Category Archives: Hot Tub

We all know that being in a hot tub is a lovely experience. No matter what the season it’s a delicious way to feel pampered and take some time out. However, did you know that it can actually be good for your health to use a hot tub? The combination of heat, pressure and water can actually be very powerful when it comes to your wellbeing too.

4 reasons it’s healthy for you to use a hot tub

1. Your hot tub can help when it comes to stress. For many of us, stress can be a problem no matter what the time of year. From financial pressures to family stuff and workplace issues there are many things that can trigger feelings of anxiety and dread and it can be difficult to work out how to calm that when it happens. One simple way is to spend more time in your hot tub. The warm water can be incredibly soothing and you can use the jets to apply pressure to anywhere that you’re feeling stress the most to find some physical relief.
2. Being in a hot tub can help reduce blood pressure. This is because the impact of the warm water dilates the blood vessels with much the same effect as you might get if you had just done a workout. This is great for your body, especially if you’re doing it on a regular basis when you use your hot tub at home. Plus, if you’re starting a new workout regime or trying new activities and sports for autumn your hot tub is the perfect place to relax afterwards and to ease out tired muscles and the impact of lots of strenuous exercise.
3. Hot tub sessions can help when it comes to regulating blood sugar. Research has found that one of the long term benefits of a hot tub is that it can help to better control blood sugar levels and provide support to anyone who has Type 2 diabetes. That’s one of the reasons why it’s worth using your hot tub on a regular basis if this is something that you suffer from. It’s one of the many positive health benefits that are not always considered when it comes to hot tub use.
4. Pain relief and mobility. The warmth of the water and the use of the jets means that your hot tub can be a great tool when it comes to pain relief, whether that’s in respect of a chronic condition like arthritis or a recent injury. The buoyancy of the water means that your body will feel totally supported and you won’t put any pressure on tender areas. The heat and support can help significantly with pain management and give you some relief, especially when used on a regular basis.

From helping to better manage pain to the impact on blood pressure or even a condition like Type 2 diabetes, these are some of the reasons why using your hot tub is healthy for you. We also offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range.

The summer isn’t quite over yet! If you haven’t been doing so already, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy your hot tub on a late summer’s evening. There are some fantastic ways to enjoy your hot tub throughout the summer.

Try Out a Cooler Soak

Hot tubs don’t always have to be hot, despite their name. You can lower the temperature for summertime use even though they are typically kept at 37° to 39° C with a maximum heat of 40°C.

Reduce the heat of your hot tub to about 29°C, or turn off the heater entirely. The fresh water will flow through your hot tub more quickly and effectively if your air jets are left on. Another way to prevent the water from being warmed by the sun during the day is to keep the cover on when not in use.

Aid Your Body’s Healing Process

Numerous sports, including baseball, golf, soccer, cycling, and hiking, can be physically demanding. Aches, pains, stress, and perhaps even a slight injury can be brought on by the extra strain and abuse of your muscles and joints.

You don’t have to let these discomforts stop you from moving forward. Your body may rest and unwind by spending some time in a hot tub after a day of exercise and physical exertion. Let the jet-infused water’s warmth and massage soothe your muscles and reduce stress while the buoyancy of the water removes pressure on your body.

Enjoy a Midnight Dip

A long, soothing bath in the hot tub is the ideal way to unwind after a long day, thanks to the lower evening temperatures. Your already opulent and rejuvenating garden experience can reach new heights thanks to the cool air and beautiful night sky.

Not to mention that hot tubs are well known for enhancing sleep quality. Your body and mind can unwind because of the water’s warmth and massage, making you feel more flexible and agile. This can facilitate better sleep preparation, faster sleep onset, and longer sleep duration.

Host Family and Friends

So why not spend some time together in the hot tub? You can rest at the end of the day, catching up and making precious memories – all while the hot tub does all the work. You may even consider creating a lavish hot tub party in your garden.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialise in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools and gazebos and has experience of over 50 years in this industry. We also offer servicing and post-sales care for all our customers to ensure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom in Kent, so please come down and try our huge range.

