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Are all Saunas the Same?

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It is an exciting adventure to shop for a sauna and then make use of its many benefits. But, before doing so, here are some tips to help you select the right sauna for you!

Many differences

You may be quite surprised to learn that there are several differences between the different types and models of saunas. Here are some things you will want to consider before making your final decision.

Style:

The style you choose should be determined by several factors:

  • Space availability:
    Take the time to pre-plan where this new household item is going to be placed. Do you want to install it inside the house or outside? By understanding this, it will help you select the right style.
  • Comfort:
    You really want to maximize all of the benefits that this new sauna is going to offer you and this includes being comfortable while enjoying the wonderfully warm and soothing steam.
  • Appearance:
    Naturally, anything that you are going to put into your home should add to its decor and match the style of the home. This is certainly something to keep in mind when you choose the right one for you.

Benefits:

When comparing the differences between saunas, you want to have some knowledge of the benefits they can offer you and whether a particular make or model is going to meet your needs. If you are going to be the only user, a smaller size sauna may be perfect for you. On the other hand, if there are going to be several users, you may want to consider this as well. Some people enjoy just sitting in the sauna, while others like to stretch out and even do some exercise!

Knowing the differences:

During your search for the perfect sauna, it’s important to know that there are wood heated, smoke, electric, and even infrared saunas, so there are a lot of variations to consider. You even have the option of a steam room.

It’s important to speak to an experienced professional to understand what type is right for you. If you have any questions, please comment below or contact us. We are here to help!

7 Things to Consider When Purchasing Your First Hot Tub

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While price is always an important factor when making any type of purchase, it should not be the main priority when buying your first hot tub. Here are a few things to consider!

Where is the location?

Like many hot tub users, you may want to position your hot tub outdoors. If this is the case, take the time to determine the most ideal and convenient spot for it. The one major requirement will be a solid foundation, such as a cement pad or a solid deck. If you have kids, you may want to keep it away from their play area, so you can enjoy time both together and separately!

Where is your power source?

When choosing your location, you also want it to be near a power source that can accommodate the hot tub. Discuss this requirement with a spa dealer, who will advise you on the power needs as they pertain to the different hot tubs that you may be interested in.

What are the legal requirements?

Residential areas may have their own specific laws and rules regarding outdoor water features, so check in your area to see if there are any regulations that pertain to owning a hot tub.

Compare your options.

While you are looking at the different hot tubs that are available to you, compare each of them according to the features they offer that are going to be most important to you. For some buyers, they are most interested in size as they are really looking forward to sharing the spa experience with family and friends. For others, its features, like the number of jets and lighting. As a family or couple, you may have some different opinions as to which hot tub is the right choice for your lifestyle needs. That’s why there are several models available. Take the time to visit the showroom with the family to make a group decision.

Think about the future as well.

When you are buying a good quality spa, you can look forward to many years of enjoyment and relaxation. This means that you may want to give some thought to your future use as well. If you have a growing family, for example, you will soon discover that they want to use it with the family and with their friends. This means that you really want to consider size.

Know the credibility of the company you are buying from.

Where you make your purchase is just as important as the brand of hot tub that you buy.

While you may have done some research into buying a hot tub, you want to get honest advice that you can rely on from a reputable, well-established company.

Warranty and Service.

When you deal with a good pool, spa and hot tub company, you should be getting the best warranty available. You also want a to select a company that can properly service and maintain your hot tub, so it functions the way it was designed to for years to come!

There are many more things to consider when purchasing a hot tub. Feel free to come down to our showroom to learn more or contact us if you have any questions at all!

Why Choose a Self Cleaning Swim Spa?

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With the idea that you are really getting double the pleasure with a swim spa, having one that is capable of cleaning itself is an even greater bonus!

Ideal for the first time owner

If this is your first time considering a swim spa, you no doubt have questions about its maintenance. With standard swim spas, it’s important to understand the chemicals that are required to clean the spa, as well as how much to use and when to use them. Although this is easy enough to understand, not having to worry about cleaning your swim spa is a real benefit and time saver.

Allows more time for pleasure

With the self cleaning swim spas, you don’t have to clean the spa before using it, while listening to the kids complain about the delay at times. When you purchase a self cleaning spa, you can say goodbye to this short delay as the water automatically replaces itself every 15 minutes!

