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How can a Fastlane turn your pool into an endless pool?

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Having a pool at home is a luxury – perfect for cooling off on hot days and maintaining fitness – but it’s also an investment, especially if you need sizeable one. If you’re a keen swimmer and your current pool doesn’t quite meet your needs for distance then Fastlane could be the answer. Rather than a brand new, larger pool in which you can cover further distances, installing Fastlane could turn your current pool into an endless pool.

How does it work?

Fastlane produces a current in your pool for you to swim against, allowing you to cover any distance you want to without moving very far. You’ll get all the benefits of a long distance swim without the need for an Olympic sized pool in which to do it. The water speed can be set to any required pace, whether you’re just learning to swim or you’re in serious training. If want to optimise the use of your pool then Fastlane adds a whole new dimension.

Who can use Fastlane?

Anyone at all, from children picking up a float for the first time to adults with a fitness plan to follow. Because Fastlane is adjustable you can set it to the right pace for you, whether that’s intensive training, a relaxed swim or some summer fun in the pool with the kids. Fastlane can also be used to create resistance for a wide range of other water sports, including aqua aerobics, water jogging and therapeutic hydrotherapy. It allows your pool to be so much more than just somewhere to enjoy a quick dip.

What kind of installation is involved?

Fastlane installation is simple and quick. The Swim Unit fits pretty much any pool and with no electrical connections poolside there’s zero risk. The Hydraulic Power Unit provides the momentum for the Swim Unit, which is made up of our custom designed propeller, which delivers its innovative current flow, providing a smooth and adjustable swim environment. The system runs on biodegradable vegetable-based hydraulic fluid for fuel, which is efficient and environmentally friendly, ideal for use at home.

What type of pool does Fastlane suit?

It’s not so much the pool as the humans that Fastlane suits. The system can be installed in water as shallow as 99cm and any pool that has enough depth to be swum in is ideal for Fastlane. Above ground pools work well with Fastlane, as do in-ground concrete, vinyl-lined, or fibreglass pools. So, any pool is ideal for the system as long as there are children and/or adults around to enjoy it. Fastlane is super easy to operate with a simple on and off button and a control for faster or slower speed. It’s the perfect no fuss way to extend the life of the pool, as well as the range of activities it can accommodate. From aqua aerobics for the neighbourhood to a fun birthday pool party, Fastlane brings the action every time.

If you are interested in finding out more about Fastlane and what it could add to your pool, get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today by calling our team on 0208 300 4003.

Benefits of choosing a Softub

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Hot tubs come in all shapes and types so why should you choose a Softub?

The comfort factor

If you’re looking for a truly comfortable hot tub then the inflatable options are often the best. A Softtub is the equivalent of sitting in a pool of bubble-filled water in one giant air-filled bubble. The Softub has a softer, more flexible lining that makes the whole experience much more like a massage by removing any hard edges.

Softubs are more flexible

If you consider a hot tub to be an investment then the Softub option is the best kind because you can enjoy it in a wide range of different places. While a standard hot tub may be limited to a large outside space, a Softub can be placed anywhere. From holiday homes to smaller balcony spaces, a Softub is easier to set up in any location that you choose.

More cost effective and affordable

Both the up front and the maintenance costs are much lower for Softubs. Softubs are often made from less expensive materials and have just one pump unit, which is why they come in at a much lower price than a classic hot tub. Their mobility and accessibility makes them easier to keep clean too and with the right care the durable materials of the Softub can last for years making them a really cost effective hot tub investment.

Therapeutic purposes

A Softub is perfect for those in need of a little hydrotherapy or stress relief. Hydrotherapy can help with a number of conditions, including arthritis and tendonitis, as the water jets apply just the right kind of warm pressure to help the body both relax and revive. The warmth of the water can reduce blood pressure and boost circulation and the endorphins release during an inflatable hot tub session are scientifically proven to give you a better night’s sleep. Your inflatable hot tub could even help with Type 2 diabetes – just 30 minutes a day in the tub can help to lower blood sugar levels by mimicking the effect of insulin.

Customise your hot tub for you…

Softubs offer just as wide a range of options as any other type of hot tub whether you’re looking for LED lights or the most powerful jets. Find the size and dimensions that work best for you, both in terms of the area you the hot tub to fill and the type of space available to accommodate it. If you want to have Softub that looks more permanent then there are plenty of options for casings and panels too.

…And then accessorise it

No matter what your idea of accessories is there are plenty of different options to choose from. Opt for cleaning accessories to keep your Softub in great condition, from leaf catchers to products that will prolong the life of the tub. Or you can go all out in terms of comfort and glamour with everything from head rests and drinks tables through to steps. And if you want to make your Softub party central then disco lights will get everyone jumping in.                                                                             

Find out more about the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s range of Softubs by calling the team today on 0208 309 0600.

