Having our own portable Spa has been a real boon to both family life and health benefits.

We have our own pool but to be honest it is hardly used despite having two teenagers. This year we added solar heating to it to try and improve the length of the pool season. Sadly the weather was awful in August, so the pool was really only used June and July. September was a little better but by then the kids are back at school. October had warm days, but even if the pool water is warm - no one wants to walk all that way semi clad and especially not when cold and wet to get back indoors.

So now we have a Spa. The warm water is always ready. It can be cooled in summer and warmer in the winter. No nasty bottom to suck out on a daily basis as with pool maintenance. Because the water is churned up with the jet power, everything goes in to the filter. The filter is easily cleaned. The Spa is just outside the house so no long distances to traverse, we are quickly back indoors after a warm water massage and do not notice the colder weather. We wrap up in toweling bath robes on getting out and are straight back into a warm house. Even going out is not a problem in the cooler weather as we are getting straight into lovely warm bubbling water.

It has helped our family life in a big way - games machines and TV are given a miss once a week - as we all take to the Spa en famille. We have actually made some quality time together without even trying! In fact we are often in it together more than once a week. The children love it. This is really a benefit I had not thought of. Quality fun time together as well as time for sorting out problems and worries.

We all feel we have the benefit from some aspects of our health with the Spa sessions, albeit just a better night's sleep. Certainly it is very relaxing to lie out in the Spa. But it also gives a wonderful feeling of well being. I know about all the other benefits and am waiting to see what I will notice! I do not have joint pain, or any other - so that will be hard to judge. My husband suffers from back problems and certainly says he feels a lot better, the neck and back massages jets really do give a wonderful massage. It is great for loosing the days stresses.

All in all, I think it has been a wise investment. A fraction of the cost of a swimming pool and loads more use from it already, no matter what the weather (apart from storms!). Health wise, I do feel good - but then why wouldn't I when I know I can go in the Spa whenever I feel like it without any hard preparation. We have a 'cover butler' so the cover can be removed with one hand almost.

So roll on Christmas - I fully intend to be in the Spa mid morning when all the present unwrapping is finished, so I can relax prior to the delight of cooking the Christmas dinner! More Spa info:- www.mip-spas-france.com