Category Archives: Hot Tub

A hot tub is a great experience but has a lot more to offer than just recreation. There are also some key health and wellness benefits of using a hot tub that make it a useful way to enhance your experience of day-to-day life. These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub can bring more into your life, now and into 2021.

Stress management

If you’re feeling under pressure, exhausted, tense and this is being reflected in your body then spending some time in a hot tub can help. The buoyancy of the water takes the pressure off muscles and joints and can help to relieve tension and soreness. This is combined with the heat of the water, which helps to increase the blood flow to muscles and promote healing. The hot tub jets provide massage, easing out tension throughout the body and triggering the release of endorphins, which have a pain killing effect.

Chronic health conditions

Arthritis is one of the most widespread chronic health conditions and can be incredibly painful, especially during the winter. Regular use of a hot tub can have a very positive impact on arthritic joints, helping to reduce stiffness and minimise pain. This improvement is something experienced not just when in the hot tub but also when it comes to daily activities and exercises out of the water. Diabetes is another condition where people have been found to see an improvement in wellbeing as a result of hot tub use. One study found that patients with Type 2 diabetes who spent 30 minutes in a hot tub for six days a week over three weeks experienced an average 13% reduction in blood sugar. For those patients who have heart disease there are benefits too – a short soak in a hot tub can bring blood pressure down.

Better sleep

Sleep is something that we all need to get more of but it can be difficult to get to sleep – or stay asleep – and many of us suffer from sleep related issues. A hot tub can positively influence both the quality of your sleep and how easy you find it to get to sleep. Half an hour in a hot tub before bed relaxes the body and prepares it for a night of rest. It will also improve sleep quality, as sleep tends to be deeper and more relaxing as the temperature of the body gradually drops after a hot tub soak.

How you feel

A hot tub has some clear health benefits but can also influence how you feel and the way that you enjoy your life on a daily basis. If your hot tub is outside it’s a great way to get out in nature, enjoy some fresh air or time away from the house. Your hot tub can be a sociable space where members of your household come together without the distraction of devices or somewhere you use to be alone and have downtime.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your health and wellness there are plenty of opportunities to do this in your hot tub.

It’s that time of year again – we’re almost at the start of a brand new year. 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for many of us, which makes a fresh start a very appealing prospect. If you’re keen to step into a new you in 2021 then there are some simple ways that your hot tub can help you to do it, especially if you’re setting New Year resolutions this year or goals for the next 12 months.

Creating a wellness routine that gives back

New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to think about what you want from the next 12 months, what you’re hoping to let go of and where you want to build. However, there’s a reason that so many resolutions are on the scrap heap before the end of January – they often involve cutting things out, giving things up and generally framing the goal from a negative perspective. If you want to create change that lasts this year then putting a positive spin on your goals can help and your hot tub is a great way to make this happen.

• Integrate your hot tub into your exercise routine. If you’re starting a new exercise programme in January and you know that it’s going to be a challenge then create some positive feeling around it so that you’re not dreading every workout. For example, you could start each session with a soak in your hot tub before you get to the working out stage. This will help your muscles to warm up and give you time and space to relax and get your head in the game. You could also make your hot tub soak the place where you relax after you’ve worked out and celebrate a great session.
• Improving sleep. Research and surveys have found that not many of us make sleep a priority, despite the fact that a good night’s sleep can make all the difference to how we feel about life the next day. Whether your goals for next year are to focus more and be more productive, to eat better or to be more positive all of these will be influenced by how well you sleep. Add in to your schedule for each week a 15 minute soak around half an hour before you go to sleep – in the water your body temperature will rise and then as you get out and ready for bed it will fall again, preparing your body gradually for easier and higher quality sleep.
• Prioritising key relationships. It’s hard to make time for the people that we love with everything that our day holds sometimes. In the hot tub there are no devices and no distractions – it’s a great way to be more sociable, to prioritise family time or to spend some essential moments alone.

Your hot tub can help you in focusing on what really matters in 2021. Whether that’s physical wellness, sleep or key relationships these are just some of the ways it can support you in creating routines that help you uncover a new you.

Winter is a fantastic time to use your hot tub. Whether you’re really feeling the cold, looking for new ways to enjoy your garden or improve your wellness, a hot tub in winter has a lot to offer. It’s important to make sure that you bear in mind the different way that you’ll use the hot tub during the winter months, both to get the most from it and to make sure that you look after it. These are some of our top tips.

Consider keeping the jets turned off

You can still get a lot of benefit from a soak in the hot tub without the jets on and if you’re keen to keep your bills down this can really help. Every time you use the hot tub jets they release air into the water and this can lower the temperature. So, to keep your hot tub at optimal temperature in the winter months, use the jets less or turn them off.