Should you choose an indoor or outdoor pool for your home?

Outdoor Pool

So you’ve decided to get a pool, but where should it go? There are many reasons why you might choose to have your pool outside, but there are benefits to having it inside too. Largely it depends on the use you intend it for and where you live. So how can you assess the pros and cons of each and decide whether to choose an indoor or outdoor pool for your home?

Maintenance and cleanliness

It can sometimes be easier to maintain the cleanliness of your pool if it is indoors, simply because the surrounding area is likely to be cleaner, for example tiled instead of grassy surround. There is a lower chance of dirt getting in, which can make it easier to maintain, however The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offer unique self-cleaning technology which means this process is much easier whichever you choose.

On the other hand, indoor pools often cost more to run than outdoor pools simply by design, so this is something to consider if it is a deciding factor for you. Plus, a good pool cover should help to minimise the dirt that gets into your outdoor pool.

Weather considerations

Obviously your indoor pool is beneficial because it can be used in the same way regardless of the weather, and if it is raining this will not impact your use of the pool. However, at the same time, having it inside means that when there is sunny weather your pool is not outside for you to enjoy in the heat.

Some people enjoy sunbathing next to their pool, or sitting in the sun with their feet in the cool water of the pool, whereas others would much prefer to have consistent use indoors without the worry of what the weather will be like. For this reason, it is purely subjective as to which option is preferable – outdoor or indoor.

Pool as a central focus

An outdoor or indoor pool can become the centre of a social gathering so your home location and garden will impact where you want your pool to be. For example, if you have a stunning green outdoor space, this could be the perfect place for BBQs with friends and enjoying this space, but if you have a smaller outside space or feel it may be overlooked, it might be that you’d prefer to make the most of the privacy that an indoor pool offers instead.

Perhaps inside you may even have an adjoining sauna, but it is important to also be aware of possible condensation that can form if your room is not well ventilated.

Choosing the pool for you

It may be clear to you that you would prefer either an indoor or outdoor pool, but there are other options to consider to help you decide if you’re not yet sure. For example, The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers a wide range of enclosures which can provide shelter for your outdoor pool if that might change your decision.

To discuss your requirements, give The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003.

What can swim spas offer athletes and non-professionals?

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Swim spas are becoming more and more popular as an increasing number of families and individuals are choosing to use them. From something that originated as a tool to facilitate training for swimmers and athletes, the swim spa has become more widely used for recreational use and exercise by a wide range of people.

Private fitness training

Above all, swim spas offer an environment that is ideal for private fitness training. There is no queue, or people sharing the space that could compromise swimming performance. This makes it the ideal location for anyone looking to boost their fitness or improve technique in their own private space. Settings can even be adjusted to provide an experience of swimming against different pressures to allow swimming at set speeds, which can help to build pace and stamina over time for those training for a competition or race.

Requires less space than a pool

There are also other practical benefits to using a swim spa instead of a pool – the most obvious being that it takes up far less space and therefore is great for installation at home either outside or even indoors. The short length and current mean that there is no need for swimmers to slow pace and interrupt their flow unlike pools which require users to turn around each time one length is completed.

Support while exercising

Swimming itself is a great way to get fit, even for family use and non-professionals. In fact, it’s a safe environment to teach children to swim as it is not as deep as a pool may be, and can be stopped at any point. Some swim spas also offer multiple jets for use by more than one person at any given time. As a whole, swimming it a great way to exercise if you suffer from pain or joint problems too, as the water provides buoyancy that offers support to your body. This can allow you to exercise more easily without strain on your body, and a swim spa gives you this luxury at home, and can be fitted to make access easier too, such as being built in at floor level, or with a step up if you would prefer.

Relaxation and rehabilitation

As well as the initial exercise and building of swimming skills, swim spas also offer benefits for rehabilitation and relaxation after exercising. The warm water is an oasis to soothe sore muscles and prevent damage and pain, and it can aid sleep and muscle healing, as well as pain relief from existing conditions. This makes it ideal for the whole family or for athletes recovering from injuries.

If you’re interesting in hearing more about our swim spas, please feel free to give The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003.

The top 4 health benefits of hot tubs

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Despite the obvious relaxation benefits, regular hot tub use also has many mental and physicals health benefits. Here are just the top 4 benefits of hot tubs:

Therapeutic pain relief

The warm water temperature of hot tubs means that it acts as a form of therapy to reduce pain. The heat can ease join and muscle pain as well as cramping, or even some relief from pain caused by more serious conditions like arthritis, sciatica and rheumatism. Sitting in the warm environment regularly can increase circulation which then relaxes muscles and can reduce any swelling, whilst the buoyancy of the water takes the pressure off of joints to support the body.

