Author Archives: Christina Mantoura-Gough

Cold water therapy has become a big buzzword over the past couple of years. A focus on all things wellness since the pandemic has pushed the cold plunge into the spotlight. And for good reason too, as cold water has a lot of fantastic benefits, from reducing joint swelling to boosting your immune system. If you want to access this for yourself, and you have a hot tub at home, then can you create an ice bath with it?

Convert your hot tub for cold water therapy

It is simple and straightforward to convert your hot tub into an ice bath – all you need to do is get a cold plunge chiller. The easiest way to do this is simply to plumb in the chilled water supply and return water lines from the chiller to your hot tub. The spa pump is what will circulate water through the chiller – you can contact your contractor so that they can change the settings to enable the pump to run without the heater. Two things to note when it comes to a cold plunge chiller:

• Make sure any filtering is done before the chiller and any water treatment process happens after the chiller stage – this is to avoid a flood of treatment chemicals through the chiller heat exchange.
• Look at the average flow rate of the chiller you purchase. The average is 3 GPM/ton of refrigeration. But you’ll need a bypass for a spa pump that is sized for more flow so the chiller can be throttled back.

What temperature should you aim for?

This is entirely up to you – pick the temperature that is going to serve the purposes you’re investing in a chiller for. Any chiller that you buy should have inbuilt temperature control that gives you options when it comes to how cold the water is. Most people who are aiming to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy will be looking at somewhere between 45FF and 55FF. But you can set this at any level that is going to be beneficial, depending on the outcomes you’re aiming for.

Picking the right chiller for you

Here are a few other things to think about if you’re thinking about investing in a chiller to convert your hot tub into an ice bath.

• The size of the chiller. The best size for you is going to depend on the hot tub you have.
• Where to install it. A chiller should be suitable for either indoor or outdoor installation. It’s worth considering when you’re going to use it though. If you want to have ice baths all year round then it may be more sensible to install it indoors to reduce the risk of freezing.
• Splitting the chiller. One solution to avoid any water freezing issues is to split the chiller, with the condensing unit outdoors and the water side heat exchanger indoors.

If you want to convert your hot tub into an ice bath this is entirely possible – get in touch if you’d like to find out more. 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

Hot tubs are incredibly popular today – and for good reason as there are so many benefits to having a hot tub at home. Hydropool hot tubs are widely considered to be some of the best in the UK (and the world). Their innovative technology and wide range of features mean that they make it easy to get the most out of a hot tub and minimise cleaning and maintenance. Hydropool hot tubs are developed in collaboration with osteopaths and physiotherapists to provide a balance of massage and hydrotherapy – there is a good reason why Hydropool is a leading innovator in the industry.

Key features of the best hot tubs

• High quality parts. The best hot tubs are made from parts that are designed to last. This ensures that the hot tub doesn’t just look good but will also be durable and enjoyable for many years to come.

• A self-cleaning system. It makes life so much easier if you have a hot tub that is self-cleaning, as you get to spend more time on enjoyment than maintenance.

• Aquatherapy jets. When you’re looking at a hot tub, it’s important to pay attention to the jets – how many there are and also the types of jets. For example, does the hot tub allow for zoned jetting, which ensures that you can always have the perfect personalised massage experience?

• The best seating. Hot tub seating should be comfortable and seamlessly inbuilt so that you can really enjoy the massage experience. Hydropool hot tubs offer a range of seating for comfort, from recliner seats to corner seats.

• Built-in programmes. A hot tub that offers a built-in wellness programme can have huge benefits if you are looking to ease something like a bad back.

• Options to personalise the shell. Picking a hot tub that fits in with your home aesthetic is going to be important so look out for opportunities to personalise the shell and also the cabinet.

• Lighting. Especially if you’re going to be using the hot tub at night it can be really useful to have the right lighting. LED lights can be inbuilt to enhance the experience you have in your hot tub. Downlighters can also be a great way to do this.

• Effective insulation. With the best insulation you’ll spend less on heating your hot tub and the water will stay at the right temperature that you can use it whenever you want to. So, effective insulation is a vital feature to have for both cost and convenience.

• Low noise. All hot tubs will make some noise when they are functioning thanks to the bubbles and the water jets. However, there is quite a lot of variation in terms of noise levels – and the really noisy models can seriously disrupt your enjoyment. So, the best hot tubs come with low level noise for a much more blissful experience.

