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Planning for the Delivery of Your New Hot Tub

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You have decided to purchase a new hot tub for you and the family to enjoy! You have done all the research and made all the pertinent choices regarding the amount of seats you prefer and the jet layout that you like. You’ve also decided on the accessories that fit your lifestyle, such as audio and visual components. You are now ready to get your hot tub delivered. What exactly do you need to do to prepare for the delivery and installation of your spa?

You may have considered this before purchasing your hot tub. The decision on where to locate your new hot tub is a very important consideration in deciding what type and size of hot tub you will ultimately purchase.

Whether you choose to install your hot tub inside or outside, there are things to consider, such as ease of access to and from your hot tub. Do you want to place your spa in the back yard and navigate along a pathway that you can light up that looks exceptional, while maximizing your privacy or would you prefer to have it closer to the house in order to eliminate that walk? Either way, you will need to make sure that you can get all the electrical components and hook ups to the spot as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.

You will also need to have a pad on which to place the new unit which will be fully able to support the weight of the spa when filled with water. If your installer does not include that as part of the package you have purchased, be sure to have a qualified contractor come in to do the job properly and to the specifications required by the hot tub manufacturer. This is important as the warranty for the spa may indicate that the installation process conforms to the manufacturers standards in order to be enforceable.

A good contractor can also help you if you decide to have a deck or some other structure like a gazebo built around your spa to enhance the visual appeal of the hot tub or to provide you a bit of privacy if you live close to other homes.

After you have your base in place and the electrical hook ups are all ready and waiting, the spa will be installed and you can sit back and enjoy a dip in your new hot tub.

How Hot Tubs Help with Diabetes

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Anyone who has used a hot tub knows there is nothing as relaxing as the feel of the warm water and jets soothing your sore muscles and joints. The jets apply the right amount of pressure to make the whole body feel relaxed and stress free. What some do not realize or are unaware of is that those suffering from common aliments can significantly benefit by using a hot tub.

One of the most common aliments in our society today is diabetes. Type 2 diabetes or adult onset diabetes is a rapidly growing and strikes all too many individuals in North America. The regimen of care necessary to treat diabetes stresses that circulation is of primary importance and many diabetes patients sufferer from a lack of circulation in the lower extremities.

While the joyful experience of soaking in a hot tub can and does help with circulation, the diabetes sufferer also has to be aware of how long they spend in the water, as well as the temperature that they are setting the hot tub to as well. If these simple cautions are adhered to, the diabetes sufferer can benefit greatly from the hot tub and a regular regimen that includes time spent in one.

A recent study has shown that diabetes sufferers between the ages of 43-68 years who spent 30 minutes per day, six days a week for a period of six weeks actually lost weight and dramatically reduced their insulin intake, while experiencing better sleep.

The soothing waters of a hot tub are a great way to improve overall health quality, not just for sufferers of diabetes or other ailments. Statistics show that improved blood and cardiovascular circulation are a primary driver in overall good health, especially for heart health.

While the relaxation factor is the driving force behind the purchase of most hot tubs, the added value that one gets from the many health benefits make the decision to install a hot tub in your home seem even smarter and more forward thinking from a health perspective.

The Health and Exercise Benefits of a Hot Tub

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Many people have made the choice to buy a hot tub for the benefits that are the most obvious, such as the soothing hot water that alleviates strained muscles and joint pain. What many people fail to realize is that you can get a very decent full body workout in a hot tub despite the space limitations.

The long understood benefits of exercising while immersed in water have been acknowledged for generations. The resistance that the water creates can help to build and strengthen muscle mass and help to prevent injury through the buoyancy created by the water.

The benefits realized are the primary reason that many spas and physiotherapy clinics have hot tubs.

Learning even a few of the countless exercises that can be performed in a hot tub can help with ailments, such as diabetes and other circulatory afflictions by helping to increase the blood flow in the body, especially to the lower extremities.

Performing a simple aerobic routine while in the hot tub with actions that use the resistance of the water instead of heavy weights is a great way to get a full body workout without the harmful effects that a high impact workout can cause.

Almost any exercise that you can perform in a full size swimming pool, other than laps, can be performed in a hot tub. There are many aqua fitness routines available on the Internet that are great to use as a template for your exercise routine.

Simply choose a set of exercises that is right for you, while taking into consideration the space you have to work with and you will find that you can get as good or even a better workout in the hot tub. Simply adjust your exercises to fit the space you are in and realize the true health benefits of owning your hot tub.

