Author Archives: Christina Mantoura

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.

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.

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.

A hot tub has always been a sought after home feature, not just during the colder winter months but in the summer too. From a relaxing space to unwind to somewhere to socialise and have fun, hot tubs are inspiring and offer lots of lifestyle opportunities. If you’re considering a hot tub for your home then one of the key questions might be how much water the average hot tub holds. There are many reasons why you might want to know this and a simple way to find out.

Hot tubs and water

A hot tub can’t function without water. The supply of water is essential for the experience and this can have an impact in a number of different ways, including where you decide to place the hot tub. This needs to be a location where it’s simple and fast to fill the hot tub so that you can get straight in and enjoy. It’s also worth remembering that you will need to change the water in the hot tub regularly as part of a maintenance schedule. With that in mind, easy access to a water source that will provide the volume that the hot tub can hold is an essential part of the process of working out where to place yours. Level ground is another important consideration. Hot tubs that are situated at an angle can experience issues – as soon as you fill the tub with the recommended volume this can start to spill over the side if the hot tub is not straight. Finally, you need to know the volume of water in the hot tub to ensure that you get the balance of chemicals right to keep the water clean and sanitary.

How much water can a hot tub hold?

This depends on the make and model of the hot tub. The easiest way to find this out is to simply ask when you’re looking at your options for purchase. A small model may hold around 1450 gallons of water while a larger, family sized hot tub could require 2500 gallons of water. If you want to work this out yourself or you already have a hot tub and don’t have this information then there are two simple options for calculating the water volume:

• Volume in gallons: Length (inches/inside) x Width (in inches/inside) x Average Water Depth (inches) X 0.00434
• Volume in litres: Length (Meters) x Width (Meters) x Average Water Depth (Meters) x 1000.

The volume of water in your hot tub is an essential measurement that will not only enable you to ensure a safe and sanitary experience but also to make sure that you can get the most out of your hot tub at home. It’s pretty simple to work out how much water the hot tub that you want to buy can hold and once you have this information then you can make informed decisions about everything, from cleaning schedules to where to put the hot tub to make maintenance a breeze.

Hot tubs are becoming increasingly popular for use in the summer months. While it’s easy to see how enjoyable a hot tub could be after a day of exposure to cold temperatures or up in an Alpine environment in winter, there are also lots of benefits to using your hot tub during the summer too. If you want to make the most of it this year then here are our tips.

Turn the heat off

Your hot tub will likely have options for temperature settings and you can easily reduce this so that the water is tepid or even cool. If this is still too warm then simply turn the water heater off and enjoy the jet and spa function of the hot tub without the heat. This means you’ll get all of the hydrotherapy benefits of the hot tub just at a lower temperature. It’s essential to ensure you keep the cover on if you want to do this as when the water is exposed to the sun it will start to heat up.

Jump in when the sun is down

Switching up the times that you use your hot tub is also another simple way to get the most from it in summer. Rather than enjoying the hot tub during the day, have a morning soak instead when the air is still cool and the day has yet to begin. Many people also enjoy a cooler session in the evening when the sun has gone down – this can be a great way to relax after a hard, hot day.

Find ways to keep yourself cool

When you’re using the hot tub in summer there are lots of options for making sure that you don’t overheat. One of the simplest is just to limit the amount of time that you spend in the water to 10/15 minutes per session and then give yourself time to cool off before getting back in. You could also create a spa experience for yourself by jumping out of the hot tub and into a cold shower or paddling pool full of iced water. Something as simple as a cold washcloth on the forehead also works well.

Enjoy yourself

Set up your hot tub so that it’s a space designed for relaxation and fun. That might mean adding lights and music or a projector screen nearby so that you can have a hot tub cinema night. Accessories such as inflatable pillows and glass holders can make it even easier to sit back and relax with a cold glass of something delicious at the end of the day. Just remember to stay hydrated if you’re drinking alcohol and don’t stay too long in the heat of the day if the hot tub is unshaded, as skin can still burn through water.

Your hot tub is a great opportunity to find more ways to have fun, relax and improve your lifestyle without even leaving the house this summer.

There’s no doubt that more of us want to be outside in the summer. But is your hot tub really a good idea? What many people don’t realise is that your hot tub is not only a great asset during the summer months but can also help you to get more from your experience of the seasons too. You can – and should – use your hot tub in the summer, whether you’re looking for a new exercise option or somewhere to find peace on hot and busy days.

Start by turning down the heat

One of the main reasons why many people assume you can’t use a hot tub in the summer is the heat. When it’s warm outside why would you then want to jump into a warm hot tub? There are lots of different ways that you can cool down a hot tub, from simply turning down the temperature to filling it with ice. Once the temperature is lower the hot tub will be much more pleasurable to enjoy in the summer.

Choose a different time of day to use it

If you don’t want to turn down the heat – or you still find it uncomfortable –try shifting the pattern of your hot tub use instead. For example, a hot tub can be a great way to enjoy a rainy summer day when temperatures are lower and you’re looking for warmer water. You can also avoid your hot tub when the sun is at its highest and instead jump in first thing in the morning or last thing at night when the outside air is much cooler. Either can provide a great experience and help you to make the most of the longer summer days.

Seek shelter

You may be put off from using your hot tub in the summer because it’s sitting in a position of direct sunlight. Putting up some shelter around the hot tub will not only create privacy but also a much more pleasant experience, as you don’t have to deal directly with the sun. There are plenty of options for permanent shelter – such as a gazebo – that could be useful in winter too or you could opt for temporary shading that you take down when the summer ends.

Remember all the benefits

Hot tubs have a lot of benefits all year round, from helping to ease aching muscles to reducing stress levels and providing somewhere alternative to exercise in a supported environment. All of the benefits of hydrotherapy remain accessible during the summer too.

Make your hot tub a sociable space

Whether it’s a tea party with your family or drinks and a BBQ with the neighbours, your hot tub can provide a focal point for socialising. Especially when the weather is warm we all love to be around water and you can kit your hot tub out with accessories to make the experience extra fun, from drinks floats to music.

These are just some of the reasons why you can – and should – use your hot tub this summer.