Skip to main content

Tips to Prepare Your Hot Tub for Autumn

how-to-prepare-your-hot-tub-for-autumn

Autumn is a great time to use your hot tub – in fact, some people think it’s the best hot tub season. The air is starting to cool but the conditions are still ideal for enjoying being outside and the weather can be surprisingly beautiful. Plus, you get to experience all the changes in nature happening around your hot tub at this time of year. If you’re keen to have a great autumn experience with your hot tub this year then here are some tips you can use to prepare it now.

Flush the pipes in your hot tub

What many people don’t realise is that the pipes in your hot tub need to have the same cleaning treatment as the rest of the tub. If you don’t do this then you might find that your hot tub pipes become blocked and clogged with dirt and scale. This can also become a serious health issue if it creates an environment for harmful bacteria – like Legionella – to grow.

Drain the hot tub and give it a good clean

When you’ve fully drained the hot tub of all water it’s time to get to work cleaning it. You’ll need to use a gentle solution that has been specifically designed for hot tubs (this will usually be non-foaming). It’s essential to use a cleaning product like this so that you can get rid of any harmful bacteria, dirt and fungal growth.

Remove the filters and clean them

If you’ve got a hot tub then you’ll already know that the filters need to be replaced a couple of times every year to ensure that they are working efficiently. So, if it’s time to carry out a replacement, make sure that you do this before the autumn. If, alternatively, you’re just going to wash them then remove them and spray them with a garden hose so that you can get rid of any dirt and debris that might be there.

Refill the hot tub

Once you’ve carried out a full clean of the hot tub you’ll then need to refill it with water. At this point it’s also essential to take steps to balance the water. There are test strips available that will help you to see what kind of chemicals you need to add to the water so that it’s clean and healthy and ready for use when the autumn season starts.

Carry out a cover inspection

There are lots of reasons why your hot tub cover needs to be in good condition, primarily so that it can hold in heat and also to help prevent debris – such as leaves – getting into the hot tub. So, carry out a full inspection of the cover to look for any damage, tears, sagging or wear that might affect how well it is able to protect the hot tub.

If you’re keen to get the most use out of your hot tub this autumn then these are some of the steps you can take to prepare and if you don’t fancy preparing your hot tub yourself we offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range.

What’s the Difference Between a Sauna and Steam Room?

whats-the-difference-between-a-sauna-and-steam-room

Heat therapy is being used in a very wide range of different ways today and there are lots of options available. Whether you’re looking to relax or rejuvenate, most people will opt for either a sauna or a steam room. However, the two are not the same and actually provide very different experiences. So what’s the difference between a sauna and a steam room and which one should you choose?

What is a steam room?

If you’ve not tried a steam room before then it is essentially what the description says it is – a room full of steam. The steam is created by a generator and the atmosphere is (as you’d expect) very humid. In fact, you can expect humidity levels close to 100% in a steam room and an air temperature of between 110 and 115 degrees.

What is a sauna?

It’s a similar type of heat therapy – but the dry version. A traditional sauna uses gas, wood or an electric stove to create the heat, which is a low humidity, dry type of heat. Temperatures in a sauna can reach 180 to 200 degrees. In the more modern saunas, the heat source is infrared light, rather than a stove or wood. Infrared light will raise your core body temperature to produce sweat, as opposed to your body reacting to an external influence. Infrared saunas also have a lower temperature (135 – 150 degrees), which means you can spend more time in them.

The benefits of a sauna vs a steam room

  • The maximum time you can steam in a steam room is around 15 minutes, according to healthcare professionals. For a sauna it’s 20 minutes, unless you’re in an infrared sauna in which case this can be a longer session.
  • A steam room is a great way to decongest. Any kind of upper respiratory congestion will be alleviated by spending time in a steam room, especially if the steam contains something like eucalyptus oil.
  • Muscle relaxation. The heat from both a sauna and a steam room can help your muscles to release any tension that you’re carrying. So it depends on whether you prefer a wet or dry heat in terms of the atmosphere you’d prefer to do this in.
  • Alleviating pain. Saunas have a very positive impact on pain. In fact, research on infrared saunas has found that they can create statistically significant reductions in stiffness and pain for conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and lower back pain.
  • Boosting circulation. Again, saunas take the top position here. Both saunas and steam rooms expand blood vessels, which helps to improve circulation. However, a 2018 Swedish study found that saunas could actually help to increase cardiac function.
  • Reducing recovery times. For athletes (pro or amateur) a sauna has a key role to play in recovery and studies have found that it supports faster recovery post-workout.

