Author Archives: Christina Mantoura-Gough

A hot tub works when the practical pieces line up: space, access, power, siting, budget and a routine you’ll keep. If those check out, you’re ready. Use this checklist to confirm what’s left to sort. See our hot tub range to compare sizes and styles.

Do you have the space, access route and a level base?

Start with a tape measure. You need the shell footprint plus room to walk around for service access. Check the access route from kerb to final position for tight gates, sharp turns, steps or soft lawn. Plan how the unit will travel (trolley or crane) and where corners are tight. Lay cardboard to the shell footprint and walk the route, if the mock‑up fits, delivery will be calmer. For the base, think strong, level, drained. A reinforced patio, slabs on a compacted sub‑base, or a composite base all work when installed properly. Avoid soft ground or flexing timber. Even 5 mm out‑of‑level can twist the shell over time. Tight on space or turns? Consider Serenity hot tubs with compact footprints.

Can I run a hot tub on a 13A plug, or do I need 32A?

Most premium tubs use a dedicated 32 A supply with RCD protection; some compact models run from 13 A but heat and jet performance will differ. If you plan winter evenings or frequent jet use, 32A usually makes sense; light, occasional soaks sometimes work on 13A.

Red flags (electrics): long exposed runs, a shared circuit, or no RCD. Plan the cable route early with a qualified electrician and place the isolation switch where you can reach it without stepping off the path. With power and a safe route planned, confirm if your site needs any planning checks.

Do hot tubs need planning permission in the UK?

The tub itself rarely needs permission. Issues arise from platform height, garden coverage and designated areas. If you’re raising decking or a plinth, keep height modest and check local guidance. In conservation areas or with Article 4 directions, confirm with planning before building raised platforms over 30 cm. Once planning is clear, site it where you’ll use it without bothering the neighbours.

Installer note (planning/siting): If you raise the spot, check height and overlook. A short screen return can solve privacy and splash noise.

How do I reduce hot tub noise for neighbours?

Treat noise like light: aim it away from boundaries and windows. Site to shield pump hum and splashing from shared fences. Keep night filtration gentle and close the cover after use. If the boundary is close, a cover lifter reduces clatter, and a short fence return blocks splash noise. Stand at the boundary at your usual soak time; if you hear conversation there, move or screen the site. Add cover latches, set quieter night cycles, and use a short windward screen.

How much does a hot tub cost to run in the UK?

Costs settle when insulation, a good cover seal and sensible schedules work together. Heat for the times you soak and hold between those windows. In cold snaps, start heat earlier and hold; in mild spells, ease back. Poor insulation (including inflatables) uses more. Match a model and insulation package to your routine, keep the cover discipline tight, and use off‑peak windows if you have them. Rule of thumb: every extra degree above your comfortable set‑point costs more than a perfect cover seal will save, fix the cover first. If the numbers work, your next check is whether weekly water care suits you. For energy‑efficient options, browse our hot tub collection.

How hard is hot tub water care to do each week?

Keep to basics: test sanitiser and pH, clean filters on a schedule, and understand your filtration cycle. Prefer low maintenance? Hydropool Self‑Cleaning models automate much of the filtration. If skin feel matters, try two water‑care systems on a wet visit before you buy. Be mindful of water that looks clear only when pumps run—that means filtration needs attention. Our dedicated Servicing, Parts & Maintenance team includes six Hydropool factory‑trained engineers across London and the South East and holds around 90% of spare parts in stock, so downtime stays low.

Is a hot tub safe for kids and during pregnancy?

Set safe limits from day one. Keep water temperature sensible (cautious homeowners cap at 40 °C / 104 °F), keep soaks short and comfortable, and ensure children are supervised with the cover locked after use. If you’re pregnant or managing a health condition, talk to a clinician about personal limits before you buy.

Installer note (safety): Teach the cover lock on day one. Make sure one person can close it in a single motion.

Will you use it often enough to justify it?

