Author Archives: Christina Mantoura

The word “chemicals” may not seem to be synonymous with health and wellness. However, a hot tub that hasn’t been properly treated can be a very dangerous place for the human body. Even if you’re looking for the most natural possible experience with your hot tub it will still be important to ensure that you have the right mix of chemicals in there to keep you safe. As with everything, it’s always possible to strike a balance that works for you.

A hot tub without chemicals – what are the risks?

The average hot tub is usually kept at a temperature of around 25-40°C – this creates optimum conditions for fungi and bacteria to thrive, both of which can be highly detrimental for humans. If you decided to use your hot tub without any chemicals at all the water would soon become green and there could be a whole range of unfortunate – and dangerous – health consequences.

A hot tub sanitiser is essential

Chlorine is the most popular option for hot tubs and there is a very good reason for this – it’s a cheap and effective way to sanitise your hot tub and make sure that the water in it is safe for you, your friends, family and guests to use. It’s also an incredibly fast acting sanitiser so it will start working very quickly and provide protection almost straight away. However, not everyone likes using chlorine. You may be allergic to this chemical or you may have had a bad experience in the past – if so there are other options. It’s worth noting that if you feel like you’ve had problems with chlorine elsewhere, for example at a public pool, this may not necessarily be the chlorine itself but could be another issues, such as a PH imbalance or too little chlorine in the water leading to a bacterial infection.

What are the alternatives to chlorine?

If you’re really not keen on chlorine in your hot tub there are two main alternatives:

• Bromine. This chemical comes from the same family as chlorine but tends to be a little softer on the skin and isn’t quite as fast acting. Although Bromine is usually more expensive than chlorine it will regenerate every time the water is shocked so you may need less of it. Bromine is also very effective in hotter water, which is ideal for a hot tub.
• Salt. If you’re looking for a more natural option, salt systems are a great choice. These use sodium chloride in the water to create chlorine to sanitise it.

Every hot tub requires some kind of system in place to ensure that the water is clean and you are protected from bacteria and fungi. However, there is no need to use harsh chemicals in your hot tub and with the right approach you can keep the use of chemicals to a minimum. The key is to ensure that you have just enough to provide sanitising protection for you and everyone you plan to share the hot tub with.

New year, new you – new hot tub? It’s the time of year when many of us are looking for new ideas and making an investment in a hot tub is a great way to bring something fresh into your routines in 2020. If you’re planning to buy a hot tub this year then there are five things you need to do first.

1. Go and see some hot tubs

You don’t have to buy your hot tub from a showroom but it’s often a good idea to visit one first so that you can get an idea of dimensions, style and the models that you prefer. Especially if you’re investing a lot of resources into a hot tub purchase it’s essential to research it properly first.

2. Work out where you’re going to put it

In particular, it’s important to ensure that you have a good, stable, level base for the hot tub. If you’re planning to put the hot tub on grass then you’ll need to rethink this, as it’s not an appropriate surface for a number of reasons (e.g. potential sinking). Decking can work as long as it’s strong enough to handle the weight but for most hot tubs a solid, 4-inch thick (minimum) concrete base is often the best choice.

3. Make sure you can get it there

This is the element of buying a hot tub that many people don’t consider until it’s too late – how are you going to get the hot tub into position? Most hot tubs come fully constructed, which means that you’ll need to ensure there is enough access, in terms of width and height, to get the hot tub to where it needs to be. This may mean removing some fence panels, for example, or using a crane to lower the hot tub over a roof and into position. All of this needs to be considered, and planned for, in advance.

4. Get detailed when it comes to the specifications

In particular, how many jets and pumps do you want the hot tub to have? The number and quality of pumps in a hot tub will have a direct impact on performance – investing in a well engineered system can not only increase the experience you have of the hot tub but its longevity too. Jets are also an important consideration – more jets doesn’t necessary mean a better hot tub but it’s worth looking at how many jets you want and where you want them to be.

5. How do you want to use the hot tub?

This is particularly relevant when it comes to the type of seating you opt for. For example, if it’s just for you and a partner then two lounger seats could be ideal. But if you’re planning to have friends and family over you might want a hot tub with more seats and in an upright design.

Buying a hot tub is an exciting time – these top tips will help you to ensure that you’re ready.

Everyone takes a slightly different approach when it comes to their hot tub. In terms of best practice, just like a car, it’s a good idea to ensure that you do get your hot tub serviced. This will not only guarantee that everything is working well in terms of all the component parts but also provide early warning of issues that could be potentially costly if left unchecked further down the line. So, although you don’t necessarily need to get your hot tub serviced in order to carry on using it, if you want to make sure that you get the most out of it then this can be a good idea.

What type of hot tub needs to be serviced?

The short answer is: all of them. The level of servicing that your hot tub needs will depend on a range of factors, such as the type of hot tub you have, where it is positioned and how old it is. It will also be contingent on how much time you have available personally when it comes to carrying out the maintenance and repairs that could prolong the life of your hot tub.