Invest in a good cover

If you don’t already have a robust cover for your hot tub then now is the time to invest in one. The cover has a big role to play in keeping your hot tub hot as it traps warm air inside. If it is thin or damaged then it won’t do a very good job of helping to ensure your hot tub maintains the right temperature. Make sure that the cover is sufficiently insulated, that it fastens securely and that it’s not bowing or rising.

Monitor the water level

Using the hot tub in winter means being aware of the impact that cold temperatures can have on it. If the water level gets too low in the hot tub, for example, components such as pumps and pipework could freeze. So, it’s essential to regularly check that there is enough water in the hot tub to keep things moving – making sure it’s cycling with the circulation pump on a regular basis will ensure that everything continues to flow.

Don’t forget the cleaning

You may not be using your hot tub as frequently during the winter months as you might in the summer so it’s easy to let things slide where cleanliness is concerned. Leaving the hot tub without this type of maintenance may cause damage and also means that it won’t be ready for whenever you want to use it. Clean down the parts of the shell that aren’t submerged with a damp cloth, regularly replace the filter and make sure you change the water when necessary.

Create a winter hot tub experience

That may mean ensuring that you have warm robes to put on afterwards and drinking plenty of water – you’ll still be sweating even though the air is cold. Limit the time that you spend in the hot tub to 20 – 30 minutes and warm up straight away after you’ve got out so that you’re not getting too hot and then too cold.

A hot tub in winter can be a fantastic way to make the most of your home as long as you know how to use it at this time of year.

Along with everything else that’s going on in the world right now winter is here – there’s a lot for all of us to cope with. This season means cold weather, darker days and potentially even snow. Your hot tub can become something of a sanctuary in this season, providing somewhere you can get away from all the busyness of the world and just relax. It’s also a great way to get the most out of your garden all year round. If you’ve been wondering whether you should use your hot tub in the winter these are some of the best reasons to make sure that you do.

Warm up and stay cosy

Especially if you’re not a fan of the cold your hot tub can be a great place to get warm and defrost. Turn the heat up to 40 degrees celsius and make sure that your hot tub cover is robust and effective so that most of the heat is being retained. Make sure you have warm robes and slippers within reach to continue the cosy effect when you get out.

Celebrate

New Year’s Eve could be a bit of a non-event for many people this year but if you have a hot tub then you can still have an unusual celebration. Watch the fireworks from your hot tub with a glass of fizz and ring in the new year in style.

Enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy

At this time of year we can all start to suffer more from stiff joints, aches and pains, whether that’s as a result of the weather or new exercise regimes. Your hot tub provides very effective hydrotherapy thanks to the powerful jets and warm water, which will reduce the inflammation of conditions such as arthritis and help muscles to relax.

Ease colds and sinus problems

If you’re suffering with illness this winter then try a session in your hot tub to help ease the effects. The warm steam is fantastic for helping to clear sinuses, especially if you add a little eucalyptus oil. Steam inhalation is one of the most natural treatments for a cold and very effective too.

Destress

Whether you’re suffering from anxiety as a result of the pandemic uncertainty or Christmas is a season where you usually feel a little stressed, 20 minutes in your hot tub could turn things around. Try stargazing at night or finding a quiet five minutes first thing in the morning – your hot tub can be a sanctuary where you can have a few precious moments of calm away from the intensity of the world.

Go all out for Christmas

Christmas could be an unusual affair this year but you can still make it festive by going all out when it comes to your garden and hot tub. Create a stylish festive aesthetic with fairy lights wound around trees and have drinks and nibbles on floating trays. Or you could install lights and an entertainment system as well as a garden full of colourful light displays.

These are just some of the reasons to make sure you use your hot tub in winter this year.

There are different ways to use your hot tub during the winter months. You may want to drain it and keep it under cover for most of the colder season – or you may want to be able to take a nice warm dip even through the chilliest months of the year. Whatever your preference you need to make a decision now about how you’re going to use the hot tub during winter and then take steps to get it ready.

Keep the hot tub on?

There are many good reasons to keep your hot tub running during the winter, from enjoying the feel-good benefits of the jets and warm water when the world feels cold and grey, to the hydrotherapy that can help you to recover from injury or winter stiffness. It’s worth remembering that a lower outdoor temperature means that your hot tub will have to work harder to sustain its heat so this could mean an increase in energy bills. If you know you want to have access to your hot tub throughout the winter then you need to do the following before the season really starts:

• Change the water and do a comprehensive clean. It’s well worth draining the hot tub and cleaning it thoroughly before the temperature dips too low. It’s hard to change the water in freezing temperatures and cleaning isn’t much fun either so do this now before winter really sets in.
• Check your cover. A good hot tub cover can help to retain heat so that you keep your energy bills under control. It will also ensure that the water remains clean and debris-free. So, do a thorough check of the cover for any cracks or damage and replace it if necessary. You may also want to consider adding a thermal blanket under the cover, as this can be even more effective when it comes to keeping the heat in.
• Regularly review the water level. If the water level in your hot tub plummets then the filter and pump can shut down. This will leave you with a hot tub full of frozen water that can do serious damage. Make sure you keep the water level topped up to avoid this situation.

