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How to make the most out of your outdoor space this winter

how-to-make-the-most-out-of-your-outdoor-space-this-winter

In the past, outdoor areas were frequently neglected throughout the winter. However, taking advantage of outdoor living has never been more popular. Fire pit sales have increased by 300 percent, while outdoor heater sales have surged. Now is the time to welcome the cooler weather by making your garden or patio the cosiest spot around.

When you’re designing your outdoor space, curate it as if it’s another room in your house. Want to feel transported to your own pirate oasis when stepping into your garden? Why not consider a rotating roof enclosure? The Rotating Roof is a must-have in every garden! At the press of a button, the Rotating Roof transforms from an open roof to a full rain cover for those clear winter days! You’ll never have to worry about getting dripped or dropped on again thanks to smart “leaf catch” and “rain catch” technologies!

Another way to create a cosy outdoor space is with your very own outdoor TV and entertainment system. Packed with great features, Proofvision Outdoor Televisions’ smart functionality brings a world of entertainment to your fingertips. They’re the perfect addition to your exterior winter setup, being completely waterproof and able to withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees! When paired with a pair of fantastic outdoor speakers by Yamaha, you can bring the magic of the big screen right to your garden. What could be better than getting cosy with a classic film al fresco style? 

By carefully designing your outdoor space you’ll be able to enjoy it all year round – despite the unpredictable British weather! Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we have over 30 years of experience in transforming outdoor spaces into your own personal sanctuary. From gazebos to enclosures to fully integrated multimedia entertainment systems, we’re certain we can help you on your way to creating a perfect winter space for you and your family to enjoy year after year. 

Get in contact with a member of the team today on 0208 300 4003 to discuss your ideas and specifications. With a wealth of knowledge within the construction, renovation and landscaping industry, we’ll be able to advise you on how to transform your outdoor space.  
 

Benefits of using a hot tub before and after your workout

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Did you know that hydrotherapy provides a host of advantages and there are some benefits specifically tied to workout recovery? Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve put together a list of some of the amazing hydrotherapy benefits you can take advantage of pre and post workout.

Increases circulation

When you spend time in a hot tub or swim spa your circulation improves. As your body is under pressure during a workout, making sure that your body is able to pump blood to your muscles to provide them with oxygen is incredibly important. Warm water dilates the blood vessels which supports your circulatory system – that’s why soaking in a hot tub before your workout is a great idea. This way you’ll be well-prepared and less likely to suffer an injury.

Helps you stretch

You lower your chance of sustaining an injury during your workout if you stretch beforehand and a hot tub session can support you in doing this. Stretching in a hot tub relieves the gravitational strain on your muscles and joint as a result of the buoyancy of the water. Additionally, the water’s warmth and pressure can assist in deepening the stretches.

Increases motivation

Relaxing in a hot tub can help you focus by allowing you to unwind. Anxiety is decreased, and focus is improved. Relaxation techniques, by eliminating distractions and focusing your attention where it’s required most, have been shown to significantly increase competitive performance.

Burn more calories

Even when you’re at rest, soaking in a hot tub can help you burn more calories. It’s the perfect complement to physical exercise. Starting a workout by jogging in the water or practicing some easy yoga poses is an amazing way to get started. The water’s buoyancy and resistance give a low-impact approach to exercise. This is perfect for those who find regular exercise taxing on their joint or who need a rest day in between strenuous exercise.

Reduces stress levels

There’s a lot of research that supports the idea that bathing in a hot tub relieves mental, emotional and physical stress. It’s a great way to get yourself in the right frame of mind before your workout. After a workout, bathing in a hot tub can help relieve the tension that exercise places on the muscles and joints.

Supports post-workout recovery

After a workout, soaking in hot tub can help decrease inflammation and swelling. The warmth of the water and the pressure from the spa jets can help to sooth your joints and muscles too. The high degree of muscular tension reduction helps the body recover faster, allowing you to be prepared for the next session.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company stocks a variety of hot tubs that are perfect for relaxing in before or after your workout. Get in contact with a member of the team today to discuss your hot tub requirements on 0208 300 4003.

