“Are swim spas worth it?” It’s one of the first questions people ask, and it’s a fair one.A swim spa isn’t a small purchase. But then again, neither is a kitchen remodel, a family trip, or anything else that changes how you live at home. So maybe the better question is:What’s it worth to have your… Read more »
Author Archive: skillfulhome
Swim Spas for Non-Swimmers: The Joy of Just Floating
Do You Have to Swim Laps to Love a Swim Spa? Short answer: absolutely not.In fact, most people who fall in love with their swim spa aren’t swimmers at all. The Myth of the Endless Lap When people hear swim spa, they often imagine an athlete’s training pool — narrow lanes, strong currents, endless laps…. Read more »
The Power of Personalization
Why Custom Matters More Than Ever Think about it: your morning coffee order is probably customized. Extra shot, oat milk, half sweet. Starbucks says there are more than 170,000 possible drink combinations. At Skillful Home Recreation in Portland, Maine, we believe the same holds true for custom pool tables, spas, and playsets— personalization makes all… Read more »
What’s With All These Reviews?
Why Google Reviews Matter for Local Businesses in Maine “Pretty soon they’ll ask me for a review bite by bite,” someone joked recently. That’s the world of Google reviews for local businesses in Maine today. And honestly, it feels true. Your coffee shop asks. Your online order asks. Even the gas pump wants five stars…. Read more »
Skillful Living: Why What’s Under the Felt Matters in a Pool Table
Skillful Living*: Why What’s Under the Felt Matters in a Pool Table A few times a year, we’re asked to move or refurbish heirloom pool tables — some over 100 years old — that are still in use today. Think about that: a century of games, families, and memories, all on the same table. That… Read more »
Skillful Living: Why What’s Under the Shell Matters Most
Last week I spent nearly a full workday — spread across emails, photos, and follow-ups over the course of a week — just to replace a five-dollar part for my camera. Not five hundred, five dollars. The hours added up: waiting on responses, re-explaining the problem, following up when the part still hadn’t shipped. That’s… Read more »
Are Spa Sale Prices Real? Here’s How to Tell
Last week we talked about why a sale shouldn’t be the only reason you buy. If you missed it, you can read “Don’t Let the Sale Be the Only Reason You Buy.” This week, let’s look closer: are those “up to $10,000 off” spa prices even real? If you’ve shopped around Southern Maine recently, you’ve… Read more »
Don’t Let the Sale Be the Only Reason You Buy
Let’s be clear: we have sales, too. About 8–10 each year. If you’ve shopped for a hot tubs in Southern Maine, you’ve probably noticed the pattern — there’s always another promotion. Holiday weekends, seasonal clearances, “factory events.” At first, it sounds like a win for buyers. Who doesn’t like a discount? But here’s the… Read more »
Why Buying a Spa Isn’t Like Buying a Toaster
Why Buying a Spa Isn’t Like Buying a Toaster (Or Even a Car) When you buy a toaster, it takes one step. You toss it in the cart, maybe read one review, and move on with your day. Easy. Some people even treat a spa the same way — they send out quote requests, grab… Read more »
Skillful Living: Ritual vs. Escape
Ritual vs. Escape: Why we wait for vacations In Maine, people talk about “getting away.” Ask someone their weekend plans and you’ll often hear: “We’re goin’ uptacamp.” It’s part of the rhythm of life here — the lake, the coast, the mountains. These escapes are wonderful. They reset the mind and recharge the spirit. But… Read more »