Saunas and steam rooms both offer impressive heath therapy benefits. The best option for you will depend on what you want to use it for. With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

5 Swim Spa Activities to Boost Your Mood and Wellbeing

5-swim-spa-activities-to-boost-your-mood-and-wellbeing

If you’re keen to do more every day to boost your mood and wellbeing then a swim spa is a great resource to have. Cost effective, fun to use and much closer to home than a gym, your swim spa can be a great way to support physical and mental health. These are just some of the activities that you can do in a swim spa that will boost your mood and wellbeing.

Swimming

It’s the most obvious activity for a swim spa – and also one of the most effective. You’ll be able to swim against the current that works for you, which means that swimming in your swim spa is ideal for all fitness levels. And for getting fitter. If you’re keen for an activity that works pretty much every major muscle group then swimming is it. It’s a supportive way to improve your health and fitness and boost overall wellbeing too.

Running

If you’ve always been someone who found running painful – or you’re looking for more of a challenge than a treadmill – then running in a swim spa is ideal. In the water, the heaviness of gravity is minimised so you’ll get all the benefits of running without the pressure on joints and muscles. Plus, running in the water provides greater resistance, which means you can have a better and more intensive workout if you choose to. Run against a current that works for you, whether that’s focused on fitness or rehabilitation.

Rowing

Maybe you’ve always wanted the fitness benefits of rowing but never had a rowing machine – or just never got around to using one at the gym. With a swim spa at home you can do regular rowing whenever it works for you. It’s a much more authentic and effective experience to actually row on water and it can get you used to ‘real life’ conditions on the water too if that’s where your focus is.

Supported strength activities

Strength training is becoming increasingly popular with people of all ages because of the many benefits that it offers. If you’re looking to start training with weights in a more supported way then the swim spa is the ideal place for this. You’ll be able to get fitter and stronger more quickly – and with less risk of injury – if you’re working out in a swim spa. Plus, many people find the experience much more enjoyable.

Time out and time off

You don’t have to only use your swim spa for intense physical activity and improving your fitness. It’s also just as important for your mood and wellbeing to have somewhere to switch off and relax too. Use the spa jets for an ultra relaxing massage, float to release tension from your body or just enjoy the benefits of warm water immersion. A swim spa is also a great place to be sociable – which is always a great way to boost your mood.

If you’re looking for ways to boost your mood and wellbeing, these swim spa activities will help you do it. As a family-operated business encompassing two generations, we have over 50 years of combined experience selling and servicing hot tubs, swim spas, pools, saunas, gazebos and steam rooms. We love what we do because we love the lifestyle that comes with owning a luxurious hot tub or swim spa. Get in contact with a member of the team today to explore our range of fantastic products.

What Does it Mean to Have an Energy-Efficient Hot Tub?

what-does-it-mean-to-have-an-energy-efficient-hot-tub

According to recent figures, opting for energy efficient appliances in your home can save between 5% and 30% a month on your utility bills. A well built energy efficient hot tub will consume less energy and, as a result, will cost you less. Enjoying your hot tub with peace of mind means choosing, not just the best model in terms of how you want to use it, but also when it comes to cost too.

What are the benefits of an energy efficient hot tub?

The rise in the cost of energy has made headlines over the past year and when rates go up, so too do bills. If you have an energy efficient hot tub then you are largely protected from ongoing fluctuations in the cost of energy because energy efficient hot tubs use less. So, you can enjoy lower bills now and also in the future if you invest in a model that has energy efficient features.

What is an energy efficient hot tub?

The better made the hot tub is, the more energy efficient it will naturally be. However, there are also some specific features to look out for if you’re keen to invest in an energy efficient model. Insulation is one of the most important, as this is what will keep heat from escaping from the hot tub, which will mean that less energy is required to heat it. Look for a hot tub with high quality insulation that won’t lose its insulating value within a couple of years like many materials can. Another key feature of energy efficiency will be the way that the filtering system works – it should be designed to use low energy and function at a high level. Many of the inbuilt features of a hot tub can also affect efficiency, such as the lights – LED technology, for example, lasts longer, costs less and produces more light per watt.

