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Health benefits of cold-water swimming

benefits-of-cold-water-swimming

Cold water swimming often takes place during the winter in pools, lakes and ponds, in water with temperatures lower than 5 degrees Celsius. With those that practise cold-water swimming regularly experiencing an increase in their life expectancy and overall quality of life, there are some major health benefits of taking a dip in icy waters. Paired with a balanced diet, cold-water swimming has been proven to improve your overall fitness. We’ve collated six of the top health benefits that you could experience once taking up cold-water swimming.

Helps to strengthen your immune system

There has been extensive research into the immune system’s response to cold water. It’s understood that as your body reacts to a change in external stimuli (the cold water), your white blood cell count increases tenfold. Over time, this helps your body build its defence against harmful bacteria and viruses. There’s a reason why people who swim in cold water don’t get sick very often.

Releases endorphins

The brain releases endorphins, responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being, when we conduct certain activities, such as when we work out. Swimming in cold water takes us close to our bodies’ pain threshold, triggering the release of endorphins to help us deal with the pain. The release of endorphins has been proven to help those with depression or struggling with their mental health. Circulation is enhanced

Swimming on cold water has been proven to help cleanse your veins, arteries, and capillaries. In an effort to keep the body warm when exposed to the cold water, the circulatory system is forced to work harder, pushing blood to the surface, thus increasing blood flow around the body. 

It improves your libido

Historically, cold water therapy was used to suppress sexual urges. In fact, it has the opposite effect, with research proving that it actually enhances your libido as it enhances oestrogen and testosterone production.

It burns more calories

Swimming in cold water requires the heart to beat faster and the body to work harder to keep itself warm, meaning that you’ll burn more calories than if you were swimming in a heated pool. It’s no surprise that most cold-water swimmers are in good shape!

Helps relieve stress

Stress in something that most people experience on almost a daily basis and can be extremely damaging to your health. Reducing stress levels will help you feel healthier and happier and also more resilient when faced with stressful situations. Swimming in cold water puts physical and emotional strain on the body. The relationship between cold water and stress reduction has been proven in several studies, with swimmers who swim in cold water feeling naturally calmer and more relaxed.

As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers an extensive range of hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and steam rooms, backed by 35 years of outstanding customer service. Get in touch with a member of our friendly team on 0208 300 4003 to discuss your options.

Hot tub wellness tips

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Wellness isn’t just about getting down to the gym, eating endless kale or daily meditation. Sometimes what’s best for your mind is just to do nothing. Simply relaxing through removing distractions can be liberating and significantly reduce tension – after all, the mental element of wellness is just as important as the physical.

Owning your own hot tub can considerably contribute to your overall health, allowing you to relax and refresh your mind, releasing the tension that you’ve built up during the day. But there any many more benefits of hot tub use that promotes overall health. We’ve put together some tips for using a hot tub to ensure that you’re able to achieve ultimate wellness.

Use your hot tub regularly   

Making healthy habits is a great place to start your wellness journey. Something as simple as making soaking in your hot tub a part of your everyday routine will allow you to fully reap the benefits of warm water immersion. The heat and buoyancy of spa water, coupled with a jet massage, can give a variety of physical benefits from improving blood flow to helping reduce the swelling of muscles. Taking little measures to enhance your well-being on a daily basis can help ease physical discomfort, reduce worry, and prevent stress from stacking up, all of which can have severe consequences for your mental health.

Turn your phone off

Whilst technology is a great asset to our lives, it often consumes a lot of our time and attention and can have a negative impact on our mental health when used in excess. To really appreciate the wellness benefits of your hot tub, leave your phone inside whilst you relax or alternatively enable the ‘Do not disturb’ mode. Eliminating distractions from your phone will ensure you’re truly able to relax without the interference of messages, social media alerts and calls.

Focus your attention on the water

Turn your focus to the tranquillity of your hot tub. When you fire up the massaging jets of your hot tub, let the noise of the bubbles transport you and drown out any unwanted noise. Many hot tubs now include comprehensive entertainment systems such as wireless Bluetooth audio systems, perfect for allowing you to escape listening to your favourite podcast or playlist.

Soak before going to bed

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of wellness, being critical for both physical and mental recuperation. Bathing an hour before bedtime helps to relax your body and prepare your mind for a restful night’s sleep. The change in body temperature once you get out of the hot tub sends signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Whatever your specific aim may be, a hot tub can bring some amazing benefits to both your physical and mental health. To experience these benefits for yourself, get in touch with a member of the team at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company to explore our diverse range of hot tubs at our award-winning showroom in Sidcup, Kent.