People automatically assume that hot tubs are expensive to run and require a lot of maintenance however there is a range of factors that contribute to this answer, so it’s not that simple.

How much does it cost to run a hot tub?

Surrounding temperature

Initially, when your hot tub is installed, the energy bills shoot up. After that, there will be many costs involved in running your hot tub. Depending on the surrounding temperature of the hot tub, whether it’s indoors, outdoors, winter or summer, this can all affect the cost. The part of owning a hot tub which costs the most is increasing water temperature so in the winter when it’s cold, hot tub water tends to be the warmest so, if you choose to decrease this temperature by a few degrees in the winter, the energy bills can be brought down significantly. Building a hot tub shelter can prevent you from increasing water temperature hence making it more efficient.

Energy

Your hot tub cost could be highly influenced by your energy supplier. You can keep the costs low by ensuring you are on the most cost-effective tariff. Use a comparison website to see whether other suppliers gave better deals.

Hot tub size

Typically, smaller hot tubs use less energy and cost less compared to larger 8-10 people-sized hot tubs which bump up the costs significantly. Hence you should choose a size suitable for your needs and not buy an unnecessarily large one which you know you will never fully occupy and make good use of.

Usage of hot tub

For obvious reasons the longer you use your hot tub, the more costly it will be however when your hot tub is not in use, ensure you do not turn it off as heating up the tub is what takes up the most energy. At night you can lower the temperature down a few degrees but not too much as when it is next used, a lot of energy will be taken to bump up the temperature again.

Insulation

Insulation will keep the heat in and prevent energy loss. This can be done by buying a hot tub cover or having insulation at the base of the tub. Hydropool hot tubs have 2 layers of insulation which prevent them from being too costly compared to some hot tubs which only have one.

Self-cleaning

Buying a hot tub which you have to clean yourself will use more energy and be more expensive than Hydropool’s self-cleaning hot tub. The hot tub cleans itself and you are not needed to spend time and energy refilling yourself.

Buying a Hydropool hot tub

Investing in one of our hot tubs is really worth considering as we have features which minimise energy costs and ensure you are not unnecessarily wasting your money. We have the insulation, pumps and self-cleaning features all of which contribute to minimising costs. We have some available for you to try in our showroom in Addlestone, Surrey which may help make your decision easier.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialise in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools and gazebos and have experience of over 50 years in this industry. We also offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range.

Summer is the best time to sit by the pool, cocktail in hand and sunnies on. Would you ever believe a hot tub could be of use during such a warm season? Despite intense heat during summer days, it begins to cool down towards the evening: giving you an excuse to dip your toes into the hot tub, grab a glass of wine and relax.

As the temperature decreases with the sun, setting a hot tub soak is the perfect opportunity for your muscles and mind to relax. On the other hand, hot-tubbing at night can also provide a peaceful atmosphere when temperatures drop and the stars rise; a perfect excuse for star gazing. Depending on where you live in the world, summer is at different times of the year. For example, living in the UK, the summer season is between the months of June and August, however during these same 3 months, Australia has their winter season.

A balance between morning and evening soaks

The temperature rises when the sun does, meaning that in many places, twilight, dusk and dawn are the ideal times to relax in your hot tub. Hot tubbing at night provides a tranquillity equivalent to sitting around a campfire and observing the stars – another popular summertime activity. Enjoying your hot tub during the cool morning hours can help you relax and find balance during, and in preparation of a long summer day.

Rainy days

In some areas, summer rain comes daily, snapping a heatwave away. If unique tranquillity is what you’re seeking, thunder and lightning is no threat. Using your hot tub in the rain allows for the incomparable experience of cool rain on your face mixed with the warmth of your hot tub.