How can you make your hot tub as efficient as possible?

  • Invest in a high quality cover. A cover that fits well and is high quality will help to maintain the water temperature in the hot tub and prevent water loss.
  • Turn the jets off when not in use. A hot tub uses jets to circulate water and this is great when you’re in the hot tub. However, the air can cool the water, which means more energy is necessary to get it back to the right temperature again. That’s why it’s so important to turn the jets off when you’re not in the hot tub.
  • Maintain your hot tub regularly. There are many reasons why maintenance will help you to keep your costs down. For example, clogged filters mean the pump has to work overtime to circulate water in the hot tub, which can drive up energy costs.
  • Turn the heat down. Keeping your hot tub at a low temperature when not in use means you’ll have a short wait to reach the right temperature – but lower energy bills too.

Lower costs and greater peace of mind are the result of having an energy efficient hot tub. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Indoor or Outdoor: What’s the Best Place to Install A Hot Tub

indoor-or-outdoor-hot-tubs-whats-the-best-place-to-install-a-hot-tub

Any hot tub is a great asset to your home, providing the opportunity to improve wellness, support recovery and just enjoy a relaxing experience. Where you decide to put your hot tub can have a big impact on how often you use it, as well as the way that you use it. Here are some of the things you might want to consider when you’re looking at whether to install a hot tub indoors or outdoors.

Indoor hot tubs

  • You can use your hot tub all year round. This is one of the major factors for installing a hot tub indoors, as you won’t have to worry about the weather when it comes to getting the most out of your hot tub.
  • There will need to be ventilation. The hot air and steam that are generated by the hot tub will need a way to escape or they can cause problems in your home, such as mould.
  • What’s your budget? If you’re looking at indoor installation for your hot tub then you may need a slightly larger budget, simply because of the need to ensure ventilation.
  • Indoor hot tubs have heat efficiency benefits. When you install a hot tub indoors, the area around the hot tub tends to benefit from the heat that it is generating. For example, if you have lots of houseplants that like a humid heat they will do well if you place them near your indoor hot tub.
  • Optimum privacy. While you can certainly create privacy for a hot tub that you’re installing outdoors, an indoor hot tub is automatically a more private environment. Plus, you can close blinds or curtains so that you don’t have to worry about being overlooked.

Outdoor hot tubs

  • Maintenance considerations. Any hot tub will have upkeep and maintenance requirements. However, if you’re going to place the hot tub outside then you’ll also need to think about how these might be increased depending on the impact that nature has, such as falling leaves or debris that may need to be removed.
  • Less privacy. This will depend on where you place the hot tub so it’s worth thinking about how much the spot you’ve chosen can be overlooked and whether you’d like some fencing or shading.
  • It’s easier to install a hot tub outside. There’s no need to think about ventilation requirements and you don’t need to get the hot tub through any doors.
  • Weather-dependent. If your hot tub is outside then the way you use it might depend on the weather. However, if you’re someone who would enjoy a soak under the stars when there is snow on the ground or even in the rain then this is unlikely to be a problem.
  • Getting the most from your outside space. An outdoor hot tub is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. You can add extras to optimise this, from fairy lights to a trellis of flowers to provide summer shade.

The best place to install a hot tub will depend on how you want to use it – either way this is what you need to think about. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

8 Reasons to Use Your Sauna This Summer

8-reasons-to-use-your-sauna-this-summer

had some high temperatures, with more to come. So, is this really the best time to use your sauna? Here are 8 good reasons why the answer is yes, summer is a great time to use your sauna.

1. Supporting heat acclimatisation

Especially if you struggle in the heat, a sauna can be a very useful tool for acclimatising to this temperature change. Spend 20 minutes in a 195 degree sauna and the British summertime isn’t going to feel as hot or unbearable afterwards.

2. Therapeutic relaxation

Whether you have sore joints and muscles from summer workouts, or a long-term condition like arthritis, being in a sauna will help to provide some relief. It will physically relax your body and put your mind at ease.