What do you need to know before buying a hot tub?

What-do-you-need-to-know-before-buying-a-hot-tub

Embarking on your hot tub purchasing journey can seem a little daunting at first, with so many different models and features it’s can be difficult to cut through the noise. Did you know that 58% of people indicated that they wished they bought their hot tub sooner? With this in mind, we’ve put together a simple guide that will talk you through the most important things that you should have considered before you purchase your own hot tub.

What type of hot tub am I looking for?

The market is saturated with countless different types of hot tubs that range from your entry level hot tubs to your high-end bespoke luxury spas. Your budget should be able to guide you in the right direction. Hot tubs can come in all different styles too, such as, Inflatable hot tubs, in-ground hot tubs and portable hot tubs, each with their own benefits, so take time to work out which style will work best for you.

How will you connect the hot tub to a power source?

You’ll need to make sure that you have an outlet that goes to a 15amp breaker and ensure that nothing else is plugged into that same outlet. Ideally, you’ll want the power outlet close to the hot tub, but not so close that it’ll end up getting splashed.

Will turning off the hot tub when it’s not in use reduce my electricity bill?

One thing that’s crucial to be aware of if you’re concerned about energy expenditure is that by maintaining your hot tub at a consistent temperature, you won’t be using a considerable amount of energy as if you were heating it from cold. If you’re still concerned about the extra expense, why not invest in a cover to both protect and insulate your hot tub.

How long will my hot tub last?

Most portable hot tubs survive about 15 years on average. However, if you keep the water chemistry and filters in good shape, yours might last much longer. It’s essential that you get your hot tub regularly serviced by a certified engineer to ensure the longevity of your purchase.

How do I treat the water in my hot tub?

Ensuring the water is safe and free from bacteria is incredibly important. You’ll need to regularly sanitise the water in the hot tub to clear away any impurities. You’ll also need to check that the pH level is optimal and change the water every 3-4 months to ensure the water is as safe as possible.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company delivers, installs and services an extensive range of hot tubs, from our affordable luxury range to the high-end bespoke hot tub options. As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, with over 35 years of experience, we’re sure that we’ll be able to find you the perfect hot tub for you. Get in contact with a member of our friendly sales team today on 0208 300 4003.

 

How to improve your swimming technique

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Did you know that swimming for exercise is one the most effective ways to work out? It’s great for those who want to become more active, regardless of age or ability. Swimming on a regular basis can help to lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It can also improve your mood and help you maintain a healthy weight. But how good is your swimming technique? Ensuring your form is spot on will help you move faster through the water and prevent you from injuring yourself when in the pool. Here are our top tips on how to improve your swimming technique.

Don’t swim with your hands

When swimming, grab the water with your entire forearm and hand, keeping your forearm at a right angle to your upper arm, and dig the water as if you were gathering sand. Maintain a broad, flat, strong grip with your hands. You’re anchoring your arm in the water and dragging your body over it rather than pushing it through.

Heavy rotations

Each stroke should start with your leading arm entering the water with the low side of your body effectively pointing to the bottom of the pool. The high side of your body should be lifted, and the arm that just ended its stroke should be getting ready to come back to the water.

Keep your head down

Ensure you keep your head down when swimming to keep your torso high, reducing the strain on your neck and lower back, whilst cutting drag.

Find your path

Fewer strokes are preferable in the pool. Your objective should be to cover a lot of ground with each stroke. Continue to glide forward with one arm forward and the other back as your pull yourself towards the other end of the pool.

Allow your feet to drag

Transforming your feet into fins is key to a good swimming technique. Momentum is key, your legs should be tense and scissor you through the water, while your feet remain supple. This will help them flex on the downstroke of each kick, giving them more power and assisting you in twisting your body along the centre axis.

Make every breath count

Before taking a fast, complete breath on the high side, emphatically release the air from your lungs (all of it, not just 90%). If you’re new to swimming, you should breathe after each stroke, but as your endurance increases, switch sides and breathe after three strokes.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers an extensive range of swim spas that fit all needs and specifications. From our ExecutiveTrainer Swim Spas to the AquaSport Range, we’re sure that we have a swim spa for your every training need. Get in touch with a member of our team to discuss which swim spa fits your requirements today on 0208 300 4003

Our guide to looking after your hot tub

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When you purchase a hot tub, keeping it clean and free of harmful bacteria is crucial for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Sanitisers, pH adjusters, and shock treatments are the essential elements that ensure your hot tub water is kept safe. This helpful article will walk you through every stage of the best way to care for your hot tub.

