A "soft spa" shell is made primarily with a "poly-bond" process using strips of polyolefin foam that are bonded to give strength. A vinyl liner, similar to those in swimming pools, is on the inside and a marine-grade vinyl skin is on the outside. Traditional hot tubs are made out of redwood or acrylic shells.

Soft Tub Inc., of Chatsworth, Calif., is a 10-year old company that makes the soft spas. A five-year limited warranty covers the product.

"Soft spa is ideal for the Hawaii market because people move from being renters, to a townhouse and then a home," says says Darrel Pestana, a partner in the company.

One person with a screwdriver can set up the soft spa, which uses standard plumbing and 110-volt electric motor.

"Heat for the soft spa comes from stainless steel tubing which is wrapped around the motor and recovers the waste heat (given off in operation)," Pestana says. "That means operational costs are only $8 to $10 a month."

There are three soft spa models, ranging in price from $2,495 to $3,195. The sizes range from a diameter of 4-feet 10-inches to 6-feet 10-inches.

SoftSpa, the Hawaii authorized dealer for Soft Tub Inc., has a showroom at 1130 N. Nimitz Highway.

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