How to enjoy your hot tub in Autumn

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Autumn is a beautiful season and a great time to take advantage of your hot tub. With the crispness of the air and the golden leaves on the trees, it’s one of our favourite times of year to relax outside in the water. Still not convinced? We’ve put a list together of some of our favourite ways you can enjoy your hot tub this autumn.

Admire the autumnal surrounding

Admire the rainbow of colours that has descended on your garden whilst you kick back in the hot tub. As the temperature starts to drop outside, it’s also a great time to appreciate the crispness of the air, making you feel even more relaxed inside your spa.

Enjoy an autumn drink

Really get yourself into the autumn mood with a warm drink. One of our favourites is a hot apple cider. Enjoy a glass whilst admiring the autumn leaves from your hot tub.

Watch a scary film

Halloween season is upon us – what better excuse to sit back in the hot tub and put on a spooky movie? Watching it outside in the dark will make it even scarier. Our Proofvision outdoor televisions come in a variety of sizes and are designed to provide a great viewing experience even in the brightest of sunlight – bringing the big screen right to your garden!

Stargaze from your hot tub

As the nights get longer, there’s no excuse not to sit back in the hot tub and unwind under the night sky. Who knows… you might even spot a shooting star!

Read a spooky book

As autumn is the season of all things spooky, why not relax in the hot tub and delve into a classic horror novel? Some of our favourites include The Women in Black by Susan Hill or Stephen King’s The Shining – whatever you choose, we’re sure that the cool air and outdoor setting will make the story even eerier.

Birdwatch from your hot tub

As birds from across the country being to make the journey south to spend the winter in warmer climates, it’s a great time to see which ones you can spot. We recommend setting up a bird feeder within sight of your hot tub, so you can see which types of birds pass by.

A hot tub is a versatile investment and can be enjoyed all year round. We are the UK’s leading wellness expert, providing exceptional self-cleaning hot tubs for over 35 years. Visit our website today to explore our extensive range, or visit us at our award-winning showroom located at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Kent.     

Hot tub wellness tips

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Wellness isn’t just about getting down to the gym, eating endless kale or daily meditation. Sometimes what’s best for your mind is just to do nothing. Simply relaxing through removing distractions can be liberating and significantly reduce tension – after all, the mental element of wellness is just as important as the physical.

Owning your own hot tub can considerably contribute to your overall health, allowing you to relax and refresh your mind, releasing the tension that you’ve built up during the day. But there any many more benefits of hot tub use that promotes overall health. We’ve put together some tips for using a hot tub to ensure that you’re able to achieve ultimate wellness.

Use your hot tub regularly   

Making healthy habits is a great place to start your wellness journey. Something as simple as making soaking in your hot tub a part of your everyday routine will allow you to fully reap the benefits of warm water immersion. The heat and buoyancy of spa water, coupled with a jet massage, can give a variety of physical benefits from improving blood flow to helping reduce the swelling of muscles. Taking little measures to enhance your well-being on a daily basis can help ease physical discomfort, reduce worry, and prevent stress from stacking up, all of which can have severe consequences for your mental health.

Turn your phone off

Whilst technology is a great asset to our lives, it often consumes a lot of our time and attention and can have a negative impact on our mental health when used in excess. To really appreciate the wellness benefits of your hot tub, leave your phone inside whilst you relax or alternatively enable the ‘Do not disturb’ mode. Eliminating distractions from your phone will ensure you’re truly able to relax without the interference of messages, social media alerts and calls.

Focus your attention on the water

Turn your focus to the tranquillity of your hot tub. When you fire up the massaging jets of your hot tub, let the noise of the bubbles transport you and drown out any unwanted noise. Many hot tubs now include comprehensive entertainment systems such as wireless Bluetooth audio systems, perfect for allowing you to escape listening to your favourite podcast or playlist.

Soak before going to bed

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of wellness, being critical for both physical and mental recuperation. Bathing an hour before bedtime helps to relax your body and prepare your mind for a restful night’s sleep. The change in body temperature once you get out of the hot tub sends signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Whatever your specific aim may be, a hot tub can bring some amazing benefits to both your physical and mental health. To experience these benefits for yourself, get in touch with a member of the team at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company to explore our diverse range of hot tubs at our award-winning showroom in Sidcup, Kent.

