Happy New Year 2015!

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Pellet stove savings will warm your heart

Chris Morris paid $2,800 for her pellet stove, seen here in the great room.


WINDHAM, NH. — I have three babies. Two of them are children. One of them is a pellet stove. I love them all.



And while I probably would not throw myself in front of a train to save my pellet stove, I do feed it, clean it, and tend to it as if it were my offspring. And in return, it fills me with a warm feeling, just like my actual offspring do.



Having a pellet stove is a labor of love, much like parenting. And the effort is oh-so worth it.



She puts a 40-pound bag of pellets into the hopper at night and another in the morning.

CHRIS MORRIS/GLOBE STAFF



Morris puts a 40-pound bag of pellets into the hopper at night and another in the morning.



Here’s why: Until three years ago, we were spending scary amounts of money to heat our 1860s farmhouse. The oil-burning furnace would be running, but we were still having to bundle up. Fleece became a second skin. That’s because if we set the thermostat above 62 degrees, the 250-gallon oil tank would run dry in less than a month. Most years, it was costing us $850-$900 a month to be cold — not to mention broke. Our windows aren’t old and drafty, the house is. And after adding more insulation wherever we could, and doing all manner of boiler maintenance, we came to the realization that nothing was going to make this great old 2,800-square-foot house we love so much feel tight, at least not without a major renovation and an overhaul of our heating system. And those things just weren’t in the cards.

Morris puts a 40-pound bag of pellets into the hopper at night and another in the morning.



We knew we needed to do something. We couldn’t afford not to. So after doing some pretty extensive research, we decided to invest in a pellet stove. It was one of the wisest decisions we’ve made as homeowners. The benefits are great and many, and apparently, we aren’t the only ones who have figured that out.



Jessica Boothe, director of research at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association , which tracks shipments of stoves, tells me that in part because of last year’s very long and cold winter, her agency is seeing a 9 percent increase in all hearth shipments in the United States over this time last year, including more than 45,000 pellet stoves. That’s a whopping 80 percent increase in pellet stove shipments over 2013. And many of them are headed to the Northeast.



It’s not hard to understand why. A 40-pound bag of pellets in our corner of southern New Hampshire sells for between $4.75 and $8, depending on whether we’re picking it up at a home improvement warehouse or at the cool grain-and-feed shop in the next town over. On the coldest days of winter, we go through one and a half to two bags of pellets, so we’re heating the house for about $10 per day. Compare that with the days we were paying $900 per month for oil. That’s $30 a day. We still use oil for our hot water and to heat a bedroom, bathroom, and hallway that are out of the stove’s reach, but we are now able to make a tank last two months in the coldest part of the winter. Running the stove has added about $20 to our electric bill, in part because it uses electricity and because we keep an overhead fan going to circulate the warm air.



The initial investment was significant. We paid about $2,800 for our stove, which we picked for many reasons. For one, its heating capacity is 2,500 square feet. That’s the largest we found. The reviews were favorable, and we were wooed by the look of its “sleek European design.” It has a big hopper — capable of holding 70 pounds of pellets — and the stove was available as an insert, meaning we could use it in our existing fireplace and not as a freestanding unit we’d have to vent outside. We also paid $750 to have it assembled and installed, but this is our third winter with our stove, and it is well on its way to paying for itself.



Another for the pro column: It’s green. Pellets are made of wood, a renewable source, and have high combustion and heating efficiencies, which means they produce very little air pollution. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency says they are the cleanest of any residential heating appliances that burn solid fuel. The pellets are generally made of sawdust from lumberyards and sawmills, or the unused tops of trees that are cut down for logging, so they’re a recycled and reclaimed product. Not only are we feeling toasty now, we can also toast our environmental do-goodism.



Speaking of toasty, pellet stoves give off “a nice heat” — a phrase I never understood or used, for that matter, until we installed our stove. It does feel nice. It’s comfortable, not dry like wood stove and fireplace heat can sometimes feel.



