Ofurô: how to have a spa at home and enjoy relaxing baths

With the stress caused by the routine, it is necessary to find ways to relax the body and mind, and the ofurô appears as a natural, practical, and pleasurable alternative to the problem. "When we get home after a long day, all we want is a bath that calms us down and cleans us of all the stress. In these hours a relaxation in your own ofurô is very welcome: it is capable of tranquilizing,energize, revitalize, and even stimulate the bloodstream," point out the designers from Inside Arquitetura & Design, Sara Rollemberg, Fabíola de Souza, and Kelly Mussaqui.

According to architect Cyntia Sabat, it is the water at a high temperature, which can reach 40ºC, that increases blood circulation, besides promoting relaxation and the absorption of the products used. The ofurô can be placed on the balcony or in the bathroom, for example.

According to Luiz Esposito, partner of the Amadí Spa, some of these benefits are relief from cramps and pre-menstrual tension, relief from swelling and muscle pain, skin toning, fighting flaccidity and cellulite, body detoxification through sweating, and extreme physical and mental relaxation.

What is the difference between a hot tub and a whirlpool?

The first difference we can point out is the depth of the ofuro, which provides people's immersion in water: "Unlike whirlpools or even conventional bathtubs, which are usually shallow and usually serve for bathing, in the ofuro people are immersed in water, that is, they are covered in water up to the neck," say the professionals from Inside Arquitetura & Design.

Another important factor that differentiates the ofuro from the whirlpool bath is that the former does not have basic hygiene as an end. According to Cyntia Sabat "you take a bath before using it and then you soak in it".

In addition, these two bathtubs differ in more specific factors as well, such as size and cost, for example. A ofuro is made for a maximum of two people, while a whirlpool bath can hold up to 10 people. The former, being smaller, can be installed in strategic places, taking advantage of the space. The installation of a whirlpool bathinvolves high transportation costs, while the ofuro is easy to install and cheaper.

Finally, the water in the ofuro is not moving, and this makes it possible to use oils and herbs with relaxing properties, which is the main characteristic and differential feature of the ofuro bath.

Planning to set up this spa at home

The first step to start planning the installation of the hot tub is to evaluate very well the installation point. architect Cyntia Sabat points out that "a survey must be made of the access area, of the adequate electrical and hydraulic installations and of the weight". moreover, she says that "balconies and apartment balconies do not always support the weight of a full hot tub" and that is why it is important to analyzepreviously the space where the assembly is going to take place, guaranteeing a correct installation and avoiding future problems.

The professional also points out the need to define a value to be invested in the project, since there are many possibilities to assemble the ofuro. With this value defined, it's time to decide the model, size, and material of the piece. The ofuro is usually made to measure for your space, which facilitates space optimization.

The designers from Inside Arquitetura & Design, Sara Rollemberg, Fabíola de Souza, and Kelly Mussaqui, also mention the need for a water drainage point near the ofuro to avoid water piling up, and for devices that control the water temperature to guarantee pleasant and pleasurable baths.

Ofuro models and types

You need to know the main types and models of hot tubs to find out which one fits both your space and your plans, and thus choose the best option for you.

The most common models are oval, round, square and rectangular. The oval ones are the most used, but, like the round ones, they take up a lot of space, while the square and rectangular ones can fit better to your space since they are easier to fit in smaller and limited places.environment.

Some important characteristics of the hot tubs are their size, since there are individual or collective models, and the presence or not of seats inside the piece. These factors must be chosen according to your preference.

As for the type of material used for the production of the ofuro, Sara Rollemberg, Fabíola de Souza, and Kelly Mussaqui say that "there are stone, wood, fiber, and acrylic models. For reasons of hygiene and practicality, the fiber models are the most indicated, along with the metal ones, which for having a polished surface do not retain organic matter, avoiding the proliferation of bacteria.Architect Cyntia Sabat also points out that pink cedar slats are widely used in Brazil as raw material for ofuro tubs.

Inspirations of hot tub areas

As with everything when it comes to construction or remodeling, it is advisable to research as much as possible about the space you are creating or transforming in order to know all its possibilities and all its needs.

So when thinking about your hot tub, it is important to look for inspiration from many different areas and models to decide both the best place for the piece and the best model.

The images range from oval to rectangular, and from wood to metal.

Turbine your ofuro bath

According to Luis Esposito, partner of Amadí Spa, "the needs of each client must be evaluated at the time of preparing the bath, according to their physical and mental state. It is these needs that direct the use of specific products for each person."

Check out a list prepared with the help of the professional of the main products that can be used in ofuro baths followed by their functions:

• Sea salt, used as a toner;
• Milk, used as a moisturizer;
• Grape and avocado oils, used as anti-oxidants;
• Guarana, coffee, and honey, used as invigorants;
• Various herbs, such as rosemary, lavender, chamomile, and sweet grass, each has a specific therapeutic and relaxing function;
• Essences and essential oils, such as those of roses, pitanga, peach, passion fruit, strawberry, sweet orange, almond, and ylang-ylang.

All these products can be used to boost your ofuro bath and enhance the greatest function of this piece: to provide extreme physical and mental relaxation for those who use it. Don't forget that these products, especially the herbs and essences, must be chosen according to your taste and preferences, also considering your needs.relaxing bathroom SPA at home.