Hot tubs are not just for summer. At this time of year if you’re lucky enough to have a hot tub it can really enhance your life. From helping to soothe seasonal aches and pains to getting you outdoors and giving you the opportunity for new experiences, winter is a great time to use your hot tub.

Warm hydrotherapy is the one

Do you find that your joints ache more at this time of year? Maybe you struggle to get warm in winter or it’s more difficult to recover from a heavy session at the gym. Regularly spending time in your hot tub can help with this, as it will loosen muscles to make physical activity easier to do and help to relieve any discomfort you experience after a long spell outside or a strong training session.

It can also boost your mood

Spending time in a warm, bubbly hot tub will help your body to release endorphins – especially useful if you tend to suffer from SAD at this time of year. Frequent hot tub sessions can also be a very effective stress reliever, helping to relax your mind and muscles and giving you space in which to step back from the hectic pace of every day life.

Finding the right spot for your hot tub is key

The right place will depend on how you want to enjoy being in the hot tub in winter. For example, you might prefer to have the hot tub close to your home so that you can get in and out quickly when it’s cold. On the other hand, you might prefer to position the hot tub away from the house so that you can enjoy some peace and quiet and get a good view of the stars.

How to enjoy your hot tub in winter

• Have dry clothes or a robe and slippers handy so that you can slip into them and get dry as soon as you get out of the water.
• Don’t stay in the hot tub for longer than you normally would. It might be tempting to keep having another five minutes as the air outside is cold but it’s still possible to get dehydrated if you stay in there too long.
• Consider a hat. Having something warm and cosy on your head can enhance the experience even more.
• Make it a really sociable space. Whether you’re looking to combat symptoms of SAD with social interaction or keen to find an alternative location for a party, your hot tub can add a bit of glamour and make it an unusual and memorable occasion.
• Keep up the schedule of cleaning and maintenance. You’ll need to continue to maintain and clean the hot tub during the winter as you would during the summer even if you’re using it slightly less.

Having a hot tub is a great way to get outside and enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy all year round. Winter is one of the best times of year to appreciate having a hot tub at home.