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How to enjoy your hot tub this autumn

Autumn_Hot_Tub_Use

This time of year is fantastic for many things – cosy jumpers, long walks in crunchy leaves and… hot tubs. If you found the summer a little warm to really enjoy your hot tub and winter is often uncomfortable getting in and out of the water then autumn is perfect. Whether you choose to enjoy your hot tub on a misty autumn morning or a sunny late afternoon this time of year is ideal if you have a hot tub at home. So, how can you really make the most of it?

Have a movie night

In a couple of months our outside spaces will get less use so now is the time to really make the most of yours. Outdoor movie night is a great way to enjoy the warm water and being outside. If you don’t have a TV in your outdoor area then you can hook up a bed sheet and a projector to create a giant screen. Just add popcorn and your friends (or not) and you’re good to go!

Throw a hot tub party

Halloween is the ideal occasion to celebrate with a hot tub party this year. Although you’ll have to bear current COVID restrictions in mind you can still enjoy a sociable eve on autumn’s spookiest occasion. Get creative with the Halloween themed treats and decorations to make sure your evening really goes with a bang.

Combine your hot tub with autumn favourites

Whether it’s a pumpkin spiced latte or crumpets and jam there’s no reason not to enjoy all your favourite things about autumn from the comfort of your hot tub. Create some time to take your coffee outside on an autumn day and get all the hydrotherapy benefits of the warm water, combined with the open air and the positive impact of a few moments with something you really enjoy.

Get cosy

This time of year is great for getting cosy, enjoying the calmer pace of life and carving out some space to take a step back and relax. A hot tub is a great place to do this in autumn as it’s relaxing and somewhere that you can have some serious ‘me time.’ For many people this means getting into a book and enjoying it with your favourite beverage – we’d recommend a brand new thriller and some hot cider for a seasonal treat.

Enjoy an early start

Autumn mornings can feel very special and your hot tub is the ideal place to enjoy these. You might want to take a pen and paper outside with you and engage in a bit of bird watching. Or this could be the perfect time to just sit and notice your surroundings as the seasons change. If you’re struggling with the motivation to get up as the mornings get darker try a dip in your hot tub to help you out of bed.

These are just some of the ways that you can get more from your hot tub this autumn.

 

How can you use your sauna?

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Across the world saunas are not just seen as a luxury but an integral part of daily life for many people. If you’re lucky enough to have a sauna at home then there are many health benefits to enjoy as well as the blissful feeling that time spent in a warm, dry atmosphere like this can bring. Getting the most from your sauna depends on whether you know how to use it – and what for. These are our top tips for home sauna use.

Using your sauna – the basics

Using your sauna in the right way will ensure that you have an optimal experience and can enjoy all the health and wellbeing benefits on offer.

  • Prepare properly. It’s a good idea to have a shower before you take a sauna so that the surface of your skin is clean. Dry off properly and then drink a glass of water just before you’re ready to go in.
  • Dress well. In a sauna clothes can actually make the heat less effective as they will trap sweat against your skin and start to cool you down. So, wear as little as you can in the sauna. For most people this will be swimwear or just a towel.
  • Choose your spot. Heat rises and so the higher you sit in a sauna the hotter the atmosphere is likely to be. Make sure you’re sitting completely on your towel with your legs slightly drawn up towards you so that you don’t burn your skin on the surface of the sauna.
  • Start slowly. If you’re getting used to the sauna for the first time then spending two to six minutes in there for each session is ideal. You can then start building up to 10-15 minutes when you feel more comfortable and used to the heat and the way it will make you feel.
  • Give yourself time to cool down. You’ll get the most from your sauna if you go in for several rounds at a time but it’s important to make sure that you spend some time cooling down in between each one. Sit and drink some water to replace the fluids that you’ve lost, have a cold shower or take a dip in a cool pool for a circulation boost.

The way that you use your sauna may depend on what you’re looking to get from the experience. Saunas are renowned for their ability to relieve stress and relax muscles and using a sauna before bedtime can help to improve both the quality of your sleep and how easy you find it to get to sleep. Saunas will flush the toxins from your body and can be a great tool in getting clearer skin and helping your body to fight illness. They can also improve cardiovascular performance and help to burn calories.

Using your sauna the right way ensures that you have the best possible experience and that you get the most from what your sauna has to offer to your health and lifestyle.

How to revolutionise your garden with a hot tub

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If your garden isn’t currently much to write home about, a hot tub could totally change that. A wonderful hot tub in the right location has a lot to add to your life, whether that’s creating somewhere you can relax and chill out or providing a space in which you can be more sociable. If you’re looking to revolutionise your garden with a hot tub then these are some of the steps that are going to be involved.

Where are you going to put the hot tub?

