Skip to main content

How do specially-designed covers help to protect your hot tub?

Hot Tub Cover

A hot tub is a great investment that can bring a lot into your life. From hydrotherapy and wellness benefits through to providing a social spot for family and friends, having a hot tub at home is a great asset. If you’ve spent time choosing the right hot tub for you, and money ensuring that you have the right model, then it makes sense to protect your hot tub so that you can enjoy it in perfect condition for as long as possible.

Specially designed hot tub covers

A bespoke hot tub cover is made specially for your hot tub so you know that it will fit perfectly. Most covers are made up of two hinged sections that have been created especially for the dimensions of your hot tub and will be made up of  removable, vinyl shells that can zip open or closed. A good quality hot tub cover is essential if you want to ensure that your hot tub is always an enjoyable experience.

Preserving the heat

A specially designed hot tub cover will help to preserve the heat in your tub and avoid the perils of too much water evaporation. The more heat you’re able to prevent from escaping, the more energy efficient your hot tub can be and the less expense you’ll need to incur when it comes to heating the hot tub to the optimum temperature. A well made cover will also ensure that your water levels don’t drop as a result of evaporation. Too much evaporation can mean spending more to top the tub up and require a readjustment of the chemicals you’re using in the hot tub.

Ensuring your water quality

Adding a bespoke cover to your hot tub keeps everything out that you don’t want in the water. So, bugs and leaf debris, which can block your hot tub filters and look pretty unsightly, are kept firmly out. If you’re using the hot tub indoors then a cover will ensure that you don’t get dust or pet hair in the water either. The end result is that every time you go to use the hot tub, simply pull back the cover and the water is fresh and ready to enjoy.

Supporting maintenance

Every hot tub requires some maintenance but if you leave your hot tub without a cover, or use a generic cover that is poor quality or doesn’t quite fit, then you’re likely to have even more maintenance to deal with – and on a much more regular basis. A quality cover designed especially for your hot tub protects the water and the structure of the tub so that you can enjoy it with minimum maintenance.

We can help you to find the perfect bespoke cover for your hot tub. Contact us to find out more.

4 benefits for working professionals buying a home swim spa

Swim Spas

For working professionals, fitting in the time to focus on relaxation and wellness can be a real challenge. Busy schedules and long days often mean that goals for downtime or exercise are dropped because there simply isn’t the time to go to the gym or attend a yoga class. This is where a home swim spa has a lot to offer – whether your life needs more commitment to health, or you’re keen to find time to relax, there are some key benefits to having this facility at home.

1. A way to workout at home

Swimming is some of the best exercise there is, as it uses almost every part of your body – for a comprehensive workout it’s unbeatable. It’s also much easier to do whatever your current condition, as it’s low impact, and can support a dedicated training regime for athletes, from amateur to professional. A swim spa at home brings all the benefits of this excellent workout to your home so that you can schedule an exercise routine that works for you. Whether you’re starting a new exercise regime or looking to amp up current training, the convenience of a home swim spa means that you’re much more likely to reach your fitness goals.

2. Wellness on tap

Regular exercise will contribute a lot to your overall wellness but that’s not the only benefit that a swim spa has. Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries to improve health, from relieving joint pain, such as arthritis, to helping to reduce the impact of stress that might be causing insomnia or headaches. Research has also shown that spending time in warm water can help to reduce blood pressure and hydrotherapy can have a positive impact on body functions, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. The swim spa’s jets are also incredibly relaxing and can minimise muscular pain, whether it’s chronic or the result of something like strenuous exercise or sitting for too long.

3. Simple maintenance

If your schedule is already incredibly busy then the idea of adding another job to a task list can be challenging. A swim spa brings all the above benefits without also requiring a lot of maintenance that takes up time and just gives you more to do. Swim spas are smaller and simpler to maintain than a full size swimming pool and tend to require fewer chemicals too. Plus, the smaller size means there is less cleaning to schedule.

4. Easy to install

Swim spas have the benefit of being the right size for many spaces so you don’t need to go through the upheaval of lots of building work or structural change to accommodate one. Compact size and a variety of different options when it comes to design and shape mean that a swim spa is one of the simplest options if you’re looking to add exercise and wellness to your life with minimum hassle.

