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Could your hot tub help you to avoid a cold as winter sets in?

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There’s no doubt that using a hot tub is a thoroughly pleasant and relaxing experience. However, could it do more than just make you feel good? Does the hot tub also help when it comes to winter colds and chills?

Benefit 1: Better sleep

If you’re coming down with a cold or the flu then what you need more than anything else is a good night’s sleep. Giving your body the time to rest, relax and fight off whatever it is that is affecting you will do you a lot of good. 20 – 30 minutes in the hot tub before you hit the hay is proven to help you relax and promote a better night’s sleep. With an uninterrupted night of high quality sleep you could reduce the impact of whatever it is you’re suffering from.

Benefit 2: Soothing aches and pains

Some symptoms of colds and flu are difficult to do anything about – such as the dreaded aches and pains. If your muscles are sore and you feel like you’ve been in a wrestling match because of your illness then some time in the hot tub could help you feel much better. The warmth of the water in the hot tub helps to boost blood circulation in the body, which can sooth muscles and help them to relax. The result for you is feeling generally better and much less achy.

Benefit 3: Reducing congestion

The congestion that comes with a bad cold is unpleasant. It can stop you sleeping, can affect the way you speak and eat, and generally makes normal, every day tasks seem far harder because your head feels like it’s bound up in cotton wool. The atmosphere of the hot tub can do a lot to help ease congested nasal passages and sinuses. The warm, steam filled air helps to reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages so that it’s possible to breathe normally again.

Benefit 4: Heating your body up

When you use a hot tub it increases your body temperature. Some experts have suggested that this increase mildly mimics the course of a low grade fever. The impact this could have on a sick body – or one that is sickening – is to kick the immune system into action, which in turn means that you can start fighting off the cold or flu that’s attacking your system. So, a session in the hot tub when you start to feel unwell could help give the immune elements of your body the head start they need to start fighting back.

Although a hot tub can’t prevent you from getting a cold – there are few things on earth that can help you to do that – it could certainly help to reduce the severity of whatever is that is making you sick. And, at the very least, it will give you some relief from your symptoms and make you feel warm and much more relaxed.

If you’re ready to relax this winter and rejuvenate, get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003.

What is the optimum time to spend in your hot tub?

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Have you ever thought about how long you spend in your hot tub? Let’s face it, a hot tub is such a relaxing experience that you might entirely lose track of how long you’re in there every time you get in. However, depending on the experience that you’re looking to have, there’s an optimum amount of time to spend in those warm, relaxing bubbles…

Type 2 diabetes therapy

Recent studies have shown that regular use of a hot tub can actually help those coping with Type 2 diabetes. How? Because the effects of the hot tub help to lower blood sugar. If this is the reason that you’re using your hot tub then the optimum time to spend in it is 30 minutes a day – that’s the amount of time that has been shown to work by all the studies. When you leave after 30 minutes make sure you stand up and get out slowly so you don’t ruin the effects of that wonderful soak.

Sleep therapy

No one is suggesting you go to sleep in the hot tub – in fact, please don’t do that. However, there is a lot of evidence to show that spending time in a hot tub can help to solve sleep issues. The increase in body temperature you’ll get from sitting in a hot tub, plus the weightlessness caused by the buoyancy of the bubbles and the water, can pave the way for a beautiful night’s sleep. If you’re looking to sleep deeper then try 20 minutes in the hot tub before bed and see if you don’t have a night full of sweet shut eye.

Hydrotherapy

Regular use of a hot tub can have a very therapeutic effect on every body. The warm water opens up blood vessels and reduces blood pressure while the impact of sitting in the water can help to take the pressure off joints. To get the full benefits of the hydrotherapy impact of the hot tub it is best used every day for somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes.

Pregnancy

Sitting in a hot tub can have all kinds of positive effects on the pregnant body, particularly if you’re suffering from a lot of aches and pains at whatever the stage you’re at. Weightlessness in the water can also be a huge relief if you’re really feeling the impact of carrying around the extra weight of a little human. The optimum time for pregnant women to use the hot tub is 20 minutes – 30 minutes maximum.