Shutting your hot tub down for winter

If you do decide that you want to shut the hot tub down until next year then you’ll need to start by draining the water and flushing the hot tub out. You need to get as much moisture out of the hot tub as possible but just in case you don’t get it all make sure you loosen the fittings too. Clear the jets, replace the filters and give the hot tub a deep clean so that it’s ready for use again when the weather starts to warm up.

Whether you decide to keep your hot tub on through the winter months or shut it down until spring there are lots of little jobs you can do now to make sure that you get to enjoy the hot tub as you want to in the months to come.

This time of year is fantastic for many things – cosy jumpers, long walks in crunchy leaves and… hot tubs. If you found the summer a little warm to really enjoy your hot tub and winter is often uncomfortable getting in and out of the water then autumn is perfect. Whether you choose to enjoy your hot tub on a misty autumn morning or a sunny late afternoon this time of year is ideal if you have a hot tub at home. So, how can you really make the most of it?

Have a movie night

In a couple of months our outside spaces will get less use so now is the time to really make the most of yours. Outdoor movie night is a great way to enjoy the warm water and being outside. If you don’t have a TV in your outdoor area then you can hook up a bed sheet and a projector to create a giant screen. Just add popcorn and your friends (or not) and you’re good to go!

Throw a hot tub party

Halloween is the ideal occasion to celebrate with a hot tub party this year. Although you’ll have to bear current COVID restrictions in mind you can still enjoy a sociable eve on autumn’s spookiest occasion. Get creative with the Halloween themed treats and decorations to make sure your evening really goes with a bang.

Combine your hot tub with autumn favourites

Whether it’s a pumpkin spiced latte or crumpets and jam there’s no reason not to enjoy all your favourite things about autumn from the comfort of your hot tub. Create some time to take your coffee outside on an autumn day and get all the hydrotherapy benefits of the warm water, combined with the open air and the positive impact of a few moments with something you really enjoy.

Get cosy

This time of year is great for getting cosy, enjoying the calmer pace of life and carving out some space to take a step back and relax. A hot tub is a great place to do this in autumn as it’s relaxing and somewhere that you can have some serious ‘me time.’ For many people this means getting into a book and enjoying it with your favourite beverage – we’d recommend a brand new thriller and some hot cider for a seasonal treat.

Enjoy an early start

Autumn mornings can feel very special and your hot tub is the ideal place to enjoy these. You might want to take a pen and paper outside with you and engage in a bit of bird watching. Or this could be the perfect time to just sit and notice your surroundings as the seasons change. If you’re struggling with the motivation to get up as the mornings get darker try a dip in your hot tub to help you out of bed.

These are just some of the ways that you can get more from your hot tub this autumn.

If your garden isn’t currently much to write home about, a hot tub could totally change that. A wonderful hot tub in the right location has a lot to add to your life, whether that’s creating somewhere you can relax and chill out or providing a space in which you can be more sociable. If you’re looking to revolutionise your garden with a hot tub then these are some of the steps that are going to be involved.

Where are you going to put the hot tub?

This is an important consideration because it will impact how much you’re able to enjoy your hot tub and your garden. For example, if you put the hot tub where it’s overlooked then you may not be able to fully relax – or if your view is your neighbour’s garage then it might not feel particularly blissful. So, think carefully about where to place the hot tub if you want to use it to revolutionise your garden. Key considerations here will be ensuring that you have a smooth, level surface on which to position the hot tub, that there is drainage and that the hot tub can be accessed for maintenance and repairs. If privacy is a key concern to you then this also needs to come into play here. Practicalities may also need to be considered, such as where the nearest power source is and how you’re going to fill the hot tub.

What are you going to put the hot tub on?

For many people, reinforced concrete slabs are the obvious choice but you may prefer something different for your garden. You have a number of different options here, including a pre-made platform or a gravel base. Decking that has been designed to support a hot tub is also another good option and can be particularly aesthetically pleasing if you’re keen to transform the way that your garden looks.

How will you have access to the hot tub?

There are two key elements to think about here. The first is access in terms of how you’re going to get the hot tub into the location where you want it to stay permanently. This should be simple and you’ll need to consider whether anything, such as fencing, needs to be temporarily removed to accommodate it. The second is how you will access the hot tub when you want to use it. For example, will walking across the garden in the cold ruin the experience for you or will the seclusion at the end of the garden be worth it?