Here’s another plus: There’s little hassle. We have a woodstove in the living room — which we don’t use as much as the great room, where the pellet stove is — and, while we like to run it when we’re home on the weekends, it’s a lot of work. There’s the lugging in of wood, emptying out the ash pan, getting the fire going and keeping it going, restocking the wood, stacking the wood, and so on. With the pellet stove, there’s less maintenance. When it’s very cold out and we are running the stove at a level 4 out of 5, we empty one 40-pound bag of pellets into the hopper at night and another in the morning. Once or twice a week, we shut down the stove for a couple of hours to let it cool, vacuum out the ash, and start the stove up again. That’s it. We don’t even need a fancy ash vacuum. A wet/dry vac works just fine. And while the amount of creosote buildup in a pellet stove is minimal, it is still widely recommended that a professional inspect and, if necessary, clean your stove and flue (if you use one to vent your stove) annually.



Downsides? From where I stand, all warm and happy by the pellet stove, I can’t see that there are many disadvantages. But there are some obstacles.



Personally, I found it hard to get used to leaving the house with a fire going. As someone who gets panicky about whether the iron was left on, I had a hard time believing the installer who told me that if anything malfunctioned, the stove’s circuit board would automatically shut it off, and the fire would die out almost immediately. Set it at 2 or 3 when you are going out, he said, and everything will be fine when you get back. Turns out he was right.



Another con? Those 40 pound bags. They’re about the size of mulch bags, but they feel heavier. I’m used to lifting heavy objects (Remember my pellet stove’s siblings?), so hoisting and stacking the bags doesn’t bother me, but I might feel differently when I’m 80. Until one gets a system down, pouring the pellets into the hopper can be tricky and awkward.



There’s also the matter of finding a place to store pellets. They need to be kept in a dry place. We’re lucky enough to have room in our garage, but storage might be a problem for others.



Perhaps the most worrisome issue for pellet stove owners is supply. As last winter dragged on, and as more people installed pellet stoves in their homes, finding bags of pellets anywhere became difficult, if not impossible. The shortage was all over the news, and my husband was among hundreds of customers that stalked the big trucks hauling pellets from Canada.



David Nydam, CEO of woodpellets.com , based in Bedford, N.H., said the shortage was caused by a number of factors. “Typically, many suppliers stop carrying pellets come late winter, early spring,” but last year, the winter dragged on, and people who thought they had what they needed for pellets realized they needed more.



And on top of that, US suppliers are shipping more and more pellets overseas. Wood pellet exports from the United States nearly doubled last year, according to the US Energy Information Administration . More than 98 percent of the exports were sent to Europe, where pellet fuel is a popular choice.



Bob LaFlamme, who owns Crowley Fuel in North Brookfield, Mass., and who writes a blog called “Fuel for Thought ,” said supply remains an issue this year because “there’s concern there will be another long, cold winter.” People are stocking up.



LaFlamme’s business is heating oil and wood pellets, but he’s been selling pellets for only a few years. In that time, he’s seen pellet use rise steadily. “It used to be 5 percent pellets. Now 20 percent of our business is pellets. And it easily could have been 30 to 40 percent pellets last year” if he had the supply to sell.



The good news is oil costs are down so far this winter, so people might be feeling less pressure to scarf up all available pellets. And, according to Jennifer Hedrick, executive director of the Pellet Fuels Institute in Arlington, Va., efforts are underway to avoid a repeat of what LaFlamme dubbed “The Great Wood Pellet Shortage of 2014.”



“We have companies in the West that are helping in the effort to meet market demand in the Northeast,” Hedrick said.



Thank you, friends in the West. Your help means we will be able to continue to feed our big steel baby this winter, keep our other babies warm, and have some money left for Christmas presents — which will be opened in a warm house. Now that’s worth a toast.



Source: http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/real-estate/2014/12/14/pellet-stoves-hunks-burnin-love/Kwi9JVJoPIBbonScoRSXpO/story.html



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Check Out The New Midtown Spa With A Rooftop Hot Tub, Swim-Up Bar, And 'Sauna Valley'

MIDTOWN EAST — Colorful pools, an igloo sauna and rooftop hot tubs are just a few of the amenities New Yorkers can expect when Spa Castle opens its new Manhattan location later this month.



Premier 57, Spa Castle's 39,000-square-foot outpost at 115 E. 57th St., opened its doors to press on Thursday, offering a full tour of the three-story spa, featuring a floor dedicated to sauna rooms, a salad and juice bar, and rooftop pools.



