POULSBO — One might say that Dave Sanford is in the “relaxation business.”

Selling spas and stoves for just about 12 years, he’s definitely in the know when it comes to how to take it easy after a tough day at the office. Such days at Emerald Hearth Home and Spas in Poulsbo are virtually non-existent though, he asserted.

“I love the business. I do,” Sanford said, noting that the sole purpose of his small company is to make people’s lives more enjoyable.

“We work hard and we play hard — we need an escape,” he remarked. “Why not escape into your own living room or yard?”

That’s where the Hwy 305 business comes in.

And, as far as Sanford is concerned, he’s just happy to provide such escapes right here in North Kitsap. He moved the business from Bremerton two years ago, starting with the fire before adding water.

“I had this little, bitty shop in Bremerton,” he explained. “When I moved here it was like getting a new lease on life.”

But this “new lease” is not limited to his business location, either. It seems to exude from Sanford’s entire demeanor.

“Fire and water is a good mix,” he explained with a smile, adding that the two elements have a way of soothing stress and worries away.

Spas have changed dramatically over the last 10 to 15 years, Sanford said, noting that what was considered top-of-the-line back then is now standard.

The fact that units today are computer controlled adds to their lifespan while making them much easier to operate. New design features also make spas more durable and energy efficient but that’s just the tip of what many are discovering to be an extremely soothing iceberg.

Spas have come a long way in terms of making what is already a relaxing experience much more so.

New units can have up to 80 jets and circulate some 640 gallons of water per minute. If that isn’t enough, how about having a nice cold one from a built-in cooler while listening to tunes from a built-in stereo system, complete with pop-up speakers? Or checking out the stock market via an optional computer console or watching a favorite movie on the built-in theater?

Sounds a bit far fetched but Sanford can make such dreams a reality.

Customers can even get a spa phone installed so they can invite some good friends over while floating in the bubbly bliss.

“Say you’re watching ‘Armageddon,’ the water’s going and the phone rings,” he said. Hey, it could happen.

“When the phone rings everything automatically shuts off so you can hear the other person. When you hang up, it starts again,” Sanford said with a smile, adding that such unique additions are available.

Some spas also feature a “disappearing wall,” which gives them the appearance of being three-sided to people in the bubbling water. The effect, Sanford said, is intensified when the waterfall wall is faced toward some of the spectacular scenery that is so abundant in the Northwest.

For those wanting to relax in front of a cheery fire, Emerald Hearth Home and Spas doesn’t disappoint. The store offers just about every gas and wood stove design imaginable.

“Fireplaces are different. They’re unique. They’re fun. People remember them,” Sanford explained. “Gas fireplaces are becoming more and more popular. They now offer the heat, the realism and look of woodstoves without the mess.”

Emerald Hearth Home and Spas has recently added gourmet outdoor grills to the selection, meaning that customers can also cook up some brats while they’re preparing to find a cozy spot near the fire or in the spa.

A great mix, said Sanford, in the winter, summer and every time in between.