What type of servicing should you opt for?

There are many different ways to approach servicing for a hot tub. An annual service is often a fairly standard choice. This will apply a number of key standards to your hot tub, enabling a professional to come in every 12 months and check water quality and electrical terminals, as well as examining the plumbing and all the key components of the hot tub. This type of service will also usually involve flushing the hot tub through so that any biofilm is removed and then cleaning and refilling it. An engineer performing this type of annual service will also be able to provide advice, for example when it comes to reducing running costs or what you can do to help increase the life of your hot tub.

When should you increase the frequency of servicing?

As a hot tub gets older there are definite benefits to investing in a more frequent service – although many people do choose to do this from the start to keep a new hot tub fresh. Committing to servicing at shorter intervals may reduce the cost of each individual service and could include a number of additional benefits, such as free cover or drain replacement. If your hot tub is just about to come out of its warranty period then a servicing plan can be a great idea because it will provide essential cover that you may no longer get from a manufacturer once the warranty has come to an end.

If you want to ensure that you get the most out of an investment in a hot tub then it’s important to make sure that it’s serviced regularly. The type of servicing plan that you opt for will depend on your budget, the hot tub itself and the time you have available to look after it yourself.

If, like many other people at this time of year, you’re currently focused on losing weight, having access to a hot tub could help you achieve your goals. There are many benefits to shedding pounds, from improving your confidence to increasing sporting ability and general enjoyment of life. It’s essential to take a healthy and gentle approach to weight loss so that it’s sustainable, and a hot tub can help you to do that.

Losing weight with a hot tub

It is actually possible to burn calories simply from using a hot tub – for example, you’ll burn 3% more calories from a hot tub than you would by sitting on the sofa. However, these direct weight loss benefits are relatively modest compared to the other ways in which a hot tub can support you on your weight loss journey.

Using a hot tub for exercise

The resistance created by the water in a hot tub can significantly increase the impact of any exercise that you do while you’re in it. The buoyancy of the water supports your muscles too so there is much less chance of injury. Try yoga in a hot tub or opt for a homemade work out including exercises such as bicycle crunches and calf raises.

Getting better sleep

As anyone knows who has ever tried to remain motivated after a night of insomnia, sleep has a huge part to play in how committed you can be to a healthier lifestyle. Lack of sleep has been found to contribute to an increased appetite, as well as cravings for sugary snacks, which can make it difficult to remain within weight loss goals. Plus, lack of sleep can leave you feeling too tired to train. However, if you’re able to spend 15 minutes in a hot tub each evening you can prepare your body for sleep and enjoy a better night’s rest as a result.

Minimising stress and maximising effort

Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can destabilise plans for healthier living, for example by interrupting sleep patterns and increasing the potential for stress eating. Cortisol has also been linked to increased body fat and reduced muscle building. In a hot tub the combination of hot water and targeted hydrotherapy jets helps to relax muscles and slow breathing, gradually bringing cortisol levels down.

Recovery and reward

For most people, getting in shape involves a combination of diet changes as well as a new exercise regime. Any form of increase in physical activity can cause aches and pains that may make you feel like you don’t want to get back to the gym/running track etc for the next session. The warmth of a hot tub increases blood flow around the body, stimulating recovery and repair and can be very effective as part of a healing and cooling recovery process. It’s also a motivational and calorie free reward – looking forward to a hot tub session is a great way to push through your next workout.

These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub can help you with your weight loss journey this year.

When it comes to new year resolutions those that relate to health and fitness tend to be the most popular. If you opted to set these goals for yourself in 2020 then you’re not alone, as millions of other people have also decided that this is the year to get fitter, slimmer and be more active. Unfortunately, the failure rates for new year resolutions tend to be high – up around the 80 – 90%. However, if you have access to a hot tub then you have a secret weapon that will enable you to better achieve your goals this year. Here’s how:

BRINGING YOUR STRESS LEVELS DOWN

Stress has a generally negative impact on the human body and this is especially so when it comes to what we eat. The release of cortisol during a stressful situation may cause you to start craving high fat, high calorie foods, which can do a lot of damage to a carefully managed diet. If your cortisol levels remain consistently high then this can prevent new muscle being built and cause the body to store more fat in response. Soaking in a hot tub for just 15 minutes a day can significantly reduce stress levels. It will slow your breathing, relax muscles and help to slow down or stop the release of cortisol as your anxiety fades away.

ENCOURAGING RECOVERY FROM INJURY

When you take on a new exercise regime it can cause a lot of new aches and pains and you may even find that you end up injured. A hot tub could form an essential part of the process of preparing for, and recovering from, exercise. The warmth of the water means that capillaries and blood vessels dilate and blood flows more freely around the body, which can speed up recovery, as well as getting your muscles warm for activity. You’re also much less likely to try to avoid your next exercise session as a result of aches and pains from the last one.