Some of the best hot tubs are Hydropool hot tubs – including models like the Serenity 4300 for smaller spaces and Serentity 5900, which has more seats. All Hydropool hot tubs have the features listed above – and many more. 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

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that can affect us at any age. It’s an incredibly painful condition that can have a very negative impact on lifestyle and the ability to enjoy, and be active in, life. There are a number of different kinds of arthritis but two of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While there is currently no cure for arthritis, the impact it has is usually mitigated with medication or with surgery. But there are other options available – including hydrotherapy.

What is hydrotherapy?

It involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. It is often physiotherapy based, incorporating exercises and movements that can be done in warm water, such as a hot tub or swim spa. The use of movement tends to be more about rehabilitation and flexibility, as opposed to cardio or exertion. Hydrotherapy can be done in hospitals, schools and gyms and also at home if you have a hot tub or swim spa to do it in.

The impact of hydrotherapy on arthritis

Hydrotherapy is a flexible form of therapeutic treatment that can be carried out in many different forms. Below are some of the ways in which it can be used to make an impact when it comes to arthritis.

• Pain relief. The impact of warm water on painful joints is immediate relief. This may be something that is only temporary but it can be enormously useful for chronic arthritis sufferers. When we immerse the body in warm water this increases all round blood flow, meaning that oxygen is able to reach the areas where there might be pain. The end result is a feeling of relaxation as well as a rush of pain-relieving endorphins.

• A supported workout. The buoyancy of the water can be very important for arthritis sufferers because it means there is less pressure on the joints when exercising. It also means that any movement will have a lower impact in terms of the harmful effects on the body and the potential for joint pain – but the benefits of activity and movement can still be felt.

• Optimising activity. When you’re doing movements in water you will naturally experience resistance as the water pushes back against the body. This can help to optimise the impact of exercise that you do and speed up a fitness journey.

• A more stable experience. A condition like arthritis can mean that there is a higher risk of falling or losing your balance, which can lead to painful falls. If you’re working out in the water then you can fall as much as you want and you’re much less likely to injure yourself because of the soft landing the water provides.

• Improved flexibility. The warmth of the water in hydrotherapy means that muscles will be more flexible and supple thanks to the faster flow of blood around the body.

Whether it’s relief from pain or a more effective and enjoyable movement session, there are many ways in which hydrotherapy has a positive impact on arthritis. 

You can enjoy these benefits at home with your own Hot Tub which gives you all of the same effects as hydrotherapy spa treatments can.

Take a look at our full range of Hot Tubs today or give us a call on 020 3820 1851 if you have any questions.

Hydrotherapy is one of the oldest physical therapies known to humankind – and also one of the most accessible. From relaxation to recovery, it has been used to help support wellbeing for thousands of years. A Hydropool hot tub is one of the simplest ways to access the full range of benefits that hydrotherapy can offer – the warmth and buoyancy of the water have the power to ease, support and relax. These are just some of the health benefits of a Hydropool hot tub.

• Enhanced relaxation. Life can be incredibly stressful today and it’s important to have an outlet for relaxation. The combination of the warm water in a Hydropool hot tub, as well as the massage jets, creates an enhanced relaxation experience. The feeling is one of comfort and ease as the stresses and worries of the day simply float away. Being supported by the water and soothed by the jets is one of the most effective ways to access relaxation and wind down at the end of the day.
• Improving overall health. Spending regular time in a hot tub can be very beneficial for your cardiovascular system and overall health. The environment in a hot tub will raise your heart rate in a controlled environment and this can lead to a stronger, healthier heart overall. Spending time in a hot tub allows blood vessels to open up, leading to better circulation, less pain and a healthier cardiovascular system.It can also provide relief from a range of challenging and uncomfortable conditions, whether that’s diabetes or an injury. Plus, it’s possible to improve your fitness routine by using the hot tub as a space in which to stretch and even exercise. The buoyancy of the water provides support for muscles and joints and the warmth can make it easier to move and stretch.
• Helping to minimise stress. From tension headaches, to problems sleeping, fatigue and the soreness of muscles that are tense and rigid, a Hydropool hot tub can help to minimise all these consequences of stressful situations. The heat of the water accelerates blood flow, which can be vital for healing and helping to minimise pain while the massage jets help to ease physical tension out of the body. Plus, the therapeutic nature of the massage means that it will release endorphins, which circulate the body as a natural painkiller.
• Arthritis-relief. While a Hydropool hot tub can help to ease the pain of many conditions it is especially useful for anyone with arthritis. Arthritis medication often has painful side effects but relief can be achieved using a hot tub without any of this. The warm water relaxes muscles and decreases joint pain and stiffness almost instantly. There are many new studies out there now that show an obvious link between hot tub use and arthritis relief.

