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How to enhance your sauna bathing experience

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The health and relaxation benefits of saunas are widely known to some level, for example the cleansing through sweating, and improved circulation, reduced heart rate and even pain relief that the heat and steam can bring. So how users take this experience and enhance it even further? Here are some ways to enhance your sauna bathing experience.

Aromatherapy in the sauna

The steamy environment of a sauna lends itself to the use of aromatherapy. Aromatic oils are a great addition to any sauna bathing experience as they produce relaxing aromas with physical benefits, such as pine and eucalyptus which can also ease breathing at the same time as producing a fresh smell.

Colour therapy

Did you know that colours can have a profound impact on our mood? One way to enhance your sauna is to use visual aids, in the form of painting the inside, or decorative items, to stimulate different emotions. For example, blues and greens trigger a relaxation and soothing effect, which can aid the overall experience for those using the sauna.

Salt inhalation

This may sound unusual, but inhalation of salt can help to cleanse the airways whilst also revitalising the skin. This is done using technology that generates an extremely fine salt aerosol, which is pumped into the cabin with the heat of the sauna and inhaled through the steam. This can boost the immune system, and relieve symptoms of hay fever, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory conditions.

It can also benefit those who experience sleep problems, depression and skin problems, as the dry salts clear the airways, act as a disinfectant and reduce inflammation, and gently exfoliates the skin. Adding salt to your sauna using a specialised system can therefore significantly enhance your sauna use.

Increased oxygen

You can also get specialised oxygen systems which allow you to breathe in additional oxygen using a mouthpiece whilst using your sauna. In combination with the natural decrease in heart rate and ease of breathing from the steam your sauna produces, this can increase oxygen levels to enhance concentration and relaxation, leaving you feeling energised.

Take a look at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s full range of saunas on our website today, or give us a call on 0208 300 4003 to find out more about how you can customise and enhance your own sauna.

Some Sauna and Steam room Science…

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If you’re a proud sauna or steam room owner, or are considering buying one for your home, the relaxation benefits are clear. If you’ve ever enjoyed a spa experience with a sauna or steam room, the appeal is obvious for enjoyment and relaxation, but does it actually do your body any good? Here is some of the science behind the way that saunas and steam rooms benefit our bodies:

Science #1 – Sweating out impurities

The obvious effect of the heat of both a sauna and steam room is that it causes your body to sweat. This has multiple physical benefits including opening the skin’s pores. This allows salts to be sweated out and remove impurities from your body.

Science #2 – Heat and blood pressure

Heat from steam rooms and sauna use also improves circulation within the body, which allows greater oxygen flow around the body, which aids relaxation. It also causes your blood vessels to dilate. This affects the body by lowering your pulse and blood pressure, which is not only relaxing, but also can relieve certain conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure or post-myocardial infraction.

Science #3 – Pain relief

Steam rooms and saunas can also act as a form of natural pain relief. The heat and steam can ease pain in joints, including increased mobility for those with rheumatic disease or arthritis. Although it is not a cure, regular therapy can reduce joint pain significantly by triggering an adrenaline release in the body, as well as cortisol and growth hormones. These act as anti-inflammatories, whilst the heat also triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s form of natural pain relief.

Science #4 – Steam as a decongestant

As well as raising body temperature, steam rooms and saunas can also improve your breathing, since breathing in the steam acts as a decongestant. This is especially beneficial for those suffering with asthma or bronchitis, who may find it gives temporary relief from breathing difficulties, however research also suggests that using a steam room or sauna on a regular basis, such as twice per week, can actually halve the risk of catching a cold.

Science behind the benefits of saunas and steam rooms

The science behind the effects of saunas and steam rooms on the body clearly demonstrate why it is that we find them so relaxing. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company has a wide range of saunas and steam rooms to suit a variety of requirements so why not get in touch today on 0208 300 4003 to find out which would be the best fit for you.

Did you know that regular hot tub use can aid weight loss?

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Losing weight and then going on to maintain it can be hard work, and require lifestyle changes in order to make it an achievable goal. But did you know that regular hot tub use is something that could help to aid you in your weight loss journey?