Relaxation and chill

Let’s be honest, the main reason most of us purchase a hot tub is because of the impact it has on making us take a step back and relax. Whether you’ve had a bad day or you’re just coming to the end of a very long week, some time in the hot tub can soothe both body and mind. The optimum time for a relaxing soak is 25-30 minutes. Any less and you might not get the full wonderfully relaxing effects.

Find out more about the benefits of hot tub use by getting in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003.

What to look for when choosing a swim spa enclosure

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Swim spas and hot tubs are great ways to bring both family and friends together, offering hours of fun including a place to relax. And with your swim spas, you may find it worth considering our range of enclosures that make your spa space more valuable.

Electronically controlled

One type of enclosure you’ll find is worth considering is one that is electronically controlled. These kinds of enclosures are really easy to use, and take as little as just a touch of a button to open and close. What this means for you is you can enjoy the best of both worlds, when the suns out, you can open your enclosure, enjoying the revitalising rays from the sun. But when the weather is dreary and wet, you can escape in your pool of warm water and forget the troubles around you by closing your enclosure.

Colour and design

When deciding on what enclosure is best for you, we’d recommend considering the different variations of colour, shapes and designs. Why not look for an enclosure that fits the aesthetics of your garden, for an organic and natural look.

Retractable enclosures

It is also worth mentioning, if you want more of an elaborate look, you could consider a fully retractable pool enclosure. As above you’ll have the option of having it either open or closed, making use of the swim spa versatility. We’d also recommend before finalising your decision consider what you have available to you, including budget.

We have faced many clients who when first bought a swim spa, did not consider adding an enclosure, which meant their fun was limited. After realising this and the other benefits that the swim spa offer, they didn’t want to lose any time throughout the year not being able to us it.  Making the extra investment for an enclosure is a good one because it allows you to use your spa all year round.

Take a look at your full range of enclosures on our website, or call us on 0208 300 4003 to get your swim spa enclosure.

Could sauna use help you to stay positive during the winter months?

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It is widely known that there are many medical benefits to regular sauna use, ranging from improved skin to greater fitness, aiding sleep and even reducing the risk of a heart attack, but something that is not as easily measurable is how saunas can have positive effects on the mind.

Saunas could help combat SAD

During the winter season, SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, affects around 1 in 15 people, making them feel anything from the “winter blues” through to full depression which can stop people being able to function normally. Saunas could be at least part of the answer to some SAD sufferers, with their mood-boosting effects, so if you suffer from seasonal effects on your mood and wellbeing, could sauna use help you to stay positive during the winter months?

Psychological effects of saunas

Saunas can have a psychological impact on regular users, and this can relieve symptoms of stress and SAD, for example aiding sleep at night, improved alertness and energy levels, reducing anxiety, and increased positivity and happiness. All of these things can be attributed to sauna use and explained scientifically.

The scientific basis for saunas boosting positivity

The effects that saunas have on mood and positivity are undeniable, but there is a scientific explanation behind these. One reason is that the high temperatures of a sauna trigger the dilation of blood vessels around the body, which help to increase overall circulation as well as heart rate. This in turn causes hormones called melatonin and serotonin to be released, and these hormones improve mood and general positivity. These hormones can be boosted even more by following sauna use with jumping in a cold pool or shower, which decreases the body’s temperature rapidly and triggers the release of these hormones even further.

Enhancing the benefits of sauna use

To enhance the benefits users get through sauna use, they can make sure that they use their home sauna regularly. This could be every day, or a few times per week, but regular use helps users to maintain the benefits of using their sauna as much as possible. It is much better to enjoy short sessions on a regular basis than it is to enjoy one long session per week – it is not only safer, but your body can relax each day, clear your skin and airways, and relieve stress – all of which can help you feel much better during the winter months.

