There are many cabinet features available to make your hot tub experience safer, more enjoyable, and convenient. Some of these features listed below are more important for full spa enjoyment, while others are optional:

• Step Packages. The safest way to get in and out of a spa is to sit on the edge and swing your feet around. If your spa is taller than 28″, a step package will make entry and exit easier. In order to maintain the aesthetic quality of your spa environment, look for manufacturers that make steps to match the cabinet.

  Steps are commonly available in sizes between 24″ and 36″ wide. Some manufacturers also custom build wider steps, as well as steps to wrap around the perimeter of the spa. This adds an elegant, dimensional look to the hot tub environment, while also providing great safety. With this type of step package, no matter where a person enters or exits the spa, there is a step available.

• Chemical Storage Cabinets. All spas require chemicals regularly. The majority of chemicals are toxic, and therefore need to be kept out of the reach of children and pets in a cool, dry location. Many spa owners store chemicals in their garage, closet, laundry room, or other unsecured area. This practice is inconvenient and unsafe; and as a result, chemicals may not be used as often as needed.

  For safety, convenience, and easy accessibility, it is strongly recommended to purchase a chemical storage cabinet. A locking chemical storage cabinet provides a convenient, safe location for your chemicals adjacent to the spa. From less expensive plastic materials to the more costly wood, there are a wide variety of chemical storage cabinets from which to choose. Ideally, seek a manufacturer who can match the chemical storage cabinet to the spa cabinet and step package, creating an inviting, elegant look to your spa environment.

• Planter Boxes. Planter boxes are available from several different manufacturers to enhance the spa environment. Consider spa location (indoors vs. outdoors) and climate before purchasing a planter box. Planter boxes are recommended more for indoor spas, or outdoor spas in temperate climates. Look for manufacturers that custom build planter boxes to match the spa cabinet and step packages.
• Safety Rails. For those safety conscious individuals who need a little assistance, or who are suffering from an injury, safety rails can aid in the entry and exit of a hot tub. Look for the safety rails that pivot 360º. These rails make for safe and easy entry and exit, and will not interfere with the removal and replacement of the hot tub cover.
• Cover Lifters. Covers may be very cumbersome to handle alone due to their weight and bulk. Many hot tub owners cannot remove and replace the cover alone, and a cover lifter is therefore essential. A cover lifter is a mechanism attached to the spa cabinet and the cover, making it easy to maneuver. These devices allow people to take the spa’s cover off or on, often with just one hand. This also helps to extend the life of the cover, which can be an expensive item to replace. Since 1998, cover lifters have become the most predominant add-on features sold on spas after purchase. Since there are a variety of cover lifters available, we strongly recommend purchasing a cover lifter that has been designed and approved by the manufacturer, not the retailer, in order to avoid problems.
• Towel Bars. The one thing that everyone needs when using their spa is a towel. Towel bars keep towels off the ground, clean and dry. For added convenience, look for towel bars that are attached to the cabinet, keeping the towels out of the way, but still within reach.
• Towel Warmer Compartments. Spas are often used in the evening and the winter. These conditions may cause your towels to become cool or damp. To solve this problem, some manufacturers offer towel warmer compartments that provide a place to keep your towels warm and protected from the elements. Some towel warmers are separate from the spa itself, requiring additional space and electricity. This can be a hassle. Therefore, one manufacturer has designed towel warmer that is hidden and built inside the spa’s walls. This requires no additional electricity because the heat used to warm the towels is generated by the spa’s equipment engine.