What do you need to know before buying a hot tub?

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Embarking on your hot tub purchasing journey can seem a little daunting at first, with so many different models and features it’s can be difficult to cut through the noise. Did you know that 58% of people indicated that they wished they bought their hot tub sooner? With this in mind, we’ve put together a simple guide that will talk you through the most important things that you should have considered before you purchase your own hot tub.

What type of hot tub am I looking for?

The market is saturated with countless different types of hot tubs that range from your entry level hot tubs to your high-end bespoke luxury spas. Your budget should be able to guide you in the right direction. Hot tubs can come in all different styles too, such as, Inflatable hot tubs, in-ground hot tubs and portable hot tubs, each with their own benefits, so take time to work out which style will work best for you.

How will you connect the hot tub to a power source?

You’ll need to make sure that you have an outlet that goes to a 15amp breaker and ensure that nothing else is plugged into that same outlet. Ideally, you’ll want the power outlet close to the hot tub, but not so close that it’ll end up getting splashed.

Will turning off the hot tub when it’s not in use reduce my electricity bill?

One thing that’s crucial to be aware of if you’re concerned about energy expenditure is that by maintaining your hot tub at a consistent temperature, you won’t be using a considerable amount of energy as if you were heating it from cold. If you’re still concerned about the extra expense, why not invest in a cover to both protect and insulate your hot tub.

How long will my hot tub last?

Most portable hot tubs survive about 15 years on average. However, if you keep the water chemistry and filters in good shape, yours might last much longer. It’s essential that you get your hot tub regularly serviced by a certified engineer to ensure the longevity of your purchase.

How do I treat the water in my hot tub?

Ensuring the water is safe and free from bacteria is incredibly important. You’ll need to regularly sanitise the water in the hot tub to clear away any impurities. You’ll also need to check that the pH level is optimal and change the water every 3-4 months to ensure the water is as safe as possible.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company delivers, installs and services an extensive range of hot tubs, from our affordable luxury range to the high-end bespoke hot tub options. As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, with over 35 years of experience, we’re sure that we’ll be able to find you the perfect hot tub for you. Get in contact with a member of our friendly sales team today on 0208 300 4003.

 

Our guide to looking after your hot tub

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When you purchase a hot tub, keeping it clean and free of harmful bacteria is crucial for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Sanitisers, pH adjusters, and shock treatments are the essential elements that ensure your hot tub water is kept safe. This helpful article will walk you through every stage of the best way to care for your hot tub.

Sanitiser

To prevent bacteria development, your hot tub will need to be treated with a sanitiser. Germs can multiply quickly in warm climates, so ensure that the sanitiser is kept at a safe level to guarantee that any bacteria in the water is destroyed. Chlorine and bromine are the two most common sanitisers for keeping your hot tub clean. As chlorine is the most cost-effective and fast-acting sanitiser available, it is the preferred choice among hot tub users. Chlorine comes in the form of granules or pills. Alternatively, some people choose to use Bromine, however it is more costly and slower acting, which means it takes longer for a reading to appear on a test and can cause the water to become murky. You can easily determine the level of sanitiser in your hot tub by dipping in a test strip about 12 inches below the water level. The general rule of thumb is that chlorine levels should be between 3-5ppm and bromine levels between 2-5ppm.

pH Level

The pH level refers to whether or not your water is acidic or alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral value. You must ensure that the pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8, otherwise you’re likely to run into problems. When your pH levels are too low it can lead to corrosion of components, skin & eye irritation, and impede the efficacy of the sanitiser. On the other hand, high pH levels can cause a scale build up, cloudy water, and irritation to your skin & eyes.

Shock Treatments

On top of using a sanitiser, it’s recommended to apply a non-chlorine shock treatment every week to oxidise the water. These types of shock treatments are required to break down Chloramines. The combination of sanitiser with impurities such as sweat or dead skin, chloramines forms, which must be broken down. Shock treatments are also vital to kill bacteria as some types are sanitiser-resistant. Shock treatments are the best way to remove organic compounds which can accumulate in the water, making it look murky.

