Hot Tubs, Saunas and Fireplaces for Rapid City, MI Homes
Homeowners in Rapid City, Michigan turn to Phillips Lifestyles for hot tubs, saunas, swim spas, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves, along with the installation and service that go with them. Phillips Lifestyles has been in business in Northern Michigan since 1980 and operates two showrooms near Traverse City. Rapid City is roughly 18 miles northeast of Traverse City. If you own a home near the south end of Torch Lake, this guide explains what the company offers and how its staff can help.
A Short History of Rapid City
Rapid City takes its name from the Rapid River, which flows through the community and forms part of the Antrim County line. The post office opened in 1892 under the name Van Buren and was renamed twice before settling on Rapid City in 1898.
The community is in Clearwater Township, right beside the south end of Torch Lake, with Kalkaska about eight miles to the southeast. That puts it within reach of both the Chain of Lakes and the Traverse City job market.
The seasons are sharply drawn here. July is for the water, October for color, and from December to March the snow piles up. A home that is set up for all four gets used far more than one that only works in summer.
Housing here ranges from lakefront homes on Torch Lake to year-round family houses inland. Many residents are on the water all summer and on the snowmobile trails all winter.
A Hot Tub for Every Season
Evenings by the water cool down fast, and a hot tub turns the hour after sunset into the best part of the day. The hot tubs at Phillips Lifestyles come from Hot Spring, Caldera Spas, Jacuzzi, Nordic, Sundance and Marquis. Models such as the Hot Spring Grandee seat seven, and the Hot Spring Aria suits a smaller group. All are built to run through a Northern Michigan winter.
Start with a free in-home consultation. A Phillips Lifestyles team member comes to your home, measures the area, plans the delivery, checks that the cover and lifter will operate freely and helps coordinate finishes with your siding or deck. Approved electrical contractors wire the spa, and the service includes startup and fill.
You can also try before you buy with a free test soak, or look at Endless Pools swim spas if you would like to swim at home.
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.
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.
Stay Warm: Fireplaces and Pellet Stoves
Many lake homes were built for summer, and a modern heating appliance is what makes them comfortable the rest of the year. Phillips Lifestyles carries hearth products from Heat & Glo, Quadra-Fire, Napoleon, Enviro and Mendota. Browse fireplaces and inserts and pellet stoves online, or see them burning in the showroom.
Gas fireplaces such as the Novus nXt offer convenience and a realistic flame. Pellet models such as the Quadra-Fire Santa Fe pellet stove burn compressed wood pellets and need far less tending than a wood fire. Wood stoves and inserts remain the choice for anyone with their own firewood.
Every installation is completed by Phillips Lifestyles staff. Rob Horton is the lead fireplace installer, supported by Randy Johnson, Jason Jones and Ron Magee. The blog covers the benefits of a gas fireplace if you are weighing fuel types.
The Phillips Lifestyles Process
Phillips Lifestyles keeps the process simple. First, talk with a sales consultant in person, by phone or online. Second, for a hot tub, take a test soak and schedule a free in-home consultation; requests submitted through the website get a response within 24 hours. Third, the company delivers the product, arranges wiring through approved electrical contractors, and fills and starts the spa. Fireplace, insert and stove projects include a site visit to confirm venting and clearances, then installation by the company's own 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.
Game Rooms, Grills and More
Phillips Lifestyles also carries billiard and game tables from Brunswick and Olhausen, including shuffleboard, foosball and air hockey. There are premium grills for the deck and massage chairs for the den. Everything can be seen in person at the showrooms.
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 Rapid City Homeowners
Can Phillips Lifestyles service a hot tub at a Torch Lake home near Rapid City?
Yes. Rapid City is roughly 18 miles from the Phillips Lifestyles showrooms. The team offers repairs on request and scheduled visits through its Spa Maintenance Program.
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.
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.
Can I try a hot tub before I buy one?
Yes. Phillips Lifestyles offers a free test soak by appointment at its Traverse City and Grawn showrooms. Bring a bathing suit and a towel, and staff will answer questions while you try the spa.
Visit or Call Phillips Lifestyles
To get started, visit the Chums Corner showroom at 5161 US-31 in Grawn, (231) 888-0721, or the Cherryland showroom at 1151 W South Airport Road in Traverse City, (231) 412-1884. You can also contact the team online or send a product inquiry. Phillips Lifestyles looks forward to helping you enjoy your Rapid City home.