inflateable

For years now I've had an inflateable spa. I set it up in the spring when temperatures reach values well over 25 degrees Celcius. I'm not a fan of hot weahter. I need to cool down in order to function normally. This spa is great for that purpose.

I started using the spa for the bubbles. I'd set the water temperature in the high 30s and relax. It soon became something of a must to stay in the spa long enough for the timer on the bubble blower to run out. That takes something like 20 minutes. I had to get used to the rather violent nature of the bubbles to be able to stand that for 20 minutes. But I got there after some time.

I learned that as the surrounding temperature rose, the water temperature had to be lowered. When it's 27 degrees Celcius, from then on the water temperature has to be as much lower as the outside temperature is higher. With this new use of the spa, I found that the rules I had set myself - stay as long as you can, at least as long as the bubbles keep going - changed. It is still true that as soon as I have set up the spa, I feel obligated te use it as often as possible. Even in rain or a sudden cold spell, with appropriately adjusted temperature. But the duration of each use became shorter and shorter. Now the self imposed rule is that I can get out when I have sufficiently cooled down. Which is achieved within 10 minutes. Bubbles aren't necessary anymore. Cooling down has become the main function of the spa, not relaxing.

As with all things I use, the rules I impose on its use, are dependent on the attributed function. And then to be applied rigorously. I can't have the spa out and not use it. When that happens for about a week, I feel the strong urge to empty it, deflate it en put it away for next year. But as long as I am using it, whether it be cold outside or raining, it's okay. I even feel proud using the spa when the hot an sunny weather has subsided definitely. I learned this is an autistic trait. To feel obligated to use something I have bought extensively, not just incidentally.