Water changing

Water can only be chemically treated for so long before it becomes clogged and needs to be replaced. Depending on use, we recommend replacing your water every three to four months. To ensure that your pipes remain clean, we’d also recommend using a pipe cleaner before you empty the tub. This will remove any grime from the pipework, whilst loosening any calcium, which will then be rinsed away with the drained water.

If you’re still unsure about any aspect of the maintenance process of your hot tub, get in contact with a member of our expert team who will be able to answer any questions you may have.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks a vast range of hot tubs, from our affordable luxury range to our bespoke hot tubs. We’re sure that we can help you find your everyday piece of happiness at our award-winning showroom in Kent. Visit us in store, or contact us on 0208 300 4003 for more information.

Health benefits of using a Hot Tub

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A hot tub doesn’t just serve as an entertainment hub, it can also introduce some amazing health benefits to your life, taking your wellness experience to a whole new level without even having to leave your house! Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve put together a list of some of the amazing hot tub health benefits that you should be aware of!

Stress relief

Stress is an overall strain on your body as a whole. It can result in muscle tension, fatigue, headaches and soreness. Often Hot tub usage has been shown to reduce stress through buoyancy, heat and massaging. Heat stimulates blood flow to the muscles and accelerates healing. Buoyancy releases pressure in joints and muscles, while hot tub jets provide massage, stimulating endorphin release from the body which acts as a painkiller.

Reduction in arthritic pain

The Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) recommends using hot tubs as an excellent way to apply warmth to stiff, arthritic joints. The benefits of a soak in a hot tub entail muscle relaxation, lessened pain and joint stiffness and lack of pain while performing everyday activities.

Reduction in diabetic blood sugar levels

A study by the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that soaking in a hot tub produces results similar to exercising. The findings showed that people who suffer from type 2 diabetes who soak in a hot tub for 30 mins a day, 6 days per week for 3 weeks, experience lower blood sugar levels by around 13%.

Supports weight loss

In medical studies, patients who used hot tubs lost around 3.5 pounds alone, without the need for a reformed diet or exercise of any form. The hot tub jets provide a similar experience on the body as exercise does which can result in weight loss.

Deeper sleep

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) states that 30 million British citizens suffer from some form of chronic insomnia or other sleep disorders. In their journal, they show that soaking in a hot tub before sleep results in a much deeper and sounder sleep.

Decreases Blood pressure

The Mayo Clinic conducted a study that recommended using a hot tub as they found it could be beneficial for people who suffer from heart disease. The study showed that relaxing in a hot tub is less stressful on the heart and more beneficial than working out on an exercise bike! They also found that it can reduce blood pressure significantly after only soaking for around 15 minutes.

Other benefits from a hot tub

You can be together with those that you love such as family or loved ones. It allows people to let their guard down and cause bonds to grow. Since you’re outside, why not take in the scenery? You could enjoy an idyllic view of the countryside with a red-hot skyline in the evening. You could even incorporate your hot tub into your daily routine making a soak in the hot tub an everyday ritual. We recommend starting or ending each day with a nice long soak to fully maximise on the benefits of a hot tub.

As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert with 35 years of service, we’re sure that we have the perfect hot tub for you, meeting your ideal specifications and requirements. Get in touch with a member of our team today on 0208 300 4003 to discuss how we can help you find your piece of everyday happiness.  

Avoid these common Hot Tub buying mistakes

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Deciding on the right hot tub might be a difficult task for many first-time hot tub owners. Determining the correct hot tub for you can provide years of fun with minimum effort required, whereas selecting the wrong hot tub can end up being pricey, frustrating, and inconvenient. To help you out when embarking on your hot tub buying journey, we’ve put together a list of mistakes that can result in you purchasing a hot tub that isn’t quite up to scratch. Avoiding these blunders can help save you money and prevent the disappointment of discovering you’ve purchased the wrong hot tub for you.