Preparation for the Delivery of Your New Swim Spa

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After you have chosen your swim spa, the next step is to prepare for the delivery and installation of your new spa. A very important question to ask your swim spa dealer is if the price you are paying includes delivery, as well as installation. Be sure to get all the information you need to be fully informed as to what the price you are paying includes in order to avoid any negative experiences in your purchase.

Once that has all been determined, you will need to do some preparation work. In order to safely install the swim spa, there is a variety of things that need to be done in order to prepare for the delivery of your new spa. While a swim spa can be installed above ground or in-ground, the vast majority choose the above ground method because the cost is lower for that choice as opposed to the in ground version.

The installation of your above ground spa will require that a concrete pad approximately six inches thick is put in place to support the weight of the swim spa. This choice is much easier and cheaper than the in-ground method that requires excavation of the area with heavy equipment and labour.

After you have your base in place, you will need to ensure that you have all the necessary electrical hook ups that the swim spa will need to run properly and efficiently. If that is your responsibility according to the terms you have agreed to with your swim spa dealer, have a couple of licensed electricians or contractors come in and give you an estimate. Then, pick the best one or the one you feel the most comfortable with and have the work done.

You will also need to consider how you are going to get the spa into the yard. A forklift, if there is room, or a crane to lift it will be needed in most cases. Many dealers include this service in the sale price, but you need to be sure. If it is not included in the cost of the spa, make the arrangements yourself.

Once the spa has arrived and the final installation procedures are completed, there is nothing left to do but enjoy the benefits of your new swim spa.

Important Considerations When Purchasing a Swim Spa

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Many people have realized the benefits of either purchasing a swim spa and having one installed or converting an existing pool into a swim spa. If you choose to convert a pool into a swim spa from scratch, there are some things you need to consider before heading out to the manufacturer or showroom to pick out one of the many great models that are available.

One of the main things to consider is the size and type of spa you can comfortably afford and realistically fit into the space you have available. The type of propulsion system is another factor that will need to be considered at some point before the sale as well. There are traditionally three types of propulsion systems that can be used in a swim spa. There are the jet propulsion systems, the paddlewheel system and the propeller system.

All three systems have similarities and some distinct differences, but all three do basically the same thing just in a different mechanical way. The Jet system is exactly what it sounds like – a motor propels the current through a pressure system, which can be directed into a specific current depending on the swimmers needs and desires. The paddlewheel system has a large paddle wheel that turns at various speeds to create a current that the swimmer swims or exercises against. The propeller system is very much like the paddlewheel in how it works and is similar to the jet system. The one downside to the paddlewheel system is that the paddlewheel creates a current that runs the length of the spa whereas the jet and propeller system can be directed to change the current to flow in a certain direction, which can be beneficial.

Choosing the right swim spa for you and your family is a very personal choice that depends on a lot of key choices. Propulsion systems, affordability, size and a host of other things are necessary to consider. Be sure to take your time and do some research to ensure that the answers you require are all met. Talk to your local retailer and be sure that you know everything you need to know before making your purchase.

How Swim Spas Help People with Dementia

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As time goes on many more benefits of the swim spa seem to be surfacing. Swim spas are becoming well known for its ability to help to reduce general aches and pains, while offering a great form of exercise. One of the more recent discoveries is that water therapy is becoming instrumental in helping those with dementia.

Dementia is a widespread problem and the number of those suffering with it is continuing to grow. It is a debilitating illness that takes the joy out of the senior years. There are now some indications that exercise may be able to slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s, which is one of the many forms of dementia. What is even more important is that research is showing that if exercise is carried out through swimming and aerobics, it brings the greatest benefits.

There are continuous studies taking place regarding Alzheimer’s. One of the latest discoveries is that if high levels of a gene called BDNF can be found in the brain, exercise may help to slow down the progression of this disease. The outcome of some of the studies showed that participants in the study who had the highest BDNF levels were showing a 50% slower reduction of cognitive functions.

One of the factors that make this exciting news is that it comes without huge costs. All too often discoveries are made to help enhance one’s health or slow down the progression of a disease that ends up being very costly.

With exercise being a positive approach, especially in water, then the reasonable investment into a swim spa is well worth it. Another great advantage is that the swim spa doesn’t require a large amount of space for its installation. This means even those who have a small outdoor space can take advantage of it.

