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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.

3 things to consider before buying your hot tub

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Buying a hot tub is a fantastic investment and a great way to make sure that you get the most from your summer (and other seasons too). Hot tubs come in many different shapes and sizes today, with a wide range of specifications. If you’re going to find the right one for you then there are three key things that you need to consider.

What kind of power source are you looking for?

This may not seem like a top priority when you’re deciding between hot tubs but it can actually make a big difference. The first option to consider is the 13A plug and play power source. This is the simpler choice and the one that you’ll find easier to work with if you’re looking for minimum effort. You can simply plug this into any 13A socket and your hot tub will be ready to go. This can also be the cheaper option because the hot tub’s heating system and pumps aren’t working at the same time. The hard wired option tends to use more electricity but has the benefit of providing more power. This means that your jets will be more powerful and you’ll be able to enjoy a deeper massage.

How big do you need the hot tub to be?

Hot tub capacity ranges from small and intimate to models that can accommodate large numbers of people. It’s worth thinking through how you want to use the hot tub before you make a purchase. For example, if it’s a space that you want to share with all the family then a large model will obviously be the best choice. However, if you’re keen to make it somewhere that you spend time alone you might want to opt for a smaller hot tub. The space that you have available will also have a big part to play here. Will the hot tub that you want fit within your desired location and is the ground there appropriate to support a hot tub of that size? These are all key questions that will need to be answered before buying your hot tub.

What are you priorities where features are concerned?

Perhaps you’re looking for a simple hot tub that is just all about the best possible hydrotherapy massage you can get from the jets. Or maybe you’re interested in the range of additional features that are available today. For example, you could have a Bluetooth sound system that means you can connect devices by Bluetooth to make your hot tub a super sociable space. You might also opt for LED lighting or lounger seats so that it’s easier and more comfortable to recline in the hot tub. Some hot tubs also offer the option of smart phone controls so that you can use your phone to heat up the tub so that it’s ready when you want to get in.

Buying a hot tub could transform your outside space and give you access to a wealth of lifestyle benefits. These are the three key factors to consider when deciding which one best suits you.

Using a hot tub in the summer

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Can I use my hot tub in the summer? This is a common question and one to which there is a very simple answer: yes. Hot tubs can be enjoyed all year round, providing a warming experience when it’s cold outside and offering some major benefits when the temperature rises. Whether you’re looking to use your hot tub to de-stress, to help with injury recovery, as somewhere to socialise or for the benefits of hydrotherapy there are plenty of ways to ensure that you can enjoy all this throughout the summer too.

Cool it down

If you find the hot tub too warm in summer then the simplest option is just to turn it down. You can try out the water at different temperature or simply turn the heating function off and use the hot tub as a cool plunge pool with jets. Leaving the cover off over night will help to lower the temperature further (although be sure to put this back on in the morning as exposure to hot sun will heat the water up).

Add some shade

In the winter you may not be concerned about sunlight – in fact, you might be grateful for it when you’re in your hot tub. However, when it’s hot outside there is the risk of burning and the strength of the sun can make a hot tub feel like an uncomfortable experience. Adding some shade around your hot tub is an easy fix for this. Portable umbrellas and sun shades instantly block the sun and will make your space feel cooler.

Enjoy the bad weather

Few of us wish for rain in the summer but if you do get a cooler, drizzly day then this can be a great opportunity for a new experience in your hot tub. As long as there is no risk of lightning then a hot tub in the rain can be a really enjoyable experience.

Opt for different soaking times

If you’re keen to avoid your hot tub during the heat of the day then try jumping in when the temperature is cooler. You might find that an early morning session really sets you up for the rest of the day, helping you to find a few precious moments alone and providing some space for contemplation in the cool of the morning.  In the evenings your hot tub could be the ideal place to cool off and relax with family or friends.

Socialise your space

A hot tub can be a great place for a party. Even if not everyone is in the hot tub, having the option of a dip can make an event feel relaxed and unusual and give people a reason to attend, especially if they don’t have their own hot tub at home.

At this time of year there are even more reasons to make sure that your hot tub is ready to use. From enjoying rainy summer days to inviting friends and family to share the experience there are lots of ways to use a hot tub in summer.

What can a hot tub do for you?

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Hot tubs are fun and a great place to socialise. However, that’s just one of the many benefits of having a hot tub at home – there is a lot more that a hot tub can do for you if you use it regularly.

  • Improving wellness. Hydrotherapy – water therapy – has been a foundation of wellness for thousands of years. You can enjoy this in your hot tub, which has a range of benefits. For example, soaking in your hot tub can help aid sleep, sending the message to the brain that it’s time to switch off and relax for the night and improving the quality of sleep. Time in your hot tub can also boost your immune system – the warm water increases your internal temperature and the body’s natural reaction to that is to release white blood cells, which defend the body against disease and infection.
  • Dealing with tension and stress. It’s easy to under estimate the impact that stress can have on the body and on quality of life. Being regularly stressed out can lead to debilitating diseases and may cause painful conditions, such as tension headaches and tense muscles. The warmth of the water in a hot tub, combined with the buoyancy and the jets creates the perfect environment in which to relax and wind down, no matter what is going on, making it easier to find moments of calm when stress doesn’t permeate.
  • Benefits for your blood. Studies have found that regular hot tub use can help with blood sugar management. The increased flow of blood that happens when you’re in a hot tub means that more blood reaches the muscles and stimulates the breakdown of sugars. You’ll also find that being in a hot tub on a regular basis can help with blood pressure. While you’re in the hot tub your heart will pump faster pushing blood around the body at an increased rate. Blood vessels dilate in response and this helps to minimise the pressure on the arterial walls.
  • Recovering from an injury. Whether you’re a professional sportsperson or you’ve tried a new workout on YouTube and ended up with an injury, a hot tub can be a very effective part of a recovery routine. The increase in blood flow around the body that the hot tub triggers can speed up injury recovery, meaning you’re back on your feet more quickly.
  • Pain relief. From the pain of a chronic condition to dealing with discomfort from injury or stress, a hot tub is a great way to manage pain relief. Easy movement in the water can help to stimulate blood circulation so that oxygen can reach injured cells and the release of endorphins that is triggered helps to minimise uncomfortable feelings.

A hot tub can be a wonderful place for enjoying yourself but also has a lot of practical uses too – these are just some of the ways in which your hot tub might be able to help you.