Habit drives value. Place the tub close to the back door, add a cover lifter and safe steps, and set simple presets so starting a 10–15‑minute evening soak is friction‑free. Keep a robe and sandals by the door. Small cues make nightly use likely.

Where should I put a hot tub in a small garden?

Close to the back door for habit, with service access on one side. Keep away from boundaries and windows and check the cover swing stays inside your plot. Add a cover lifter and a short 900–1,200 mm privacy return or planting to soften splash noise and sight lines. Maintain a slight fall to drain so water runs away from the steps.

Back‑garden hot tub ideas that work in the UK climate

• Sheltered corner nook: L‑shaped screen and evergreen planting to cut wind and splash noise; leave one side for service access.
• Compact pergola with clear roof panels: Light in, rain out; add a drip edge so water falls away from steps.
• Near‑door “evening soak” zone: Within 8–10 m of the back door with a cover lifter and non‑slip path for easy weeknight use.

How does a hot tub compare to your alternatives?

• Hot tub: compact footprint; warm‑water relaxation; short, frequent use.
• Swim spa: swim‑in‑place training plus hydrotherapy seats; larger shell; higher power demand.
• Cold plunge: very short sessions; different recovery goal.

Choose the format that fits your goals, space and budget.

A 3‑minute pre‑purchase checklist

• Space for shell and service access; clear route checked
• Strong, level, drained base specified
• Power plan agreed (13A vs 32A) with a qualified electrician
• Siting that respects neighbours; quiet night cycles planned
• Cover discipline and a simple schedule for running costs
• Water‑care routine you’ll keep (or a service plan)

Which HTSS models fit different spaces and routines?

Compact patios / tight access (some 13A options):

• Hydropool Serenity 4300
• Hydropool Signature Self‑Cleaning 379

Family 5–6 seat layouts (32A recommended):

• Hydropool Serenity 6800
• Hydropool Signature Self‑Cleaning 779

Entertaining / larger gatherings:

• Hydropool Signature Self‑Cleaning 799

Design‑led or challenging sites:

• Bespoke Mosaic & Stainless Steel (tailored sizes and finishes)

Prefer low maintenance across sizes? Shortlist the Hydropool Self‑Cleaning range. Want the best comfort‑per‑footprint ratio? Explore Serenity. When you’re ready to compare, head to our hot tub page.

Specs don’t loosen a tight neck. You want a home hot tub that starts quickly on a weeknight and feels good every time. Use the same checks we run in the showroom and a fast wet‑test you can do in a few minutes. See our full home hot tub range to compare sizes and styles.

Which home hot tub features make a massage therapeutic?

Start by noticing where the water lands. When a seat supports your lumbar curve and lets your shoulders sit easy, jets reach muscle instead of bone. Walk the body from neck to feet: try a neck and shoulder seat, a mid‑back position, a deeper lumbar seat, then some foot action. Use the controls to raise or soften flow until your breathing stays loose; if you brace, it is too strong. A smooth, quiet system feels like steady pressure, not “needles”, and that’s what many people relax into.

Installer note: We check head‑to‑jet height on every seat. If a jet hits bone rather than muscle, that seat is unlikely to relax you after ten minutes.

Do more jets in a home hot tub mean better therapy, or does placement matter more?

Placement beats count. A few well‑aimed jets can do more than a crowded setup that misses key areas. Neck and shoulder jets should reach the base of the skull. Mid‑back jets should sit beside the spine, not on it. Deeper seats should let you settle into the lumbar and glutes without floating. As pumps ramp, pressure should blend rather than spike; sharp, “spiky” pressure usually means the plumbing is not balanced. If a spot feels bony, nudge the jet angle a few degrees and feel the change.

You don’t need the biggest jet count to get great therapy our affordable luxury hot tubs focus on placement and flow that feel good.

Capability checks during your home hot tub wet test

• Open one seat. Do others keep steady pressure? If they drop, the plumbing isn’t well balanced.
• Can you micro‑adjust air/water per seat without spiky pressure?