We can help you to find the perfect swim spa to accommodate your busy life – contact us to find out more.

How to pick a hot tub for your holiday home use

Holiday Home Hot Tub

Hot tubs are an increasingly common asset in holiday properties. From luxurious hotels through to boutique retreats, they are a feature of a great trip for many holidaymakers. So much so that many people tend to come home and buy a hot tub for home use – or a hot tub for their own holiday home. If you feel that a hot tub could add fun, relaxation and wellness to your holiday home experience then here are some tips on how to pick the right tub.

Research portability

Most hot tubs are not portable – they are installed in a specific location and require a specific, supportive surface on which to sit. So, if portability is an important consideration for you then there is only one type of hot tub to consider: Softubs. A Softub is lightweight and designed to be low hassle in terms of installation, making it the most portable hot tub on the market.

Work out the positioning

There are many different factors to take into account when it comes to the positioning of your hot tub. For example, you’ll need to make sure that you can connect any cables safely and that you have a power source for the hot tub. It will also be important to ensure that you can gain access to the working parts of the hot tub for repairs or maintenance. And then there’s positioning in terms of the location where you’re likely to get the most benefit from a hot tub. When it comes to holiday homes this is often outside. Softubs tend to have an advantage here too, as they can be placed almost anywhere. There are no restrictions on where you can place a Softub and no concrete base is required. So, from decking and balconies to lawns and roof terraces, your hot tub can go anywhere.

Look at energy efficiency

Especially in homes that are likely to be empty for large parts of the year, energy efficiency is going to be an important feature when it comes to picking the right hot tub. Softubs score highly with respect to energy efficiency and using heat recovery technology. A single unit contains all of pump, motor and heater, and filtered water is warmed by the heat generated from the motor to make the whole system more energy efficient.

Aesthetics and extras

The look of your hot tub will contribute as much to your experience of it in your holiday home as how it performs. So, choose a hot tub that will withstand the weather if it’s placed outside and which has a range of different colours options to choose from. Softubs, for example, have an outer layer made from Leathertex, which is incredibly robust and can withstand most types of weather conditions. You might also want to consider extras for your hot tub, such as a wood surround or a partial roof for shade during hotter days.

Softubs are an obvious choice for holiday homes – contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s expert team for more advice about what is right for your requirements today.

Why your hot tub is a good investment

Enjoying Hot Tub at Home

Hot tubs are often viewed as a luxury – and they are a unique feature, a wonderful way to relax and great place to chill out with family and friends. However, installing a hot tub in your home is not just about adding an extra touch of blissful indulgence. There are many ways in which a hot tub is a good investment, whether you’re looking at lifestyle or physical benefits.

Why a hot tub is a good investment

Wellbeing and lifestyle

Hot tubs are relaxing but they are also beneficial. Spending time in the warm water of a hot tub each day can help to improve circulation, for example, and the jets provide effective massage for the relief of aching muscles or joint pain. A hot tub is a totally relaxing experience, which can be beneficial if you’re struggling to switch off from work or having trouble sleeping.

Family and home

There’s no doubt that a hot tub brings something to a home in many different ways. As a feature it’s an asset, both in terms of the aesthetic appeal and the usability. It’s also somewhere to reconnect with your family and friends – no phones in the hot tub means that you can have you children’s undivided attention the entire time.

Adding value to a property

Although it depends on whether a potential buyer appreciates the benefits of a hot tub, in many situations hot tubs will add value to a property. This will be contingent on a number of different factors, such as the design and quality of the hot tub, the installation and position and how it has been maintained.

Friends and fun

If you’re the only person in the neighbourhood with a hot tub then expect to become instantly more popular when you have one installed! Hot tubs are super sociable and can be ideal places to host parties and gatherings that are informal and fun. They are a great investment for anyone looking for a more vibrant and interesting social life.