The spa was originally slated to launch in November, but the openinghas been pushed back to the end of December, according to Spa Castle spokeswoman Christie High.



"It took a little more time to get everything set up," High said.



Admission costs $65 per person and includes access to the pools, sauna rooms, lounges and communal areas like the poolside aqua bar.




While the existing Spa Castle in College Point, Queens, is open to children, the Midtown location is limited to those over 16 years old, High said.



The ninth floor is made up of the "sauna valley," which includes a meditation room, a warm sauna lined with gold, a color-therapy room, where guests can sit in individual stalls designated by a single color that may have relaxing or invigorating effects, and an igloo room where the temperature drops to 43 degrees.




The eighth floor features the pools, along with a pool-side aqua bar, where guests can order drinks without leaving the water. The food court on the same floor will offer a simple menu of salad, bento boxes, yogurt and freshly squeezed juice.



The entire seventh floor will be dedicated to spa treatments and includes 14 private rooms, including personal and couples' Jacuzzis.




The cabana-style rooftop includes three tubs and a foot bath. It's also directly adjacent to the Ritz Tower, a condo building that overlooks the outdoor space.



The condo board of the Ritz sued Spa Castle in November for building too high and exposing residents to noise and nudity, and asked a judge to order the spa to cease construction.



A State Supreme Court judge denied the request to stop construction of the Spa Castle, allowing the spa to open.



During the tour on Thursday, High noted that nudity would only be permitted in the locker rooms.



"Some thought that people could be nude in the communal spaces, but that's not true," High said.






Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/check-out-the-new-midtown-spa-with-a-rooftop-hot-tub-swim-up-bar-and-sauna-valley-2014-12



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Make preparations now for winter emergencies: The Weekly Fix

Here in northeastern Ohio, it's not unusual to have extended periods without power, water, or other support systems. It's a good idea to have emergency preparations in place, to stave off hunger and cold during these emergencies.



Most boilers and furnaces will not function without electricity. An alternative power source, such as a portable 5000-to-8000 watt generator, can keep the heat going (so long as you have fuel for the generator,) plus power the refrigerator and some lights. A licensed electrician can install a switching panel in the main service box, which will allow the house wiring to distribute output from the generator. The cost of this system can be prohibitive, however; a small generator and panel will run well over $2000.



One low-tech and fairly low-cost heating source is the living room fireplace. The heat will be localized, but you'll have at least one warm room. If you'll be using this source of heat, have the chimney checked and cleaned before winter. Make sure the damper is in good condition, too. Stock up on firewood early enough to allow it to season properly.



If you don't have a fireplace, you'll need to find other ways to keep warm. Don't use a gas stove for heat – the stove can add a lot of carbon monoxide to the air, and the heat can melt the control handles of the appliance. Similarly, kerosene heaters and ventless (natural gas or propane) space heaters can pose dangers. Most city fire and building departments prefer to see vented units that minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and units fastened to the wall or floor that can't be knocked over. If you are forced to use a portable unit in an emergency situation, be sure to keep all combustibles well away from the heater, provide ventilation (such as a slightly-opened window), secure the heater to the floor (with nails or screws, for example), and follow all manufacturer's instructions.



Emergency lighting is important, but avoid items that burn to provide light (candles, hurricane oil lamps, or propane lanterns). Consider battery-powered lanterns and flashlights to prevent accidental fires. New LED flashlights use less power and run longer on a set of batteries.



Purchase and store provisions in advance. Alkaline batteries can be stored for a longer period of time than regular or "heavy-duty" batteries models – check the expiration date on the package when you purchase them, or buy alkaline batteries that can be recharged. A battery-powered portable radio, besides providing entertainment, can warn you of emergencies (like school closings) and incoming weather.



Jugs of distilled drinking water can be purchased and stored for long periods of time. Plan for the amount your entire household will need for one or two weeks – pets, too. (Assume 8 glasses of water daily per person.) A small water purification unit, carried by camping supply and some sporting goods stores, can make "potable" water for cooking, washing, and drinking from melted snow or collected rainwater.



