Hot Tubs, Saunas and Fireplaces for Alba, 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 Alba, 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 in the high country of eastern Antrim County is in good hands from the first visit onward.
Living in Alba
Alba began in 1876 as a flag stop called Cascade on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. In 1884 it was renamed Alba after Alba Haywood, a local entertainer. The community straddles Star and Chestonia townships, with US 131 running through and Mancelona just to the south.
This is some of the higher ground in the Lower Peninsula, and it gets the snow to prove it. The Jordan River valley and miles of state forest are close by, which draws hunters, snowmobilers and people who simply want room.
Out here the calendar is set by weather. There is snow to move, wood to stack and long dark evenings from November through March. A home that is warm and has somewhere to unwind makes those months something to look forward to.
Homes and cabins around Alba are built for long winters. A dependable stove is close to a necessity, and a hot tub or sauna is how many owners finish a day on the trails.
Fireplaces and Stoves
In the country, how you heat is a serious question, and a good stove pays for itself in comfort. At Phillips Lifestyles you will find gas, wood, pellet and electric fireplaces and inserts from Heat & Glo, Quadra-Fire, Napoleon, Enviro and Mendota.
If you already have a masonry fireplace, an insert is usually the most effective upgrade. Options include the Quadra-Fire Expedition II wood insert and the Castile pellet insert, which is rated at 30,600 BTUs. If you do not have a fireplace, a freestanding gas, wood or pellet stove can be vented through a wall or roof.
The Phillips Lifestyles fireplace installation team, led by Rob Horton with Randy Johnson, Jason Jones and Ron Magee, handles the work from start to finish. The blog post on preparing for a fireplace consultation lists what to measure beforehand.
Find the Right Hot Tub
After a day of work outside, few things are as welcome as a soak under a dark country sky. Phillips Lifestyles stocks spas from Hot Spring, Caldera Spas, Jacuzzi, Nordic, Sundance and Marquis, shown on the hot tubs page. Smaller households often start with a model like the Hot Spring Jetsetter LX, and larger ones look at the Caldera Palatino.
Phillips Lifestyles removes the guesswork in two steps. First, a test soak: a free, by-appointment session in a filled spa at the showroom. Second, a free in-home consultation, where staff measure your space, check access for delivery, confirm the cover lifter will clear, and discuss steps, surrounds and color choices. Electrical work is done by approved contractors, with startup and fill included.
Households that want exercise as well as relaxation can add an Endless Pools swim spa to the shortlist.
Saunas, a Northern Michigan Tradition
Sauna culture runs deep in Michigan. Phillips Lifestyles offers saunas from Finnleo and Tylo in traditional and infrared styles, plus outdoor units such as the Finnleo Patio Series. For a one-of-a-kind space, the Traverse City Sauna Company, part of the Phillips Lifestyles team, builds custom saunas. Craftsmen Don Ruff and Chris Champt can design around a basement, a bathroom addition or a spot in the yard.
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.
On a country property, plan for how you will reach the spa or sauna in deep snow and where firewood or pellets will be stored under cover. If you are adding a stove, have the chimney inspected first so the installer knows what liner or venting is needed.
For Entertaining
When family and friends visit Alba, it helps to have something for everyone. Phillips Lifestyles sells billiard and game tables by Brunswick and Olhausen, along with shuffleboard and foosball, plus grills and massage chairs.
After the Sale
When you live outside town, it matters that your dealer will come to you. Phillips Lifestyles stands behind its products with its own service department. An overview is on the services page.
For spa owners, the Spa Maintenance Program covers water testing and balancing, cleaning the shell and cover, debris removal and filter changes on a weekly, two-week or four-week schedule. Repairs begin with an online service request. Filters, covers and water care products are available 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 Alba Homeowners
Will a hot tub keep working in the heavy snow around Alba?
Yes. Quality hot tubs are insulated to run through a Northern Michigan winter. Keep the cover clear of deep snow, maintain a path to the spa, and consider a cover lifter to make winter use easier.
What does the free in-home consultation include?
A Phillips Lifestyles team member visits your home to choose a location, measure for the right spa size, confirm clearance for the cover and lifter, review delivery options and discuss steps, surrounds and colors. There is no charge.
What hot tub brands does Phillips Lifestyles carry?
Phillips Lifestyles carries Hot Spring, Caldera Spas, Jacuzzi, Nordic, Sundance and Marquis hot tubs, along with Endless Pools swim spas. Models can be seen at the Traverse City and Grawn showrooms.
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.
Next Steps for Alba 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.