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Best Tips on Shopping for a Hot Tub

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Now that you are ready to buy your hot tub, there are a few tips to follow to help you make the right choice for this amazing home addition.

Ideally, you want to be able to test out the hot tubs that you’re most interested in. This will give you a first-hand experience. Perhaps you have used a hot tub in the past, but they all come with different features and options. The only way to tell what is going to be best for you is to actually try them.

You want to pay attention to how comfortable the seats are, and the depth of the seats. Also, the placement of the seating is important. Observe the pressure of the jets and how much foot space you have. Be sure to discuss all the options with the dealer during this time so you can begin to decide on features.

Find out if there are any remote control options that come up with your new spa. With controls, you may have the option to be able to adjust the jets, the water temperature, or any of the exterior accessories such as your TV or radio.

Something else to consider, and is well worth the small added expense, is a hot tub cover. It is very important not only for safety purposes, but for the convenience of reducing the maintenance of your hot tub. Ask your dealer to explain the different types of that may be available to you, and then based on your choice of hot tub you can work out the appropriate cover.

There are additional questions that you are going to want answers for. It is good to give yourself extra time when you are shopping for your hot tub so you can spend the time listening to the presentation of the dealer and asking questions as you go.

You want to know about the maintenance that is going be required for your hot tub. You want to know about the additional accessories that may be available to you. You want to know if there are any customizing options that might be beneficial to you. In addition to this, you need to know what the installment requirements are going to be. You may also want to inquire as to what financial arrangements can be made regarding your purchase.

Ask as many questions as you can at the beginning, and your hot tub dealer will be sure to find you the perfect fit!

Enjoying the Luxury of Hot Tub Aromatherapy

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hot tub is a wonderful addition to any home. It creates a welcoming thought during the day knowing that you will be able to head home, just sink into the warm water, and let all the stress melt away.

You can enhance the benefits of the hot tub as a stress reliever by incorporating the luxury of aromatherapy. This is where you use specific aromatherapy oils for different benefits.

Maybe you have been feeling a little down lately, and you want to create a happier mood for yourself. With all of the great features that your hot tub has to offer, adding the right essential oils means you’re in for an amazing experience.

Lavender oil is one option. It has been known to be an uplifting mood energizer. Some people can be sensitive to lavender, so you may want to burn some of this oil in an aromatherapy infuser first to make sure you are compatible with it.

A common complaint of many people is just not having enough energy. Even after a good night’s sleep, so many people wake up feeling drained. An excellent booster for this is adding some rosemary and peppermint oils to your hot tub. These particular oils are not only going to lift your energy level, but also have cognitive benefits. They are said to help with memory and concentration, as well as help to increase circulation, which simply supports one of the main benefits of your hot tub.

On the other side of the coin, perhaps you are too tense and you need some time to relax. The hot tub is superb for this without even having to use aromatherapy oils, but using them can greatly enhance your enjoyment. Lemon balm, mandarin, and chamomile are the favourite oils for this. You can either use them in combination, or separately. Try different blends and you’re sure to find a few favourite combinations for different days.

These are just a few of the common oils. There are many other exceptional oils that should be utilized as well such as ginger, tangerine, grapefruit, bergamot, or ylang ylang, for example. Remember, these oils are those that are specifically designed for your hot tub and don’t use regular essential oils, as they could damage your hot tub.

You want to be sure that you know how to use your oils properly in your hot tub, so follow the manufacturer’s directions for this. Many hot tub providers offer quality aromatherapy oils amongst their hot tub accessory offerings. Get creative and enjoy the places hot tub aromatherapy takes you!

Taking Advantage of What Your Hot Tub Has to Offer

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For many people that don’t own a hot tub, their main source for water relaxation is their bathtub. While this form of water therapy has been one that many have relied on in the past, it has been discovered that the hot tub has far more benefits. Hot tubs are excellent for hydrotherapy.

A lot of people that suffer from various ailments such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even high blood pressure are now turning to the hot tub for assistance.

One of the biggest problems that many of us face is time constraints. There is never enough time to really take care of ourselves the way that we should, or would like to. Therefore, the first rule that you should set once you have your hot tub installed is to make it a priority to use it regularly. Once you form the pattern of doing this, you are going to get the most out of your hot tub.

