Aaah, a spa. It used to be that you needed a Hollywood mansion to even entertain the thought; but now, home spas are popping up everywhere you look and with good reason.

The basis for all the "ooh-ing" and "aah-ing" when people settle down to soak in their home spas is "hydrotherapy" or "water healing" which was first made famous by the Greek Hippocrates, the "father" of medicine, in the 4th century BC. He used to prescribed bathing and drinking spring water for its medicinal benefits. Soaking in hot springs was another Greek favorite which was quickly picked up by the Romans who built thousands of communal baths which were the forerunner of modern home spas!

Although the number one "official" reason for the remarkable increase in the installations of home spas is to sooth overworked muscles and soak away the effects of stress caused by our hectic lifestyles, home spas are also a wonderful socializing tool as many people have found out over the years.

Having access to home spas means that although parties may start out in the living rooms, they often end up in the "spa room" accompanied by soft music, low lights, a little wine or spirits and a whole lot of relaxing. Bathing suits are, of course, optional depending upon the "house" rules!

Today, home spas come in shapes, colors and sizes to match any taste, budget and available space. From built-in to portable, if you want one, there is sure to be one that wants you in return! There are "family size" home spas with lots of seating room all the way down to cozy ones that just fit two.

The latest models of home spas include a wide variety of lighting, music, water jet and seating options. Seating options should not be overlooked. You might want lounge-style which allows you to soak while fully reclined, or you could opt for the bench or chair-type seating which accommodate more people.

You can even get a floating remote control to set your music and lighting levels along with jet pressure and temperature. Home spas can be located almost anywhere that you have the space plus access to water and electricity. Portable home spas can be setup and moved relatively easily. Some people opt to have them installed into an existing bathroom or bedroom, while others will convert a porch or sun room into a spa room. Indoors or out, cold weather or warm, home spas are relaxing and enjoyable way to soak away what ails you or to get to know that certain someone a little bit better.

Although home spas are low maintenance, they aren't "no maintenance". You can usually find out all you need to know about keeping your spa clean and sanitary by reading the manual that came with it or by checking with your local pool and spa supply store.

Here are some important safety tips for users of home spas:

Read and follow all maintenance and usage instructions fully. Chemical poisoning or electrical shock, while unlikely, could result if you fail to follow instructions.

Never allow the water temperature to exceed 104F (40C)

Never enjoy your spa alone. You could fall asleep and drown.

Never use the spa if you are pregnant.

Never use the spa if you are intoxicated.

Check with your doctor if you are taking medications before using the spa.

Always lock down the spa cover when not in use. Children and pets could fall in and drown.

Forget expensive memberships to health resorts. You don't need them. Not when home spas start as low as $600 and can be installed in one day or less!