Hot Tubs, Saunas and Fireplaces for South Boardman, MI Homes
Homeowners in South Boardman, 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. South Boardman is roughly 20 miles southeast of Traverse City. If you own a home along the Boardman River valley, this guide explains what the company offers and how its staff can help.
A Short History of South Boardman
South Boardman was platted by the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad where its line crossed the south branch of the Boardman River. Hamilton Stone bought the plat and began building in 1874, and the post office opened the following year.
The community is in Boardman Township, about eight miles southwest of Kalkaska along US 131. The river is a noted trout stream, and state forest land stretches in every direction.
Winters are serious in this part of the state, with deep snow, cold snaps and the occasional power outage. People who live here plan for it, and a heat source that does not depend entirely on the furnace is part of that plan.
People live here for the space and the outdoors. Homes are a mix of country houses and cabins, and a good share of owners commute to Traverse City or Kalkaska.
Stay Warm: Fireplaces and Pellet Stoves
In the country, how you heat is a serious question, and a good stove pays for itself in comfort. 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.
Hot Tubs and Swim Spas
After a day of work outside, few things are as welcome as a soak under a dark country sky. 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.
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.
Planning Your Project
A little planning makes everything go smoothly. Begin by deciding what you want from the space: relaxation, heat, exercise or entertaining. Phillips Lifestyles staff then help narrow the choices. For spas, that means a test soak and a free in-home consultation, with online requests answered within 24 hours. The company manages delivery, uses approved electrical contractors for wiring, and includes startup and fill. For fireplaces and stoves, an installer checks venting and clearances at your home before the work is scheduled.
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 South Boardman, 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.
Service and Spa Care
When you live outside town, it matters that your dealer will come to you. Phillips Lifestyles installs and maintains hot tubs, swim spas, fireplaces and game tables; the services page has the full list.
The Spa Maintenance Program sends a technician weekly, every two weeks or every four weeks. Each visit includes testing and balancing the water, wiping down the spa, cleaning the cover inside and out, removing debris and swapping in a clean set of filters. If something needs repair, submit a service request online and the service team will follow up.
The People Behind Phillips Lifestyles
A company that has been in business since 1980 has seen a lot of Northern Michigan winters. Phillips Lifestyles is owned by Dennis and Debbie Riedel, who moved to the Traverse City area with their family to lead it, with Ryan Gubbins as general manager.
The staff of roughly 30 includes sales consultants Tony Fifarek, Tyler Hanna, Kenny Smith and Wesley Bonesteel, a warehouse and delivery team, a dedicated fireplace installation crew and a service department managed by Jim Eddy. That depth is why the company can install and service what it sells. Read more on the About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions from South Boardman Homeowners
Is a pellet stove or a wood stove better for a home near South Boardman?
A wood stove suits owners who cut their own wood and like tending a fire. A pellet stove offers thermostat control and less handling. Phillips Lifestyles sells and installs both and can compare them for your home.
Does Phillips Lifestyles build custom saunas?
Yes. Through the Traverse City Sauna Company, Phillips Lifestyles craftsmen design and build custom saunas. The company also sells ready-made Finnleo and Tylo saunas for indoor and outdoor use.
What is the difference between a fireplace insert and a pellet stove?
A fireplace insert fits inside an existing masonry fireplace and can burn gas, wood or pellets. A pellet stove is a freestanding heater that burns compressed wood pellets. Both give efficient, controllable heat.
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.
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 South Boardman home.