It can be difficult trying to fit something else into an already busy schedule. You will find, however, that once you make the effort to set a routine for your hot tub, you will feel much more relaxed and probably much healthier.

It helps to know a little of why the hot tub is such an amazing addition to enhancing your overall health. Aside from the warm water feeling absolutely wonderful after a stressful day, it does create some physical changes in the body. It is well-known that a hot tub session increases blood circulation to all parts of the body, which in turns helps to give those various parts the nourishment that they may not be getting.

If you were wondering why people seem to feel good as soon as they immerse themselves into the hot tub, it is because the increased blood circulation is also increasing the reproduction of the “feel-good” hormones. This, in turn, actually helps to increase the immune system while helping to reduce any inflammation that may be present.

One of the best features about the hot tub is that it doesn’t take a lot of time. A 20-minute session is what is generally recommended. You will find that taking 20 minutes out of your hectic routine will not be near as difficult as you may have thought.

Your hot tub comes with many features, and it’s a good idea to learn about these to get the most out of your hot tub. Along with the soothing warm water, jet systems further help you release tension and relax.

Usually the jets come preconfigured, and this is something to discuss with your hot tub dealer. The jets mimic a massage, as they are a combination of air and water. When asking about the details of your hot tub, be sure to ask what type of streams the jets provide. Some produce a direct stream of water, while others create a swirling or pulsating action.

It’s very important to spend some time with your hot tub dealer before purchasing your hot tub. This way, they can thoroughly go over all of the benefits, features, and options that their lines of hot tubs offer. This way, you will be able to choose the one that is best suited for you, and get all the great features and benefits you desire!

The Benefits of Aquatic Exercise in Your Swim Spa

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You may have heard a lot of people talk about the swim spa, but perhaps haven’t had the opportunity to actually see one. Basically, it is a self-contained unit which has a swim current at one end, allowing it to be used as a lap pool. There are many uses for this kind of spa, with the most common ones being for exercising, relaxing, and enjoying the benefits that the hydrotherapy jets provide.

Depending on the brand that you are buying, the components may vary somewhat, but are all designed to serve the same purpose.

Many exercise enthusiasts are used to the type of equipment that is found at a standard gym. These include elliptical machines, treadmills, and exercise bikes. These all produce specific benefits for the user, and the swim spa is capable of providing those same benefits, often with much less stress on the body.

A good idea for someone interested in exercising in their swim spa is to set up a routine based on the benefits it can provide. There are some additional accessories that can be utilized in the swim spa to scale up the exercise routine. Some individuals like to use resistance bands to assist them with their arm and leg exercises. Others incorporate the use of rolling bars for arm strengthening.

For those that are new to exercising, the same precautions should be used when using the swim spa as when entering any type of exercise program. There are the warm up and cool down exercises that should be followed. The intensity and duration of the exercise program should start off slowly, and then be increased as endurance builds.

The swim spa allows for buoyancy in the water which is a great benefit when it comes to exercising. It helps to prevent some of the stress that normal exercising can put on the body. Often those new to exercise end up with sore muscles and strains, and water exercise can help to reduce or even eliminate this. The swim spa is the perfect choice for anyone interested in getting the same results as land exercise with a low-impact alternative.

How Do Swim Spas Work?

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One of the many advantages of having a swim spa installed is that it’s a great space saver without having to relinquish all of the benefits that come with a regular swimming pool. In fact, it can offer additional benefits. It is a self-contained unit that fits nicely in confined spaces, and works well with any home atmosphere.

Swim spas work with various components. These may include a powered paddlewheel as well as a propeller, or it may possess a jet propulsion system. It depends on the manufacturer of the swim spa that you are opting for. What you want to look for in a swim spa is that it is going to provide a good current that is smooth, wide, and deep enough to give you the benefits that come with swimming.

While swim spas are definitely compact, you will still have the choice of size when you are ready to buy. Your main priority is to ensure that you will be able to carry out all of the swim strokes that you would be able to in a standard pool. When you purchase a family-sized unit, it allows for the added benefit of giving the children a chance to play, while the adults may want to focus more on the exercise and relaxation benefits that the swim spa offers.

