Category Archives: Hot Tub

If you’ve never bought a hot tub before, the process may seem a little daunting. With so many things to bear in mind, from pumps to jets to hydrotherapy, things can get confusing. However, do not worry, the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company are here to help you navigate the process and make selecting a hot tub as simple as possible. Before you commit to a hot tub, make sure you take a minute to read over our complete guide to buying a hot tub in 2021 which highlights the main specifications and considerations.

Hot tub size

When choosing the ideal hot tub size for you, be sure to consider the hot tub’s water capacity in relation to the number of seats. Choosing a hot tub with 225-250 litres per bather seat is a reasonable rule to stick to.

Hot tub seats

It’s also worth considering whether you’d like to opt for a lounge seat hot tub or an all-seater spa. A lounge seat is shallower than a regular upright seat, allowing the bather to enjoy the hot tub in a reclined position with their legs slightly raised, not dissimilar to a garden lounger. A hot tub with an all-seater specification is one that does not feature lounger seats that come in a range of depths to meet the demands of every bather. The type of seat you choose will depend on who will be using the hot tub and for what purpose. Will you be buying a hot tub for sports recovery, to entertain the kids, or to entertain your friends in the evening?

Personal preference

The most important factor to consider when buying a hot tub is how it feels to you and those who will be using it. It’s sometimes easier to trust the feeling, rather than being too concerned with the specifications, pumps, and number of jets. What really matters is how the overall experience feels to you and the best way to understand this is through a wet test at a specialist showroom such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company based at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup. This will allow you to experience how the different models feel and the functionality and features that you are going to benefit most from.

Finally, here are some key questions that you should bear in mind when to go for your wet test:

• What would it feel like when you’re surrounded by your family or friends?
• Would there be enough room in the footwell for an extra pair of legs? Are there enough seats?
• How high would the water raise with additional people in the hot tub?
• How comfortable are the seats?
• How would you rate the quality of the massage jets? Are they powerful enough?
• Is the depth of the spa suitable?

To get in touch with a member of the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s team, or to book your wet test, call 0208 300 4003 or email sales@hottub-swimspa.com. We are proud to have a multi award-winning showroom, so please come down and try out our huge range of hot tubs.

After what has felt like an extremely long wait, summer is here! The season of warm days and light nights has returned. But summer can also bring intense heat and high humidity. During summer, the hot tub that provides you with warmth during the autumn and winter can offer you a haven during the sweltering summer heat. In fact, there are loads of ways you can use your hot tub in the summer months. Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve compiled a list of a few of the best!

Finding a happy medium between morning and evening soaks

In places with low humidity levels, temperatures being to drop as the afternoon turns to evening, reaching their lowest points during the night. This means that sunset, dusk, and dawn are perfect times to soak in your hot tub and relax sore muscles. Evening hot tubbing will offer a sense of calm, similar to sitting around a campfire gazing at the stars. Alternatively, relax and take in the stillness of the morning before a long, humid summer day by using your spa in the cooler morning hours.

What about the rainy days?

A true British summer wouldn’t be complete without a spell of rain or two. A summer rainstorm has the ability to break a hot spell. The period of serenity that comes shortly after is inviting you for a dip in the spa, allowing you to melt into your own little world as the atmosphere clears. If the likelihood of thunder and lightning is low, it’s even possible to use your hot tub during the rain. Relax and feel the freshness of the rain keeping your face cool as the rest of your body wallows in the warmth of the water.

House party: Hot tub edition

Summer is definitely a party season. It’s the time of year to gather with friends and family for barbecues and relax in the garden – bliss! The only thing that can make these get-togethers even better is a hot tub session. Hot tubs and swim spas with entertainment systems that include music can help take your house parties to the next level, whilst also being the envy of all your friends! Spa waterfalls and multicoloured LED lighting will ensure that your party lasts long into the night, providing the right atmosphere for hot tub games or stargazing!