Party

Summer is a highly social season: a time for gatherings of family and friends. You can barbecue, hang out and of course, enjoy your hot tub. Soaking in your hot tub with friends or family allows for the ultimate relaxational experience of fun and stress relief packed into one.

Benefits

In addition to all the fun you can have hot tubbing in the summer, there are also many health benefits. After exerting your muscles in activities, your hot tub helps reduce soreness and aching. Not only does a hot tub relieve tension, but the buoyancy of the water and massaging properties of the jets contribute to the ultimate state of relaxation. In addition to this, enjoying your hot tub with friends or family helps improve social connections as well as your overall quality of life. No matter where you live, your hot tub will reward and benefit you every time.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialise in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools and gazebos and have experience of over 50 years in this industry. We also offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range.

The best way to unwind after a long and busy day is to soak in your hot tub. The perfect hot tub routine provides benefits beyond relaxation. Easing pain and stiffness, helping muscles recover after exercise and providing temporary relief from symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia and more. A hot tub can alleviate these symptoms, whether it is discomfort from injury or sickness, stiffness or soreness. With a hot tub at home, it’s easy to customise a routine to suit your needs and deliver the well-being and vitality you need to live life to its fullest. 

Benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy offers an alternative therapy method for temporary pain relief of ailments such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle and joint pain, fibromyalgia and aches and discomfort following exercise. When soaking in a hot tub, the effect of buoyancy allows for a period of recovery from stress on muscles and joints. Water immersion helps the relaxation of both the mind and body, contributing to your recovery. Warm water immersion also reduces muscle spasms and diminishes the experience of pain. Owning a hot tub regularly relieves mental and physical tension and improves the quality of life in the long term. 

Finding the right temperature

Hot tubs are all about personalisation. It is best to start at a lower temperature (for example, between 36C and 37C) and adjust to a level that is right for you; however, exceeding 40C is not recommended. The key is to find the temperature where your muscles are relaxed without overheating. 

Using the water for increased comfort

Low impact exercises are a great way to stimulate your muscles and joints in a hot tub. Taking up only 15 to 20 minutes of your time, you can become more flexible, reduce injury chances, and improve mental health. Moreover, the buoyancy of the water takes some of the weight and pressure off your joints, granting easier and more pain-free exercise to stay fit.

Staying hydrated

It is essential to stay hydrated when relaxing in a hot tub. Warm water raises body temperature, particularly with light stretching or exercise. When soaking, ensure you drink plenty of water to regulate your body temperature and further aid your recovery. Hydrotherapy is the best way to help muscles recover and stunt arthritis, easily integrating into your routine. No matter how busy you are, there is always time for a warm soak in your hot tub. Muscle relaxation, comfort and wellness are simple with your hot tub, allowing you to stick to your fitness goals for as long as you wish. 

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialise in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools and gazebos and have experience of over 50 years in this industry. We also offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range.

The value of a healthy, sustainable routine should not be overlooked, allowing you to help balance work, family and your own wellbeing. There’s no better way to start your morning than with an invigorating soak in a hot tub, allowing you to concentrate on what you need to make your day a success, whatever lies ahead of you.

Check out these ways that a hot tub can help you achieve your full potential on a daily basis:

• Start as you mean to go on: There’s no better reason to get yourself out of bed than with an invigorating 20-minute soak in the hot tub and getting your day off to a flying start.
• The perfect place for creative genius to strike: Your time in the hot tub serves as the ideal springboard for productivity since it offers a serene, focused setting that promotes clarity of thought, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Take your workout to the next level: You may be prevented from exercising regularly by sore muscles and stiff joints. Bathe either before or after working out (or both). In either case, heat therapy aids in boosting blood flow, promoting healing, and relaxing muscles, assisting with pre-exercise warming up and post-exercise recovery so you can stay moving and maintain your healthy routine.
• Create the perfect balance between your work and family: You can get the energy and concentration you need from your hot tub to perform at your best at work. When you get home, you can spend quality time with your loved ones in a relaxed, noise-free setting that promotes significant conversation.
• Increase your energy levels: Immerse yourself in warm water and energising jets; when you come out, you’ll feel refreshed and full of energy.
• Ensure you’re getting your 8 hours of sleep: It can be challenging to stick to your regular schedule when you’re getting tired and unmotivated due to lack of sleep. A fifteen-minute dip in the cool night air will help you unwind and lower your body temperature, promoting restful sleep.

