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How to buy a hot tub: the complete guide

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If you’ve never bought a hot tub before, the process may seem a little daunting. With so many things to bear in mind, from pumps to jets to hydrotherapy, things can get confusing. However, do not worry, the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company are here to help you navigate the process and make selecting a hot tub as simple as possible. Before you commit to a hot tub, make sure you take a minute to read over our complete guide to buying a hot tub in 2021 which highlights the main specifications and considerations.

Hot tub size

When choosing the ideal hot tub size for you, be sure to consider the hot tub’s water capacity in relation to the number of seats. Choosing a hot tub with 225-250 litres per bather seat is a reasonable rule to stick to.

Hot tub seats

It’s also worth considering whether you’d like to opt for a lounge seat hot tub or an all-seater spa. A lounge seat is shallower than a regular upright seat, allowing the bather to enjoy the hot tub in a reclined position with their legs slightly raised, not dissimilar to a garden lounger. A hot tub with an all-seater specification is one that does not feature lounger seats that come in a range of depths to meet the demands of every bather. The type of seat you choose will depend on who will be using the hot tub and for what purpose. Will you be buying a hot tub for sports recovery, to entertain the kids, or to entertain your friends in the evening?

Personal preference

The most important factor to consider when buying a hot tub is how it feels to you and those who will be using it. It’s sometimes easier to trust the feeling, rather than being too concerned with the specifications, pumps, and number of jets. What really matters is how the overall experience feels to you and the best way to understand this is through a wet test at a specialist showroom such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company based at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup. This will allow you to experience how the different models feel and the functionality and features that you are going to benefit most from.

Finally, here are some key questions that you should bear in mind when to go for your wet test:

  • What would it feel like when you’re surrounded by your family or friends?
  • Would there be enough room in the footwell for an extra pair of legs? Are there enough seats?
  • How high would the water raise with additional people in the hot tub?
  • How comfortable are the seats?
  • How would you rate the quality of the massage jets? Are they powerful enough?
  • Is the depth of the spa suitable?

To get in touch with a member of the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s team, or to book your wet test, call 0208 300 4003 or email sales@hottub-swimspa.com. We are proud to have a multi award-winning showroom, so please come down and try out our huge range of hot tubs.

How can saunas help cool you down during the summer?

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Using a sauna in the summer may sound a little strange, but saunas can actually help the body cool down in a number of ways – even if it’s a hot day. As the summers keep on getting hotter here in the UK, most people crave a dip in the pool and totally bypass the cooling effects a sauna can provide. Saunas are designed to alter how the body recognises heat and temperature. This is how it works…

When exposed to high temperatures, your body is put under heat stress. This causes a cascade of responses in the body. You may think that as soon as you finish your summer sauna session, you’re thrown straight back into the heat. However, this is not the case. All of a sudden, the intense summer heat isn’t as ferocious. This is because the body has already acclimatised to a higher temperature. This heat stress will leave you feeling much cooler and completely revitalised!

Typically, our immune systems are weakened in winter, but it’s great to boost it in summer too. Reawaken your immune system by combining a sauna with ice right after. Simply dipping your toes in a cool pool or putting ice on your skin can provide you with health benefits. During a sauna session, your core body temperature rises by around 1.5 degrees, which stimulates your immune system. By alternating temperatures like this, you are boosting your immune system in a very natural way, helping your body to fight infections.  

Aside from supporting your immune system, using a sauna in summer is great for your skin. Saunas are able to increase blood flow in a way that summer heat cannot. More nutrients and oxygen are delivered to skin cells, allowing them to regenerate faster, giving your skin that radiant glow. It has also been found that sauna use is a great way to delay the aging process of the skin, leaving it looking smooth and fresh.   

You’ll quickly realise that using a sauna in the summer is a game-changer, preparing your body in a way that nothing else can. It both acclimatises your body to the heat and boosts your body’s response systems. It can be understood as your training your body to work effectively when exposed to higher temperatures.

Choosing to use your sauna in the summer can assist your body to increase strength and efficiency – however you should take precautions if you are pregnant, elderly or have cardiovascular or circulatory conditions. A quick 10–15-minute session can make all the difference and help you overcome the summer heat!

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks a variety of saunas and steam rooms for every budget and specification. Get in touch with a member of the team on 0208 300 4003 for further information.

Great benefits of owning your own sauna

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For many of us Brits, we have never entertained the thought of installing a sauna in our homes (unlike in Finland where saunas outnumber vehicles). Even though a sauna can be a significant investment, once installed, it adds value to a property, involves minimal maintenance, and can bring several health benefits to your life.

A sauna can take up a lot of room in your house, ranging in size from 3×4 feet to 8×10 feet. This means you’ll almost certainly need to move part of your furnishings to a storage facility. When selecting a location for your sauna, ensure that it has watertight flooring and access to a 220–240-volt electrical hook-up. Most people tend to locate their at-home sauna near a shower, purely for convenience. Saunas, unlike swimming pools and hot tubs, require very little upkeep. Saunas may be left alone, with the exception of cleaning the floor on a regular basis. Sauna heaters, whether electric, gas, or wood, have few moving components and rarely fail.

Benefits:

  • Assist in the removal of toxins from the body: Saunas have the superb ability to get rid of toxins from your body in a natural way. As the body sweats, harmful poisons such as nicotine, lead, and mercury are excreted.
  • Soothe your aching muscles: Saunas can help to alleviate arthritic pain by momentarily relaxing muscles.
  • Reducing stress levels: Saunas stimulate your body to produce endorphins, which help you relax and feel more energised.
  • Rejuvenates the skin: Saunas are great for opening pores, relieve facial tension and encourage cellular development by delivering nutrients to the epidermis.
  • Enhance circulation: Heat from the sauna draws blood closer to the skin and encourages blood flow to the whole body.
  • Boost the metabolism: Your body can burn hundreds of calories every session and even boost your overall metabolic rate with continued regular use. This doesn’t mean that saunas should be the only thing you include in your fitness programme. Virtually all weight lost in the sauna is water weight, which returns fast.
  • Clear your sinuses: Saunas provide a quick fix when it comes to common cold symptoms such as sinus congestion and throat irritation.

Infrared saunas compared to traditional saunas

Traditional sauna temperatures range from 65 to 90 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of heat source. Pouring water over the rocks to create steam, which raises the total temperature while reducing humidity. If you have a limited tolerance for heat, you should consider an infrared sauna. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas use radiation to create heat and can do so while keeping the temperature ambient at as low as 20 degrees. Infrared saunas create the same amount of perspiration at a faster rate and at a lower temperature.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks a wide range of saunas and steam rooms. 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.

Is it possible to use a hot tub in the summer?

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After what has felt like an extremely long wait, summer is here! The season of warm days and light nights has returned. But summer can also bring intense heat and high humidity. During summer, the hot tub that provides you with warmth during the autumn and winter can offer you a haven during the sweltering summer heat. In fact, there are loads of ways you can use your hot tub in the summer months. Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve compiled a list of a few of the best!

Finding a happy medium between morning and evening soaks

In places with low humidity levels, temperatures being to drop as the afternoon turns to evening, reaching their lowest points during the night. This means that sunset, dusk, and dawn are perfect times to soak in your hot tub and relax sore muscles. Evening hot tubbing will offer a sense of calm, similar to sitting around a campfire gazing at the stars. Alternatively, relax and take in the stillness of the morning before a long, humid summer day by using your spa in the cooler morning hours.

What about the rainy days?

A true British summer wouldn’t be complete without a spell of rain or two. A summer rainstorm has the ability to break a hot spell. The period of serenity that comes shortly after is inviting you for a dip in the spa, allowing you to melt into your own little world as the atmosphere clears. If the likelihood of thunder and lightning is low, it’s even possible to use your hot tub during the rain. Relax and feel the freshness of the rain keeping your face cool as the rest of your body wallows in the warmth of the water.

House party: Hot tub edition

Summer is definitely a party season. It’s the time of year to gather with friends and family for barbecues and relax in the garden – bliss! The only thing that can make these get-togethers even better is a hot tub session. Hot tubs and swim spas with entertainment systems that include music can help take your house parties to the next level, whilst also being the envy of all your friends! Spa waterfalls and multicoloured LED lighting will ensure that your party lasts long into the night, providing the right atmosphere for hot tub games or stargazing!

Benefits of soaking in a hot tub in summer

Alongside all the fun you can have by using your hot tub during the summer, there are great health benefits that you’ll be able to take advantage of. Your hot tub will quickly become your best friend after a home workout – providing your muscles with some relief. The buoyancy of the water and massaging action of the hot tub jets will all induce a state of total relaxation, helping you drift off to sleep on a warm summer’s night. Also, spending time in your hot tub with your nearest and dearest will help strengthen your social connections, something incredibly important following the recent restrictions on social mixing.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s ethos is built up individual customer care and attention to detail. Our bespoke products are designed around each client’s unique requirements. No two customers are the same, and neither are our installations. To discuss your perfect Hot Tub with a member of our team call us on 0208 300 4003

Our guide to buying a hot tub this summer

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If you’re looking to buy a new hot tub, it can be difficult to distinguish which product is going to provide you with the best value for money. Hot tub prices can vary considerably as they’re often influenced by the size and style of each model, as well as the amenities and accessories incorporated. These elements will have a large impact of the final price of your tub, so it’s best to compare the different models to make sure you’re getting the best deal for you. Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve put together a list of the key factors that you should take into consideration when making your purchase.

Price

When it comes to hot tubs, you tend to get what you pay for. For example, you can easily purchase a hot tub online for a few hundred pounds – however, you’d most likely have to deal with the installation, maintenance, repairs, and servicing yourself. By visiting a hot tub superstore, such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s award-winning showroom at Ruxley Manor, you’re able to see each model for yourself and ask any questions you may have. Don’t be fooled! Just because you’re paying a cheaper upfront cost, doesn’t always translate to better value for money.

Dealer Reputation

As hot tubs have become increasingly popular, there’s been a rise in the number of untrustworthy dealers around – especially online. Those who opt to purchase a hot tub online, without seeing it first, risk receiving a defective or perhaps unsafe product that doesn’t work as described. We advocate researching the retailer you’re buying from to ensure they deliver what’s been sold.  Another way to see if you’re dealing with a reputable seller is by reading their online reviews from previous customers. Even though many sellers may require a down payment, unless you’re purchasing a custom-made product, avoid paying in full before the item arrives.

Warranty

When buying a new hot tub, every respectable hot tub vendor will issue a warranty for the product. Before you buy, double-check the warranty. Some warranties may not be supplied by the store from which you are purchasing. Make sure you warranty covers the shell, plumbing, and any additional equipment. You’ll want to ensure that the interior is covered against cracking and structural damage, and that the outside is protected against cracking, delamination, blistering, and fading.

Capacity

The size of the hot tub you want will affect how much it costs and how it’s used. If the reasons you’re interested in purchasing a hot tub include exercising of entertaining a big group of guests, you’ll require a product on the larger side of the spectrum. Alternatively, if you’re looking for aiming to use your hot tub to relax with your partner after a long day at work, a smaller model would work well for you. In terms of capacity and seating, therapy seats with powerful jets will take up more space than simple bench seating. In the same way, full lounge seating will reduce the amount of space, while raising the price. Wet testing several types to see how they feel while being used is the best approach to discover the right capacity for you.         

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company offers a diverse range of Hot Tubs that can fit any specification and price range. To discuss with a member of our team, contact us on 020 8300 4003

Can I use my sauna in the summer?

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A startingly common belief is that saunas aren’t intended to be used in the summer. This is based on the idea that saunas are fantastic for warming you up, and you’re far less likely to need warming up while it’s hot outside. Many people presume that the heated pinewood chambers in Finland, home of the sauna, provide respite from the cold Nordic winters, which they do. What they are unaware of is that most Scandinavian summer houses include a sauna.

Saunas in the Nordic regions are normally located near lakes so that they may be enjoyed in the summer, coupled with a refreshing plunge in the natural waters. Research has shown that using a sauna has benefits for your body all year round. In fact, it can make the summer heat feel a bit more bearable as it acclimatises your body to heat.

Irrespective of the time of year, a sauna can help you burn calories, lose weight, enhance your cardiovascular and respiratory health, and relax your muscles. Roman baths incorporated three different rooms of varying temperatures. These were utilised as part of the post-exercise purification ritual and were found all across the Roman empire, from chilly Britain in the north, to the scorching heat of Algeria in the south. Undoubtedly, the searing heat of the African sun did not deter Romans from using the hot rooms.

Turkish baths, which are an evolution of the Roman bath, continue to be used today, providing heated water and hot chambers to bathers in hot Middle Eastern and North African countries. Because of the multiple health benefits, the Ottomans, Norse, and Romans all used heated chambers throughout the year.  

When your body temperature rises, tension is released effortlessly from your muscles and joints. Sauna bathing also opens up your pores, aiding the secretion of metabolic waste toxins. This helps to cleanse your body, inside and out, leaving you feeling truly revitalised. 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.

If you’re interested in purchasing your very own sauna, feel free to browse our collection online. Alternatively, you can get in contact with a member of our team on 0208 300 4003 or sales@hottub-swimspa.com    

Our top benefits of owning a swim spa

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A swim spa is often placed at the top of the list of luxury property features. A swim spa is a great addition to all sorts of properties, from holiday homes and family estates to city dwellings. If you’re thinking about purchasing a swim spa for your property, there are a number of benefits that you should be aware of.

Convenience

Whether you’re considering a swim spa as part of your new fitness regime or for a blissful place to relax and unwind, having your own swim spa eliminates the need to leave your house. This can be very useful for maintaining your motivation and can make life hassle-free when it comes to reaping the benefits of hydrotherapy.

Creating the perfect outdoor setting

Swim spas can provide a great amount of architectural value to your garden or deck. The water looks inviting, particularly in the summer when the sun makes the water sparkle. The swim spa’s stylish and contemporary style will make your outdoor space the talk of the town.

Flexibility for fast-paced lives

Busy lives equate to jam-packed schedules, but getting a swim spa for your home allows you to use it at your convenience. If you want to start swimming in the morning as part of your fitness routine, you can do it from the comfort of your own home – no need to drag yourself to the public pool – saving you time and energy. On the other hand, if you feel like you never have enough time to go to the pool and relax, getting a swim spa of your own means relaxation is always only a few steps away.

Control and agility

When you have a swim spa at home, you’ll have the freedom to use it however you like and for whatever you like. Adjust the settings to alter the power of the jets to change up your workout or relaxation session. Since the swim spa is only shared with those in your household, you have full control over it – this means you’ll be able to get the most out of it.

Privacy and discretion

Even the best spas in the country have a range of people using their facilities, but if you purchase your own swim spa, you’ll only have to share it with the people you choose. When it comes to exclusivity, a home swim spa provides you with nothing less – providing you choose the right placement for it, then a lack of privacy will never be an issue.

Safety

With a home swim spa, you can keep an eye on the kids to ensure that no injuries occur whilst making sure that the pool is being used in the right way. Having your own swim spa provides you with an opportunity to educate your children on the importance of water safety.

If you’d like to install a swim spa at home, you can talk to a member of our team about the perfect specification and model for you.

What can your hot tub do for you?

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Hot tubs are often regarded as luxurious, relaxing places to socialise and entertain. However, there are many health benefits that come with using a hot tub on a regular basis. When considering buying a hot tub for yourself, you may think, ‘What benefits can a hot tub bring to my life?’. To help answer this question, we’ve compiled a rundown of the potential health benefits of using a hot tub.

Stress Relief

One of the most well-known advantages of using a hot tub is stress relief. This is incredibly beneficial for your wellbeing with stress often acting as a major factor in the onset of other more serious diseases. If you experience headaches, tense muscles or general fatigue, spending time in warm water will help to calm your body and relieve these symptoms of stress. This is a stand-out health benefit that hot tubs can provide, and that’s why we’re putting it right at the top of our list.

Pain Reduction

Hot tubs are also great for relieving pain. Soaking in a hot tub can provide immediate relief from pain that may be a result of an injury, chronic illness or stress. Hot tubs are often used in hydrotherapy practices where pain relief is the primary objective. Working the body’s muscles gently in warm water improves blood flow, allowing oxygen to reach damaged cells whilst also secreting pain-relieving endorphins.

Injury Recovery

Hydrotherapy can be beneficial in assisting the body’s recovery process from injuries. Both physiotherapists and elite athletes are aware that spending time in a hot tub aids injury recovery. Whether you’ve sustained an injury while playing sports, in an accident, or you are recovering from surgery – spending time in the hot tub decreases your blood pressure which supports your body during healing processes.

Boosts Immune System

Research has indicated that bathing in a hot tub on a regular basis encourages the body to produce more white blood cells. This is the body’s natural response to an increase in body temperature. White blood cells are incredibly important in protecting us from disease and infection. If you are often under the weather, boosting your immune system through bathing in a hot tub is a must!

Reduce Blood Pressure

Spending time in a hot tub has the ability to reduce your blood pressure. This happens as a result of the increase in body temperature, causing the heart to beat faster and subsequently increase blood flow. This causes blood vessels to dilate, reducing resistance and pressure on the arterial walls.

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Regular hot tub use has been found to help lower blood sugar levels, caused by an increase in blood flow which helps sugars to be broken down. The effect of bathing in a hot tub increases blood flow in a similar way to exercise, so provides a viable option for people with limited mobility or are unable to exercise.

Induce Sleep

If you have trouble falling asleep or you find yourself waking up throughout the night, we recommend using a hot tub right before you go to bed. When you get out of the hot tub, the body’s natural response to cooling down is to signal the brain that it is sleepy. It’s a basic biochemical trick that will assist you in regulating your sleeping patterns.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company offers a diverse range of Hot Tubs that can fit any specification and price range.     

Our guide to caring for your Hot Tub

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Providing your hot tub with the correct maintenance and upkeep is paramount in ensuring that you get the most out of your investment, in terms of durability and efficiency. This makes sure that you’re safeguarding the hot tub’s ability to deliver the numerous health and therapeutic benefits that a top-of-the-range hot tub can provide.

Chemicals

Getting to know how to best care for your hot tub can initially seem like a minefield. This is why our showroom is open seven days a week. In person, or online, our knowledgeable team is on hand to clear up any queries you have and to provide best practice advice on how to care for your hot tub. It’s also worth noting that we supply a full range of water treatment chemicals that are specifically formulated for a range of hot tubs and swim spas, taking all the legwork out for you! Our hot tub care products offer everything you’ll need to ensure your water is always is safe and clean.

Draining and Refilling

Draining and refilling your hot tub is an important part of hot tub maintenance. We recommend to our customers to drain and wash the hot tub every three months. It’s also advisable to thoroughly clean the jets and filters after draining to ensure smooth operation and consistently clean water quality. We have a variety of servicing and maintenance services available to ensure that your hot tub remains in tip-top condition. We provide services on a fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis, depending on your needs.

General Practice

There are a host of actions you can take to ensure the ongoing efficiency of your hot tub in addition to good cleaning and upkeep. There are best-practice strategies for ensuring that your hot tub is optimally functioning throughout the year.

Simply showering before getting into the hot tub not only keeps any potential contaminants out of the hot tub, but also ensures that the water is kept clean for longer.

One of the best things you can do to keep your hot tub shipshape is to leave it on even when it’s not in use. This may seem counterintuitive; however, our systems are designed to run even when you’re not using the hot tub. This enables the hot tub’s self-cleaning technology to maintain a constant temperature and filter the water so that it is ready to go whenever you need it. Keeping it on will also reduce your electricity bill, which is an added bonus!

We at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company are committed to providing our customers with all the care and support they need in order to reap the full benefits of their hot tub. If you’re interested in finding out more about our servicing and maintenance options, visit our website, or call us on 020 8038 7699