Bring a small towel. Fold it under your neck if a seat needs a touch of height. Unusual access, specific seat heights, or a custom jet map? Our bespoke hot tubs programme can tailor the fit.

What home hot tub seat types help most: lounge, deep bucket or cool‑down?

Start with the lounge for full‑body support. If you float, cross ankles or press heels; if you still float, switch to the deep bucket for upright, secure work on back and glutes. Finish on a cool‑down perch to step your temperature down. Short five‑minute evening sits fit well here. If you want compact shells with supportive ergonomics, look at our Serenity hot tubs.

How does water flow in a home hot tub affect therapy?

You can also browse our home hot tub collection to compare designs with different jet layouts and pumps.

Flow quality matters more than power. You want delivery that stays stable as different seats open, and that you can fine‑tune per seat. Start low, then step up until muscles soften without tensing. If opening one seat steals pressure from another, ask us to show you the balance settings; well‑plumbed tubs hold steady when you change seats. Once the water feels right, set time and temperature so you can repeat the routine during the week.

What temperature works best in a home hot tub for recovery and relaxation?

Many owners use the mid‑30s °C for general relaxation and short sessions a little warmer in winter, and stay within the 40 °C (104 °F) cap. For week one, try 36–37 °C for 10–15 minutes, then review how you slept and how your shoulders feel next day. Keep hydration simple: drink water before and after.

Sleep timing: Soak 60–120 minutes before bed to help you fall asleep faster and sleep more efficiently.

Training days: Gentle heat and buoyancy often help recovery and mobility. Keep heavy sessions separate and choose what helps you move and sleep better.

Home hot tub safety

• Keep water ≤40 °C (104 °F).
• Check water: Chlorine ≥3 ppm or Bromine 4–8 ppm, with balanced pH.
• Pregnancy: the NHS advises avoiding hot tubs due to overheating risk, so speak to your midwife/GP.
• Blood pressure/heart: if treated and stable, short soaks (~10 min) may be acceptable. Ask your doctor first.

With the basics covered, test seats the same way every time so you can compare them fairly.

Can a home hot tub routine help with lower‑back stiffness?

Short, comfortable sessions in warm water can help many people move more easily. Reviews of aquatic physical therapy report improvements in pain and function for chronic lower‑back pain, though study quality varies. Keep sessions brief, stay within safe temperatures, and focus on positions that let you relax rather than brace.

Does hot tub help for sore joints or arthritis?

Warm‑water exercise and gentle heat are often used to ease joint stiffness and support range of motion in osteoarthritis. Systematic reviews show benefits for pain, stiffness and walking ability versus non‑exercise controls. Keep the water within safe limits and use seats that let you change position easily. If you have a diagnosed condition, ask your clinician for personal guidance.

Which features keep daily use easy, so you get the benefits?

You’ll soak more when access and controls feel effortless. Watch for loud night filtration, heavy covers or buried controls. These stop daily use. A cover lifter and safe steps make access quick. Simple presets cut friction on busy evenings. Water that feels good on skin and quiet filtration make ownership easy. Prefer low‑maintenance care and quiet, automatic cleaning? Explore Hydropool Self‑Cleaning hot tubs.

Skin‑feel check

Ask to feel water from the live tub. Then use a strip: aim for Chlorine ≥3 ppm, Bromine 4–8 ppm, and pH 7.0–7.8. Harsh smell or stinging eyes usually mean imbalanced water, not “strong” water.

Standards note

Look for models that meet BS EN 17125:2018 safety requirements for domestic hot tubs. Ask which aspects the model complies with.

What should you try during a wet test to compare therapy seats?

When you test a home hot tub, bring swimwear and a small towel. Ask us to set three presets (light, medium and firm) and show you how to throttle a single seat without starving the others. Then run this simple circuit for 2 minutes each: neck/shoulders; mid‑back; lumbar; calves/feet; cool‑down perch.