Benefits of soaking in a hot tub in summer

Alongside all the fun you can have by using your hot tub during the summer, there are great health benefits that you’ll be able to take advantage of. Your hot tub will quickly become your best friend after a home workout – providing your muscles with some relief. The buoyancy of the water and massaging action of the hot tub jets will all induce a state of total relaxation, helping you drift off to sleep on a warm summer’s night. Also, spending time in your hot tub with your nearest and dearest will help strengthen your social connections, something incredibly important following the recent restrictions on social mixing.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s ethos is built up individual customer care and attention to detail. Our bespoke products are designed around each client’s unique requirements. No two customers are the same, and neither are our installations. To discuss your perfect Hot Tub with a member of our team call us on 0208 300 4003

If you’re looking to buy a new hot tub, it can be difficult to distinguish which product is going to provide you with the best value for money. Hot tub prices can vary considerably as they’re often influenced by the size and style of each model, as well as the amenities and accessories incorporated. These elements will have a large impact of the final price of your tub, so it’s best to compare the different models to make sure you’re getting the best deal for you. Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve put together a list of the key factors that you should take into consideration when making your purchase.

Price

When it comes to hot tubs, you tend to get what you pay for. For example, you can easily purchase a hot tub online for a few hundred pounds – however, you’d most likely have to deal with the installation, maintenance, repairs, and servicing yourself. By visiting a hot tub superstore, such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s award-winning showroom at Ruxley Manor, you’re able to see each model for yourself and ask any questions you may have. Don’t be fooled! Just because you’re paying a cheaper upfront cost, doesn’t always translate to better value for money.

Dealer Reputation

As hot tubs have become increasingly popular, there’s been a rise in the number of untrustworthy dealers around – especially online. Those who opt to purchase a hot tub online, without seeing it first, risk receiving a defective or perhaps unsafe product that doesn’t work as described. We advocate researching the retailer you’re buying from to ensure they deliver what’s been sold.  Another way to see if you’re dealing with a reputable seller is by reading their online reviews from previous customers. Even though many sellers may require a down payment, unless you’re purchasing a custom-made product, avoid paying in full before the item arrives.

Warranty

When buying a new hot tub, every respectable hot tub vendor will issue a warranty for the product. Before you buy, double-check the warranty. Some warranties may not be supplied by the store from which you are purchasing. Make sure you warranty covers the shell, plumbing, and any additional equipment. You’ll want to ensure that the interior is covered against cracking and structural damage, and that the outside is protected against cracking, delamination, blistering, and fading.

Capacity

The size of the hot tub you want will affect how much it costs and how it’s used. If the reasons you’re interested in purchasing a hot tub include exercising of entertaining a big group of guests, you’ll require a product on the larger side of the spectrum. Alternatively, if you’re looking for aiming to use your hot tub to relax with your partner after a long day at work, a smaller model would work well for you. In terms of capacity and seating, therapy seats with powerful jets will take up more space than simple bench seating. In the same way, full lounge seating will reduce the amount of space, while raising the price. Wet testing several types to see how they feel while being used is the best approach to discover the right capacity for you.         

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company offers a diverse range of Hot Tubs that can fit any specification and price range. To discuss with a member of our team, contact us on 020 8300 4003

Hot tubs are often regarded as luxurious, relaxing places to socialise and entertain. However, there are many health benefits that come with using a hot tub on a regular basis. When considering buying a hot tub for yourself, you may think, ‘What benefits can a hot tub bring to my life?’. To help answer this question, we’ve compiled a rundown of the potential health benefits of using a hot tub.

Stress Relief

One of the most well-known advantages of using a hot tub is stress relief. This is incredibly beneficial for your wellbeing with stress often acting as a major factor in the onset of other more serious diseases. If you experience headaches, tense muscles or general fatigue, spending time in warm water will help to calm your body and relieve these symptoms of stress. This is a stand-out health benefit that hot tubs can provide, and that’s why we’re putting it right at the top of our list.

Pain Reduction

Hot tubs are also great for relieving pain. Soaking in a hot tub can provide immediate relief from pain that may be a result of an injury, chronic illness or stress. Hot tubs are often used in hydrotherapy practices where pain relief is the primary objective. Working the body’s muscles gently in warm water improves blood flow, allowing oxygen to reach damaged cells whilst also secreting pain-relieving endorphins.

Injury Recovery

Hydrotherapy can be beneficial in assisting the body’s recovery process from injuries. Both physiotherapists and elite athletes are aware that spending time in a hot tub aids injury recovery. Whether you’ve sustained an injury while playing sports, in an accident, or you are recovering from surgery – spending time in the hot tub decreases your blood pressure which supports your body during healing processes.