Aside from these benefits, swim spas also come with hydrotherapy jets. So you now have a combination of a wonderful place to get in shape, as well as a fun place to play for the kids. Additionally, with therapy jets, you also have all of the benefits of a hot tub!

Not only do you have the benefit of your swim spa fitting into tight quarters, but there is also the versatility of how you can have it installed. There are options to have it installed above ground, partially recessed, or totally in ground. You can also decide if you want this to be an indoor or outdoor venue.

Having the opportunity to have your swim spa installed indoors allows you to make full use of this amazing water unit all year round. You don’t have to rely on good weather to use it. It certainly is a wonderful addition to the home, and also raises the resale value if you ever do plan to sell.

Can a Hot Tub Help to Lower High Blood Pressure?

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There is a lot of controversy about whether hot tub use is good for individuals who suffer with high blood pressure. There are a lot of people who suffer with this medical condition that would absolutely love to enjoy a warm soak in a hot tub, but are afraid to.

Many people believe that when someone first immerses themselves in a hot tub, their heart begins to work harder and faster. This is a mechanism to get rid of the excess heat that the body is experiencing from the warmth of the water. While this is taking place, there is increased blood flow which increases the oxygen level throughout the user’s body. It is during this process that the initial blood pressure may rise temporarily, but the warmth causes the cells to dilate, which in turn decreases the heart resistance and the blood pressure begins to drop.

There really haven’t been a lot of reported studies conducted on the actual effects of the hot tub in relation to blood pressure. One recent study that was conducted included a group of individuals, with some being treated for high blood pressure which was stable, and some with no hypertensive issues. Their blood pressure was monitored prior to a ten minute session in a hot tub, then at intervals while in the hot tub, and immediately after. Neither group indicated any serious adverse symptoms in respect to their time in the hot tub. It was noted that each participant displayed a drop in blood pressure and an increased heart rate during the initial entry into the hot tub, with no adverse symptoms.

In general, health experts feel that hot tubs should not create any problems provided that the user’s hypertensive condition is under control. As with any medical condition, following the advice of your health care provider is the priority.

One thing to be very cautious about however, is not to switch back and forth between a cold water venue and then to the hot tub. This can create an increase in blood pressure.

If you are given the approval by your doctor to use a hot tub, you may find that it is beneficial in reducing your stress level as you learn to relax. Stress in itself can have an adverse effect on blood pressure, so this could improve your condition over time. So, take your time and enjoy your relaxing hot tub session.

What You Need to Know about Swim Spa Enclosures

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When you first purchased your swim spa, you may not have given any thought to an enclosure for it, or perhaps it just wasn’t in the budget at the time. Now that you have this wonderful addition, you may feel that an enclosure could greatly enhance its usability.

Just as you had several decisions to make when you were buying your swim spa, you will also have some decisions to make when choosing your enclosure.

There are a lot of benefits to having an enclosure for your spa. It can help to make the spa more energy efficient, as it will allow the water to retain its temperature more efficiently. You also won’t have to deal with debris getting into the spa.

One of the best advantages is that you can use your swim spa anytime. You won’t have to let the weather control when you can make use of your swim spa. Some other major benefits are the privacy it provides, as well as the safety. It can help to prevent people, especially children and pets, from approaching the spa too closely.

There are a variety of enclosures available, including fixed, retractable, lean-tos, and enclosures with centre openings. It will come down to your personal preference and what works best for your particular pool.

You will definitely want to consider relying on the experts who supply the swim spa enclosures. They can tell you what your restrictions are based on the specifications that you give them, and will even visit the home so that they can give you the best recommendations. They also may suggest other alternatives, like pavilions or gazebos, depending on the size of your swim spa and your specific wants and needs. Also, keep your budget in mind so that the provider can help to find the perfect fit.

Of course, you want your enclosure to meet your needs for the swim spa. However, you also want to take into account how it will work with your architecture and landscaping. The addition is meant to enhance the property. This means that you have to consider the style as well as the materials that will be used. Again, this is where an enclosure expert will be an additional advantage for you. Based on your requirements and their experience, they will be able to offer you some sound advice and find you something that meets both your functional and aesthetic tastes.

