Category Archives: Hot Tub

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.

Soaking in a hot tub isn’t just about luxury – it can also be incredibly relaxing, the perfect way to ease away the stresses and strains of a tough day. However, that’s not all that hot tubs have to offer. If you have a hot tub at home then there are some great benefits to spending time in your hot tub that will contribute to positive mental health and physical wellbeing.

Physical relaxation

The warmth of the water and the impact of the jets can be very beneficial for overworked or tired muscles. Whether you’re recovering from new exercise commitments or just the impact of sitting at a desk all day this can considerably ease aches and pains. You can also use a hot tub for a pre-workout soak, which can ensure that your muscles are primed for exercise and the risk of injury is reduced.

Improving cardiovascular condition

Hot water immersion can have considerable benefits for cardiovascular function, including lowering blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Just 10 minutes in a hot tub can be beneficial for people who have high blood pressure.

Weight management

There is some evidence that your hot tub can help with weight management via calorie burn too. One study found that an hour in a waist high hot bath burned the same calories as a 30 minute walk. Most of us will benefit from using a hot tub as a top up to healthy exercise and eating for weight loss.

Better sleep

Whether it’s insomnia or you just struggle to sleep through the night you may find that soaking in a hot tub is beneficial for this. One study found that the heat and water combination ensures a deeper and more restful sleep and a hot tub soak can also help your body to relax in preparation for drifting off. Regularly spending time in your hot tub before bed could make you feel more ready for sleep, as well as improving sleep quality.

Relieving physical and emotional stress

Warm water is very soothing for the human body, both on a physical and an emotional level. When this is combined with the massage effect of the jets it can be a very powerful way to release stress and leave the troubles of the day behind. Scheduling in some time in your hot tub at the end of the day can be a simple way to help your body and mind to switch off.

Managing diabetes

Sauna and hot tub therapy can be helpful to those with conditions such as diabetes because it can improve impaired insulin sensitivity.

Soothing joint pain

The impact of the warm water on the human body is to relax muscles, joints and tendons, which can help to soothe pain if these are tight. The buoyancy of the water helps to relieve the heaviness of gravity, which can also reduce symptoms such as pain and tightness. A hot tub can be especially helpful if you have a chronic condition such as arthritis, as it can bring inflammation down and ease stiffness.

These are just a few of the health and wellbeing benefits that spending time in a hot tub can bring.

Recently, we’ve all been spending a lot more time at home – and for many of us that has meant looking at our living spaces with new eyes and finding ways to improve them. A hot tub has been an obvious choice for many people when it comes to creating a spa experience at home, somewhere to relax or a sociable space to enjoy with the rest of the household. If you’re keen to enjoy all the benefits of owning a hot tub too then these are some of our top tips for buying the right one for you.

Research your options

The range of choice that exists for hot tub buyers today is broad and so it’s a good idea to do some research before you make any commitments so that you know you’re getting the very best deal for you. The technical details of the hot tub are essential – for example, make sure you know how many jets, seats and pumps you want your hot tub to have as well as the kind of filtration system and warranty. Make sure you have a good idea of the size of hot tub you’re looking for and any additional features, such as sound or lights. A robust cover will also be essential.

Buy from the right retailer/manufacturer

Part of your research process should be finding the right company to buy your hot tub from. You can discover a lot by researching businesses online, including what kind of experience other customers have had. In particular, make sure that the hot tub you’re planning to buy comes with a warranty and that there is clear information about the company online, including the support you’ll receive during and after the purchase. Visiting a showroom can give you extra peace of mind, where possible.

Choose the right spot

The hot tub you choose should be partly based on personal preference and partly on which model is the most likely to work for the location you want to put it in. Consider how the hot tub will integrate with the overall design of the garden, whether it’s likely to be overlooked by the neighbours and how easy it will be to get from the house to the hot tub, especially on cold days. Think about whether you’d like to have any shelter for the hot tub and the views that you’re likely to have when you’re in it.

Look after your hot tub when you get it

Hot tubs need regular maintenance and you’ll need to check and clean component parts, such as filters, to ensure that your hot tub is safe and functioning optimally. Be prepared to change the water and ensure that your hot tub is being treated with the right chemicals – or to pay someone else to come in and carry out all the maintenance for you. Running costs are also important to consider in advance. The way that the hot tub is constructed, especially when it comes to insulation, can determine how much these are so make sure you factor this into your decision making process.

Buying a hot tub can bring hydrotherapy into your home with all the benefits that has, from relaxation to supporting injury recovery. These top tips will help to ensure that you get a hot tub that’s right for you. Contact our sales team today to see how we can help you find your perfect hot tub…

Health and wellbeing are top of the list for many of us right now, not just because it’s the start of a new year but also as the pandemic has made looking after ourselves even more important. A hot tub is not just a luxury but also offers a wealth of health benefits that can enhance your wellbeing this year.

Maintaining flexibility and range of motion

Weather, ageing and injury are just some of the reasons why our bodies can start to feel stuck and inflexible. A hot tub provides a simple way to improve mobility and range of motion, helping to reduce inflammation thanks to the pressure of the water and relieve muscle tension due to the buoyancy of the body in water.

Easing the pain of sore muscles

Maybe you’re sitting for much longer than you’re used to – or perhaps new activities and exercise have left you with some discomfort. The combination of warm water, buoyancy and the massage jets can relieve this pain, release knots and help you to recover more quickly.

Improving sleep

Multiple studies have found that spending time in a hot tub before bed can improve sleep, not just in terms of being able to get to sleep but the quality of sleep too. Muscles and nerves become more relaxed in the hot tub, making it easier to let go of the day and the train of thought that might potentially keep you awake. A hot tub is also a great place to spend time with the loved ones in your household – this kind of connection can help to make you feel safe and calm, which sets you up for a better night’s sleep.

A way to deal with lower back pain

Many of us will suffer from back pain at some point and this can be incredibly uncomfortable, making every day activities such as exercise and shopping feel almost impossible. A number of studies have now established that hydrotherapy – such as in a hot tub – can help to improve back pain, triggering a significant reduction in symptoms, either when used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.

Relieving chronic conditions

Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be very painful conditions that cause joint swelling and pain as well as limited range of motion. Spending time in a hot tub can reduce pain – one study involving osteoarthritis patients found this took just two weeks – and help to relieve tension and joint tenderness.

Coping with fibromyalgia

Hydrotherapy can also be very beneficial for a condition like fibromyalgia, which causes sufferers to feel chronic pain and fatigue and often endure disrupted sleep. A hot tub can help in many ways, from improving sleep quality to helping to encourage focus and concentration and reducing pain.

Dealing with stress and anxiety

Especially at the moment stress and anxiety levels can be high. You may be adjusting to working from home, coping with homeschooling or the after effects of illness. A hot tub can be very beneficial here – the warm water is soothing and the massage effect of the jets can help to ease out tension in muscles. Because the water creates buoyancy your body will literally feel supported and this can provide the space you need to let go of whatever may be causing you stress and find a moment of calm.

These are just some of the many benefits that regular use of your hot tub can bring. Contact our sales team today to see how we can assist you with finding the perfect hot tub for your home…