As for eating, a propane grill can roast, grill, or even boil foods for you. A small portable propane camp stove can be useful, as well. Both must be used outdoors to prevent problems, but either one can heat water for washing, as well as for cooking. Stock up on pre-cooked canned goods (i.e., vegetables, meats, soups, ravioli, and spaghetti) that don't need to be refrigerated during a prolonged power outage. (Remember that you'll need a hand-powered can opener!) A 48- or 60-quart picnic cooler can keep milk and fresh produce chilled, so long as you have ice.



Another thing to keep on hand is a supply of essential medications. If you take prescription drugs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how long they can be stored, and under what conditions.



If the heat is off for an extended period of time in winter, it will be important to prevent frozen pipes. Shut off the water at the meter, and then open all the faucets to drain out as much water as possible. The last item of concern is the toilet. Short of digging a primitive latrine in your back yard (you'll find directions in an old scouting manual), "gray water" already used for washing or cooking can be re-used to flush a toilet. 1-1/2 gallons will flush through solid wastes when poured quickly into the bowl; keep a bucket on hand to store the water.



Preparations like these can make our lives easier during a winter power outage. The most important thing is to plan ahead.



Source: http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2014/12/make_preparations_now_for_wint.html



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iPad and the hot tub, perfect together?

Recently my family and I went on a long cruise, and this time not in a car! Cruises are great, once you arrive at the dock you are already on vacation. They are especially great if you have a cruise terminal close by, in our case NYC. Cruises are not really about getting anywhere, well maybe the Catalina bar for the martini contest, but other than that there is a considerable amount of just sitting around relaxing.



For me this involves reading, watching video and some writing (writers never take off) and for all that I have my trusty iPad. However, getting on a ship or any kind of water craft puts all of our electronics at risk from what insurance vendors call “liquid damage.” Have any kind of liquid damage to your phone, tablet or any other guaranteed or insured electronics and all bets are off.



I wanted to be sure my iPad would come back in the same condition that it started in, so I began to look around for a case that would really guarantee that no rain, wind, wave or Jack Daniels-on-the-rocks would damage it. My starting requirement was a case that would let my iPad be underwater, not just a quick dip but an extended amount of time. What good is a waterproof case that only works for a minute? What if the iPad falls into a pool and I don’t notice for 10 minutes? What if a wave sweeps away my towel while I’m enjoying a swim? I shouldn’t have to carry a stopwatch incase of a water emergency, I want a reasonable length of time to react to the situation.



The NuuD Lifeproof case

I had a lot of trouble believing that the concept of the Lifeproof Nuud case was viable. The front of the iPad is left open, only the back and sides are encased. However after I saw the founder of the company serve his kids a sundae on the screen of his iPad, I began to believe. After I listened to Billy Joel for 10 minutes under 8 inches of water in my own kitchen sink, I was a confirmed convert. That was without headphones by the way, the music came right out of the built-in speakers and worked it’s way through the water. Lifeproof found a way to waterproof the speakers without affecting their sound (they're better when they're not underwater, though).



The Lifeproof Nuud concept is pretty simple, the screen is glass and is already waterproof so why cover it up? It’s the rest of the device that we need to worry about. The benefit of this approach is that the iPad remains completely usable, the screen is not covered by anything so the touch interface remains the same and the video quality is the same.



About the case

The lifeproof case is basically a frame and back for the iPad, although you can get a pop-on front cover if you like. The “secret” of the case is two rubber seal gaskets that mate perfectly with the front glass of the iPad and the plastic of the case itself. The case snaps together firmly, so once it’s on it takes some considerable pressure to get it off again. But it’s not a “slip-in” case, it’s a sturdy defensive measure for an expensive piece of equipment.



The case comes with a special test cover, users are asked to put some paper towel in and then seal the case the first time using only the test cover, not their iPad. Then the case is submerged with some weight to hold it down for an hour (I read notes from one reviewer who left it underwater for 8 hours without any water getting in). Check the paper towel for any moisture and if it’s completely dry go ahead and seal up your iPad. This test made me feel a lot better about risking my stuff. If the case does fail the test, Lifeproof will send you a new one. Every Lifeproof case is tested before it's sold as well.



Unlike most tablet cases the Lifeproof case doesn’t add a lot of bulk, that’s really nice because what’s the point of having a sleek device and then stuffing it in a big case? The only way to get any water into the case would be to get it wet while the charging port is open. The charging port has it’s own waterproof seal as does the headphone port. Lifeproof supplies a waterproof headphone adapter that won’t let any liquid in while your using it.