Factors that can affect your investment

The quality of the hot tub that you buy will have a big impact on what kind of investment it turns out to be. A good quality, well designed tub with beautiful aesthetics and impressive functionality is always going to be an asset. Low maintenance will also be another factor – for example, self cleaning hot tubs might be a more suitable investment for those with busy lives than a hot tub that requires manual cleaning. Insulation and hot tub design will also have an influence over the quality of the investment. Both can impact on how energy efficient the hot tub is so that your new investment doesn’t end up costing you big in terms of electricity bills every time you want to use it.

These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub is a great investment. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find the perfect make and model for you.

Why are swim spas perfect for hotels and health clubs to install?

Swim Spa in Health Club

The swim spa is the evolution of the swimming pool and the spa pool, and provides a wealth of opportunities for hotels and health clubs looking to offer guests more. From a great facility for exercise and wellness through to somewhere that guests can relax and wind down, there are multiple good reasons why installing a swim spa in your hotel or health club is a sound decision.

Upgrade your amenities

Many guests now choose their health clubs or hotels on the basis of the amenities on offer, not just the rooms or the equipment. Being able to offer guests access to a swim spa is the ultimate luxury and will enhance every visit. The way the swim spa is used depends on your property but with a range of different features, it is a versatile amenity to have for your guests to enjoy.

A touch of luxury for any space

Swim spas can be installed into rooms with almost any dimensions. So, they are an option even for those properties that are short on additional room. If you’re looking to give your guests more every time they visit you, but you don’t have the space to expand to make room for extra facilities, then a swim spa is the ideal choice for space smart luxury.

Doubling up on facilities

The swim spa has the advantage of being both a pool and a hot tub. It has powerful jets that can provide a satisfying massage and a relaxing warm water environment. The swim spa is also fitted with equipment to create a current against which anyone can swim, whether for relaxation or for exercise. Thanks to the resistance of the current, your guests will get a great work out on the spot. The effectiveness of a swim spa workout is widely acknowledged – from learners through to professional swimmers, swim spas are frequently a first choice as a way to exercise and train.

Simple maintenance and upkeep

Swim spas are smaller than a pool and much easier to maintain. Guests will expect all your facilities to be spotlessly clean and working faultlessly – it’s much easier to achieve far higher standards when you have a swim spa. Replacement parts and repairs tend to be easier to source and fit, and the maintenance and cleaning obligations are much less onerous in order to achieve the same high quality results.

Supporting seasonal service

Swim spas can be placed anywhere on a property to ensure maximum enjoyment of the pool. If you’re making the investment of a swim spa for your hotel or health club – and you’re concerned about access to the swim spa in all weathers – then you have many more options in terms of location than you would do with a traditional pool design. For example, if you live somewhere that the winters are long and cold, installing the swim spa inside may make it more popular with your guests.

These are just a few of the reasons why a swim spa makes perfect sense for health clubs and hotels – call us to discuss your options today on 0208 300 4003.

Practical considerations for perfect hot tub placement

Hot Tub Placement

A hot tub is a fairly flexible luxury – if you want to soak in your tub on a deck or a lawn, a balcony or indoors then there is usually an easy way to make that happen. Getting the placement of your hot tub right is going to be a combination of practicality, lifestyle and aesthetics and there are a number of different considerations to bear in mind.

The need for a firm foundation

Many people assume contemporary hot tubs are lightweight but when you combine the materials of the tub itself with the weight of the water the pounds soon add up. A 450-gallon home spa, for example, has a total weight of 5,920 lbs when filled up. So, a solid foundation of support – and a level base – is going to be a key consideration when looking at where to place your hot tub. If your hot tub is outside then concrete slabs, paving stones or gravel make for good foundation materials.

How will you get the hot tub into place?

Even a regular sized hot tub can be a challenge to deliver if you haven’t worked out whether it will fit through doors, fences or hedges in advance. Sometimes it may be necessary to temporarily remove some fence panels or a gate so that the hot tub can be delivered to the property – or there is always the option of a crane. If you’re looking for a very simple delivery process then use the hot tub dimensions you have and work out if the spot you’ve chosen is going to work in terms of delivery logistics.