Find out more about the physical and psychological benefits of sauna use by giving The Hot Tub and Swim Spa a call on 0208 300 4003, or browse our full and varied range of saunas today.

How to make your hot tub into an outdoor oasis

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In the busy-ness of modern life, a lot of people would do anything to have their own luxurious space to retreat to relax in at the end of the day. This is just one reason why the ownership of hot tubs is rising, to give users their own personalised experience, tailored to their preferences. So how can you make your hot tub into an outdoor oasis?

Decide how you best relax

Different people will have different ideas about what they’d like to use their hot tub for the most, which is why it’s important to visualise what you are aiming for. Both design and purpose are important – what do you want it to look like when it’s finished and what will you use it for? If you’re aiming for a romantic feel, why not choose a smaller hot tub model?

Decking around your hot tub can provide an intimate and private feel, where you can also add candles, lighting, and enjoy drinks from the oasis of your hot tub. If you’re aiming for use as a family, a larger tub may be preferable, with plenty of space around it, or for ultimate relaxation, why not create a whole “spa” area, with a real luxurious feel?

Creating a hot tub “spa”

Many people choose to enjoy spa weekends or days away, but hot tub owners can recreate this experience from the privacy of their own home, with exclusive hot tub use! Design is at the centre of creating this relaxing feel, for example using cool, blue colours can evoke calming emotions, whilst adding palm trees and other plants around your hot tub can create additional privacy.

You can even accessorise your hot tub by using the built-in lights to select the colour you most like, whilst it is up to you to create a surrounding area that reflects the “spa” vision that you want to recreate. For example, you could consider surrounding your hot tub with a luxurious stone pathway or creating the ultimate retreat with a pavilion or gazebo of your choice.

Energise yourself through hot tub exercise

For those of us who prefer to rejuvenate by doing some exercise, the hot tub is ideal for this too. You can either get a hot tub combined with a swim spa to swim at home, or use your hot tub as part of your exercise and recovery routine. The warm water relieves any pain from injuries, offers the ability to work out without high impact on the joints, and offers a private setting to relax following your exercise too. If this is how you energise yourself, why not combine different elements that you like by creating an outdoor gym area with hand weights, and pool-exercise accessories?

Considerations for your outdoor hot tub oasis

There are some considerations to make when creating your hot tub oasis. For example, you might prefer greater privacy from neighbours, or maybe you require a larger hot tub to seat more friends and family. Your outdoor oasis can become an extension of your home and indoor space, so think carefully about where to place your hot tub. Many users choose to have their hot tub close to their house, in order to incorporate it into a decking area, as a direct extension of their home.

Whether you’re looking for a hot tub of your own, or simply looking for ideas about how to make your hot tub the centre of a new outdoor oasis, give The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003.

Why is it important to use and protect your hot tub cover?

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There are a number of reasons why it is a good idea to have a cover for your hot tub, and one that will protect your hot tub sufficiently. So why is it important to use and protect your hot tub cover?

General protection and hygiene

The most obvious reason to use a hot tub cover is to stop debris such as leaves, dirt or insects falling into your hot tub water. Users want to enjoy soaking in their hot tub knowing that it is as clean as possible, so ensuring that it is covered when not in use is the best way to keep your hot tub hygienic.

Sunlight can be damaging

Did you know that exposure to sunlight can be detrimental to your hot tub? Long periods of exposure to sunlight can damage the hot tub and cause premature deterioration of the materials used, such as fading. Protecting your hot tub from sunlight by using a cover can prolong its lifespan and protect the interior and exterior alike.

Reducing costs

Not only does a suitable hot tub cover reduce running costs, but it can also cut the costs of maintenance. Even with self-cleaning technology, chemicals must be balanced and leaving your hot tub open to the elements can change pH levels more quickly than when a cover is used. Therefore your cover cuts these costs and makes using your hot tub easier, whilst it can also keep in the heat and reduce energy consumption for your hot tub.