Using the iPad in the Lifeproof case

Cases are meant to accentuate a device, not make it harder to use. Some cases add stands, or places to keep papers or just provide some extra level level of protection. Most “waterproof” cases are really only “water resistant.” Which is fine as long as a certain amount of the danger is reduced. I don’t expect a waterproof case to work 6 miles down in the Marianas trench, but it should be more than equal to the end of the kiddie pool. I also will only trade so much convenience for protection, if the “waterproof” case weighs 20 pounds and requires special magic gloves to use my iPad, I would rather leave it at home.



The beauty of the lifeproof case is that it doesn’t change the way you use the iPad. It’s a rugged case that will absorb a serious drop and from my personal testing allows you to read, watch a video or even do your email half immersed in a boiling hot tub. You can take pictures underwater with the camera or just out in the snow. The case makes using a delicate iPad anywhere much, much safer. Stuff it in your backpack, slam it into the back seat and pour soda all over it or use it as a tray for sandwiches and then rinse it off in the sink. The only change in using the iPad is that it’s slightly thicker, everything else is the same. The same great touch interface, the same amazingly clear screen and the same amazing versatility.



Bottom line

The Lifeproof case for the iPad isn’t cheap, $130 and there are a lot of fakes out there. If you’re not spending that kind of money, it’s not a Lifeproof. As always you get what you pay for. Nothing is indestructible, but the Lifeproof cases are about as close as we’re going to get. I’ve swum with mine, showered with it, hot tubbed and I really enjoy rinsing it off in the sink. Especially to the horrified looks of the uninitiated. I trust it completely. They are a worth while investment if there are kids around, you plan to travel or you just want really serious protection for an expensive investment. Lifeproof makes cases for iPhones and iPods as well. These are worth the money, highly recommended.



Source: http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/tech/personal-tech/domesti-tech/2013/04/25/ipad-and-the-hot-tub-perfect-together/19917633/



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/34626.html

New law will make renewable energy heating cheaper

A new law that goes into effect in January will make it cheaper to use renewable energy to heat a home – and could provide a boost to the wood industry in rural parts of Western Massachusetts.



"This is going to help (renewable) technologies compete with and replace oil-fired furnaces and other fossil fuels for use for heating ... and cooling," said David O'Connor, a former Massachusetts Commissioner of Energy Resources who is now senior vice president for energy and clean technology at ML Strategies and who lobbied for the law on behalf of the Massachusetts Forest Alliance.



The new law builds on an existing law that requires electricity suppliers to buy a certain amount of electricity from renewable energy sources. The electricity suppliers can fulfill this requirement by buying "renewable energy credits" from companies that produce electricity through renewable means. The new law creates renewable energy credits for the production of thermal energy – energy used for heating and cooling. This could include the use of solar panels, wood pellet stoves and boilers, geothermal heat pumps, and a range of technology that uses hot water, solar, biomass or other renewable energy forms to generate heat.



Under the new law, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources will calculate the amount of energy generated over a 10-year period and award those credits up front. Those credits can then be sold to electricity suppliers, a sale that would most likely be brokered by suppliers of renewable energy technology. The home or business owner who buys the wood stove or heat pump would then receive the money from the sale of the credits up front, to help defray the cost of installing the technology.



O'Connor said this is important because while renewable energy can be competitive with oil or coal in the long term, there can be significant start-up costs for installing the technology. "That up-front cost is a real barrier," O'Connor said. "So what these regulations will do is allow the Commonwealth to come up with ways that the customer can see some of the benefits of these technologies, give them help handling those first costs, and make that payback quicker."



The Massachusetts Forest Alliance, which represents forest landowners and sawmill owners, was a major backer of the bill because of its impact on the forest industry – an important industry in Western Massachusetts.



According to Jeffrey Hutchins, executive director of the alliance, the markets for low-grade wood in Massachusetts have typically been depressed, which means there is no way for foresters to make money off of low-grade wood. Although foresters in central Massachusetts have access to markets in New Hampshire and Maine, this is a particular problem for Western Massachusetts landowners. If the new law creates a financial incentive to use wood pellet and wood chip heating systems, that could create a stronger market for the low-grade wood used in those systems.