A healthy water environment

Water that becomes unhealthy in any type of water spa can pose potential health risks. By investing in a spa that is able to self clean, you are taking the extra step of making sure the water is in prime condition for providing all of the benefits that it is capable of.

It’s a money saver in the long run!

Not only do you save time and get more time to enjoy your swim spa, you also save on chemicals and cleaning. And after all, you want to be spending your time enjoying your swim spa as much as the rest of the family does.

If you have any questions about swim spas, please leave a comment below or contact us. We’d be happy to assist!

5 Tips to Get the Most from Your Hot Tub

Outdoor Hot Tub

When you purchase your hot tub, using it is one of highlights of the day for many people. Here are a few tips to help you get the most of out of your hot tub!

  1. Know the different uses that your hot tub has to offer and how you can apply these to your daily life. A hot tub not only provides a great way to spend time with friends and family, while relaxing after a hard day’s work, but it’s also a great way to entertain the kids that is low cost and safe.
  2. Take the time to relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits. It is really easy to come home after a hard day’s work and get caught up with the household responsibilities, instead of spending a little time in the wonderfully hot soothing water. Take some time for yourself to enjoy the therapeutic benefits and improve your overall health.
  3. Take advantage of it all year round. If you have had your hot tub installed outdoors, it can still be used year round. You will have no problems braving the few moments of nippy weather when that warm wonderful water is only a few steps away.
  4. Use the features according to your needs. By understanding all of the features that your hot tub has, it will give you some additional ideas of how you can put it to full use. For example, if you’re looking to relax, simply turn off the area lights and jets for the perfectly relaxed setting. If you have aches and pains in specific areas, position the jets, so they are geared towards specific areas of your body to help increase blood circulation for immediate relief.
  5. Use it for entertaining and socializing. Whether you want to have some light conversation with the family while being playful or spending time with friends on the weekend, a hot tub is a great way to have fun with the people you love.

A hot tub is impacts your life in so many ways as you can see. Selecting the right hot tub for your lifestyle and future requirements will help you get the most out of it. If you have questions, please leave a comment below or contact us. To get a real feel for the different hot tubs that are available, come by and visit us!

How a Swimming Pool Can Save You Money

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With the high cost of entertainment today, many families are looking at what they can do at home to make staying home more attractive and fun for the family and a pool is a great way to achieve this!

A cost effective alternative for children’s fun

It can be difficult trying to find different entertainment venues for the entire family and still keep it at a reasonable price. A swimming pool brings enjoyment to all age levels. Children that have a pool at home tend to be quite content to use this as a source of enjoyment with friends. Many times, instead of going out to entertain themselves, they prefer to spend time in the pool with friends, which is where the savings can really add up!

Using the swimming pool for socializing

If you love to have company over and enjoy entertaining, you will find that having a swimming pool really adds to the pleasure of socializing. Pool parties are a great way to entertain without having to worry about how to keep your guests occupied. And a pool can save money from not having to plan social outings at expensive restaurants or bringing in other types of entertainment! 

Cutting down on gym fees

Instead of going to the gym, the pool can be used for a great workout, while saving you money long-term. 

Extending the value and benefits of the swimming pool

With the modern technology and materials that are used in quality swimming pools and accessories today, it has made having a swimming pool more affordable. It is quite easy to have an indoor or outdoor swimming pool installed at an affordable price, while putting very little time or money demands on the pool owner when it comes to maintenance!

If you have questions about pools or having one installed, feel free to visit us or connect with us. We would be happy to assist!

How to open up your pool in spring

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Getting your pool up and running for the new season is not too difficult, and the following guidelines should make life even easier for you. However, if you’ve got doubts that this particular line in DIY is not for you, give your local pool centre or service engineer a call.

For pools run on chlorine:

First, shock dose the pool with an unstabilised granular chlorine that gets to work the moment it is dissolved. The high dose of chlorine will kill off any algae spores and bacteria that might be lurking in liner creases or in the surface of tile grouting. This will give you as near sterile water as possible. Your pool water needs to be kept in good condition throughout the spring and summer, as the chlorine will soon dissipate.

You now need to add a chemical which special formulation contains a Long Life Algicide, Water Clarifier, and Anti Stain & Scale additives, which prevent the formation of scale and staining from dissolved minerals.

For pools run on bromine:

The above procedure and instructions opposite are aimed at pools run on chlorine, as it is by far the most commonly used outdoor pool sanitiser. There are parallel procedures for other disinfectants as follows. Bromine is very similar to chlorine and can be shock dosed with the same product. This should then be followed by a non-chlorine sanitiser, which is totally incompatible with chlorine and bromine.