Use your hot tub daily to get the most out of it. We’re prepared to bet that after a few weeks it will become a routine you wouldn’t dare miss! Whether it’s in the morning, the afternoon, or the evening, a warm soak can help you perform better at work and at home and help you be at your best.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialise in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools and gazebos and have experience of over 50 years in this industry. We also offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range.

Hot tubs can typically be used all year round, including in the summer. But if you drop the heat to 35 degrees, a hot tub will be more enjoyable. No matter the weather outside, having access to your hot tub throughout the year, particularly in the summer, can help you stay relaxed and rejuvenated.

What temperature should a hot tub be set at in the summer?

Generally speaking, many people set their hot tubs to 35° during the summer months in warmer climates. Although it can be set lower than that, the water is unlikely to drop below 35° if the ambient temperature is above 32°.

You may prefer your water hot, even during the summer months. But you need to bear in mind that the temperature of the water will have an effect on the amount of time you’re able to bathe. Naturally, the soak period needs to be shortened as the temperature increases. As the summer months approach, we recommend a temperature of 36° or lower, as the sunlight will start to warm the water.

How can I get my hot tub to cool down?

While you could just turn off the electricity and let the water cool, that’s not a very safe option. The cause is the same as when you observe a lake or pond that appears to be stagnant. Pumps, jets, and circulation cannot function without power.

The best way to reduce the temperature is to select the desired setting from the control panel. Often an economy mode or a sleep mode will reduce the temperature of the hot tub as they’re designed to save on electricity costs.

Is a hot tub therapeutic for sore muscles in the summer?

Nothing soothes achy muscles in the sweltering summer heat like a heated soak in a hot tub. Let your body relax after mowing the grass, gardening, or other vigorous activities this summer. Make sure you turn on the jets for the complete hydrotherapy massage experience – a great way to wind down after a workout.

It‘s crucial that you follow the recommended soak times to prevent dehydration.

• 36.6°C/30 mins
• 37.2°C/28 mins
• 37.7°C/25 mins
• 38.8°C/20 mins
• 40°C/ 15 mins

You can still enjoy your hot tub even though the weather has become a little warmer. In fact, it can give you the opportunity to enhance your quality of life and control issues like pain, muscular aches, allergies, and stress.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialise in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools and gazebos and have experience of over 50 years in this industry. We also offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range.

Every hot tub owner should adhere to three golden maintenance rules. By understanding and following these rules, you’ll be able to steer clear of having major issues with your spa.

It’s critical to know the make and type of your hot tub. It’s much easier to get parts and service when you have this information on hand. It’s also beneficial to have a copy of your spa’s “vital statistics” on hand. These factors include the hot tub’s water capacity, age, and any unique water issues (such as hard water) that you may have while maintaining it.

Let’s dive in (so to speak)! Think of your hot tub as a mini swimming pool as it requires the same basic care. Our top three hot tub maintenance rules are:

1. Maintaining good water circulation.
2. Follow a Basic Hot Tub Cleaning Routine
3. Balancing your water chemistry.

Maintain Good Hot Tub Circulation

Circulating the water helps keep it clean by running it through the cartridge filters in your hot tub. Your spa may include an automatic circulation cycle that guarantees it runs once or twice a day, depending on the model. These cycles circulate the water for 15 to 20 minutes (or longer) to guarantee that all of the water in your tub is filtered. If your hot tub doesn’t have an automatic cycle, make sure you run it for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day to keep the water fresh.