Boosts Immune System

Research has indicated that bathing in a hot tub on a regular basis encourages the body to produce more white blood cells. This is the body’s natural response to an increase in body temperature. White blood cells are incredibly important in protecting us from disease and infection. If you are often under the weather, boosting your immune system through bathing in a hot tub is a must!

Reduce Blood Pressure

Spending time in a hot tub has the ability to reduce your blood pressure. This happens as a result of the increase in body temperature, causing the heart to beat faster and subsequently increase blood flow. This causes blood vessels to dilate, reducing resistance and pressure on the arterial walls.

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Regular hot tub use has been found to help lower blood sugar levels, caused by an increase in blood flow which helps sugars to be broken down. The effect of bathing in a hot tub increases blood flow in a similar way to exercise, so provides a viable option for people with limited mobility or are unable to exercise.

Induce Sleep

If you have trouble falling asleep or you find yourself waking up throughout the night, we recommend using a hot tub right before you go to bed. When you get out of the hot tub, the body’s natural response to cooling down is to signal the brain that it is sleepy. It’s a basic biochemical trick that will assist you in regulating your sleeping patterns.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company offers a diverse range of Hot Tubs that can fit any specification and price range.     

Providing your hot tub with the correct maintenance and upkeep is paramount in ensuring that you get the most out of your investment, in terms of durability and efficiency. This makes sure that you’re safeguarding the hot tub’s ability to deliver the numerous health and therapeutic benefits that a top-of-the-range hot tub can provide.

Chemicals

Getting to know how to best care for your hot tub can initially seem like a minefield. This is why our showroom is open seven days a week. In person, or online, our knowledgeable team is on hand to clear up any queries you have and to provide best practice advice on how to care for your hot tub. It’s also worth noting that we supply a full range of water treatment chemicals that are specifically formulated for a range of hot tubs and swim spas, taking all the legwork out for you! Our hot tub care products offer everything you’ll need to ensure your water is always is safe and clean.

Draining and Refilling

Draining and refilling your hot tub is an important part of hot tub maintenance. We recommend to our customers to drain and wash the hot tub every three months. It’s also advisable to thoroughly clean the jets and filters after draining to ensure smooth operation and consistently clean water quality. We have a variety of servicing and maintenance services available to ensure that your hot tub remains in tip-top condition. We provide services on a fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis, depending on your needs.

General Practice

There are a host of actions you can take to ensure the ongoing efficiency of your hot tub in addition to good cleaning and upkeep. There are best-practice strategies for ensuring that your hot tub is optimally functioning throughout the year.

Simply showering before getting into the hot tub not only keeps any potential contaminants out of the hot tub, but also ensures that the water is kept clean for longer.

One of the best things you can do to keep your hot tub shipshape is to leave it on even when it’s not in use. This may seem counterintuitive; however, our systems are designed to run even when you’re not using the hot tub. This enables the hot tub’s self-cleaning technology to maintain a constant temperature and filter the water so that it is ready to go whenever you need it. Keeping it on will also reduce your electricity bill, which is an added bonus!

We at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company are committed to providing our customers with all the care and support they need in order to reap the full benefits of their hot tub. If you’re interested in finding out more about our servicing and maintenance options, visit our website, or call us on 020 8038 7699  

There’s often nothing better than unwinding in a hot tub after a testing day, allowing you to enter a state of pure relaxation. But did you know that spending time in a hot tub can have other amazing benefits for your health? Whether you’re lucky enough to have your own hot tub, or you’re an avid bather at your local gym, there are some key points you should be aware of to make sure you’re really reaping the benefits that bathing in a hot tub can provide. To this end, we’ve put together a list of the top 7 health benefits of soaking in a hot tub! 

Stress Relief

One of the most well-known benefits of soaking in a hot tub is its ability to reduce stress levels. Warm water’s calming effect, alongside the massaging action of a hot tub, can help to alleviate physical, emotional, and mental stress. If you’re keen to enhance this stress-relieving effect, make sure you incorporate soft music, low lighting or even aromatherapy to take your relaxation to the next level.

Muscle Relaxation

The hot water and massaging motion of the hot tub jets will help calm and soothe muscles that are holding a lot of tension, aiding in relieving post-workout aches and pains. Some research also indicates that soaking in a hot tub before a workout can minimise the chance of injury.