This is an important consideration because it will impact how much you’re able to enjoy your hot tub and your garden. For example, if you put the hot tub where it’s overlooked then you may not be able to fully relax – or if your view is your neighbour’s garage then it might not feel particularly blissful. So, think carefully about where to place the hot tub if you want to use it to revolutionise your garden. Key considerations here will be ensuring that you have a smooth, level surface on which to position the hot tub, that there is drainage and that the hot tub can be accessed for maintenance and repairs. If privacy is a key concern to you then this also needs to come into play here. Practicalities may also need to be considered, such as where the nearest power source is and how you’re going to fill the hot tub.

What are you going to put the hot tub on?

For many people, reinforced concrete slabs are the obvious choice but you may prefer something different for your garden. You have a number of different options here, including a pre-made platform or a gravel base. Decking that has been designed to support a hot tub is also another good option and can be particularly aesthetically pleasing if you’re keen to transform the way that your garden looks.

How will you have access to the hot tub?

There are two key elements to think about here. The first is access in terms of how you’re going to get the hot tub into the location where you want it to stay permanently. This should be simple and you’ll need to consider whether anything, such as fencing, needs to be temporarily removed to accommodate it. The second is how you will access the hot tub when you want to use it. For example, will walking across the garden in the cold ruin the experience for you or will the seclusion at the end of the garden be worth it?

How are you going to look after the hot tub?

If you want to use a hot tub to revolutionise your garden then it needs to be a source of pride in the months and years to come. This means ensuring that you know what is necessary in terms of maintenance and servicing and that the positioning of the hot tub makes it easy to do this, whether that is checking electrical components or draining the water.

If you want to make an impact with your hot tub then you need to have a clear plan in place.

Do I need to service my hot tub?

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The short answer is: yes. If you want to ensure that your hot tub lasts and that you get to enjoy it for years to come then servicing a hot tub is an essential part of the process of owning one. In the same way as you expect to service a car every year in order to ensure that it’s still running optimally, you should also expect to apply the same process to your hot tub so that you’re getting the most from it and you are aware of any issues before they have the potential to escalate.

I spent a lot on the hot tub so I probably don’t need to service it do I?

It doesn’t matter how much the hot tub cost it still needs looking after. In fact it’s arguable that the more you spend on a hot tub the more essential the servicing will be. Getting your hot tub serviced will reassure you that it’s all functioning as it should but you’ll also be able to see if there are any issues with it right now or whether any are likely to arise in the near future. Handling problems quickly keeps costs down and ensures you don’t have to deal with unexpected failure.

What if I just look after my hot tub really well?

We’d recommend that you do this any way – a hot tub is a great investment and has a huge range of benefits, from being a social space to enjoy with your friends to bringing the advantages of hydrotherapy into your life. It’s important to clean it regularly, change the water and ensure that you’re using it as per the manufacturer’s advice. However, even if you’re doing all these things it’s still essential to book in an annual service. You won’t have the expertise to be able to spot the simplest issues – such as rubber seals that have been eroded by chlorine – but a professional will.

Ok so what does a hot tub service actually involve?

It’s a thorough inspection of the hot tub. The engineer will start by inspecting the outside of the hot tub and looking for any signs of issues, such as a build up of algae. After that the hot tub water is treated with strong chemicals so that any large limescale build-ups can be dissolved and any internal blockages broken down. When the hot tub has been flushed out and drained it is inspected internally and fully cleaned – this will identify any problems and also be the kind of deep clean that you wouldn’t be able to achieve without a professional. The side panels are taken off and an inspection of wiring and electrical components carried out, including maintenance of valves. Finally, the hot tub is refilled again so that it is ready for use.

A hot tub can be a big investment and that’s why it makes sense to book in an annual service to ensure that you can continue to enjoy it for many years.

 

How to turn your garden into a hot tub sanctuary

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Having a hot tub in your garden is a wonderful asset that you can use to improve your wellbeing and enhance your lifestyle. The setting that your hot tub is in can have a big impact on how much enjoyment you get from the hot tub and whether you’re able to use it all year round. Spend a little time turning your garden into a sanctuary for the hot tub and you will make it an even more enjoyable experience and somewhere you will treasure spending time in.

Start with the basics

Privacy is probably going to be key when it comes to feeling like your hot tub is located in a secluded sanctuary. Not all of us are lucky enough to have extensive private grounds in which to locate the hot tub but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still create some privacy for your sanctuary. Bamboo screens or other similar structures can be really useful when it comes to creating privacy and will feel natural and gentle in an outdoor environment. If your hot tub is overlooked from above then you may want to consider adding some kind of shelter or canopy. There are many different options for this – for example, you could use flowers or plants to create a romantic canopy or a more robust wooden structure if you want something that will withstand the weather. If you’re planning to use your hot tub all year round then the canopy should also provide shelter from the sun in the summer and bad weather in the winter months.

