Hot Tubs, Saunas and Fireplaces for Advance, MI Homes
Since 1980, Phillips Lifestyles has helped Northern Michigan families make their homes more comfortable with hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves. That includes homeowners in Advance, roughly 40 miles northeast of Traverse City. The family-owned company runs two showrooms in the Traverse City area and has its own delivery, installation and service staff, so a home on the south arm of Lake Charlevoix is in good hands from the first visit onward.
Living in Advance
Advance was settled as early as 1865 on the shore of what was then called Pine Lake and is now Lake Charlevoix. A post office opened in 1870 and a railroad depot followed in 1877. When the lumber era ended the community shrank, and the post office closed in 1906.
It has since found a second life as a lakeside community in Eveline Township, between Boyne City and East Jordan. The Sommerset General Store on Lake Shore Drive remains a local landmark, and Charlevoix is about 12 miles away.
Winter is long this close to the big lake, and lake-effect snow is part of the bargain. The reward is quiet: frozen shoreline, clear night skies and a house that feels like a retreat when it is warm inside.
Homes along Lake Shore Drive are a mix of long-held family cottages and substantial newer houses. Boating fills the summer, and more owners now stay through fall color and return for winter weekends.
Hot Tubs and Swim Spas
Evenings by the water cool down fast, and a hot tub turns the hour after sunset into the best part of the day. Phillips Lifestyles is a dealer for Hot Spring, Caldera Spas, Jacuzzi, Nordic, Sundance and Marquis spas. The hot tubs page shows the selection, from the Hot Spring Aria to the family-size Hot Spring Grandee. Endless Pools swim spas are available for those who want to swim against a current at home.
Getting the location right is half the job. During a free in-home consultation, a team member measures the site, makes sure there is space for the cover and lifter, looks at how the spa will be delivered, and helps you choose colors that suit the house or deck. Approved electrical contractors do the wiring, and Phillips handles startup and fill.
Want to feel the difference between brands first? Reserve a free test soak at the Traverse City or Grawn showroom.
Keeping Everything Running
Seasonal homes need attention even when nobody is there. The Phillips Lifestyles service team handles installation, maintenance and repair, as described on the services page.
With the Spa Maintenance Program, a technician visits on the schedule you choose, from weekly to every four weeks, to balance the water chemistry, clean the spa and its cover, clear out debris and rotate the filters. Technicians also offer advice on best practices. For anything else, use the service request form.
Indoor and Outdoor Saunas
A sauna is a natural fit for the climate in Charlevoix County. Phillips Lifestyles carries Finnleo and Tylo saunas, including traditional heated-stone models and infrared rooms. The Finnleo Patio Series is a popular outdoor choice. When a standard size will not do, Don Ruff and Chris Champt of the Traverse City Sauna Company build custom saunas to suit the space.
The Right Fireplace for Your Home
Many lake homes were built for summer, and a modern heating appliance is what makes them comfortable the rest of the year. Phillips Lifestyles sells fireplaces, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves from Heat & Glo, Quadra-Fire, Napoleon, Enviro and Mendota, in gas, wood, pellet and electric.
The right choice depends on how you use the home. For short visits, a gas insert gives heat at the press of a button. For everyday heating, a pellet insert like the Quadra-Fire Castile, which heats 700 to 1,800 square feet, or a wood stove like the Discovery II keeps running costs in check. Electric fireplaces suit rooms where venting is not practical.
Installation is handled by the company's own crew: lead installer Rob Horton and installers Randy Johnson, Jason Jones and Ron Magee. See the guide to choosing a fireplace insert on the blog.
How a Project Works, Step by Step
Most projects follow the same path. You visit a showroom or send an inquiry. For a spa, staff arrange a test soak and then a free in-home consultation; requests made through the website are answered within 24 hours. Once you choose a model, the delivery crew brings it to the site, approved electrical contractors complete the wiring, and Phillips Lifestyles fills and starts the spa. Fireplaces and stoves begin with a site visit to check venting and clearances, followed by installation by the in-house crew.
For a waterfront property, think about wind direction, the view from the seats and how sand and leaves will be kept out of the water. Ask about a cover lifter, which makes a spa far easier to use alone, and about scheduled care if the home is closed for part of the year.
Beyond Spas and Fireplaces
Phillips Lifestyles rounds out its range with billiard and game tables from Brunswick and Olhausen, premium grills and massage chairs. Spa owners will also find filters, covers and water care under hot tub accessories.
Who You Will Work With
Phillips Lifestyles is family-owned and has been part of Northern Michigan since 1980. Dennis and Debbie Riedel own the company, having relocated with their children to carry it forward, and general manager Ryan Gubbins runs daily operations.
The sales team includes Tony Fifarek, who is also the head mechanical consultant, Cherryland store manager Tyler Hanna, Kenny Smith and Wesley Bonesteel. Warehouse manager Glen Wirth and the delivery crew get products to your door, and service manager Jim Eddy oversees the technicians who maintain them. Meet everyone on the About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions from Advance Homeowners
Does Phillips Lifestyles serve Lake Charlevoix communities such as Advance?
Phillips Lifestyles serves Northern Michigan from two showrooms near Traverse City, and its dealer listings name Boyne City, East Jordan and Charlevoix. Contact the store to confirm delivery and service scheduling for Advance.
Where are the Phillips Lifestyles showrooms?
Phillips Lifestyles has two showrooms: Chums Corner at 5161 US-31, Grawn, MI 49637, and Cherryland at 1151 W South Airport Road, Traverse City, MI 49686. Both are open Monday to Saturday, with Sunday visits by appointment.
Can I use a hot tub all winter in Northern Michigan?
Yes. Modern hot tubs are insulated for year-round use, and many owners use them most in winter. A fitted cover, a cover lifter and a clear path through the snow make cold-weather soaking easy.
Does Phillips Lifestyles install the fireplaces and stoves it sells?
Yes. Phillips Lifestyles employs its own fireplace installation crew, led by Rob Horton, and installs gas, wood, pellet and electric fireplaces, inserts and stoves across Northern Michigan.
Next Steps for Advance Homeowners
Pick the step that suits you: stop by a showroom, book a test soak, request a free in-home consultation or contact Phillips Lifestyles with a question. For pricing on a specific product, use the product inquiry form. Showrooms are at 5161 US-31 in Grawn and 1151 W South Airport Road in Traverse City.