A Hydropool hot tub is a great asset – and these are just some of the health benefits available to you if you own one. 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

Part of the pleasure of getting into a hot tub is having the water at the exact right temperature for that blissful experience. For most people that will usually be around 36°C and 38°C but there are also a number of other factors that could affect what feels like the right temperature. From the weather outside to personal preference, body temperature and who is using the hot tub there are lots of different influences that may mean you need to think more about the temperature the hot tub should be.

Why does it matter?

Aside from personal preference and pleasure there are also some health risks that may arise if your hot tub is set at the wrong temperature. Here are a few situations to consider when looking at how hot your hot tub should be:

• A low temperature is best if you’re pregnant. Sitting in hot water for more than 10 minutes can raise the body temperature above 38°C and this is not advisable if you’re pregnant. So, it’s best to keep the water temperature below 35°C and to limit the length of soaks to 10 minutes or less. If you’re likely to faint or become dehydrated then you may not want to use the hot tub at all while pregnant.
• Children need lower temperatures. Most of the advice is to avoid hot tub use for children under the age of 5. Older children can use it safely but require a lower temperature of around 35°C because they are not able to regulate their body temperature.
• Be aware of the health risks. If you’re not well it’s not a good idea to get in the hot tub in the first place. And if your body temp exceeds 39°C then there are health risks to consider, including dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

How to find the right temperature for your hot tub

While this is mostly going to come down to personal preference. It’s worth noting that the highest safe temperature for any hot tub is 40°C. It’s a good idea to be aware of your own general body temperature (we are not all the same) when picking a setting for your hot tub. Most hot tub factory settings will be 38°C, which is a degree above the average body temperature and seems to be comfortable for most of us. During the winter months it’s advisable to keep the hot tub temperature at 38°C, as this will not only ensure you can use it throughout the season but also avoid any parts of the hot tub freezing over. In the summer months you might want to adjust the temperature – try adjusting it to anywhere between 29°C and 35°C to find the level that is the most comfortable to you. If you’re not going to be using the hot tub for a while then turn the temperature down to around 30°C.

Your hot tub should be at the temperature that works best for you and your lifestyle. 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.

Cost is obviously a major factor in any purchase today. When it comes to the cost of a hot tub this will depend on a number of factors, from those that are more obvious – like the make and model that you choose – to other costs, including ongoing running costs. So, when you’re considering how much a hot tub is going to cost you, now and throughout its lifetime, these are some of the key things to consider.

The make and model of the hot tub

Obviously some hot tubs are cheaper than others when it comes to the upfront cost. It’s always worth bearing in mind that a cheaper hot tub may not be the cheaper option in the long term, for example if it’s not very efficient in terms of the energy that it uses. When it comes to upfront cost these are some of the factors that will have an impact:

• The size of the hot tub. In general, if you are looking for a larger hot tub then you are likely to pay more for this. Smaller models, with fewer seats, tend to be less expensive.
• The range of features that the hot tub has. If you’re looking for a fairly basic hot tub with minimal features then you’ll pay less. When it comes to adding on to the basics – for example, if you’re looking for more hydrotherapy jets – then you’re likely to find yourself paying more.
• Construction. The materials that the hot tub is made of will also have an impact on what the upfront cost is going to be. A premium hot tub will be constructed with the highest quality materials and so you’re likely to pay more for this than for a hot tub that has been made with materials that don’t quite meet the same standards.

Other factors that impact hot tub cost

• Running costs. Every hot tub will use electricity so it’s important to factor this cost into the overall financial picture of the hot tub. Most hot tubs are actually quite energy efficient but some more so than others. If this is an important factor for you then make sure you’re prioritising energy efficiency when you make your hot tub choice. Most hot tubs cost around £1-£2 to run per day but there are other factors that will influence this, including size, the efficiency of the pumps and how well the hot tub is insulated. The better the insulation, the lower your running costs are likely to be.
• Durability. Pick a model that has a long life span and you’ll save money on repairs and maintenance that might be required for a cheaper design. Look for a longer warranty to minimise your costs and get some information on how long the hot tub is likely to last – some can be 20 years, or more, if you take good care of them.

The answer to the question of how much does a hot tub cost will vary depending on key factors like the model you choose and the running costs it has.  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.