Improved Sleep

Many studies have shown that a soak in the hot tub before bed is an effective way to help you drift off. A combination of both the relaxation provided by a hot tub through hydrotherapy and passive body heating have been identified as ways that promote a night of significantly deeper and more restful sleep. 

Pain Relief

Soaking in a hot tub will help ease certain forms of pain by soothing strained muscles, joints and tendons. The heat and massaging effects of a hot tub have been proven to relieve arthritic pain such as stiffness and inflammation. Whilst in a hot tub, the buoyancy of the water takes the weight off of joints, which increases your flexibility and range of motion.

Better cardiovascular health

Relaxing in a hot tub has also been proven to have significant benefits for your heart and overall cardiovascular health by raising your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure. Studies have shown that immersion in hot water can have powerful effects on vascular function and blood pressure. Ideal for those who are unable to exercise, passive heat therapy can help reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality!

Improved insulin sensitivity

According to some researchers, regular thermal therapy, provided from saunas and hot tubs, can improve impaired insulin sensitivity and can aid in diabetes management and be beneficial for those with obesity.

Calorie Burn

Research has even indicated that soaking in a hot tub can boost your metabolism, particularly for those with limited mobility. A 2016 study showed that participants who spent an hour soaking in hot water burned a similar number of calories as a 30-minute stroll! This is not to say that it should replace exercising, but hot tubs can be beneficial if you’re looking to burn some calories easily.  

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offer a diverse and extensive range of Hot Tubs for all types of budgets and specifications. Get in touch with a member of our friendly team today to discuss your options today by calling 020 3666 1997 or emailing sales@hottub-swimspa.com

If you’re considering purchasing a hot tub, you may be worried about the prospect of your electricity bill going through the roof. Such concerns are understandable as maintaining a warm temperature in a hot tub historically required a lot of energy. However, these days, if you’re planning on purchasing a new hot tub, we’ve got fantastic news for you: in recent years, manufacturers have rapidly improved hot tub energy efficiency, and therefore the difference in your monthly electric bill is likely to be far less than you first anticipated. Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company we’ve put together a guide on just how cost-effective running a hot tub can be as well as provided details to explain the water costs when filling a hot tub and the yearly chemical costs.

What’s the energy consumption of a hot tub?

Many factors influence the total expense of any large-ticket item. A hot tub’s overall cost is calculated by its height, efficiency, style, and location, while the amount of energy it uses is determined by:

• The cost of energy per kilowatt in your location
• Your location’s climate
• The size of your hot tub
• How well your hot tub is insulated
• Whether your hot tub has a custom-fitting cover      

What contributes to the energy consumption of a hot tub?

Water replacement – The replacement of spa water is part of routine cleaning. Some hot tubs require you to drain and refill the hot tub two to three times each year. After refilling, the water will need to be heated again, contributing to a slight rise in your next energy bill.  

Taking good care of your hot tub –Make sure you’re using a high-quality, well-fitting insulated cover as well as cleaning the filters regularly. Both of which will significantly reduce your hot tub’s electrical consumption.

Frequency of use – It may sound obvious but, the upkeep cost of a hot tub is affected by how much it is used – the more frequently you use it, the more energy it will consume. More uses mean more heat loss, putting more pressure on the hot tub’s internal systems, resulting in higher energy consumption.

When I’m not using my hot tub, should I turn it off?

No, you shouldn’t turn off your hot tub – even when you’re not using it. It’s not cost-effective to turn it off between uses. You’ll save more energy by maintaining your hot tub at your desired temperature rather than reheating it for each and every use. Even if you only use your hot tub once a week, you should still keep it running continuously. If you go away on holiday for more than 2 weeks, you may want to lower the water temperature to around 30 degrees Celsius, but otherwise, keep the hot tub running normally.

If you are smart with the way you look after your hot tub, providing it with the proper care and maintenance whilst following this advice, the upkeep of a hot tub can be very cost-effective. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company have a wide range of hot tubs available that can cater to every need and budget.  

It turns out that hot tubs aren’t just a great source of entertainment, they also offer great health perks that can make you feel fantastic! From easing the pain of chronic conditions to diminishing stress levels, the hot tub experience can really be beneficial for the mind and body! Here’s a list of just some of the marvellous health benefits bathing in a hot tub provides.

