Category Archives: Hot Tub

According to NHS statistics, back pain is the largest single cause of disability in the UK. Lower back pain alone accounts for around 11% of this. If you regularly suffer from lower back pain, whether as a result of a chronic condition or due to lifestyle choices such as working at a desk, there are steps you can take to help yourself. In particular, a hot tub can have a positive impact when it comes to reducing daily discomfort and helping to pave the way for recovery.

What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain may be the result of a medical condition, such as sciatica, or it could be caused by something like a strained muscle. Living with back pain on a daily basis may mean that you experience constant stiffness, pain when moving or that you find it difficult to sit or stand in a specific position. Although back pain is a common complaint in the UK, that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer on an ongoing basis. There are solutions for easing and reducing back pain that don’t involve expensive treatment or drugs.

Hot tubs and lower back pain

There are three key ways in which a hot tub can positively affect your lower back pain:

• The application of heat. The warmth of the water in a hot tub has an instant calming and soothing effect on the human body, helping to ease out muscles and relax tightness. Improved circulation boosts blood flow, which is essential for allowing more oxygen-rich blood to get to your muscles to help them recover more quickly. That means that lower back pain is minimised and you may find mobility is easier after a hot tub session, simply thanks to the warmth of the water.
• The impact of buoyancy. Bodyweight is reduced by 90% in a hot tub (when your entire body up to your neck is in the water) and this can provide essential relief for anyone with lower back pain. In the water your body is supported, removing the pressure of gravity that can really take its toll. Bones, joints and muscles are free from the pressure of supporting your body while in the hot tub and, as a result, pain is reduced.
• The effect of hydromassage. Most hot tubs offer a range of different options when it comes to massage jets and these can be essential for lower back pain relief. Jets that can be positioned directly onto the back and focused specifically on the area where you’re feeling discomfort can help to ease out tension and reduce the pain that you’re experiencing, not just while in the water but when you get out of the hot tub too. Not every hot tub is the same when it comes to the effectiveness of the massage jets so it’s worth going for quality to ensure you get maximum impact.

Hot tubs can offer essential relief from lower back pain without the need for drugs.

Anxiety is very common today. Worldwide, around 40% of disability is due to anxiety and depression. It’s a condition that many of us live with day to day and it can affect everything, from work to personal relationships. There are many ways in which you can deal with anxiety – a hot tub at home can provide some essential relief.

The soothing impact of a hot tub soak

Hydrotherapy has been used as a form of stress relief for thousands of years. Stepping into the warm water of a hot tub can instantly help to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety, in particular the muscle tension that can be common. Soaking in a hot tub improves circulation by dilating blood vessels and this can provide instant relief from muscle tension and pain. There are other ways in which the physical impact of a hot tub on the body can also help to relieve anxiety, including:

• Feeling supported by the buoyancy of the water, which enables the body to completely relax
• Enjoying the massage effect of the hot tub jets, which are ideal for working out knots of tension and easing painful spots
• Getting the body ready for sleep and combating insomnia – according to a study in the journal ‘Sleep’ a pre-bedtime hot tub soak not only makes it easier to fall asleep but also improves the quality of sleep too
• Lowering blood pressure – just 15 minutes in a hot tub can bring your blood pressure down according to a study by the Mayo Clinic

Using your hot tub to help deal with anxiety

Having a hot tub at home is a great way to help reduce the anxiety that you experience on a regular basis. Many people develop coping mechanisms that involve alcohol or food, even an addiction to sport or social media, when anxiety gets really bad. Regularly soaking in your hot tub offers a way to cope without any of the negative consequences of these other options. It’s very easy to set up your hot tub as somewhere to go when you’re feeling anxious:

• Create a private sanctuary that is out of bounds to other people, somewhere you can retreat to when you need to destress and unwind
• Alternatively, make your hot tub a sociable place – human contact can be supportive during anxious times, especially in a hot tub which is the perfect place for real, uninterrupted conversations about difficult issues
• Place your hot tub outside in nature – immersing yourself in the natural world is a great solution when things start to feel too much
• Use hot tub additions to help cope with anxiety – for example, advanced entertainment systems that allow you to play music can be a great way to increase the anti-anxiety experience. You could also add lights (blue and green are meant to be particularly relaxing) as well as chill out features such as a waterfall.