3. Accessing endorphins

Feel good hormones are important for our mental health and spending time in a sauna every day is a simple way to access them. In fact, studies have found that you’ll get the same burst of endorphins from being in a sauna as you would from a mini workout.

4. Higher quality skin

One of the most powerful impacts of a sauna is that it will boost your circulation. This can have a myriad of positive effects on the skin, from helping to remove dead skin cells to increasing elasticity in the skin, relaxing facial muscles and detoxing impurities.

5. Easing away the stress of the day

Even when the sun is shining we can still feel stressed – in fact, summer holidays, dealing with the heat and the pressure of being half way through the year are just some of the reasons why we can feel extra stressed at this time of year. Taking time out in your sauna can provide a break from daily pressures, somewhere to switch off and unwind.

6. Helping you feel physically good

Time in a sauna will cause your heart rate to rise and give your metabolism a kick, which can promote higher levels of calorie burning. It can also help you to reduce the water weight that many of us carry around at this time of year.

7. Relief from inflammation and pain

One of the reasons saunas are so popular is because they can help with inflammation and pain almost anywhere in the body. The relaxing effect of the heat helps your body to release tension that can be the cause of pain. Plus, it will boost blood circulation, which can instantly reduce painful feelings.

8. Helping you avoid summer colds

Time in a sauna will boost the immune system by encouraging the body to produce white blood cells in response to the impact of the heat on the body. These white blood cells help to fight off bugs and infections. Plus, if you already have a cold, a sauna can help to clear your sinuses and help you breathe again.

Despite the sunny weather, there are some very good reasons to use your sauna this summer. With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

How do I make the most of my hot tub this summer?

how-do i-make-the-most-of-my-hot-tub-this-summer

Most of us love the summer months, as they offer many more opportunities to be outside and enjoy the weather. If you have a hot tub then there are lots of ways to make the most of this. From the wellbeing benefits of soaking in a hot tub, to converting yours into a sociable space, here are our suggestions for getting the most out of your hot tub this summer.

Turn the temperature down for a cooler experience

Your hot tub doesn’t actually have to be hot when you use it – and when the temperatures are rising outside you might actually enjoy the lower temperatures more. Most hot tubs will sit somewhere between 99 and 102 degrees fahrenheit during the winter – but when it starts to get hot, you can turn this down to 85F, or just turn off the heater completely. Leave the air jets on and you’ll get cooler water circulating, instead of hot. Don’t forget to put the cover on so that the water isn’t getting heated up by the sun during the day.

Ease out the aches and pains

We all tend to be more active at this time of year, whether that’s activities like hiking and climbing or just staying up later and doing more. This can take a toll on the body, one which your hot tub can help you heal. Whether you’ve got muscle aches from a summer body workout or you’ve got a minor injury as a result of a new activity, spending time in your hot tub can help you heal. The warmth of the water is great for boosting circulation to promote healing and the water jets can provide a powerful, releasing massage.

Enjoy the hot tub at night

If you don’t relish getting into your hot tub when the sun is high then wait until it drops below the horizon instead. It’s a wonderful experience to be in your hot tub under the stars, enjoying the cool of the evening and taking some time to relax and unwind after the day. You can also use the time in your hot tub to help ease you into better sleep too, as studies have found that this can improve how long it takes you to get to sleep, as well as the quality of that sleep.

Use your hot tub for social occasions

Summer is a great time to be social and your hot tub is the perfect place to do this. Whether you’re inviting the family over for a summer BBQ and want to have somewhere phone-free where everyone can catch up – or you’re planning a unique summer party – the hot tub is a great addition to any social occasion.

If you want to make the most of your hot tub this summer there are lots of great ways that you can use it. From parties to wellbeing, your hot tub has a lot to offer all year round. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Why a Hydropool Hot Tub is Perfect for Those on a Budget

why-a-hydropool-hot-tub-is-perfect-for-those-on-a-budget

The cost of running a hot tub is one of the most common concerns for anyone who is keen to buy one. The answer to the question “how much does it cost to run a hot tub” will depend on the type of hot tub that you go for. Some hot tubs are much more efficient and can help to keep costs down while others will be more expensive. If you’re on a budget then there are some good reasons why a Hydropool hot tub is likely to be the perfect fit.