"It helps keep people employed in the woods, and the forest-based economy is very important for rural towns in the state," Hutchins said.



Dicken Crane, president of the board of directors of the Massachusetts Forest Alliance and the owner of Holiday Brook Farm in Dalton, owns 1,000 acres of forest, in addition to agricultural land. He said that with no market for low-grade wood, foresters tend to cut only the best trees and leave the rest. But young trees then have trouble growing in the shade of larger, uncut trees.



"I struggle to find a way to cut some of the low-grade trees, because I have no market for them," Crane said. "What this could potentially do is create a market for being able to sell low-grade wood at, if not a profit, at least at break even."



Some local organizations use wood heat already – Cooley-Dickenson Hospital, for example, uses a wood-burning co-generation system for its heating. But Crane said Williamsburg recently opened a new school and, although the town in surrounded by saw mills, it did not use a wood heat system because it would take too long to recoup the up-front costs.



Crane hopes the new law changes that calculation. "Across the state, if more and more facilities that are having to upgrade or put in new heating systems would be inclined to use wood heat rather than oil or gas because of these credits, that increased demand for wood fuel is what would create the market," Crane said.



Supporters of the law point out that it could also keep more money in local communities. While money spent on oil typically goes to out-of-state oil companies, Massachusetts has sawmills, forests and companies developing all kinds of renewable energy technology.



"It's more than just a benefit of a market for forest land owners, it's a potential benefit for rural communities' budgets and to their economic viability in that that money stays in the community and creates jobs and economic activity," Crane said.



The law could also impact consumers in the Hilltowns or other rural areas who do not have access to natural gas so rely on oil heat, which can be more expensive.



The law is not expected to significantly change electricity prices. Dwayne Breger, director of the renewable and alternative energy development division at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, said currently, there are not enough alternative energy credits in the market for electricity suppliers to fulfill their legal obligation. Instead, suppliers pay money to the state, called "alternative compliance payments." Suppliers can typically buy credits at a slightly lower cost than they must pay to the state, so in the long term, Breger said creating more credits could save ratepayers money.



A spokeswoman for WMECo and NSTAR said energy suppliers, rather than the delivery companies, would have a better sense of how the law will affect prices. A spokeswoman for ISO New England, which administers wholesale electricity markets, referred questions about retail pricing to the utility companies.



Dan Dolan, president of the New England Power Generators Association, said he does not anticipate that the law will have a major impact on rates because the technologies currently do not produce the kind of capacity to significantly affect supply or demand. "It's unlikely to really move the needle dramatically one way or another," Dolan said.



State Sen. Barry Finegold, an Andover Democrat who sponsored the bill, said 15 other states have similar laws. He said Massachusetts is working to meet its goals for the use of renewable energy, while remaining competitive. "In the end, it's a long term investment in trying to diversify our energy sources," Finegold said.



The bill was passed by the state legislature on July 31, the last day of formal legislative sessions. It was signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick Aug. 6.



It goes into effect Jan. 1. But Breger said while the state hopes to draft regulations by the end of the year, the formal rulemaking process is not likely to be completed before the summer of 2015. The rules, however, could retroactively award certificates for thermal energy systems installed this winter.



"We see this as being a real opportunity to move the market forward in a substantial way," Breger said.



Source: http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/12/new_law_will_make_renewable_en.html



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/34430.html

Soak up winter: Hot tubs around the USA

It's easy to be mesmerized by the Pacific Ocean from a seat in the hot tub at WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford, Ore.




Further south and perched 1,200 feet above that same Pacific Ocean is the Post Ranch Inn's infinity hot tub.




The Jade Pool provides some amazing views as well.




The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa features a hot tub with a waterfall shower head, surrounded by heated stone loungers.




The custom-designed hot tubs in the New York Palace's Jewel and Champagne suites are perched 53 stories above Manhattan and feature sweeping views of the skyline.




After a long day of playing on the slopes, shopping holiday sales, or working behind a desk, not much beats a soak in a hot tub. Here's a look at hot tubs across the USA with spectacular views and in places that are certainly bubbles-worthy.