How are you going to look after the hot tub?

If you want to use a hot tub to revolutionise your garden then it needs to be a source of pride in the months and years to come. This means ensuring that you know what is necessary in terms of maintenance and servicing and that the positioning of the hot tub makes it easy to do this, whether that is checking electrical components or draining the water.

If you want to make an impact with your hot tub then you need to have a clear plan in place.

The short answer is: yes. If you want to ensure that your hot tub lasts and that you get to enjoy it for years to come then servicing a hot tub is an essential part of the process of owning one. In the same way as you expect to service a car every year in order to ensure that it’s still running optimally, you should also expect to apply the same process to your hot tub so that you’re getting the most from it and you are aware of any issues before they have the potential to escalate.

I spent a lot on the hot tub so I probably don’t need to service it do I?

It doesn’t matter how much the hot tub cost it still needs looking after. In fact it’s arguable that the more you spend on a hot tub the more essential the servicing will be. Getting your hot tub serviced will reassure you that it’s all functioning as it should but you’ll also be able to see if there are any issues with it right now or whether any are likely to arise in the near future. Handling problems quickly keeps costs down and ensures you don’t have to deal with unexpected failure.

What if I just look after my hot tub really well?

We’d recommend that you do this any way – a hot tub is a great investment and has a huge range of benefits, from being a social space to enjoy with your friends to bringing the advantages of hydrotherapy into your life. It’s important to clean it regularly, change the water and ensure that you’re using it as per the manufacturer’s advice. However, even if you’re doing all these things it’s still essential to book in an annual service. You won’t have the expertise to be able to spot the simplest issues – such as rubber seals that have been eroded by chlorine – but a professional will.

Ok so what does a hot tub service actually involve?

It’s a thorough inspection of the hot tub. The engineer will start by inspecting the outside of the hot tub and looking for any signs of issues, such as a build up of algae. After that the hot tub water is treated with strong chemicals so that any large limescale build-ups can be dissolved and any internal blockages broken down. When the hot tub has been flushed out and drained it is inspected internally and fully cleaned – this will identify any problems and also be the kind of deep clean that you wouldn’t be able to achieve without a professional. The side panels are taken off and an inspection of wiring and electrical components carried out, including maintenance of valves. Finally, the hot tub is refilled again so that it is ready for use.

A hot tub can be a big investment and that’s why it makes sense to book in an annual service to ensure that you can continue to enjoy it for many years.

Having a hot tub in your garden is a wonderful asset that you can use to improve your wellbeing and enhance your lifestyle. The setting that your hot tub is in can have a big impact on how much enjoyment you get from the hot tub and whether you’re able to use it all year round. Spend a little time turning your garden into a sanctuary for the hot tub and you will make it an even more enjoyable experience and somewhere you will treasure spending time in.

Start with the basics

Privacy is probably going to be key when it comes to feeling like your hot tub is located in a secluded sanctuary. Not all of us are lucky enough to have extensive private grounds in which to locate the hot tub but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still create some privacy for your sanctuary. Bamboo screens or other similar structures can be really useful when it comes to creating privacy and will feel natural and gentle in an outdoor environment. If your hot tub is overlooked from above then you may want to consider adding some kind of shelter or canopy. There are many different options for this – for example, you could use flowers or plants to create a romantic canopy or a more robust wooden structure if you want something that will withstand the weather. If you’re planning to use your hot tub all year round then the canopy should also provide shelter from the sun in the summer and bad weather in the winter months.

Add some luxury

The area around the hot tub is a space where you can add some luxe touches that will make your hot tub feel like a real sanctuary. A comfortable and stylish table and chairs or sun loungers and a chaise longue with plump cushions could be the ideal way to make this area feel opulent and ultra cosy. Cushions, blankets and pillows can add texture and comfort – just remember that whatever you choose, if you don’t have shelter, then these items will need to be weatherproof.

Don’t forget the natural setting

A garden setting is a wonderful place for a hot tub as nature can be incredibly relaxing. Consider the scents and smells that are likely to reach you from the plants that are surrounding your hot tub – lavender, for example, is renowned for its relaxing properties and tends to come into its own on a hot summer day. You might also want to redesign the way that garden looks in the area around the hot tub. Brightly coloured flowers can feel inspiring while luscious green leaves and plants can bring an instant sense of calm. It’s worth bearing in mind when you use the hot tub most as this can also make a difference – some plants and flowers are at their best at specific times of the day, for example gardenias and evening primrose smell best after sunset.

If you have a hot tub in your garden then it’s really worth making the effort to turn that area into a beautiful sanctuary.