There are many different ways to cope with anxiety and a hot tub at home can provide simple, swift relief even on the worst of days.

Family time can be difficult to create these days with our addiction to devices and the various activities and responsibilities that everyone is involved in. However, family time is crucial to bonding, creating a sense of belonging and ensuring that everyone stays in touch. No matter how large or small your family, having a hot tub at home as somewhere to spend time in is a great way to get your loved ones together and reconnect.

A way of relieving stress for all the family

Hot tubs have proven benefits when it comes to helping people to manage stress. The soothing effects of the warm water – and the impact of the massage jets – can help you to relax physically and calm down emotionally. Hydrotherapy has been used as a way to promote healing and help to reduce stress and anxiety for thousands of years. If you have children doing a lot of sport it can help with recovery – or maybe your teenagers are doing exams and feeling totally stressed out by them. If you have a hot tub to spend time in together then you can all enjoy the stress relieving benefits – which will help to improve family relationships too.

A place where everyone can relax and open up

It’s often difficult to get kids to open up and be honest about what’s really going on in their lives but a hot tub offers the perfect environment for this. Because of the water, devices such as smart phones are left on the side and out of reach so you’ll be able to get your children’s full attention. This is a great space in which to encourage honest conversation and meaningful discussions. It could be something as simple as working out how to deal with a challenging situation by telling your son or daughter about how you managed something similar. Your children may also feel more relaxed and comfortable and so able to open up about problems or issues that they wouldn’t otherwise talk about, whether that’s fear of failure at school or being bullied. Hot tubs are fun but they also have a much more meaningful purpose.

Reconnecting with the ones you love

Finding time for each other is challenging today but if you’re regularly soaking in the hot tub together then you can create a dedicated window in any schedule that’s all about being with the ones you love. This is a great way to create memories that will last and to learn more about each other through open and honest conversation. This type of quality time strengthens relationships, as well as allowing everyone to enjoy the health benefits, such as improving quality of sleep and learning to relax. Dedicating time to relaxation in this way also helps to make it a priority and can create a learning experience for all the family when it comes to handling anxiety and promoting wellness.

If you have a hot tub at home then there are many benefits that your family can enjoy together – these are just a few of them.

Hot tubs are a luxury – they are relaxing and indulgent and a great place to socialise. But did you know that a daily hot tub soak goes much further than that? Not only does a hot tub create a blissful spa-like space at home where you can chill out but the impact of the hot tub can also help to improve physical wellness.

A cure for common sleep problems

If you suffer from insomnia, you have trouble getting to sleep or you find that the quality of your sleep is low, regularly soaking in a hot tub can help. The warmth of the water enables the body to wind down and prepare for bed, avoiding issues such as over-stimulation from phones or devices. Quality of sleep is also improved as the body cools down.

Relieving aches and pains

Soaking in a hot tub improves circulation and can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Whether you suffer from a chronic condition, such as arthritis, or you’re winding down after an intense activity or training session, spending time in a hot tub is a great way to reduce discomfort and improve the ease of performing daily activities.

Relaxing over-stressed muscles

Soaking in a hot tub helps the whole body to relax. The buoyancy of the water provides a supportive environment in which tight muscles can unwind, aided by the tension relieving effect of the massage jets. The warmth of the water helps to relax muscles and promote muscle healing.

Promoting weight loss and reducing the risk of heart disease

Studies have found that regularly spending time in a hot tub can help to support a weight loss journey. In clinical studies, people who used a hot tub lost an average of 3.5 pounds without any dieting or exercise (although the most effective weight loss approach combines healthy diet, hot tub and exercise). Regular time in a hot tub has also been found to help with heart disease by lowering blood pressure. Just 15 minutes in a hot tub can be more effective than working out on an exercise bike but puts a lot less stress on the heart.

The impact on emotional wellness

Regular use of a hot tub is important for physical wellness but also has a very positive impact on emotional wellness too. A hot tub can be somewhere to escape to and have some quiet time, to meditate or listen to music after a hard day. It can also be a sociable space in which you spend time with family or loved ones, connecting and bonding. The relaxing effect of the water provides an environment in which worry and anxiety can be left behind.

These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub at home can be beneficial for both body and mind. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to relax, recover or restore, regularly soaking in a hot tub provides the perfect place to give your body what it needs to thrive.