The 13 Steps you should follow to open up your pool correctly:

  1. Remove surface water and debris from the winter cover before taking it off, then clean and dry it ready for storage.
  2. Using a leaf net, remove as much debris from the pool as possible and clean any tide marks at the water line using a cleaner chemical.
  3. Reconnect the pump if you removed it over winter making sure all electrical connections are free from dampness. Call in an electrician if you are in any doubt about what your are doing.
  4. Open any valves beneath the water line which may have been closed or plugged.
  5. Check there are no obstructions to the drains, the outlets and the pump strainer basket.
  6. If necessary, top up the water level so that it can be drawn in through the skimmer/s.
  7. Prime the pump, turn it on and check that the filter, skimmers and drains are all working. Do not be too concerned if the water from the circulation is discoloured initially. If the water level was too high because of rain over the winter, pump to waste.
  8. Run the filter for several hours, vacuuming out any remaining debris.
  9. Backwash the filter and top up with fresh water.
  10. Prepare the heat retention cover for use, cleaning off any patches of algae or mould.
  11. Check the pH and adjust to 7.2-7.4. Ask your dealer for pH reducer to lower the pH or pH increaser to raise the pH.
  12. Dose with shock product to kill any algae and harmful organisms that may be present. Allow the water to circulate for 3 to 4 hours to ensure thorough mixing.
  13. Then with the water still circulating, add algicide chemical, pouring it near the swimming pool inlet at the prescribed dose.

Health Benefits of Saunas

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Saunas are widely known for their incredible ability to aid relaxation and boost the health of the user, however there are also a range of benefits which the average user might not be aware of. Join us as we explore some of the amazing benefits of sauna use!

1. Relieves Stress

Medical studies clearly show stress in our daily lives affects our health. In fact, the vast majority of disease is stress related. The sauna provides stress relief in a number of ways: It’s a warm, quiet space without any distractions. As we say, “Step into a sauna, and close the door on the rest of the world.” The heat of the sauna relaxes the body, improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins ”the body’s natural feel good chemical” providing a wonderful after sauna glow.

2. Relaxes Muscles and Soothes Aches and Pains in Muscles and Joints

Under high heat, the body releases endorphins – the body’s naturally produced pain relieving chemical. Endorphins can have a mild and enjoyable tranquilizing effect and the ability to quell the pain of arthritis (and muscle soreness from an intense physical workout).

Body temperature rises from the heat of the sauna, causing blood vessels to dilate and circulation to increase. The increased blood flow accelerates the body’s natural healing proces, soothing aches and pains and speeding up of the healing of cuts and bruises. Following sporting activity, use the heat and steam of a sauna for muscle relaxation by helping to reduce muscle tension and eliminate lactic acid and other toxins.

3. Flushes Toxins

In today’s lifestyles, many of us don’t actively sweat on a daily basis. Deep sweating has multiple health benefits. Regular sauna bathing provides the benefits derived from a deep sweat: In the heat of a sauna, the core body temperature begins to rise and it produces sweat, in order to cool the body. In a sauna, deep sweating can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemicals – all toxins commonly picked up from our environment.

4. Recreational and Social Benefits

While the social benefit is rarely touted, it should not be trivialized. The sauna can be a private personal retreat or a relaxing environment for socializing with family and friends. The sauna environment is ideal for openness, quiet conversation and intimacy.

5. Improves Cardiovascular Performances

In the heat of a sauna, skin heats up and core body temperature rises. In response to the heat, the blood vessels near the skin dilate and cardiac output increases. Medical research shows the heart rate can rise from 60-70/min. to 110-120/min. in the sauna (140-150 with more intensive bathing), and can often sink to below normal after the cooling off stage. With regular sauna use, we not only train our heart muscles and improve the heart rate/cardiac output, but we also positively influence the regulatory system.

Further cardiovascular conditioning occurs when the sauna is taken in multiple innings, with sessions in the sauna separated by a cool shower or a dip into a cool pool or lake. Every time you rapidly change temperature (from hot to cool or vice versa), your heart rate increases by as much as 60%–comparable to moderate exercise.