Safety and aesthetics

Hot tub safety is important too, and having a cover on your hot tub when it is not in use will increase this safety. If your hot tub sits in decking, for example, it could be easy for small children or pets to fall in, but the cover acts as a barrier to ensure no accidents happen. At the same time, your hot tub cover can give a stylish aesthetic to your hot tub when it is not being used.

Maintaining your hot tub cover

In our opinion, vinyl is the best material for hot tub covers, as long as they are cleaned and maintained properly. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa offers a cover that is unique and protects your hot tub to the highest possible level. Other vinyl covers can use PVC and be coated in plasticisers, plus softening agents to make it easier to manage. However, over time this can become damaged due to exposure to sunlight, and some protecting agents can leave a waxy coating or contain harsh chemicals which actually damage the vinyl.

Over time, hot tub covers can become brittle and dry, which looks messy but also can lead to tears and damages, which stop it working to protect your hot tub sufficiently. Our vinyl protector and restorer helps you to maintain your hot tub cover for longer, without damaging it. This, combined with regular cleaning with your garden hose, can extend the life of your hot tub and cover alike.

Find out more about our hot tub covers and vinyl protector and restorer by getting in touch on 0208 300 4003 today.

Popular hot tub features we have seen so far in 2017

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Within the Hot Tub industry, innovation is at the centre of providing new designs and ideas at all times. Customer demands and requirements frequently change, so it is imperative that the hot tubs themselves are ready to meet these demands. So what popular hot tub features have we seen so far in 2017?

Quieter technology

Hot tubs can produce noise through the bubbling of the water, as well as general running sounds, however some hot tubs, primarily smaller, lightweight Softubs, are now being designed using Whisper Technology. This makes them the quietest spas worldwide, which has proven popular amongst hot tub owners looking for a quieter model.

Self-cleaning and easy maintenance

Hot tub owners are now looking for Hot Tubs that are easy to maintain and keep clean. This makes it more viable for people to own their own hot tub, without having to spend hours cleaning and maintaining their tub. All of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s Hydropool Hot Tubs use self-cleaning technology, which is a Patented cleaning system using filtration which cleans the entire contents of your hot tub in just 15 minutes.

Energy efficiency and green technology

Self-cleaning systems are also energy efficient, reuse water and therefore cost only pennies per day to run. Covers and lids are specially designed to ensure that heat loss is minimised when the hot tub is not in use, so energy consumption is as low as possible. This adds to the convenience for users who don’t have to wait for their hot tub to heat up before they are able to use it.

Elegant design

As practical requirements change, so also do designs. The aesthetic of your hot tub is important as a customer, as it needs to fit with the surroundings. All of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s Hot Tubs are of a timeless design that is flexible to fit anywhere you want, as well as LED lighting on the inside being available to customise many of our models. There are also many matching accessories customers can choose from to create the style and elegance that they are looking for.

Swim spas are more popular

The swim spa is a concept that has become more popular with the hot tub industry throughout the year. They have many attractive points such as providing a safe and convenient place to swim and exercise from the comfort of your own home. They can also be incorporated within the Hot Tub design, to combine the two elements together, for example many of the AquaSport and AquaTrainer models.

Stay up to date with the latest Hot Tub trends on our blog, or get in touch by calling our team on 0208 300 4003 to discuss which Hot Tub is best for you today.

How to take your HIIT workout into the pool

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HIIT workouts, or High Intensity Interval Training, is known for being a fast way to burn calories and increase heart rate. It has grown in popularity over the recent years due to the short and intense workout time being easy for more people to fit into their busy day-to-day schedule. HIIT is a great way of training that has some strong benefits to the body.

The benefits of HIIT

HIIT is an advanced training technique that focuses on a cardiovascular workout in high intensity bursts, with short rest periods. This has been shown to burn more calories than steady exercise in the same amount of time, whilst also increasing metabolism, which is why many gym classes, fitness groups and boot camps use HIIT training as part of their workout routine.