Becoming too focused on the initial cost

The most common error we see people make when buying a hot tub is focusing too much on the initial price without considering the continuing expenditures. While the initial price is important, concentrating solely on it may end up costing you in the long run. When you commit to buying a hot tub, it’s advisable that you evaluate the hot tub’s long-term costs – this includes maintenance and repairs over the course of its lifetime. To predict that long-term costs, you should consider the production standard, quality parts, and features, and energy efficiency before you fully commit to your purchase.

Not fully considering the reasons why you’re purchasing a hot tub

Purchasing a hot tub can seem like a minefield. There is a wealth of different makes and models on the market, so you may ask, ‘how do I cut through the noise and find the perfect hot tub for me?’. The answer is determining the reasons why you’re buying a hot tub. In most cases, people tend to purchase a hot tub to relieve pain, to relax, or to entertain friends and family.

Not envisioning where the hot tub will be located

Imagine finding the perfect hot tub, only to realise that it won’t fit in your garden. It’s vital that you decide where you’re going to put the hot tub, measure the area, and then only look for hot tubs that fit this specification.

Not considering that amount of maintenance required

One of the most common criticisms among hot tub owners is that they find it difficult to maintain. The number of chemicals that must be added to the complexity of draining and refilling are common concerns. However, not all hot tubs are alike when it comes to their upkeep. If you don’t have the time or patience to keep your hot tub maintained, you’ll want to pay specific attention to the hot tub’s filtration system.   

Not purchasing through a reputable dealer

Last but not least, ensuring you purchase your hot tub through a reputable dealer could be the difference between a seamless hot tub purchasing journey and a rocky one. Many people make the mistake of purchasing with dealers that are seen to be untrustworthy, ruining the experience with poor after-sales support. Important questions to consider when choosing a hot tub dealer include: How long has the company been in operation? What do previous customers have to say about their experience? & What services do they offer?

Buying a hot tub is a really exciting process, but it can quickly become arduous if you fall into any of these traps. By avoiding these mistakes, you can guarantee that you end up with the hot tub that meets your every need, whilst providing excellent value for money.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offer a wide range of hot tubs to fit every need and specification. With 5 different ranges to choose from, we can guarantee that we have the perfect hot tub for you. To discuss how we can help you achieve a piece of everyday happiness, get in touch with a member of our dedicated sales team on 0208 300 7003

How much do hot tubs cost to run?

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One thing that many people worry about when considering purchasing a hot tub is how much your electricity will increase. These types of concerns are quite common, after all, maintaining a continuous high temperature in a hot tub used to take a lot of energy. However, there’s good news if you’re in the position to buy a hot tub. Hot tub manufacturers have vastly improved the energy efficiency of home spas in recent years, this means that the difference in your monthly electric bill is unlikely to be as significant as you expect.

What is the energy consumption of a hot tub?

The amount of energy a hot tub consumes differs from model to model and usually depends upon the following:

  • The general costs of energy per kilowatt in your area
  • The climate in your area
  • The size of a hot tub
  • Whether or not the hot tub is insulated
  • If you have a fitted well-made hot tub cover

What can affect how much energy a hot tub uses?

  • The cost of running a hot tub is determined by how often it is used. The more you use a hot tub, the more electricity it consumes. More use equates to more heat loss, making the hot tub system work harder, as it requires more energy.
  • The amount of energy consumed by your hot tub may be reduced by installing a high-quality, insulated cover and cleaning the filters on a regular basis.
  • Heating your water up will end up costing more than keeping it at a consistently high temperature. If you maintain the temperature of your hot tub then your first electricity bill will be slightly higher than normal, but subsequent months would not be as high.
  • The replenishment of hot tub water is part of routine maintenance. Some systems require draining and refilling the hot tub a couple of times a year.

How can I keep my hot tub’s energy costs to a minimum?

To a certain extent, each hot tub owner is responsible for their own energy conservation. A great way to keep your energy expenses to a minimum is by following all of your manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Always leave your hot tub running with the water set at a consistent temperature, clean your filters on a regular basis, and keep your hot tub covered with an insulating cover when now in use to maximise energy efficiency.

At the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we offer an extensive range of hot tubs designed to meet each and every specification. To discuss your perfect hot tub with a member of our team call us on 0208 300 4003.