Having a swim spa enclosure is an investment that will not only greatly extend the enjoyment of your swim spa, but also add value to your property. Consider getting an enclosure to get the most out of your swim spa year-round!

How to Incorporate a Sauna into Your Home Entertainment

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By the end of the day, many people are tired and simply want to head home and plop down on the couch to relax. However, those who have the advantage of having a sauna in their home usually head there first, and find some time relaxing in the sauna much more beneficial than the couch.

Television has become a favourite mode of entertainment, but a sauna can also be a wonderful form of entertainment as well.

The weekends are the perfect time for family and friends to get together. However, many people tend to forget how wonderful the sauna could be for their night of entertaining. Once they invite their friends or family in for a try, they often make it a regular event and even throw sauna parties.

Throwing a sauna party can be a lot of fun and you can actually turn it into a themed event. Don’t be surprised if you find that more people turn up for your gathering than normal—you can thank the sauna! With the numerous physical and mental benefits, everyone is sure to enjoy a relaxing sauna session while socializing.

Depending on the size of your sauna and how many guests you have invited, you may decide to have groups take turns or for everyone to head in at once. Regardless, let your guests know that they are free to leave anytime so they don’t feel uncomfortable or obligated to stay. On the same token, this also means they can relax for a while longer if they choose to.

When coming out of the sauna, make sure you have plenty of water on hand so everyone can hydrate themselves, and find a nice area where everyone can sit for a period of time to cool down.

You will probably want to serve refreshments, but hold off on the alcohol beverages until the sauna sessions are over. Even better, wait until after everyone has had something to eat and some water to drink to ensure that everyone is well hydrated.

Most people like to have a shower following a sauna, so let your guests know if they are allowed to do this ahead of time.

After your sauna session, cool down, and showers, your guests are probably feeling relaxed but revitalized and ready to enjoy some food and the rest of the evening’s entertainment.

The sauna is a great atmosphere and offers a place where you can enjoy some really great conversation with no distractions, making it perfect for socializing, relaxing, and entertaining! Invite some friends over and try out the sauna party for yourself, and share the amazing benefits these units have to offer.

The Beautiful Skin Benefits of Using a Sauna

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When it comes to what is best for the skin, there will always be varying opinions. When it comes to saunas, most people will agree that they’re good for it. Even those who didn’t anticipate this particular sauna benefit will often comment that they have found their skin to be in better condition since they started using their sauna. So, let’s look at a few reasons why a sauna can benefit your skin.

Improved Circulation

When you are increasing the blood flow to your skin, it is as if you are preparing a banquet for it. The extra blood flow nourishes the skin. Blood is the food line that provides what your skin needs, in the form of oxygen and essential nutrients. While this nourishment is a requirement for every part of the body, sometimes the skin seems to get short changed.

The blood flow also plays another important role. While it carries nutrients to the cells, it also works as a waste management system. Blood assists in carrying away waste products from the working cells. While you can’t visibly see this increased circulation, it will be evident as your heart rate increases. In some cases, heart rate increases by 30% or even more, which increases the blood circulation to the skin.

Getting Rid of Toxins

One of the first things you will notice after a short time in the sauna is that you will begin to perspire. It has always been a common thought that sweating helps to rid the body of toxins. You will often hear people with a cold say they are going to go to bed and just sweat it out. Many people believe that sweating helps to rid their body of the toxins that are making them ill.

We are focusing on the skin, and the sweating created by the sauna helps the skin to get rid of toxins that may have become trapped below the skins layers. It opens the pores of the skin, making it easier for both dirt and toxins to be released, and resulting in clearer, healthier looking skin.

Saunas for Problematic Skin

There are some acne sufferers that swear by using the sauna to help clear their skin. It makes sense why this would work. Acne is usually prominent in people where they have too much oil being produced in their skin. This overabundance of oil gets trapped in the pores, and the end result is a breakout of acne. The sauna helps to open up the pores and allows these trapped oils to drain. However, it’s best to cleanse the skin following a sauna session to help exfoliate the dead skin and remove perspiration. This ensures that all of the oil and dirt is washed away and the skin can breathe.

Using a sauna on a regular basis comes with a lot of benefits, and keeping the skin healthy and clear is definitely one of the favourites.