Sanitiser

To prevent bacteria development, your hot tub will need to be treated with a sanitiser. Germs can multiply quickly in warm climates, so ensure that the sanitiser is kept at a safe level to guarantee that any bacteria in the water is destroyed. Chlorine and bromine are the two most common sanitisers for keeping your hot tub clean. As chlorine is the most cost-effective and fast-acting sanitiser available, it is the preferred choice among hot tub users. Chlorine comes in the form of granules or pills. Alternatively, some people choose to use Bromine, however it is more costly and slower acting, which means it takes longer for a reading to appear on a test and can cause the water to become murky. You can easily determine the level of sanitiser in your hot tub by dipping in a test strip about 12 inches below the water level. The general rule of thumb is that chlorine levels should be between 3-5ppm and bromine levels between 2-5ppm.

pH Level

The pH level refers to whether or not your water is acidic or alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral value. You must ensure that the pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8, otherwise you’re likely to run into problems. When your pH levels are too low it can lead to corrosion of components, skin & eye irritation, and impede the efficacy of the sanitiser. On the other hand, high pH levels can cause a scale build up, cloudy water, and irritation to your skin & eyes.

Shock Treatments

On top of using a sanitiser, it’s recommended to apply a non-chlorine shock treatment every week to oxidise the water. These types of shock treatments are required to break down Chloramines. The combination of sanitiser with impurities such as sweat or dead skin, chloramines forms, which must be broken down. Shock treatments are also vital to kill bacteria as some types are sanitiser-resistant. Shock treatments are the best way to remove organic compounds which can accumulate in the water, making it look murky.

Water changing

Water can only be chemically treated for so long before it becomes clogged and needs to be replaced. Depending on use, we recommend replacing your water every three to four months. To ensure that your pipes remain clean, we’d also recommend using a pipe cleaner before you empty the tub. This will remove any grime from the pipework, whilst loosening any calcium, which will then be rinsed away with the drained water.

If you’re still unsure about any aspect of the maintenance process of your hot tub, get in contact with a member of our expert team who will be able to answer any questions you may have.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks a vast range of hot tubs, from our affordable luxury range to our bespoke hot tubs. We’re sure that we can help you find your everyday piece of happiness at our award-winning showroom in Kent. Visit us in store, or contact us on 0208 300 4003 for more information.

What are the health benefits of sitting in a sauna?

what-are-the-health-benefits-of-sitting-in-a-sauna

It may be news to you, but there are some incredible health benefits that you can enjoy from simply sitting in a sauna! Using saunas as a form of therapy has been popular for years, largely as a way to relax in a stress-free atmosphere.

After being used across Finland, you can now find saunas in spas and homes around the world. Check out these 5 surprising health benefits that you’re likely to experience next time you decide to take some me-time and relax in the sauna.

Increased Circulation

One of the best benefits you can expect from relaxing in a sauna is a dramatic improvement in your circulation. When your body is exposed to heat, your heart begins to work harder, allowing your blood vessels to expand, enabling blood to flow more freely throughout your body. This is so important as it helps promote your overall health, supporting your body when dealing with muscular pains – great for fitness fanatics and athletes! Using a sauna can also enhance joint movement, allowing you to walk about more freely. Oh… did we mention that better circulation can aid in reducing arthritic pain? All in all, using a sauna is great in promoting overall body functionality and mobility.

Reduces the risk of developing heart disease

 Sauna use has been found to support a healthy heart. A 20-year study conducted in Finland monitored participants and their sauna usage. Their results showed that those who relaxed in the sauna at least once a week were much less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest. This is due to the fact that using a sauna mimics moderate exercise in most people. While a sauna should not be used in place of a regular exercise routine, it can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Support a weight loss programme

There is a myriad of weight loss fads these days – but many people overlook the positive impact sauna use can have on weight loss. Research has shown that the increase in temperature, increases your heart rate when you’re in the sauna – with some people burning up to 500 calories after 20 minutes. This is the case as your body’s metabolism increases in a similar way to when exercising. Again, it isn’t a good idea to supplement sauna use for exercise, but it can certainly support you on your weight loss journey.