Add some luxury

The area around the hot tub is a space where you can add some luxe touches that will make your hot tub feel like a real sanctuary. A comfortable and stylish table and chairs or sun loungers and a chaise longue with plump cushions could be the ideal way to make this area feel opulent and ultra cosy. Cushions, blankets and pillows can add texture and comfort – just remember that whatever you choose, if you don’t have shelter, then these items will need to be weatherproof.

Don’t forget the natural setting

A garden setting is a wonderful place for a hot tub as nature can be incredibly relaxing. Consider the scents and smells that are likely to reach you from the plants that are surrounding your hot tub – lavender, for example, is renowned for its relaxing properties and tends to come into its own on a hot summer day. You might also want to redesign the way that garden looks in the area around the hot tub. Brightly coloured flowers can feel inspiring while luscious green leaves and plants can bring an instant sense of calm. It’s worth bearing in mind when you use the hot tub most as this can also make a difference – some plants and flowers are at their best at specific times of the day, for example gardenias and evening primrose smell best after sunset.

If you have a hot tub in your garden then it’s really worth making the effort to turn that area into a beautiful sanctuary.

 

Why should you consider a swim spa?

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There are many good reasons to consider a swim spa, whether that’s for therapeutic purposes, health and fitness or relaxation and wellness. These cleverly designed mini pools provide a range of opportunities to enhance your current lifestyle from the comfort of your own home. You don’t need to have any particular expertise – or a specific level of fitness – to use one and you can start to enjoy the benefits straight away.

How does a swim spa work?

Swim spas are designed with powerful jets inbuilt that provide a current for you to swim against. So, you don’t actually move within the swim spa itself but the resistance provided by the jets means that you can swim as far as you want. You can also set the strength of the resistance to suit your physical needs, enjoying an intense workout or a gentle swim that offers effective therapy.

Why should you consider a swim spa?

  • You can swim at home. For most people the idea of having a full sized pool at home simply isn’t feasible. The costs of installation and maintenance can be high and most gardens just won’t accommodate one with any room to spare. A swim spa is much easier to find a space for, simpler to maintain and provides you with the opportunity to swim on a daily basis.
  • Swimming is full body exercise. Swimming for just 30 minutes a week can provide a boost to your body in terms of both cardiovascular exercise and muscle toning. Swimming uses almost every muscle in the body and is a great way to burn calories. It’s also low impact, which means it’s much gentler on your joints than running or using the gym.
  • A simple stress reliever. Exercise is a great way to help relieve stress but exercise in water is even more effective. Research has found that swimming for just 20 minutes a couple of times a week can help to significantly reduce stress levels, bring blood pressure down and release feel good hormones into your system.
  • The benefits of hydrotherapy. Human beings have been using hydrotherapy for centuries to help improve wellness and aid recovery. A swim spa is a very easy way to access this, whether you’re looking to ease tired muscles or recover from an injury. Warm water helps to boost circulation and increased blood flow around the body has all kinds of benefits, from minimising the pain from chronic conditions to rehabilitation. If you’re in water that is warmer than 28 degrees then you’ll also enjoy a detoxification effect and this can help to make the immune system more effective at collecting and removing toxins from the body. Spending time in a swim spa can also be ideal if you’re embarking on a new exercise regime, helping to ease soreness and provide an opportunity to keep moving on slower days.

These are just some of the reasons why now is the ideal time to consider a swim spa for your home.

Our top tips for the perfect hot tub party this summer

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Now that we’re in the heart of the British summer most of us are looking to spend as much time as possible outside while the days are warm and the evenings light. Hot tub parties are the ideal way to enjoy your outside space and to throw a party without keeping all the guests inside. If you’re planning a hot tub party for the summer then these are our top tips to make sure that it’s memorable.

Create atmosphere with the lighting and decorations

You’ll need to make sure that there’s enough light outside so that people can move around safely when the sun goes down. You can also use lights to create a party atmosphere, whether that’s softer LEDs or flickering candle flames, colourful shades or strings of fairy lights. Decorations can be anything you want them to, from bunting through to disco balls.

Be ready for any weather

The British weather can be unpredictable so it’s a good idea to have a plan for all eventualities. Shade from the sun may be a necessity on a hot day and you might need to factor in shelter for the hot tub if the forecast looks like rain.

Invest in the right music

Whether you’re playing your own collections or streaming the tunes it’s essential to have music at any party. The music that you choose can have a big influence over the party, whether you opt for upbeat dance tracks or something slower and more sophisticated. Create your playlists in advance so that all you have to do on the night is just press play.

Make sure that everyone is comfortable

If you’re going to put your hot tub at the centre of your party experience it’s essential to ensure that everyone can use it comfortably. That might mean providing big, soft fluffy towels, some heaters for after dark or even robes that people can put on when they get out of the water.