There’s no doubt that hot tubs bring a lot of wellness and positive experiences to anyone’s life. Whether you’re using your hot tub to relax after a long day or ease out tired muscles, it’s a great addition to any household. However, most of us tend to underestimate what we can do with a hot tub – these are just some of the ways in which it can impact your life.

• A powerful way to relieve stress. The modern world causes many of us a lot of stress and this can manifest as tension headaches, fatigue and a range of other debilitating symptoms. The warmth of the water in a hot tub – and the time you dedicate to using it – can significantly increase relaxation and make daily stress a thing of the past.
• Improving your sleep. Hot tubs are very relaxing but the experience also sends a message to the brain that it’s time to rest – thanks to the soothing nature of the warm water – and this can mean that it’s easier to get to sleep and that sleep quality overall is improved.
• Pain relief in hydrotherapy form. The warmth of the water plus the massage impact of the jets can be incredibly effective when it comes to managing pain better. That could be the chronic pain of arthritis or it might be the pain from an injury. When you’re able to spend time soaking in a hot tub you have an effective way to better manage this.
• A natural boost for your immune system. When you’re sitting in the warm water of your hot tub your body is encouraged to create more white blood cells thanks to the increase in your body temperature. It’s your white blood cells that are responsible for defending the body against infection and disease by attacking anything in the bloodstream that shouldn’t be there, improving your immune defences as a result. If you never quite feel well and it seems like your immune system isn’t doing as well as it could then a hot tub could have a really positive impact on your life.
• Recovering from an injury. Whether you’re a professional athlete or not, a hot tub can help to speed up the time that it takes you to recover from an injury. The hot tub experience increases blood circulation and this is a vital part of increasing the speed at which you’re able to recover. It’s so simple and yet such an effective way to improve your outcomes.
• Helping to reduce blood pressure. When your body temperature rises in a hot tub your heart will begin to pump faster and the blood vessels will dilate. This is beneficial because it reduces resistance and lowers the pressure on the arterial walls.
• More control over blood sugar. Thanks to the increase in blood flow that occurs in your body when you’re in a hot tub, more blood courses through the muscles and this helps when it comes to sugar breakdown. Because the increase in blood flow is similar to what the body experiences during exercise, it can be a good way to access these benefits even if you have reduced mobility.

From helping you to recover from injuries to getting a better night’s sleep, these are just some of the ways that a hot tub can positively influence your life.

If you’ve been thinking about owning a hot tub then now is the time of year to put that plan into action. With lighter evenings and warmer days there are many more reasons to spend time outside and a hot tub is the perfect setting for this. Plus, there are lots of great benefits to having access to a hot tub that is all yours.

1. A way to sleep better. There are lots of ways in which a hot tub can help you to get a better night’s rest – and make it easier to fall asleep too. The warmth of the water is soothing and relaxing and can help you to ease out of your day and get ready for a good quality night of rest.
2. Somewhere to be sociable. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to spend time with the kids where they can’t bring their devices – or an extra special social space to share with friends, a hot tub is it. Spend quality time with the people who really matter and use your hot tub for celebrations too.
3. Soak your stresses away. Hydrotherapy is fantastic for stress so if you’re struggling with this then owning a hot tub is an easy way to access some relief. The support and warmth of the water will instantly make you feel more relaxed. Plus, the jets can help to relieve the tension in muscles and stimulate the production of endorphins.
4. Relief from aches and pains. The heat, massage jets and buoyancy of the water provide powerful hydrotherapy that is used by therapists worldwide to help relieve aches and pains from conditions like arthritis – and with a hot tub at home you can access this for yourself whenever you need to.
5. Speeding up recovery. Hydrotherapy is also a great tool for supporting physical recovery – increased blood flow and endorphins help joints and muscles to recover faster.
6. Getting fitter. The weightlessness we all experience in water can help to take the pressure off joints and muscles and this is ideal if you’re looking for an environment in which to work out. Water-based exercise is not only great for those with conditions like arthritis but also if you’re looking for a more intense workout. Try exercises like reverse crunches, tricep dips and squats against the resistance of the water for that extra calorie burn.
7. A pamper space. When it comes to self-care this is something that few of us really make enough time for. When you have a hot tub at home you’ve basically got access to some home based spa therapy where you can take time for yourself whenever you need to.
8. Improving overall wellbeing. Regularly spending time in your hot tub is a simple way to improve overall quality of life and wellbeing.

Owning a hot tub can give you access to all these great benefits. Whether you are looking for physical support, somewhere social to hang out or a way to relax and sleep better, a hot tub has something to offer for everything.