Flush toxins from the body

As many jobs are sedentary and involve sitting behind a desk, most people don’t sweat on a regular basis. This means that toxins in the atmosphere such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium that your body has absorbed end up getting trapped deep in the skin. You’re able to sweat away those toxins by spending time in a sauna. It’s a simple and safe approach to reduce the harmful effects of these substances in your body.

A great reliever of stress

There are several reasons why saunas are great stress reliever. Firstly, when you choose to relax in a sauna, you are isolating yourself from the outside world. With no phones, laptops or tablets to distract you, you’re able to fully relax and unwind. Reason number 2 has to do with the release of endorphins. With an elevated heart rate, endorphins are produced at a higher rate, allowing you to feel great whilst you relax.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks an extensive range of saunas and steam rooms – from our affordable luxury range to the TylöHelo Custom Saunas, we’re sure we have the perfect sauna for you. To discuss your options, call 0208 300 4003 to speak to a member of our award-winning sales team.  

Our guide to buying a swim spa in 2021

our-guide-to-buying-a-swim-spa-in-2021

For generations, people have visited public pools to enjoy the health benefits that come from swimming. Today, swimming has become one of the most favoured types of workouts across the globe. Swimming is still regarded as the best sport for healthy people, due to the fact that it’s a low impact activity that engages all of the muscles. Although public pools are plentiful, having to travel to the nearest swimming centre can make it tough for people to stick to their routine. A swim spa can solve this problem, however, with so many models and different features now available, purchasing one may be daunting.

As with many large purchases, the best way to identify the right swim spa for you is to make a list of the features and specifications you desire. Being prepared can help you avoid being sucked into any deals or promotions that you’re not 100% sure about.

Fun & Fitness

One of the most undervalued aspects of a swim spa is how it is an incredibly versatile investment. A swim spa can provide endless hours of enjoyment for the entire family, whilst doubling up as your own personal fitness suite. Some exciting features to bear in mind when looking for a swim spa to entertain the family may include LED waterfall fountains for the kids to swim beneath, or adding a sound system!

Comfort, Design, & Massage

The comfort of your swim spa can ultimately be controlled by the design of the different elements. When searching for your swim spa, asses the chairs to verify if they are ergonomically created to accommodate the natural contours of the body. This is incredibly important in ensuring that you’re going to get the best soaking and massage experiences. Don’t be afraid to get in and try out the seats for yourself to see if they’re up to scratch! 

Reputation

Who you end up buying your swim spa from will either make or break your buying experience. Dealing with a reputable store such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company will ensure that you are supported before, during, and after you commit to buying a swim spa. If your hot tub were to malfunction, you want to know that you’ve got a dedicated, knowledgeable team at the end of the phone who are able to support and advise you. 

Insulation

Often overlooked, taking into consideration how insulated your swim spa is can pay dividends with your electricity bill. Investing in an energy efficient swim spa that is better equipped to maintain the temperature of the water all year round can dramatically reduce the long-term expenses. Investing in a decent hardcover can also help boost the energy efficiency of your swim spa. 

Other features to consider when buying a swim spa include, jet options, fragrance dispenser, water features, air therapy and lights! Although purchasing a swim spa can seem like a daunting process, getting in contact with a reputable dealer like The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, who can advise and support you.

Health benefits of using a Hot Tub

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A hot tub doesn’t just serve as an entertainment hub, it can also introduce some amazing health benefits to your life, taking your wellness experience to a whole new level without even having to leave your house! Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve put together a list of some of the amazing hot tub health benefits that you should be aware of!

Stress relief

Stress is an overall strain on your body as a whole. It can result in muscle tension, fatigue, headaches and soreness. Often Hot tub usage has been shown to reduce stress through buoyancy, heat and massaging. Heat stimulates blood flow to the muscles and accelerates healing. Buoyancy releases pressure in joints and muscles, while hot tub jets provide massage, stimulating endorphin release from the body which acts as a painkiller.

Reduction in arthritic pain

The Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) recommends using hot tubs as an excellent way to apply warmth to stiff, arthritic joints. The benefits of a soak in a hot tub entail muscle relaxation, lessened pain and joint stiffness and lack of pain while performing everyday activities.

Reduction in diabetic blood sugar levels

A study by the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that soaking in a hot tub produces results similar to exercising. The findings showed that people who suffer from type 2 diabetes who soak in a hot tub for 30 mins a day, 6 days per week for 3 weeks, experience lower blood sugar levels by around 13%.