Perhaps, an additional benefit that hasn’t really been thought of is that using a swim spa to help those with dementia also helps to put them into a safe social setting. The swim spa is something the entire family can use, while spending some wonderful time with the senior who is struggling with this illness. It truly is a wonderful and positive approach to dealing with this ailment.

What is the Best Temperature for Your Hot Tub?

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The only thing worse than getting into a hot tub that is too hot is getting into one that is too cold! So what is the right water temperature for hot tub? It really depends on your personal preference for the most part.

The boundaries that most hot tubs have with regard to temperature are between the very high point of 40 degrees Celsius and a lower range of about seven degrees before the pumps and jets kick in to prevent the tub from freezing. Most likely, nobody would want to sit in a hot tub in the seven degree range. At the other end of the spectrum, 40 degrees is the industry agreed maximum as anything higher can lead to potential health hazards.

Studies have shown that, for the most part, women will prefer a temperature that is slightly higher than men prefer. Of course, that is not always the case, but generally that is true. Women usually prefer a temperature around 38-39 degrees, not far off the mark of the maximum setting on the majority of hot tubs.

Many hot tub installers will tell you that when they install a spa and set it for the first time, they generally set the temperature to 38 degrees. This is the temperature that seems to be the most comfortable to enter into and allows for the temperature drop that hot tubs will experience when people enter into the hot tub.

The ability to lower the temperature in the very hot summer months is a great benefit as well. There is nothing that says you have to keep the temperature at the highest level during the summer months. As long as you maintain the water as you would normally, there is no reason why you cannot lower the temperature and enjoy your hot tub like a small cooling pool during the summer. You could reap the benefits of cooling down all the while saving on heating costs!

The fact of the matter is there is no one size fits all temperature that will please everyone. Your personal preference is what matters after all. Choose the temperature that works best for you, your family, and friends. Your comfort is the best answer to the question!

Replacing Your Pool with a Swim Spa

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There are large amount of families who choose to install a pool in their yard or buy a house that has an existing pool. Eventually, they learn that the upkeep and maintenance costs are higher than anticipated. They may also come to the conclusion that the amount of time and effort that they have to invest is simply not worth the amount of time they get to enjoy the pool. When this occurs, what options are they left with? Should they fill in the pool or simply stop using it?

There is another option. One that will give you the great benefits that a pool offers, such as the full body workout and mental health. A swim spa is a smaller version of a pool that uses a propulsion system to create a current from one end that allows one to swim against the current just like they are swimming feely in a full size pool.

The added benefits of a swim spa is the fact that managing a swim spa is much easier and a whole lot less expensive than the upkeep on a full size pool. The fact that you have less water in a swim spa makes it much easier to keep the water at a very comfortable temperature level, which means that you will be able to use the swim spa for a much longer duration seasonally than you could with a full size pool.

The cost of switching from a full size pool to a swim spa would be recouped in just a few years by the savings on heating and maintenance. So, you get all the great benefits of swimming without the great expense and work that a full size pool requires.

When you do the math you quickly come to the conclusion that it makes a whole lot of sense to make the switch from a pool to a swim spa.

The Benefits of Teaching Your Kids to Swim Early

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There are a wide variety of reasons why swimming is such a fantastic activity, such as the health benefits that can be realized from the amazing workout that swimming provides.

There has been much written about the benefits of teaching your kids to swim at the earliest possible age. Here are some of those benefits.

The single most important reason for teaching our children to swim at the earliest possible age is safety. In the world we live in, the simple fact is that our children are going to encounter water. Whether they are swimming in pools or natural bodies of water, they can and will be subjected to times where they are around water.

The biggest cause of accidental death among children under the ages of 5 years old is drowning. That is a staggering and sobering statistic. The absolute best way to ensure that they are safe around water is to teach them to swim.

The physical benefits mentioned above are also heightened by the mental health benefits and the confidence that learning to swim can provide to our children.

Studies have proven that the benefits of learning to swim go far beyond just the workout for the body. The cardiovascular benefits are incredible and the act of swimming enhances the use of the five senses in addition to helping build their coordination and strength.

Experts suggest that starting to teach your child to swim from birth is the best way to get them comfortable around the water, while giving them a lifelong love of swimming and all the benefits mentioned above.

By installing a swim spa, you can begin teaching the basics at the earliest possible age. The spa eliminates the need to travel and the hassle traveling can create. It also allows you to teach at your own pace.

You simply cannot put a price on the benefits that learning to swim will provide to your kids. And their love of the water will carry on for a lifetime!