HIIT can cause stress on the body

The downside to HIIT is that the high intensity can cause greater stress on the body, which means that it is not always suitable for everyone to do. If you’re injured, HIIT can be very difficult, and risk causing further injuries, or the workout itself can cause strain on your muscles and joints, even if you’re healthy and strong.

Less stress with all the benefits… in the pool!

One fantastic way to incorporate HIIT into your fitness routine, without the additional stress and strain on your body, is to take your workout to the pool! This works by giving support to your body through the buoyancy of the water, whilst the added resistance of the water can even make the workout a higher calorie burn.

Preparing for your HIIT workout

If you’ve never done it before, a HIIT workout in the pool is easy! You should stand in the pool with your feet flat, and have the water at a comfortable chest level. Warm up your body by jogging in the pool, and speeding up gradually. You may wish to run widths, or on the spot.

Some easy HIIT pool moves to try

In the pool, the simple moves are often the most effective. Start with doing tuck jumps forwards and backwards in the water, using your arms for stability if needed. The resistance of the water may take some getting used to in the pool, but should also support your knees upon landing. Exercise for 45 seconds, and rest of 15 each time.

Next, side to side jumping can get your heart rate up – and you can make this as hard as you like by trying to jump further and higher each time. Jump in and out, with your legs apart and then together. Trying to do this move quickly will get your heart pumping and the water resistance is great for muscle development. You can then build this into a star jump once you are confident with your balance.

HIIT workouts in the pool help your body

HIIT workouts in the pool offer the same cardiovascular benefits as on dry ground, but reduce the risk of injury, either through the strain on your joints, or reducing the impact if you were to fall. This makes it easier for older participants, as well as those concerned about protecting their joints, or recovering from injury. And you can enjoy the same workout benefits, without noticing all the sweating that you’re doing!

Why not give it a try in your pool today, or if you’re looking for a pool of your own, get in touch today on 0208 300 4003 or take a look at our indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Could frequent sauna use help with Dementia?

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Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia can be truly heart-breaking for the families and friends of those who are suffering. Although there is no exact known cause, research suggests that sauna use could actually decrease the likelihood of developing Dementia later on in life.

An introduction to Dementia

Many people will know someone who has suffered with Dementia, and it is much more common in elderly people, however it is important to recognise that not everyone develops Dementia with age. It is a disease, not just a part of aging. Worldwide, over 47.5 million people were suffering from dementia in 2015, meaning that it is a disease that sadly a lot of people do suffer with.

Caring for Dementia patients

Care for those with Dementia can be challenging since patients need increasing care over time, and caregivers may be relatives or close friends who have to make sacrifices to give this care. They may give up work to give time to the person, or fit caring for them around work, which can also be draining and difficult. Sadly Dementia has no cure, and it progresses slowly over time. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty communicating, limited judgement and reasoning abilities – all of which often happen gradually over years or months.

Preventing Dementia & through Sauna use?

Dementia is an extremely sad condition, and although there is nothing specifically known to cause it, research suggests that there are some things that each of us can do to reduce the chance of developing the disease later on in life. One of these is to use a sauna regularly.

Research into saunas and Dementia

A Finnish team of researchers carried out a study of 2,300 men within their 40s, 50s and 60s, and studied them between 1984 and 1989. Follow up examinations were carried out 20 years later to see what the impact of each group was. The groups were as follows: those who used a sauna once weekly, those who used it 2-3 times weekly and those who visited the sauna 4-7 times per week.

The study concluded that those who visited the sauna more frequently were less likely to develop Dementia. Although this is not a direct causation, there was a correlation to suggest that the sauna use did in fact have some impact on the development of Dementia later on in life.

Health benefits of saunas

Whether or not this research is indicative of a strong pattern generally, or simply representative of the small study group, the correlation was there, and evidence demonstrated just another great benefit of regular sauna use! There are undoubtedly also many health benefits of regular sauna use, such as aiding breathing, relieving pain and de-stressing relaxation time.

If you’re interested in owning your own sauna, take a look at our wide range of designs today or give our team a call on 0208 300 4003.