In the City



The custom-designed hot tubs in The New York Palace's Jewel and Champagne suites are perched 53 stories above Manhattan and feature sweeping views of the skyline. Even just a bit higher in the suites' private outdoor terrace, the stone hot tubs feature waterfalls and unobstructed views of the city.



Across the country, in Las Vegas, revelers can take some time to relax in The Spa & Salon at ARIA Resort & Casino's outdoor, infinity-edged therapy pool, designed to resemble a Japanese open-air hot bath, known as a "rotenburo." The pool's temperature is adjusted year-round, and in the cooler months is heated for maximum comfort.



On the Slopes



Soak away the day in the Horizon Edge Hot Tub at the Lodge at Woodloch in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. And relax even further with a massage before heading back out into the winter days and nights for fun and adventure!



Perched three floors up, the hot tub at the LEED-silver certified Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole overlooks Teton Village and Rendezvous Mountain. Unwind after a day on the slopes and melt all your cares away.



An hour southwest of Grand Junction, Colo. sits the Gateway Canyons Resort, surrounded by the majestic Red Rock Canyons. Sit back, relax and take in the beauty of the desert from the warm comfort of the resort's hot tub.



The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa takes hot tubbing to a new level with its "Haute Tub" service. Reserve a slope-side hot tub in a private cabana and enjoy bottle service with up to five of your friends. Veuve Clicquot, anyone? And if you're looking for a way to warm up that's a bit more low key, five hot tubs are sprinkled throughout the Vail Valley mountain landscape.



An outdoor fireplace just steps away adds to the ambiance of the hot tub at The Osprey, a RockResort in Beaver Creek, Colo.



Also in Colorado, the rooftop hot tub at Eleven Experience's Scarp Ridge Lodge in Crested Butte provides not only the ideal spot to warm up and relax, but terrific views of the surrounding mountain peaks and town below.



Stay Inside



The Aviary Cottage at Twin Farms in Vermont, about 15 minutes north of Woodstock, features a fireside hot tub – double the warmth with incredibly stunning views of the unspoiled valley beyond.



Move south to Florida and the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa's Water Room. A sublime space, the hot tub here feature a waterfall shower head and is surrounded by heated stone loungers. Stay and relax awhile!



When it's just too cold to be outside, soak inside instead at Montage Deer Valley in Park City. Warm up in the hot waters, and gaze out on the winter beauty just outside. Then, get back out there!



In California, the choice to stay inside or out is yours at the Riviera Palm Springs. Inside, the hot tub within the Buddha Lounge in SpaTerre is unforgettable. Or, go back outside and soak in the 1960s-style tiled outdoor tub, surrounded by the Palm Springs desert.



Surrounded by Beauty



How about a hot tub happy hour? That's just what you'll find at The Nantucket Hotel & Resort in Massachusetts. With the island's only outdoor hot tub available year-round, The Nantucket serves "hot cocktail hour" in its hot tub in colder months. Cheers!



With spectacular views of the snow-capped Teton Range, and in very close proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, it's hard to beat the atmosphere of the hot tub at Amangani. Well, perhaps Amangiri is a close competitor – its hot tub in Canyon Point, in Southern Utah, is tucked next to the 165 million year old Entrada sandstone rock. Talk about stunning!



The breathtaking beauty of Sedona is all around you when you soak in the hot tub at Enchantment Resort. Sip a cocktail and chat with friend while taking in the 360-degree views of the red rock canyons and the stars overhead.



It's easy to be mesmerized by the Pacific Ocean – and perhaps whales passing by! – from a seat in the hot tub at WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford, Ore. Of course, it's just as easy to be mesmerized by the surrounding glade of 80–100 foot trees or the nearby sculpture garden, all adding to the serenity.



Further south and perched 1,200 feet above that same Pacific Ocean is the Post Ranch Inn's infinity hot tub. Not only is it a perfect place to warm up, but provides panoramic views of Big Sur. Glorious!



In Napa Valley, the Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer features Vineyard View Spa Rooms, each with its own private hot tub overlooking acres of vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains. What better way to enjoy a glass of local wine than by soaking in a hot tub?



Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/experience/america/best-of-lists/2014/11/19/beautiful-hot-tubs-around-the-usa/19288859/



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