6. Feels Good

A sauna not only feels good, it’s good for you. Whether it’s the physiological changes that occur in the warmth of a sauna, or if it’s simply the time spent in the calm, still retreat of the sauna, all who sauna agree – it feels wonderful! As we go through our daily stressful lives, the sauna provides a pampering retreat where we can relax and restore body and soul. A sauna truly makes you feel better, look better and sleep better.

We can help you to choose the ideal spa for your lifestyle needs – contact a member of our team for more information today on 0208 300 4003.

Why buy a Swim Spa rather than a Pool ?

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Choosing a swim spa, exercise pool, fitness pool or swimming pool is a big decision, as it’s a choice you’ll be living with for a long time. Choose the wrong type of pool, and you will drastically reduce the use you get from your new investment, choose the right swimming pool, however, and you will be delighted with it for years to come.

Indeed, a swim spa offers a few added benefits that your traditional pool may not offer. Individuals who are considering the investment in this type of pool will find that the advantages are not just exercise related. In fact, this can be the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends or to let the kids splash around in the summer months. Unlike other pools, the swim spa is a complete system that is easy to use and maintain.

One of the key advantages of an exercise pool is that it provides you with one of the best types of exercise methods available. Swimming is good for several reasons.

  • It provides an effective workout plan that gets the heart going.
  • It works to provide exercise without impact. Unlike running or walking, there is no impact on the joints.
  • This system is fun. Unlike other types of exercise, like treadmills and workout gyms, people tend to enjoy swimming. When you enjoy doing something, you are more likely to do it.

For all of these reasons, an exercise pool is an ideal choice for those who need to get moving. Keep in mind that you will find a variety of other advantages to swim spas too. 

Swim spas provide other uses as well. Individuals will find a range of ways to use these that do not always have to provide for health improvement. For example, some split models offer a side that is perfect for relaxing with a few friends, in a hot tub style experience. This makes for one of the best overall experiences because the water’s warm and the current is just enough to be relaxing.

They are safe for children who will enjoy spending time in the swim spa. A very dynamic and easy to use product. The children will love playing with the jets and will learn swimming very fast. Moreover, a swim spa is easy to use. You can keep it heated 12 months a year at the cheapest price with covers and its great isolation. It only demands a few products to keep the water clean. 

Whereas in a swimming pool, you will only have space to make a couple breaststrokes and once you have done that, you will sit on the side of the pool and not enjoy it as you should.

Therefore, a swim spa is the way to make the most of your investment, by spending less time worrying about the money spent in maintenance, and spending more time enjoying your pool, the relaxation and comfort it offers.

Aiding Sports Recovery

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Hydrotherapy

Water is used in physiotherapy to:

  • speed recovery from injuries
  • relieve muscle soreness by facilitating the removal of lactic acid
  • open the blood vessels to improve circulation
  • relax the muscles around arthritic joints
  • promote the flow of endorphins

All of these benefits combined with the opportunity of a moment of rest from the distractions of daily life make hydrotherapy both physically and mentally therapeutic.

The healing benefits of hydrotherapy have been known to all of the world’s great cultures, with a history that dates back thousands of years. Jacuzzi® has popularized the ancient practice of water massage therapy for a new age. Relaxing heat, muscle stimulation, and lighter-than-air buoyancy relieve physical burdens and brighten the spirits. Researchers have observed the healing effects of hydrotherapy: decreased joint pain, improved circulation, and acceleration of the body’s natural healing processes.

Hot tubs are known for delivering soothing and stimulating hydrotherapy. The warm water and massage elements in a hot tub can help reduce stress, clear your mind, and soothe overworked muscles, which is particularly important to athletes! Whether you’re juggling work and family, recovering from a joint or muscle injury, or simply needing to unwind from the day’s stresses, hydrotherapy provides relaxation, healing effects, and nourishing rejuvenation.

Hydrotherapy can help bring about a good night’s sleep, may help keep joints moving, restore strength and flexibility and soothe arthritis pain. A hot tub hydrotherapy session is a great experience any time of the day or any season of the year.

Why hydrotherapy works

Water under pressure from jets can alleviate the muscle tightness produced by stress and anxiety through the application of direct massage and heat. From a targeted stream for deep-tissue massage to relaxing micro-bubbles, Jacuzzi jets give you a variety of hydrotherapeutic massage types.

How hydrotherapy heals

Water is used in physiotherapy to speed recovery from injuries, relieve muscle soreness by facilitating the removal of lactic acid, open the blood vessels to improve circulation, help the muscles around arthritic joints relax, and promote the flow of endorphins.