After the circuit, rate comfort and note any spots that feel buzzy or tense. Good sessions typically leave you warm, loose and comfortable; if not, reduce pressure or time next round.

How HTSS can help you choose a home hot tub

Tell us where it hurts first (neck, lower back, calves) and we’ll set two seats and one pressure you can relax into tonight. We’ll then map a short zone path that fits your routine. If you prefer compact footprints, explore Serenity hot tubs; for targeted programmes and strong ergonomics, try Signature models and Hydropool Self‑Cleaning hot tubs with Zone Therapy.

Contact us to discuss your needs and explore the models that suit your space and goals.

Planning a spa for your home? Start with the practicals: the space for the shell and cover, a level base with service access, a safe power supply, and realistic running costs. Below, we cover footprint, delivery, base, power and costs in order, and a two-minute chooser clarifies hot tub vs swim spa.

What is the difference between a hot tub and a swim spa?

A spa focuses on hydromassage, warm water, and relaxation in a compact footprint. A swim spa adds a counter‑current for continuous swimming and exercise in a larger shell. Both need a level base and a safe electrical supply. A swim spa also needs more space and a higher‑capacity power plan.

When a tub fits best

Choose a tub if you want weeknight recovery and stress relief. It suits terraces, courtyards, and compact gardens, and it runs on lower power with quick installs.

When a swim spa fits best

Pick a swim spa for year-round swimming and aqua fitness. Give it room for the larger shell and service access and treat it as a compact home swimming pool.

Explore the ranges: Hot tubs and Swim spas.

How much space do you need for a hot tub vs a swim spa?

Measure the footprint and the delivery path first, then allow for a cover lifter, steps, and service access on at least one side.

What are typical hot tub footprints?

Most home hot tubs measure ~1.8–2.4 m across, depending on the model. Allow space for a cover lifter and service access on one edge.

Compact 2–3 seater: ~1.6–2.0 × 1.5–1.6 m; family 4–6 seater: ~2.0–2.2 × 2.0–2.2 m; entertainer 7+ seater: ~2.3–2.4 × 2.3–2.4 m.

For compact footprints around ~2.0 × 2.0 m, browse the Serenity range. If you need a precise size or tiled finish, explore Bespoke builds.

What size is a swim spa?

Common lengths run ~3.5–6.0 m by ~2.2–2.5 m. Plan a straight delivery route and check crane/Hiab needs.

Compact trainer: ~3.5–4.0 × 2.2–2.4 m; family trainer: ~4.5–5.0 × 2.2–2.4 m; performance or long trainer: ~5.5–6.0 × 2.2–2.5 m.

Can a swim spa replace a home swimming pool?

Yes. Many households use a swim spa as a compact pool with a controlled current. You gain a counter‑current for training and family play with far less space and groundwork than a traditional pool.

If access is tight, plan for Hiab or crane lifts. Keep the delivery route straight and level where possible. Why it matters: simple delivery and access reduce install costs and make weeknight use easier. Check the side return; if it is narrower than the shell width, a Hiab lift is usually the simplest route.

How long does delivery and installation take?

Once the base and power are ready, positioning and commissioning typically complete the same day; commissioning alone often takes 1–2 hours after the spa is in place. Swim spas can take longer due to crane scheduling and setup. Your site assessment confirms the schedule.

With footprint and delivery sorted, set the base and power so installation runs smoothly.

What groundworks and power does each option need in the UK?

Both products need a level, load‑bearing base, and a qualified electrician should install the power supply. In England and Wales, new circuits fall under Building Regulations Part P.

What base and power does a hot tub require?

Set a reinforced deck or a concrete pad that supports the filled weight when the spa is full. Choose 13A “plug and play” or 32A hard‑wired, with RCD protection and a local isolator. Plan a short, protected cable route and leave maintenance access.

Installer note: We’ll confirm earthing, RCD, and the isolation switch position on the visit.

Do I need 13A or 32A for a hot tub?