Convenience and lifestyle

If your hot tub is difficult to use then you may find you get less and less enthusiastic about it over time. The location of the tub can have a big impact here – if it’s convenient and in a great spot where you can make the most of a property, garden or view then you’re much more likely to get more from it. If you live in a country with very cold winters then you might want to consider placing the hot tub closer to your property, or even indoors. Always make sure that, wherever you place the hot tub, it’s going to be safe for children and pets.

Water and drainage

Hot tubs can overflow and spill while in use, plus you’ll also need to drain the tub completely several times a year. So, placing the hot tub close to an existing drain can make life much easier. Bear in mind the effect of the water on any materials in the area too – for example, if the hot tub is going to be positioned on wood you can prepare it with an oil-based sealant to protect it.

The importance of maintenance

It’s crucial that your hot tub is in a location where maintenance is effortless. The equipment access panel should be easy to open and the tub in a position where everything, from large repairs to regular water checks, will be easy to carry out.

Personal choice

Some people want a hot tub to be somewhere very private, in which case it will be important to choose a secluded location that is not overlooked. For others, comfort is the bigger factor and so having the hot tub a few paces from the property or on the lawn will be more important.

Hot tub placement is just one of the key considerations when buying a new hot tub – we can help you find the perfect model for you, as well as the ideal location in which to place it.  Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003.

How can your Softub become part of your holiday home?

13483113_691883964293760_7095228395679695421_o

Whether your holiday home is in the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps or the tropical landscapes of the Seychelles, your Softub has a lot to add to how you experience a vacation property. It’s often only after enjoying the benefits of a Softub elsewhere that holiday homeowners realise just how appealing a Softub as part of a holiday property really is. If you’re keen to enhance your holiday experience then it’s worth looking into how your Softub can become part of your holiday home.

A versatile hot tub choice

If you’re looking for a versatile hot tub that is much more portable than a traditional design then the Softub is perfect. It has been crafted with portability in mind and can be placed on virtually any surface – unlike a traditional hot tub that may require certain support or foundations to be laid. So, that means that whatever the holiday property you have, a Softub can be easily added, whether that’s on decking overlooking a fabulous view or on grass underneath the shade of some trees.

A great way to relax

If there’s one thing most of us want from our holidays it’s to truly relax and wind down. It can be difficult to find a space in which to do this, especially if you are on holiday with children, friends or family. Adding a Softub to your holiday home makes this easy, creating a space in which the warmth of the water, combined with the innovative massage jets will instantly soothe and relax. The structure of the Softub itself is also designed to create an ultra relaxing environment – the more flexible sides have a “give” to them that is a direct contrast to the inflexible surfaces of a traditional hot tub.

Ease of installation

When it comes to holidays and holiday properties, the easier everything is, the better. Ease of installation is one of the major features of a Softub and one that makes it incredibly appealing as an addition to a holiday property. As the world’s most portable spa, the Softub requires minimal disruption and hassle to install and, as you can install it anywhere, there is no need to make structural changes and only one person is required for the installation. Softubs are a hassle free and easy way to introduce an extra element of relaxation for the perfect holiday.

Attractive aesthetics

The leather look outer shell of the Softub provides a luxurious feel, ideal for making you feel like you’re being pampered on holiday. Plus, there are a range of colour choices, as well as extras and additions that enable you to design a Softub that fits with the aesthetics of your holiday property.

Essential energy efficiency

Softubs are renowned for their energy efficiency and for the use of heat recovery technology. Plus, the design is very simple with pump, motor and heater in a single unit. This makes Softubs one of the most energy efficient options, especially attractive for those looking for a hot tub for a holiday property.

To find out more about Softubs for your holiday home, get in touch with the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 309 0600.

How are saunas good for your heart health?

14195475_727746614040828_2403822300446466130_o

If you’ve been in a sauna then you’ve experienced that feel good factor you get after a relaxing session. Saunas have many benefits for skin and circulation and can also aid relaxation and sleep. Now, a study from the University of Eastern Finland has also established that spending time in a sauna could actually have the same positive benefits as exercise when it comes to heart health.