IMPROVING QUALITY OF SLEEP

We all know what it feels like when you wake up after a bad night’s sleep – you’re tired, cranky and hungry. Lack of sleep can spike cortisol levels and result in lots of cravings that will ruin new year resolution diets. Sleep deprivation causes the body to release more ghrelin, which is the hormone that makes you hungry so if you’re not sleeping then you will struggle to stick to those goals. A hot tub session each night before you go to bed can help to combat this. Hot water helps the body to relax and get ready to wind down for the night. It’s often a much more effective way to switch off at the end of a hard day than having a glass of wine, which can add calories and actually keep you awake.

If you’ve set new year resolutions that revolve around health and wellness for 2020 there is plenty that you can use your hot tub for to help you achieve these positive goals.

Hot tubs are not just for summer. At this time of year if you’re lucky enough to have a hot tub it can really enhance your life. From helping to soothe seasonal aches and pains to getting you outdoors and giving you the opportunity for new experiences, winter is a great time to use your hot tub.

Warm hydrotherapy is the one

Do you find that your joints ache more at this time of year? Maybe you struggle to get warm in winter or it’s more difficult to recover from a heavy session at the gym. Regularly spending time in your hot tub can help with this, as it will loosen muscles to make physical activity easier to do and help to relieve any discomfort you experience after a long spell outside or a strong training session.

It can also boost your mood

Spending time in a warm, bubbly hot tub will help your body to release endorphins – especially useful if you tend to suffer from SAD at this time of year. Frequent hot tub sessions can also be a very effective stress reliever, helping to relax your mind and muscles and giving you space in which to step back from the hectic pace of every day life.

Finding the right spot for your hot tub is key

The right place will depend on how you want to enjoy being in the hot tub in winter. For example, you might prefer to have the hot tub close to your home so that you can get in and out quickly when it’s cold. On the other hand, you might prefer to position the hot tub away from the house so that you can enjoy some peace and quiet and get a good view of the stars.

How to enjoy your hot tub in winter

• Have dry clothes or a robe and slippers handy so that you can slip into them and get dry as soon as you get out of the water.
• Don’t stay in the hot tub for longer than you normally would. It might be tempting to keep having another five minutes as the air outside is cold but it’s still possible to get dehydrated if you stay in there too long.
• Consider a hat. Having something warm and cosy on your head can enhance the experience even more.
• Make it a really sociable space. Whether you’re looking to combat symptoms of SAD with social interaction or keen to find an alternative location for a party, your hot tub can add a bit of glamour and make it an unusual and memorable occasion.
• Keep up the schedule of cleaning and maintenance. You’ll need to continue to maintain and clean the hot tub during the winter as you would during the summer even if you’re using it slightly less.

Having a hot tub is a great way to get outside and enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy all year round. Winter is one of the best times of year to appreciate having a hot tub at home.

Winter is a great time of year to really get the most from your hot tub. Being immersed in warm bubbles is especially enjoyable when it’s cold outside and could even be therapeutic if you suffer from stiff muscles and joints at this time of year. However, using a hot tub in winter is different to the summer months – these are out dos and don’ts for getting the most from your experience.

• DO get a good winter cover. The more insulated the cover the more heat will be preserved inside and the less energy will be required to heat your hot tub.
• DO lock the cover. If you’ve invested in a proper winter cover then make sure it’s fully secured so that it’s not allowing any heat or steam to escape. If the cover is tightly shut it will keep your heating costs down and ensure you don’t have to keep topping up the water level.
• DON’T change the water if it’s really cold. Although you may have scheduled a water change for every 3-4 months if that day falls within a period when temperatures are really low then wait until they rise again. If you don’t then you risk your pipes freezing. If you absolutely must change the water do it in small amounts so that you’re refilling and reheating the water each time.
• DO turn the jets off in winter when you’re not in the tub. The air that comes through the jets will be cold and will bring the water temperature down. This means that your tub will have to work harder just to maintain the right temperature and your energy costs will rise.
• DON’T ignore the colder weather. Using the hot tub in winter can be a magical experience but you do have to make a few changes to the way that you use it. For example, make sure that you’re wearing sandals to get to and from the hot tub, as opposed to walking in bare feet on cold ground. Have towels and a robe handy for as soon as you get out and prioritise getting warm straight away.
• DON’T use snow to refill your hot tub. Even if all the equipment you need is packed away in a frozen shed, using snow just isn’t a good alternative. Not only is it likely to be full of mud and dirt but you’ll have to add a lot of chemicals to the snow water to deal with impurities.
• DO continue to take good care of the hot tub. This is a busy time of year for many of us and it would be easy to simply leave your hot tub and hope for the best. However, if you want to be able to use it right through the winter – and next summer too – you need to ensure you check it once a week, keeping adding the right water chemicals and stick to your maintenance schedule.

Using your hot tub in winter is a great way to get the most from it – as long as you know what to do and what to avoid.