What do you need to think about when it comes to running costs?

There are a number of different factors that will affect how much it costs to run a hot tub, including:

  • How frequently you’re planning to use the hot tub – obviously, the more use that it’s going to get, the more energy it is likely to consume.
  • What kind of insulation does the hot tub have? There are three areas where this is especially key: the cover (which should fit well), insulation around the shell base and also the plumbing system.
  • How much water you use in the hot tub. The more water, the more energy will be required to heat it.

Why is a Hydropool hot tub perfect if you’re on a budget?

If you’re keen to keep your costs down then choosing the right hot tub in the first place can make all the difference. Hydropool hot tubs are designed with the latest technology and the most efficient operation so as to ensure that you spend far less than you might with another model of hot tub. It’s worth remembering that not all hot tubs are made equal when it comes to efficiency and costs. Here are two ways in which Hydropool is actually designed to help you keep your costs down:

  1. Superior insulation. If you invest in a Hydropool hot tub then you’re getting two layers of insulation, which is designed to both protect the shell and also to retain the heat. This is not the industry standard and many hot tubs have just a single layer of insulation, which can be very problematic in terms of increasing the amount of energy required to heat the hot tub. Hydropool’s Hydrowise Heat shield cover and thermal blanket shield will reflect heat back into the hot tub, rather than letting it escape – as well as keeping the cold out.
  2. Excellent pump efficiency. Many hot tubs need to run their pumps 24 hours a day, which can be eye-wateringly expensive. A Hydropool hot tub only requires 6-8 hours a day for self-cleaning filtration – and you can set this to run during off-peak hours to save even more. With a self-cleaning hot tub like this you can also avoid the cost and expense involved in draining and refilling the hot tub several times a year.

From insulation to pump efficiency and a better designed cover, these are some of the reasons why a Hydropool hot tub is perfect for those on a budget. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Our Top Tips for Hosting a Splashing Summer Party

our-top-tips-for-hosting-a-splashing-summer-party

Hot tubs are often sold as somewhere to be relaxed, have some alone time and focus on wellness. And, while all that is definitely true, that’s not all you can do with a hot tub if you’re lucky enough to have one at home. A hot tub can be an incredibly social space – and it’s also a great excuse to throw a fantastic summer party. Here are our tips on how to be the hot tub host with the most in summer 2023.

Create an atmosphere with some lighting

There is nothing that sets the tone for a party quite as much as the lighting so take the time to consider what kind of lighting you want to have. Obviously, it will be important for people to be able to see properly as they are getting in and out of the hot tub, for safety reasons. However, bright, glaring lights can really ruin a relaxed and sociable mood. So, look at the options for creating that all important atmosphere, whether that’s solar powered flares or fairy lights that you can drape around the space to create atmosphere and also shed some light on the key areas.

Don’t forget the music

Another key component in atmosphere is music. What kind of tracks are you going to use to get everyone into the party spirit? It’s a great idea to create some playlists so that you don’t have to spend time worrying about the music during the party itself. Think about the kind of music you’d like people to arrive at the party to as well as the tunes that can help to wind the party down at the end of the night. Create some themed playlists so that your speakers never have to go quiet.

Be the host with the most food and drink

Any party needs to have food and drink for the guests, so plan your cocktail lists and menus well in advance. Do you want to have the kind of food that people can just graze on? A BBQ? Or are you going to hand out plates and serve a full on meal? When it comes to drinks, cocktails, prosecco and beer are always popular and you could even create a cocktail specifically for your event. Remember that alcohol and hot water can leave people feeling dehydrated so it will be important to make sure you have plenty of water and soft drinks available too.

Make your party distinctive

If you’re having a hot tub at your party then you’re already a step ahead in terms of experience. However, there are lots of other ways you can make your party stand out for the right reasons too. For example, think about a theme for the party – something classic like togas or themed around your favourite Netflix show. Plan some games and contests – the hot tub is a great place to host these  – and think about whether you’d like to give people something to go home with too.

These are just some of the ways you can host a splashing summer party with your hot tub this year. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range