving spa cover designed to save you money on operating your spa so all you do is enjoy.

The Lifesmart Luna Spa has a deep bucket seat complete with rotating back jets, a waterfall and foot well jets included. There are top side comfort valves that allow you to find the perfect mix of air and water for the perfect massage. The Luna also features a top side digital command center and features a spa light with interchangeable mood lens caps.”

At less than $3,000 it’s a lot less expensive than most hot tubs, too, and the no-installation feature should save you a few more bucks. Order it from Amazon where reviews are positive thus far:

Plug n Play Lifestyle Hot Tub

Just about any hot tub can make you feel good after a long day at work — hot water + massaging jets = good vibes! But if you’re someone who likes a lot of extra bells and whistles, then you might dig Jacuzzi’s latest models.

The J-480 has a fun lighted waterfall feature, an optional audio system with a dock for your iPod, a “therapy lounge,” and adjustable pillows that also light up. No need to worry about exterior illumination when you’re out in this baby at night.

And, of course, you have plenty of jets to massage the muscles of you and your five closest friends or family members. 48 jets to be exact. They can “produce virtually any massage type, from deeply invigorating to tension-relieving” and the therapy lounge and seats can “provide a targeted hydromassage for specific muscle groups.”

More information at Jacuzzi.

If you’re designing a new swimming pool for your backyard, or fixing up your old one, you might add mosaics to the bottom for interest. With glass tiles, you can do patterns that line the entire bottom, or you can simply accent with a whimsical image or two.

You can find stock designs, or you can have one custom-made. Mosaic tiles can range from a few dollars to thousands, so you can spruce up the pool on a budget or get crazy and extravagant.

One of the nice things about mosaic tile designs is you don’t have to plan them as a part of your initial installation. Even if your pool is ten years old, you can add them.

For lots of ideas on pool design, try browsing through magazines and books for pictures. The Pool Idea Book (Tauton’s Idea Book Series) is a solid resource.

Pools require lots of upkeep, which means more and more money going out of your wallet to maintain the convenient pool in the backyard. Fortunately, there are some solar options, which can benefit your wallet and the environment.

The Solar Pool Light provides underwater illumination so you can enjoy the pool whenever you like. If you have friends over during the evening, feel free to take a dip in the swimming pool and take the party to the water.

This pool light features four high-powered LEDs, which generate 140 lumens to light up 1,000′ sq. of space. The LED screen on top shows you the pool’s temperature, and this is made for use in an above ground or in-ground pool.

A backyard swimming pool is a blast during hot weather, but it comes with a lot of extra expenses, such as keeping the water clean.

The cost of buying chemicals and keeping the pumps running to filter the pool adds up. If you don’t mind the up-front investment of a new system, you could save some money down the line, and by choosing one that is solar-powered, you can do your bit to help the planet.

The Savior – Solar Pool Pump and Filter System is a solar-powered system that floats on top of the water, running whenever the sun is shining. There’s nothing to install, no batteries are required, and there’s no noise, and it could potentially pay for itself in the first seven months of use.

“The Savior Solar Pool Filter isn’t just different, it’s a better way to filter your pool or spa. The Savior finally gives you an opportunity to turn off your inefficient, noisy, and expensive to operate pool equipment… and it reduces your pollution which is better for our planet. The Savior Solar Pool Filter uses the energy from the sun to pump up to 11,000 gallons a day through (3) three reusable 20 micron filter cartridges. “

Savior

The poolside isn’t luxurious if it doesn’t have an incredibly cozy chaise lounge. Relaxing by the pool requires a comfortable seat, and a lounger is ideal.

The Thomasville Palmetto Estates Chaise Lounge is a beautiful model. It’s made from FSC certified Brazilian eucalyptus wood and Petan weave. The Petan is actually PVC-free and 100% recyclable, making this an eco-friendly piece. The large cushions are made from Sunbrella fabric, which holds up all year round.

After seasons of use, the eucalyptus wood will age to a soft silvery patina finish, but the cushions will resist decay. The galvanized steel and brass-plated hardware are weather-hardy as well.

Read a book, sunbathe or socialize right next to your pool while sinking into a thick, soft padded chair. This model has wheels attached, providing you with portability.

Ready for summer? Well, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your poolside area for family and friends. As soon as spring sets in, it’s beneficial to get the outdoors ready for entertaining, because you’re not going to miss one moment of good weather.

The T-Series 8′ x 12′ Freestanding Awning is an ideal addition right by the pool area. You can create a relaxing environment with your patio chairs, and it’s nice to have a large umbrella to seek shade under. When the temperatures heighten in the summer, a large awning can reduce your exposure to harmful UV-rays and burning hot sun.

This FIM design has a rectangular canopy, and there are several fabric options. Sip lemonade or cocktails underneath a stylish umbrella that enables you to enjoy as much as the outdoors as you want.

Do you have an incredibly large pool or expansive lake in your backyard? Then you need massive pool toys to blow guests right out of the water!

The Ten Person Water Totter is a unique water accessory that will ensure you have fun during the summer. This structure has 20 built-in handles for safety, and rocks back and forth. As an added twist, this totter can convert into a 6′ tall double-sided water slide.

In order to take advantage of this unique summer accessory, there needs to be at least 8′ of water. This model is made for outdoor use with a UV-resistant PVC exterior. Host backyard parties in the lake, and enjoy a killer water ride without having to go to a water park.

Patio furniture can add a homey feel to the outdoors, but it can also be convenient for larger gatherings of friends. Chic chaise lounge chairs are perfect for tanning, but since they’re so portable, they’re great for pool parties too.

The Montego Chaise is a beautifully designed poolside or patio chair. Its made from solid wood and has a stainless steel frame, which gives it a modern look. This lounge chair exudes luxury and class, and a few of these will turn your poolside into an upscale resort.

This chair is hand-welded and is weather-resistant. Even on days when you’re not outside, your patio or pool will be stylish. The wheels on the back enable you to move it wherever you want.