There are many benefits of a hot tub, from beauty to wellness and recovery, mean that they are becoming an increasingly popular home purchase. Whether you’re looking for a hot tub as somewhere to socialise or to enjoy the physical benefits of hydrotherapy, finding the right hot tub is key. When you start looking for your dream hot tub these are the key questions that you need to ask.

When do you want to use it?

Hot tubs are ideal for cooling off in the summer and warming up in winter. Even if there’s snow on the ground you can still enjoy all the benefits of your hot tub. Think about when you’re planning to use the hot tub so that you can find the right model – all year round or just when the weather is warm or cool?

Where will the hot tub be?

One of the benefits of a hot tub is that even the smallest spaces can accommodate one. Think about whether you’re planning to put the hot tub indoors or outside and where you want to position it. If it’s indoors then you may need to allow room for ventilation. For an outdoor hot tub you might want to consider creating decking or a gazebo to take advantage of a view or create privacy.

How much do you want to spend?

There is a hot tub for every budget, from those that deliver the perfect hydrotherapy experience to models that have all the added extras. It’s always worth looking at what the next price up will buy you in terms of design and extras, just in case a little more spend could mean you get a lot more added value for your money.

How much maintenance are you prepared to do?

Hot tubs do need some maintenance, especially if they are in regular use. This isn’t something that you have to manage if you don’t want to – you can opt for a cleaning and maintenance package or choose a self-cleaning hot tub that will do most of the work for you. Most hot tubs will require you to test the water quality a couple of times a week and clean the filters at least once. The hot tub should be cleaned at least once a month and will need draining and refilling three or four times a year.

Is your set up practical?

In particular, you’ll need to consider:

• Hot tubs need a strong and structurally supportive surface on which to stand, whether that’s inside or out.
• To fill the hot tub you’ll need an easily accessible water source nearby
• Electricity supply is key – most hot tubs are fine with a 110-volt electrical outlet but if you’re planning to buy a higher end design this may need a more powerful supply.

Finding the right hot tub for you is all about asking the important questions. From hot tubs for relaxation to larger models for family fun there are lots of great options to choose from.

Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.

The daffodils are out, the days are getting longer and the seasons are beginning to shift towards the warmer months of the year. Spring and summer are the ideal time to get outside after the cold and grey of winter. If you’ve been hibernating from the weather since last autumn it’s time to start thinking about how to get your home – and yourself – summer ready. A new hot tub is the perfect way to do both.

Getting your home summer ready

A hot tub is the ideal summer accessory for your home – and with the hottest time of the year a few months away you still have time to find the perfect model for your property. Hot tubs have a lot of benefits in the summer, including:

• A great alternative to a pool for properties with limited space
• The ideal way to host summer parties with a difference
• All the benefits of hydrotherapy – e.g. reducing anxiety and soothing tired muscles – all year round
• Al fresco entertainment – getting everyone outside and into the fresh air when the weather is good
• Somewhere to connect with family and friends – no phones allowed!

Getting yourself summer ready

Of course it’s not just your home that may need a bit of a reboot before the summer gets here. If you’ve spent the winter feeling sluggish and tired, wrapping up in big jumpers and generally preferring the sofa to getting out and being active then summer could be an intimidating prospect. A hot tub can help with this too, providing a very effective way to detox before it’s time to bare all in shorts and start revealing pale winter skin to the summer sun. Hot tubs can make you sweat, and sweating is the most powerful tool that our bodies have when it comes to removing toxins from the system. If you’re looking for an effective way to use your hot tub to get summer ready this is what we’d recommend:

Start with a scrub

Use a loofah or a body scrub – you can even make your own from brown sugar, olive oil and honey. The scrub will slough off any dead skin cells, allowing your skin to breathe and get the full benefits of a hot tub soak.

Jump in the tub

As you sit, your body temperature will start to rise and you’ll begin to sweat out all the winter toxins, renewing and refreshing your system and skin as you do so. Remember to drink plenty of water while you’re in the hot tub so that you stay hydrated.

Cool down

When you get out of the hot tub have a cool – or cold – shower to remove anything you’ve sweated out during your detox.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your home for summer – or start getting yourself ready for the warmer months of the year – a hot tub is a great option to help you do it. We can help you find the perfect tub now so that you’re summer-ready in plenty of time.

Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find your perfect hot tub.

Hot tubs are often pitched as a luxury or an indulgence. However, the reality is that they can have a great practical impact on wellness too, no matter what your lifestyle. Emotional wellness, in particular, is something that many of us regularly neglect as a result of busy lives and a range of stresses and pressures. If you have a hot tub then there are five easy ways to use it to help improve your emotional wellness and to make it more of a priority.

1. An investment in the quality of your sleep

All of us have experienced a sleepless night at some point in our lives and so are aware of how emotionally raw this can make us feel. When we aren’t sleeping, we may suffer increased levels of anxiety and depression and find it difficult to deal with every day situations. Regular use of a hot tub before bed helps to create the conditions for good sleep to support emotional wellness. From relaxing muscles to improving breathing and circulation, there are many benefits to aid a better night’s sleep.

2. Making time for the people who matter

Loneliness and isolation are big issues in our society today. Many of us share spaces with friends or family but don’t really engage with them or are just not dedicating enough time to these crucial relationships. For true emotional wellness to thrive, it’s important to make time for those who matter and a hot tub is a great space for this. No phones, just great conversation and a fun environment in which to relax together.

3. Time that’s just for you

All of us need at least a little alone time to relax and recharge away from our busy lives. If you have a hot tub then this is the ideal place in which to do it. You can disconnect from the world, read a book or listen to your favourite music and just spend a little time on a regular basis reconnecting with you. The more time we make to look after our own emotional wellbeing in this way, the better parent/spouse/friend/coworker we can be to others.

4. Creating wellness routines that work

Finding time to dedicate to wellness can be tough in a busy schedule, which is why little routines are so essential. A routine is something we can do almost without thinking, which makes it easy to bring something positive into the day without really trying. Build a wellness routine around your hot tub to make this more of a priority in your life, whether that involves meditation and relaxation or spending time with friends.

5. Take care of your body

Pain and discomfort impact negatively on emotional wellness. If you suffer from a condition like arthritis, from stress headaches or any other aches and pains, a hot tub can be very healing. The warmth of the water, combined with the massage jets, has a powerful impact on physical discomfort that can help to ease emotional stress too.

Hot tubs are so much more than just a luxury – if you want to prioritise your emotional wellness then this is a great way to do it.

Rates of stress and anxiety are increasing significantly among young people. From academic pressure through to the impact of social media use, there are many influences that can be negative when it comes to how it makes children and young adults feel about themselves and the world around them. As parents, guardians or friends of young adults it’s often challenging to identify ways to help them cope with this stress – a hot tub could help.

Downtime from phone time

The current generation of young adults is the first to be going through adolescence – and beyond – permanently attached to a screen. Smart phones can have many benefits but many studies have shown that they can also contribute to anxiety and stress in young people. Many feel addicted and struggle to even put down the phone for a short period of time. This is where a hot tub can be useful – most young adults prize their phones so highly that they simply won’t risk taking it near water so time in a hot tub is phone free.

Making space for real conversations

Spending time in a hot tub with the young adults in your life creates a space for real, authentic conversations to take place. Whether you’re concerned about the impact of stress and want to have a face-to-face conversation about it, or you simply want to create a space and time to engage more with your children, a hot tub is a great environment in which to do it. Sometimes just being together in a low pressure environment can create the ideal conditions in which young people feel that they are able to open up.

Easing the physical symptoms of stress

Relaxing in a hot tub enables anyone to deal better with stress simply by reducing symptoms to provide some relief. The hot water improves circulation, for example, which can ease tension headaches that may be being caused by feelings of stress and anxiety. The warmth of the water, combined with the gentle pressure of the massage jets, triggers a release of feel good endorphins, which helps to energise and improve the mood, as well as creating the conditions for problem solving. Plus, if young people are suffering with physical aches and pains as a result of stress in the body, a hot tub can provide a lot of relief.

Emphasising the importance of taking a break

Young adults can experience a lot of stress, whether that’s impending exams or social pressure. Encouraging them to step out of whatever is causing these difficult feelings – and into a hot tub – is always positive. It’s a great way to teach younger people how to start managing stress and to demonstrate how powerful it can be to just take a break.

Hot tubs are a luxury and they can be a lot of fun but they also have the potential to contribute to better lifestyles too. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch.