Author Archives: Christina Mantoura

There are lots of different elements to consider when it comes to getting a hot tub, including where you’re going to place it to enjoy the best views and what kind of accessories you need to really get the most from it. Care and maintenance of your hot tub are topics that tend to get less attention but which are equally important. This is our basic guide to care and maintenance of hot tubs for beginners.

Choose your sanitiser

Any hot tub owner knows that it’s essential to treat a hot tub regularly with a sanitiser so that it’s a healthy environment, free from bacteria. Any warm place can be a hotbed of bacteria so it’s essential that you treat your hot tub with sanitiser to keep it clean, fresh and bacteria-free. You can choose from a number of different sanitisers, the main two being bromine or chlorine. If you’re looking for a faster acting sanitiser that leaves the water clear then chlorine tablets or granules are the best choice. For a sanitiser with a slightly softer smell, opt for bromine. You’ll need to regularly test the levels of sanitiser in your hot tub – you can do this every few days if the hot tub is getting frequent use.

Check the PH regularly

PH testing will show you whether the water in the hot tub is alkaline or acidic. If the PH is too low you may find you have problems with corrosion and the water could irritate your eyes and skin. If it’s too high then you may get cloudy water, irritation issues and a scale build up. PH levels should ideally be kept within 7.2 and 7.4.

Weekly shock treatments

Use a non-chlorine treatment in your hot tub once a week to “shock” clean it. This will remove the organic compounds that can be left in the water by humans, such as dead skin cells and oils. It will also break down chloramines and help to kill bacteria.

Change the water frequently

You will need to completely change the water in your hot tub from time to time to keep it fresh. How often you need to do this will depend on how much use the hot tub is getting but for most people it’s every three or four months. Before you refill the tub it’s a good idea to clean down the surfaces to remove any substances that might be lurking there.

Clearing the filters

The last key area for beginners is the filters – this is also one of the most important maintenance jobs because if filters aren’t clean they can restrict water flow and the hot tub will shut down completely. There are a number of different ways you can clean filters, from using a spray to soaking them in a bucket overnight with a cleaning solution.

Even if you’re a newbie hot tub owner there are still some basics that you need to get right. Our hot tub guide for beginners will help to ensure that you do.

Soaking in a hot tub isn’t just about luxury – it can also be incredibly relaxing, the perfect way to ease away the stresses and strains of a tough day. However, that’s not all that hot tubs have to offer. If you have a hot tub at home then there are some great benefits to spending time in your hot tub that will contribute to positive mental health and physical wellbeing.

Physical relaxation

The warmth of the water and the impact of the jets can be very beneficial for overworked or tired muscles. Whether you’re recovering from new exercise commitments or just the impact of sitting at a desk all day this can considerably ease aches and pains. You can also use a hot tub for a pre-workout soak, which can ensure that your muscles are primed for exercise and the risk of injury is reduced.

Improving cardiovascular condition

Hot water immersion can have considerable benefits for cardiovascular function, including lowering blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Just 10 minutes in a hot tub can be beneficial for people who have high blood pressure.

Weight management

There is some evidence that your hot tub can help with weight management via calorie burn too. One study found that an hour in a waist high hot bath burned the same calories as a 30 minute walk. Most of us will benefit from using a hot tub as a top up to healthy exercise and eating for weight loss.

Better sleep

Whether it’s insomnia or you just struggle to sleep through the night you may find that soaking in a hot tub is beneficial for this. One study found that the heat and water combination ensures a deeper and more restful sleep and a hot tub soak can also help your body to relax in preparation for drifting off. Regularly spending time in your hot tub before bed could make you feel more ready for sleep, as well as improving sleep quality.

Relieving physical and emotional stress

Warm water is very soothing for the human body, both on a physical and an emotional level. When this is combined with the massage effect of the jets it can be a very powerful way to release stress and leave the troubles of the day behind. Scheduling in some time in your hot tub at the end of the day can be a simple way to help your body and mind to switch off.

Managing diabetes

Sauna and hot tub therapy can be helpful to those with conditions such as diabetes because it can improve impaired insulin sensitivity.

Soothing joint pain

The impact of the warm water on the human body is to relax muscles, joints and tendons, which can help to soothe pain if these are tight. The buoyancy of the water helps to relieve the heaviness of gravity, which can also reduce symptoms such as pain and tightness. A hot tub can be especially helpful if you have a chronic condition such as arthritis, as it can bring inflammation down and ease stiffness.

These are just a few of the health and wellbeing benefits that spending time in a hot tub can bring.

Recently, we’ve all been spending a lot more time at home – and for many of us that has meant looking at our living spaces with new eyes and finding ways to improve them. A hot tub has been an obvious choice for many people when it comes to creating a spa experience at home, somewhere to relax or a sociable space to enjoy with the rest of the household. If you’re keen to enjoy all the benefits of owning a hot tub too then these are some of our top tips for buying the right one for you.

Research your options

The range of choice that exists for hot tub buyers today is broad and so it’s a good idea to do some research before you make any commitments so that you know you’re getting the very best deal for you. The technical details of the hot tub are essential – for example, make sure you know how many jets, seats and pumps you want your hot tub to have as well as the kind of filtration system and warranty. Make sure you have a good idea of the size of hot tub you’re looking for and any additional features, such as sound or lights. A robust cover will also be essential.

Buy from the right retailer/manufacturer

Part of your research process should be finding the right company to buy your hot tub from. You can discover a lot by researching businesses online, including what kind of experience other customers have had. In particular, make sure that the hot tub you’re planning to buy comes with a warranty and that there is clear information about the company online, including the support you’ll receive during and after the purchase. Visiting a showroom can give you extra peace of mind, where possible.

Choose the right spot

The hot tub you choose should be partly based on personal preference and partly on which model is the most likely to work for the location you want to put it in. Consider how the hot tub will integrate with the overall design of the garden, whether it’s likely to be overlooked by the neighbours and how easy it will be to get from the house to the hot tub, especially on cold days. Think about whether you’d like to have any shelter for the hot tub and the views that you’re likely to have when you’re in it.

Look after your hot tub when you get it

Hot tubs need regular maintenance and you’ll need to check and clean component parts, such as filters, to ensure that your hot tub is safe and functioning optimally. Be prepared to change the water and ensure that your hot tub is being treated with the right chemicals – or to pay someone else to come in and carry out all the maintenance for you. Running costs are also important to consider in advance. The way that the hot tub is constructed, especially when it comes to insulation, can determine how much these are so make sure you factor this into your decision making process.

Buying a hot tub can bring hydrotherapy into your home with all the benefits that has, from relaxation to supporting injury recovery. These top tips will help to ensure that you get a hot tub that’s right for you. Contact our sales team today to see how we can help you find your perfect hot tub…

Health and wellbeing are top of the list for many of us right now, not just because it’s the start of a new year but also as the pandemic has made looking after ourselves even more important. A hot tub is not just a luxury but also offers a wealth of health benefits that can enhance your wellbeing this year.

Maintaining flexibility and range of motion

Weather, ageing and injury are just some of the reasons why our bodies can start to feel stuck and inflexible. A hot tub provides a simple way to improve mobility and range of motion, helping to reduce inflammation thanks to the pressure of the water and relieve muscle tension due to the buoyancy of the body in water.

Easing the pain of sore muscles

Maybe you’re sitting for much longer than you’re used to – or perhaps new activities and exercise have left you with some discomfort. The combination of warm water, buoyancy and the massage jets can relieve this pain, release knots and help you to recover more quickly.

Improving sleep

Multiple studies have found that spending time in a hot tub before bed can improve sleep, not just in terms of being able to get to sleep but the quality of sleep too. Muscles and nerves become more relaxed in the hot tub, making it easier to let go of the day and the train of thought that might potentially keep you awake. A hot tub is also a great place to spend time with the loved ones in your household – this kind of connection can help to make you feel safe and calm, which sets you up for a better night’s sleep.

A way to deal with lower back pain

Many of us will suffer from back pain at some point and this can be incredibly uncomfortable, making every day activities such as exercise and shopping feel almost impossible. A number of studies have now established that hydrotherapy – such as in a hot tub – can help to improve back pain, triggering a significant reduction in symptoms, either when used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.

Relieving chronic conditions

Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be very painful conditions that cause joint swelling and pain as well as limited range of motion. Spending time in a hot tub can reduce pain – one study involving osteoarthritis patients found this took just two weeks – and help to relieve tension and joint tenderness.

Coping with fibromyalgia

Hydrotherapy can also be very beneficial for a condition like fibromyalgia, which causes sufferers to feel chronic pain and fatigue and often endure disrupted sleep. A hot tub can help in many ways, from improving sleep quality to helping to encourage focus and concentration and reducing pain.

Dealing with stress and anxiety

Especially at the moment stress and anxiety levels can be high. You may be adjusting to working from home, coping with homeschooling or the after effects of illness. A hot tub can be very beneficial here – the warm water is soothing and the massage effect of the jets can help to ease out tension in muscles. Because the water creates buoyancy your body will literally feel supported and this can provide the space you need to let go of whatever may be causing you stress and find a moment of calm.

These are just some of the many benefits that regular use of your hot tub can bring. Contact our sales team today to see how we can assist you with finding the perfect hot tub for your home…

A hot tub is a great experience but has a lot more to offer than just recreation. There are also some key health and wellness benefits of using a hot tub that make it a useful way to enhance your experience of day-to-day life. These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub can bring more into your life, now and into 2021.

Stress management

If you’re feeling under pressure, exhausted, tense and this is being reflected in your body then spending some time in a hot tub can help. The buoyancy of the water takes the pressure off muscles and joints and can help to relieve tension and soreness. This is combined with the heat of the water, which helps to increase the blood flow to muscles and promote healing. The hot tub jets provide massage, easing out tension throughout the body and triggering the release of endorphins, which have a pain killing effect.

Chronic health conditions

Arthritis is one of the most widespread chronic health conditions and can be incredibly painful, especially during the winter. Regular use of a hot tub can have a very positive impact on arthritic joints, helping to reduce stiffness and minimise pain. This improvement is something experienced not just when in the hot tub but also when it comes to daily activities and exercises out of the water. Diabetes is another condition where people have been found to see an improvement in wellbeing as a result of hot tub use. One study found that patients with Type 2 diabetes who spent 30 minutes in a hot tub for six days a week over three weeks experienced an average 13% reduction in blood sugar. For those patients who have heart disease there are benefits too – a short soak in a hot tub can bring blood pressure down.

Better sleep

Sleep is something that we all need to get more of but it can be difficult to get to sleep – or stay asleep – and many of us suffer from sleep related issues. A hot tub can positively influence both the quality of your sleep and how easy you find it to get to sleep. Half an hour in a hot tub before bed relaxes the body and prepares it for a night of rest. It will also improve sleep quality, as sleep tends to be deeper and more relaxing as the temperature of the body gradually drops after a hot tub soak.

How you feel

A hot tub has some clear health benefits but can also influence how you feel and the way that you enjoy your life on a daily basis. If your hot tub is outside it’s a great way to get out in nature, enjoy some fresh air or time away from the house. Your hot tub can be a sociable space where members of your household come together without the distraction of devices or somewhere you use to be alone and have downtime.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your health and wellness there are plenty of opportunities to do this in your hot tub.

It’s that time of year again – we’re almost at the start of a brand new year. 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for many of us, which makes a fresh start a very appealing prospect. If you’re keen to step into a new you in 2021 then there are some simple ways that your hot tub can help you to do it, especially if you’re setting New Year resolutions this year or goals for the next 12 months.

Creating a wellness routine that gives back

New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to think about what you want from the next 12 months, what you’re hoping to let go of and where you want to build. However, there’s a reason that so many resolutions are on the scrap heap before the end of January – they often involve cutting things out, giving things up and generally framing the goal from a negative perspective. If you want to create change that lasts this year then putting a positive spin on your goals can help and your hot tub is a great way to make this happen.

• Integrate your hot tub into your exercise routine. If you’re starting a new exercise programme in January and you know that it’s going to be a challenge then create some positive feeling around it so that you’re not dreading every workout. For example, you could start each session with a soak in your hot tub before you get to the working out stage. This will help your muscles to warm up and give you time and space to relax and get your head in the game. You could also make your hot tub soak the place where you relax after you’ve worked out and celebrate a great session.
• Improving sleep. Research and surveys have found that not many of us make sleep a priority, despite the fact that a good night’s sleep can make all the difference to how we feel about life the next day. Whether your goals for next year are to focus more and be more productive, to eat better or to be more positive all of these will be influenced by how well you sleep. Add in to your schedule for each week a 15 minute soak around half an hour before you go to sleep – in the water your body temperature will rise and then as you get out and ready for bed it will fall again, preparing your body gradually for easier and higher quality sleep.
• Prioritising key relationships. It’s hard to make time for the people that we love with everything that our day holds sometimes. In the hot tub there are no devices and no distractions – it’s a great way to be more sociable, to prioritise family time or to spend some essential moments alone.

Your hot tub can help you in focusing on what really matters in 2021. Whether that’s physical wellness, sleep or key relationships these are just some of the ways it can support you in creating routines that help you uncover a new you.