Leads to great skin

Hot tub use can also have beneficial effects for the skin. Warmth opens up the skin’s pores to allow toxins, bacteria and dirt to be released. This acts as a detox and sweats out any impurities, helping your body to complete this natural process in a more efficient way that helps your glands to do their job. As a result, your complexion will be clearer and have a healthy “glow”.

Stress relief in busy life

When life is busy and stressful, your hot tub can be an oasis of calm and relaxation. This not only provides enjoyment but can reduce the stress you feel. There are physical effects of this stress such as hormonal imbalances and other health problems, so regularly using your hot tub for downtime and as a relief from the stresses of life can be a fantastic way to help your body to relax and rejuvenate. Hydrotherapy can also help you to sleep more easily and reduce anxiety levels.

Get an immunity boost

When your body is run down, your immune system can struggle to fight infection and illnesses easily. You can become prone to viruses and feel tired and unwell. However, hot tubs can help to boost your natural immunity by improving blood circulation and cleansing your body from impurities through your skin. This means that you not only feel better, but help your body to fight infections more quickly.

Overall, hot tubs provide a wide range of health and relaxation benefits to regular users. Whether you suffer from a long term condition that causes you pain, or think you could simply benefit from having some time to relax and unwind from busy life, you can get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company to discuss what you are looking for today on 0208 300 4003.

Why is hydrotherapy good for the body?

Hydrotherapy Pool

Water has been used for forms of relaxation and rehabilitation for hundreds of years, and hydrotherapy is still commonly practiced today. Hydrotherapy is effective because of the soothing effects that it has on the body, whilst being completely non-invasive and comfortable.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is used for many health reasons since water is effective at relieving pain through cold and hot temperatures. A great example of this is how athletes use ice baths and then hot baths following intense exercise, which helps to aid muscle healing and calm and soothe the body. It can also reduce inflammation.

Spa culture and relaxation

The benefits of hydrotherapy are so well recognised that many spas offer hydrotherapy treatments such as hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and hot tubs. These provide heat and sometimes massage the body, which provides some of the many health benefits of hydrotherapy to the body and aids relaxation, such as:

Pain and tension relief

Pain and tension can be relieved through the warmth of the water combined with the buoyancy that it gives the body. Both of these things support the body to ease movement, reduce tension and help with the healing of sore muscles or joints. Endorphins are also released by the body during hydrotherapy sessions, which acts as a natural pain reliever for the body, even for long-term incurable illnesses like arthritis.

Injury rehabilitation

Heat from the water during hydrotherapy is good for the body as it raises the overall body temperature of the bather, which increases their blood flow and circulation. This also reduces pain and is especially useful in cases of injuries or rehabilitation following a sports or recreational injury where the muscles or joints need to heal. In fact, hydrotherapy may even be recommended as part of your official rehabilitation and recovery treatment.

Immunity and detoxing

Other ways that hydrotherapy is good for the body include increasing circulation, which in turn causes white blood cells in our immune system fluids to move throughout the body more quickly and efficiently. This can boost the speed at which your body can fight off a cold or similar illnesses by helping your body’s natural processes to become more efficient. At the same time, therapy through other methods such as saunas or steam rooms helps to cleanse the body by flushing toxins out through the skin and removing impurities as the heat causes the body to sweat.

Get the benefits of hydrotherapy at home

Even if your body is healthy, hydrotherapy is fantastic at relieving stress and allows your body to fully relax. You can enjoy these benefits at home with your own Hot Tub which gives you all of the same effects as hydrotherapy spa treatments can.

Take a look at our full range of Hot Tubs today or give us a call on 0208 300 4003 if you have any questions.

How to use your hot tub in the most efficient way

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In recent years, as the popularity of residential hot tubs has continued to rise and the technology has developed, hot tubs are becoming more and more energy efficient, to the point where many can operate for as little as pennies per day. However, it is still worth considering simple opportunities that can improve efficiency even further and ensure you are receiving the best value out of your investment.

Investing in a hot tub cover

When it comes to hot tubs, the majority of heat loss occurs through evaporation, which takes place through the open top of the spa, where the water meets the air. Investing in a quality hot tub cover serves to prevent this by protecting the hot tub from the outside, cooler air, significantly reducing the rate at which heat can be lost and consequently decreasing the amount of energy needed to maintain a consistent water temperature. This helps lead to an overall more efficient spa.

Hot tub enclosure

Another great way to improve the efficiency of your hot tub is to invest in a hot tub enclosure. Ranging from a stylish gazebo to a bespoke, hand crafted cedar pavilion, a hot tub enclosure does not only insulate the hot tub from the outside weather, but also creates an incredible spa environment which promotes a premium relaxation experience. This can be perfect for hosting social events and facilitating for friends and family, as well as creating a private space to spend some time unwinding after a long day.