Stress causes weight gain

Of course, healthy eating, exercising and cutting out sugars and alcohol make the biggest difference, but there are other factors that come into play when you’re trying to lose weight. One of the biggest of these is stress, which can often cause weight gain. This happens because cortisol (which is the stress hormone) triggers a fight or flight response in our bodies when faced with stress, not just in immediate situations but in the stresses we face in everyday life.

Ongoing stress and weight gain

In fact, ongoing stresses can cause constant stress, and if cortisol is being triggered on a regular basis then this can lead to weight gain. This can be made worse by the way that many of us choose to eat unhealthy foods to deal with stress, such as increased consumption of chocolate, salty foods or alcohol. At the same time, cortisol has been known to block testosterone, the muscle-building hormone, which the body uses to burn calories in a more efficient way. With this reduced, fewer calories are able to be burned during the day, and therefore this can also lead to weight gain.

Coping with stress

Relaxation can be one of the most effective ways to deal with stress. Using your hot tub regularly is the perfect way to give this relaxation time, where you can physically as well as mentally relax for a period of time. This gives your body a break from constant stress, and also improves mental wellbeing. Lowered stress levels can leave us less likely to eat badly to relieve stress, and make us feel energised and therefore encouraged to exercise more when we feel we can.

Hot Tub use is perfect to de-stress

Hot tub use is ideal for de-stressing since the warm water and jets have a therapeutic effect on the muscles to relieve any pain and reduce tension. Raised body temperature increases blood flow and heart rate can lower, whilst circulation improves and allows more oxygen to flow to the different parts of the body. At the same time, toxins are sweated out of the body which can improve skin and overall self-worth, and breathing slows as heart rate decreases, which in itself is calming. This can make sleep easier, which can also give the body proper rest which in turn aids weight loss.

Reduction of cortisol through Hot Tub use

What’s more is that using your hot tub over time can have an extremely calming effect and gives your body a rest from the constant stress you may feel throughout the day. This also reduces the production of cortisol by the body, which reduces cravings for sweet, salty and fat-rich foods and increases metabolism. All of these effects of hot tub use are beneficial for aiding weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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

How your hot tub could help to improve your social life

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The health and wellness benefits of owning a hot tub are often discussed, but something that is not often mentioned is that your hot tub could actually help to improve your social life. Your hot tub is not just a personal oasis, but a fantastic place for friends and family to relax together and socialise. Here are just a few ways that your hot tub could help to improve your social life:

Chatting whilst relaxing

The first simple way you can enjoy your hot tub socially is by using your hot tub when friends and family come to visit you. A hot tub makes the perfect relaxing and quiet place to catch up and talk in peace, whilst all enjoying the warmth and relaxation of the hot tub jets.

An alternative to going out

If you enjoy music and having a few drinks when you go out, your hot tub can also serve as an alternative to going out. Instead of leaving your home to celebrate that special birthday or occasion, your hot tub can double as a party environment where you can socialise and enjoy drinks and music in the luxury of your own hot tub. You can customise the use of the surrounding area to make it more of a party environment where you have the space.

Spa days at home

No longer will you need to make that trip to the spa with a friend – your hot tub means you can re-energise with the invigorating bubble of the hot tub and relax and unwind in the warmth, even with a glass of champagne if you wish! This is where you can also ease any joint or muscle pain at home, in your hot tub, rather than going to a specific rehabilitation centre.

Watch a movie together

Why not set up your own home movie system – either go all out and set up a projector and do a complete screening for friends and family to enjoy from your tub, or for a smaller setting you can bring your tablet to the hot tub and watch something more intimate.

Enjoy being outside

Using your hot tub is a great opportunity to enjoy being outdoors and enjoy natural surroundings and fresh air. Whether you love making the most of the sunshine during the day or stargazing at night, your hot tub is the perfect place to do both. And why not invite your friends or family to join you?

From evenings celebrating to quieter film evenings, and enjoying the spa benefits of your hot tub, there are many ways that your hot tub can become central to your social life. Why not enjoy a romantic evening for two, or invite a whole group of friends to catch up together whilst unwinding in the luxury of your hot tub.

Take a look at our full range of Hot Tubs or give The Hot Tub Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003 to arrange to come and take a guided tour of our Hot Tubs.

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?

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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

Hot Tub Health Benefits

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.