Supports weight loss

In medical studies, patients who used hot tubs lost around 3.5 pounds alone, without the need for a reformed diet or exercise of any form. The hot tub jets provide a similar experience on the body as exercise does which can result in weight loss.

Deeper sleep

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) states that 30 million British citizens suffer from some form of chronic insomnia or other sleep disorders. In their journal, they show that soaking in a hot tub before sleep results in a much deeper and sounder sleep.

Decreases Blood pressure

The Mayo Clinic conducted a study that recommended using a hot tub as they found it could be beneficial for people who suffer from heart disease. The study showed that relaxing in a hot tub is less stressful on the heart and more beneficial than working out on an exercise bike! They also found that it can reduce blood pressure significantly after only soaking for around 15 minutes.

Other benefits from a hot tub

You can be together with those that you love such as family or loved ones. It allows people to let their guard down and cause bonds to grow. Since you’re outside, why not take in the scenery? You could enjoy an idyllic view of the countryside with a red-hot skyline in the evening. You could even incorporate your hot tub into your daily routine making a soak in the hot tub an everyday ritual. We recommend starting or ending each day with a nice long soak to fully maximise on the benefits of a hot tub.

As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert with 35 years of service, we’re sure that we have the perfect hot tub for you, meeting your ideal specifications and requirements. Get in touch with a member of our team today on 0208 300 4003 to discuss how we can help you find your piece of everyday happiness.  

Avoid these common Hot Tub buying mistakes

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Deciding on the right hot tub might be a difficult task for many first-time hot tub owners. Determining the correct hot tub for you can provide years of fun with minimum effort required, whereas selecting the wrong hot tub can end up being pricey, frustrating, and inconvenient. To help you out when embarking on your hot tub buying journey, we’ve put together a list of mistakes that can result in you purchasing a hot tub that isn’t quite up to scratch. Avoiding these blunders can help save you money and prevent the disappointment of discovering you’ve purchased the wrong hot tub for you.

Becoming too focused on the initial cost

The most common error we see people make when buying a hot tub is focusing too much on the initial price without considering the continuing expenditures. While the initial price is important, concentrating solely on it may end up costing you in the long run. When you commit to buying a hot tub, it’s advisable that you evaluate the hot tub’s long-term costs – this includes maintenance and repairs over the course of its lifetime. To predict that long-term costs, you should consider the production standard, quality parts, and features, and energy efficiency before you fully commit to your purchase.

Not fully considering the reasons why you’re purchasing a hot tub

Purchasing a hot tub can seem like a minefield. There is a wealth of different makes and models on the market, so you may ask, ‘how do I cut through the noise and find the perfect hot tub for me?’. The answer is determining the reasons why you’re buying a hot tub. In most cases, people tend to purchase a hot tub to relieve pain, to relax, or to entertain friends and family.

Not envisioning where the hot tub will be located

Imagine finding the perfect hot tub, only to realise that it won’t fit in your garden. It’s vital that you decide where you’re going to put the hot tub, measure the area, and then only look for hot tubs that fit this specification.

Not considering that amount of maintenance required

One of the most common criticisms among hot tub owners is that they find it difficult to maintain. The number of chemicals that must be added to the complexity of draining and refilling are common concerns. However, not all hot tubs are alike when it comes to their upkeep. If you don’t have the time or patience to keep your hot tub maintained, you’ll want to pay specific attention to the hot tub’s filtration system.   

Not purchasing through a reputable dealer

Last but not least, ensuring you purchase your hot tub through a reputable dealer could be the difference between a seamless hot tub purchasing journey and a rocky one. Many people make the mistake of purchasing with dealers that are seen to be untrustworthy, ruining the experience with poor after-sales support. Important questions to consider when choosing a hot tub dealer include: How long has the company been in operation? What do previous customers have to say about their experience? & What services do they offer?

Buying a hot tub is a really exciting process, but it can quickly become arduous if you fall into any of these traps. By avoiding these mistakes, you can guarantee that you end up with the hot tub that meets your every need, whilst providing excellent value for money.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offer a wide range of hot tubs to fit every need and specification. With 5 different ranges to choose from, we can guarantee that we have the perfect hot tub for you. To discuss how we can help you achieve a piece of everyday happiness, get in touch with a member of our dedicated sales team on 0208 300 7003