Optimising your hot tub use

If you are going on holiday and your hot tub will be going without use for an extended period of time, there are a number of ways in which you can optimise the hot tub settings to increase its efficiency whilst keeping it up and running. One way of achieving this is to set all of the jets, lights and blowers not to run whilst not in use, as well as turning down the temperature in the thermostat settings to reduce the amount of energy being consumed at idle in your absence – our spas call this ‘economy mode’.

All of these steps help to reduce the energy usage and improve the efficiency whilst unused, whilst still keeping the hot tub operational. This is important as it allows the hot tub to regulate and clean itself and to stay ready for use as soon as you return.

The effects of improved efficiency

Ultimately, the effect of improving the efficiency of your hot tub is to preserve energy. By opting for a quality hot tub cover or enclosure and optimising your hot tub use, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain your desired hot tub temperature, which consequentially reduces the operating costs.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can purchase a hot tub for your home, speak to one of our specialist team on 0208 300 4003.

How to use different elements to make your hot tub a focal point and key area

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So, your hot tub is installed, and yo’ve just discovered the sheer bliss that is the hot tub experience. The chances are, all you want to do right now is relax. The wonderfully warm water works wonders to help you unwind and relax after a stressful day, or an intense work out. Here’s how you can improve upon perfection to enhance your hot tub experience with some invigorating elements.

Underwater lighting

One of the most interesting and creative ways to make your hot tub stand out and enhance your spa experience is with a bespoke underwater lighting arrangement. Many hot tub users enjoy taking a dip after work or before bed, relaxing in the soothing warmth of the waters as the sun sets around them. This is where some hot tub lighting can really add a whole new element of personal expression, creativity and a real sense of luxury.

Why not upgrade to our Northern lights package, which offers a range of colours and effects including illuminated waterfall jets, creating a stunningly unique atmosphere.

Hot tub environment

Another great way to add to your hot tub experience is by shaping the area around your hot tub. There are many ways to do this, from a complete landscaping project featuring a bespoke enclosure, to a simple setup with some lighting and furniture. If you are the proud owner of one of our self-cleaning and Serenity hot tubs, you can utilise the deluxe LED and garden effects lighting, which extends your lighting effects to cover the perimeter of your hot tub cabinet.

Music

There’s nothing quite like some soothing music to add to your relaxation experience. Why not use a sound system built right into your hot tub? There are a range of options for adding sound into your hot tub, and some models even come with built in sound solutions.

Enhancing the experience further

Although the options we have explored above are all incredible ways to enhance your hot tub experience, there are so many more options that can help create a personalised relaxation environment. From aromatherapy oils, to hot tub accessories, there are so many options to explore! Have a look and find something that you like, after all, your hot tub should reflect your personal style.

If you are looking at purchasing a hot tub and want to explore the options available to you, or if you already own a hot tub but want to add that special something to enhance your experience, speak to one of our expert team by calling 0208 300 4003.

Why should you invest in a hot tub for your home?

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There’s something about a hot tub that is just truly irresistible. Whether it’s the incredible sensation of the warm water gently enveloping you after a long day, or the sensation of pride and luxury of owning such a stunning spa – everyone has their own reasons for wanting one. For those of you who might be unsure, or aren’t aware of the benefits of such an investment, here are some of the incredible benefits that you can enjoy with your new hot tub!

The hot tub experience

You might have heard of the incredible hot tub experience, but if you’ve never felt it for yourself, you might be unfamiliar. The hot tub experience refers to the indescribable feeling of coming home after a long day at the work or an intense work-out, and letting the invitingly warm waters of your hot tub ease your aching muscles, as you unwind, releasing the day’s stress as you relax in complete bliss.

The feeling of unwinding in the gentle warmth of your new spa as the light begins to fade is something that truly cannot be rivalled. Another great way to enhance this experience is to share it, whether it’s your partner, your family or your friends, the hot tub atmosphere creates the perfect environment for spending time with the people you love.

Improved health and wellbeing

As well as the incredible relaxation and social benefits, your hot tub is also especially beneficial for your health. The hydrotherapy jets and the warmth of the water provide a range of unique benefits, helping soothe aches and pains and providing a chance to release stress for a better night’s sleep and an overall more comfortable and confident mind.

If you are heavily involved in sports, or suffer from any physical afflictions that cause deep pain, such as arthritis or back pain, a hot tub can help ease any discomfort as the buoyancy of the water creates a low impact environment that allows you to exercise at a pace that suits you as the warm water helps ease pain and keep your muscles supple and flexible.

To find out more about how you could benefit from your own hot tub, speak to a member of our friendly support team on 0208 300 4003, who will be happy to discuss your options with you and help you come to an informed decision to suit your requirements.