Stress relief

Muscle pain, headaches and fatigue are all symptoms brought on by stress. Leading scientific research has shown that regular hot tub usage can relieve tension and stress through a combination of the warmth, buoyancy and massage.

The warmth of the water stimulates the flow of blood to the organs which allows the body to speed up its healing and regeneration processes. Whilst bathing, the buoyancy of the water also works actively to relieve pressure in joints and muscles. On top of this, the soothing massage provided by hot tub jets stimulate the release of endorphins (also known as nature’s painkillers!).

Reduce the pain from chronic conditions      

Muscle relief, reduced inflammation and joint discomfort, as well as increased ease when doing exercise and daily tasks, are all advantages of soaking in a hot tub! But don’t just take our word for it: The Arthritis Research Campaign has also stated that using a hot tub is an excellent way to add heat to arthritic joints, thus relieving pain.

Sleep more soundly

Say goodbye to insomnia! Around 30 million people in the UK suffer from sleep disorders. According to one study, soaking in a hot tub before bedtime will not only help you fall asleep faster, but will also provide a deeper, more relaxing sleep as your body cools.

Lower diabetic blood sugar levels

Research has found that bathing in a hot tub can stimulate the same benefits as doing exercise. Furthermore, the study found that patients with type 2 diabetes who soak in a hot tub for at lease 30 minutes, six days a week for three weeks, can report a 13 percent drop in blood sugar levels.

Promotes weight loss

Another great benefit of soaking in a hot tub is that, (through the simulation of exercise from the hot water massage), they help promote weight loss. In one study, participants who used hot tubs lost an average of 3.5 pounds in weight without implementing any new diet or changing their physical exercise programmes.

Lower blood pressure

If you typically have high blood pressure, a hot tub can really help you out, studies have shown that blood pressure can be lowered after just 15 minutes in the water. One study even suggested that relaxing in a hot tub is less stressful on the heart and more beneficial than a session on an exercise bike!

These are just some of the amazing benefits for your physical and mental health that you can receive from bathing in a hot tub. If you’re interested in revitalising the body and mind through the wizardry of hydrotherapy, get in touch with one of our friendly team today.

There are lots of different elements to consider when it comes to getting a hot tub, including where you’re going to place it to enjoy the best views and what kind of accessories you need to really get the most from it. Care and maintenance of your hot tub are topics that tend to get less attention but which are equally important. This is our basic guide to care and maintenance of hot tubs for beginners.

Choose your sanitiser

Any hot tub owner knows that it’s essential to treat a hot tub regularly with a sanitiser so that it’s a healthy environment, free from bacteria. Any warm place can be a hotbed of bacteria so it’s essential that you treat your hot tub with sanitiser to keep it clean, fresh and bacteria-free. You can choose from a number of different sanitisers, the main two being bromine or chlorine. If you’re looking for a faster acting sanitiser that leaves the water clear then chlorine tablets or granules are the best choice. For a sanitiser with a slightly softer smell, opt for bromine. You’ll need to regularly test the levels of sanitiser in your hot tub – you can do this every few days if the hot tub is getting frequent use.

Check the PH regularly

PH testing will show you whether the water in the hot tub is alkaline or acidic. If the PH is too low you may find you have problems with corrosion and the water could irritate your eyes and skin. If it’s too high then you may get cloudy water, irritation issues and a scale build up. PH levels should ideally be kept within 7.2 and 7.4.

Weekly shock treatments

Use a non-chlorine treatment in your hot tub once a week to “shock” clean it. This will remove the organic compounds that can be left in the water by humans, such as dead skin cells and oils. It will also break down chloramines and help to kill bacteria.

Change the water frequently

You will need to completely change the water in your hot tub from time to time to keep it fresh. How often you need to do this will depend on how much use the hot tub is getting but for most people it’s every three or four months. Before you refill the tub it’s a good idea to clean down the surfaces to remove any substances that might be lurking there.

Clearing the filters

The last key area for beginners is the filters – this is also one of the most important maintenance jobs because if filters aren’t clean they can restrict water flow and the hot tub will shut down completely. There are a number of different ways you can clean filters, from using a spray to soaking them in a bucket overnight with a cleaning solution.

Even if you’re a newbie hot tub owner there are still some basics that you need to get right. Our hot tub guide for beginners will help to ensure that you do.