Follow a Basic Hot Tub Cleaning Routine

Scum can form in both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, but if yours is outside, keep an eye out for debris like leaves, wind-blown rubbish, and even a stray rodent. For a clean hot tub and to avoid potential water problems, keep the waterline and seats clear. A weekly cleaning of your spa’s shell and jets with a sponge and some white vinegar can keep things tidy. Scrub the scum line at the water’s edge with it as well.

Make sure to clean your hot tub’s inside as often as possible, and don’t forget to wipe off the shell as well. While you’re at it, wipe down the hot tub cover with a 10 percent bleach-to-water solution to prevent mildew.

A weekly clean is an important part of hot tub maintenance. However, empty your spa fully every three to four months for a deep clean, and more often if you use it frequently or have a lot of guests in it

Balance the water chemistry

Balancing the water in your hot tub is comparable to balancing the water in a pool. However, before you add anything to your spa, you’ll need to get a baseline assessment on the chemistry of the water. Once your hot tub is full, test the pH and alkalinity levels in the water.

A pH range of 7.4 to 7.6 is ideal. Below this range, the pH will be too acidic. The water will most likely eat away at your hardware and irritate your skin and eyes. Above the range, the values will be too basic. The water will degrade the effectiveness of your sanitizer and cause cloudiness.

By following these golden rules, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money. Our award-winning team of engineers are also on hand to help support you in the maintenance of your spa. Explore our stunning range of hot tubs on our website or enquire via telephone on 0208 300 4003.

When our customers visit us in our award-winning showroom at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, we often get asked what is the optimal temperature for a hot tub? The answer can be pretty straightforward, however there are other elements to consider, including the hot tub temperature range, body temperature, weather conditions and health risks.

Hot tub temperature range

Most hot tubs have a minimum temperature of 26°C and a maximum temperature of 40°C for safety reasons. The only time you might contemplate going as low as 26 degrees is if you want to chill off in the hot tub during the summer. On the other hand, 40 degrees is quite hot and uncomfortable for some individuals. The short answer to the question “How hot should my hot tub be?” is between 37°C and 40°C to get the most out of the benefits of hot water.

Body temperature and hot tub temperatures

Your body temperature is usually around 37 degrees Celsius. This can have a significant impact on your hot tub experience. You may feel a mild chill if the water temperature is below 37 degrees. When you wish to cool off in hot weather, this might be a pleasant sensation. Alternatively, if the ambient temperature is cooler in the winter, you may wish to add a few degrees above 37°C. This is because the hot tub cools slowly with the cover off, so if you plan on soaking longer, you will stay toasty for longer!

The key to finding the perfect hot tub temperature

Put it to the test! Finding the perfect hot tub temperature for you may involve some trial and error. As long as you’re aware of the health considerations, try out our range of temperatures. You may discover that different temperatures suit you better depending on the season.     

Health Risks

• If you’re pregnant, make sure you consult your doctor before jumping into a hot tub
• Children under 5 should not be getting into a hot tub that is over 35°C and should only be in the tub for between 5-10 minutes at a time.
• When enjoying a hot tub, make sure you stay hydrated.

Questions our customers ask us

• How long does a hot tub take to heat?

This varies based on the heater’s capacity, flow, hot tub size, ambient temperature, and insulation quality. In general, a hot tub warms up at a rate of 1 degree each hour.

• What happens to my hot tub when I go away?

It’s worth lowering the hot tub temperature to save money on heating and possibly reduce chemical usage. Because most hot tubs include freeze protection, there is a low risk of freezing in the winter.

• What should I do if the temperature of my hot tub does not drop?

In the summer heat, the outdoor temperature can make it difficult to lower the hot tub temperature. To lower the temperature, either partially drain and add cool fresh water or remove the cover for a period of time.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialise in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools and gazebos and have experience of over 50 years in this industry. We also offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range.