Most compact models can run on 13A (“plug and play”). Larger, high‑performance tubs typically use 32A for better heat hold and jet performance. Your installer will confirm the correct supply for your model. On 13A models the heater may pause when jets run at full power, while 32A supplies allow more functions to run at once.

What base and power a swim spa need?

Use an engineered slab with drainage away from the shell and anti‑slip paths. Specify a dedicated supply sized to the model, with RCD protection, a local isolator, and clear access to the control panel. Confirm any crane or Hiab needs, turning circles, and set‑down space.

Get a tailored site plan. We’ll confirm base spec, power route, and site access, then leave you with a costed plan. Attach two photos of the delivery path (gate and side return) so we can flag any Hiab needs early.

With the site plan in place, you can estimate purchase and running costs with more confidence.

How much does a hot tub cost to buy and run vs a swim spa?

Upfront prices track size, insulation quality, jet count, and shell build. Running costs depend on tariff, set temperature, insulation, and how often you use it.

Illustrative running‑cost examples at £0.30/kWh

• Spa: 2 kW for 60 minutes ≈ £0.60 (light heat hold)
• Swim spa: 6 kW for 60 minutes ≈ £1.80 (heating or active use)

Actual costs depend on cover use, ambient temperature, and maintenance. For entry-price benchmarks and published dimensions, see our Affordable Luxury range. Prefer lower-upkeep filtration? Explore the Hydropool Self-Cleaning range. See current sales offers and finance options.

Which fits your routine: quick evenings, training, or family time?

If you want evening recovery, compact siting, and lower power draw, a tub fits well. If your week includes swim sets or family pool time, a swim spa’s current gives you training lanes and a bigger splash zone.

The right choice makes weeknight sessions easy to keep, and that is how the habit sticks.

You can compare both in person at our showrooms, or request a site assessment to confirm sizing, base, and power.

Small‑garden wellness: can a compact layout fit a spa and an outdoor sauna?

Yes, if you plan the base, privacy, and a sensible route for power and steps.

Layout A: 2 × 3 m deck (terrace)

Place a family model lengthways with side steps and a privacy screen. Keep a short, protected cable run back to the house and use non‑slip path lighting. If you have a second flat area, add a small outdoor sauna nearby.

Layout B: 3 × 3 m corner (courtyard)

Position the tub in the corner and leave a cover lifter gap on the fence side. Set a barrel sauna on a separate small base and keep a clear step route between them. Keep equipment and vents accessible and plan drainage away from both bases.

If you want heat therapy indoors, compare our electric sauna and wood fired saunas guides, then decide where the cabin fits in your routine.

What maintenance and water care do spas and swim spas need?

Set a simple weekly routine and book periodic servicing to keep water clear and costs predictable. Test and balance water chemistry, rinse or clean filters and replace them on schedule, keep the cover in good order and clear debris from intakes, and book a service visit before winter or heavy‑use periods. Clean filters help the heater hold temperature with less power.

See our Owners hub for care guides and support.

Which hot tub and swim spa models are good starting points?

Use these quick pointers to choose a starting point, then check current stock and bundles.

Spas

A 13A compact suits terraces and plug‑in convenience for two to three people. A 32A family model delivers full hydrotherapy with better heat hold for four to six people.

Swim spas

A compact trainer has a shorter shell with a steady current and suits fitness and small plots. A family trainer offers a longer pool section with a wider lane and suits mixed swimming and play.

You can also explore the Serenity range for compact family seating, the Hydropool Self-Cleaning range for lower upkeep, the Affordable Luxury line for value, and Bespoke builds for custom sizes or tiled finishes.

Browse Hot tubs and Swim spas for current models and bundles.

What are your next steps to plan the right setup?

Start with sizing and access for your home hot tub or swim spa. We’ll handle the rest. Book a site assessment and we’ll confirm base spec, power route, and delivery. You can then review finance options, check sales offers, and visit our showrooms in Sidcup (Ruxley Manor) or Gillingham (Dobbies) for a wet test.