It only takes 30 minutes..

The Finnish study was conducted around testing the effects on heart health of spending 30 minutes in a sauna. It established that just sitting in a sauna could have a positive impact. In fact, 30 minutes in the sauna heat produced similar results to moderate exercise. After spending time in a sauna, those who took part in the study generally had lower blood pressure and less artery stiffness. It was also found that the sauna had increased their heart rate in the same way that might be achieved with a moderate exercise session.

But does it really work?

The study has proven there is definitely an impact on the heart from spending time in a sauna – and that the impact is positive. This isn’t the first piece of research to establish a connection between good heart health and regular sauna use. In fact, there is plenty of evidence to show that people who regularly use a sauna have a significantly decreased risk of heart disease. These same studies have shown that sauna use can also be used to reduce the risk of other serious conditions, including dementia.

The study itself provided some concrete evidence with respect to how much the sauna helped those who took part in the study. Those who were studied were in their 40s and 50s and did not have heart disease but had risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obesity. As well as “more elastic” arteries, the blood pressure of those who used the sauna dropped by seven points.

How does it work?

This is the part that researchers have yet to establish definitively. Most agree that the positive impact is being delivered by spending time in the heat. When the human body experiences heat, blood vessels relax and the flow of blood around the body increases. Sweating also has a considerable part to play in delivering the health benefits of spending time in a sauna.

According to the researchers who conducted the study, sweating has a “natural diuretic effect.” The impact of this is to bring blood pressure down and to take the pressure off the heart so that it has less work to do. Then there’s the fact that saunas are simply relaxing – no phones, no email and nothing to do but sit back and relax into the warmth of the heat.

If you’d like to benefit from regular use of a sauna then we can help. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find out about the choice of models and designs to enjoy in the privacy of your own home.

Pick the right gazebo to complement your hot tub by making these considerations

12122446_575448955937262_8133902916421639308_n

If you’re looking to buy a gazebo for your hot tub then it can be difficult to work out where to start with the decision making process. There are many different options, from the intricately designed through to those that have a range of different features. If you’re looking for a gazebo for your hot tub then these are the key decisions to consider:

How are you going to use the gazebo?

Yes, its main purpose will be to provide shade or cover for your hot tub but what else do you want the gazebo to do? You might be looking for a structure that will also provide some seating or somewhere to hang bags or towels. You could even been keen to find a gazebo with the facilities to keep drinks cool or host a party. It’s also worth considering who is going to be using the gazebo – if you have children then something more robust and practical might be the better choice than a more design-led structure.

What aesthetics do you prefer?

Gazebos could be any shape but octagonal, square, oval, rectangular, or dodecagon tend to be the most common. As all can be designed to accommodate a hot tub, the choice is yours in terms of the look of the structure you want for your outside space. The shape and design of the roof will be a key component in which gazebo is right for your hot tub. Some of the most popular styles of hot tub gazebo roof include a pagoda roof, tiered roof or a cupola. The flooring is another consideration – how do you want this to feel underfoot, what should it look like and what practical functions should it have?

How much maintenance do you want to do?

There are two main choices when it comes to the materials from which a hot tub gazebo can be constructed: vinyl or wood. For many people wood is the most popular choice because it looks great and has a more natural finish. However, vinyl options also have a lot to offer today and that’s particularly so when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the gazebo. Wood can require a lot of upkeep, painting and staining. It’s far easier to clean and maintain a vinyl gazebo than the wood option and that’s something to bear in mind if you’re looking for low maintenance.

Where are you going to position the gazebo?

This is another key factor that will influence the overall design and type of gazebo that is right for your hot tub. If you don’t have a lot of space then you’ll need to think about the most compact gazebo possible. You’ll also need to ensure that the water supply for the hot tub is accommodated by the gazebo. Surfacing is also key – are you going to position the gazebo on a deck or are you planning to install a concrete surface, for example?

A hot tub gazebo is a great way to get more from your home hot tub so that you can use it whenever you feel like it, all year round.

Take a look at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s range of Gazebos today or come and visit our showroom to see some in person.