Give people the right glasses

Although real glass can be a great way for people to get the most from their drinks it also creates a nightmare if dropped and smashed in or around the hot tub. The last thing you want to have to deal with during a hot tub party is cut feet or damage to your hot tub. Acrylic glasses are a great alternative – they come in many different sizes and types and they won’t create such a safety hazard if they break. If you’re really worried about spills and breakages in the hot tub then it’s sometimes easier to make it a drink free zone.

Upgrade the comfort

There are lots of options for making your hot tub ultra comfortable for your party guests, from waterproof pillows to drinks floats. Choose the accessories that work with the vibe of your event and the way that you want to host it.

If you want to make sure that your hot tub party is perfect this summer then these are our top tips.

 

What can your hot tub do for your body?

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A hot tub is often viewed as a life enhancing luxury and it’s true that there is a lot the right model can add to your lifestyle. However, what is often overlooked is just how many health benefits you could enjoy with a hot tub in your life. There is a lot that a hot tub can do for your body that you may not previously have considered.

Better sleep

Almost three quarters of us say that we just don’t get enough sleep. The consequences of this can range from feeling tired and grumpy to making mistakes and suffering from anxiety. A hot tub is one way that you can improve your sleep patterns and quality. Stepping in to the tub before bed can set your body up for sleep by increasing relaxation and encouraging tense muscles to release.

Hydrotherapy and stress

So many people suffer from stress today and it’s easy to develop unhealthy habits in response to it, such as overeating or drinking too much. Hydrotherapy is one option that is very effective and works quickly – the body’s autonomic nervous system equals out when it is enveloped in warm water. This can help to bring stress levels down and provide a break from anxiety.

Soothing sore muscles

Painful muscles could be the result of a chronic condition or the impact of a new exercise regime. Spending time in a hot tub is a quick and simple way to help tackle this on a regular basis. The heat from the hot tub helps to encourage better blood flow around the body while the jets can bring relief by massaging your muscles in a targeted way. Particularly as part of a regular routine, a hot tub has a lot to offer in terms of soothing sore muscles.

Mental health issues

Anxiety and depression are very commonplace today. Particularly given the recent uncertainty that many of us has suffered with respect to work and life in the wake of COVID-19, anxiety levels have shot up. This can make it difficult to sleep, work and get the most out of your life. A hot tub is a great tool for dealing with anxiety. The warm water helps to calm the nervous system and features such as LED lights and integrated Bluetooth speakers can be used to create an atmosphere in which it’s easier to let go of troubling thoughts and find some peace and space.

Joint pain

Problems such as arthritis can be incredibly painful and affect a large number of people, especially as we get older. Swollen, painful joints may be very debilitating and make every day life feel hard. A hot tub can offer relief from this, as the warm water will help to bring down swelling and inflammation – this helps with pain management at the time and can also continue even after you’re no longer in the hot tub.

These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub has a lot to offer for every body.

 

Is it actually possible to swim in a swim spa?

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The short answer to this question is a resounding yes! It’s totally possible to swim in a swim spa – in fact, this is one of the reasons why the swim spa was developed. Being able to swim at home used to require the luxury of a large pool, which could be expensive to install and maintain and which most people simply don’t have the space for. A swim spa is much smaller but still provides options for swimming as far, and as fast, as you want.

How does a swim spa work?

It’s the watery equivalent of a treadmill. Most of us have either used or seen a treadmill, whether at home or in the gym. On a treadmill you can run for miles without ever moving from a single spot and a swim spa is the same concept. A swim spa comes with a unit built in that pushes a consistent current towards you when you’re swimming, allowing you to essentially swim on the spot. You can set the resistance of the swim spa so that you’re moving at the pace that works best for you.

What’s the swimming experience like?

Most people who use a swim spa describe it as similar to open water swimming, not just because you can be out in the open air when you do it but also because the water can present a good level of challenge. Like a treadmill it can take a little getting used to but offers a great opportunity for daily exercise at home once you’re comfortable with the feeling and how you want to swim in it.

Is a swim spa like a hot tub?

The main difference is that the hot tub is designed to be enjoyed without moving. You’ll still get many of the hydrotherapy benefits of the hot tub experience in a swim spa but with the added advantage of being able to exercise too. Also, the flow rate in a swim spa tends to be higher because of the design and the technology required for the swim jets tends to be more advanced. If you’re looking for a way to exercise in water then the swim spa is the obvious choice.

What are the benefits of the swim spa?

Having a swim spa at home means that you’re able to exercise to your own schedule and as often as you want to. No expensive gym fees to pay and no need to share the water with strangers. Particularly in the light of COVID-19 it’s not just more convenient to have a swim spa at home but could be safer too. Swimming is a full body exercise that uses most major muscle groups but is supported and easy on joints and muscles. It’s a great way to exercise without risking the injuries that come from some higher impact sports, such as running.

It’s definitely possible to swim in a swim spa and the experience could change your life.