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How to prepare for the arrival of your hot tub

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You’ve made the decision to have a hot tub at home and now you can look forward to relaxation and fun in your own back yard. But, before the hot tub actually arrives there are a few key considerations that you need to bear in mind to prepare for it

What are the electrical needs of the hot tub?

Most models tend to run off 220 volts – some may be able to run from a regular 110 outlet but this can compromise the hot tub performance. The electrical wiring components of hot tub installation need to be handled by a professional so when you’re preparing for the arrival of your hot tub make sure you have this booked in.

How will you get the hot tub into your home or garden?

Like any large piece of equipment there are access considerations in the arrival of your hot tub. You’ll need to ensure that there is a clear delivery path from the closest road to your home – and that gates, doors and walls offer enough space for the hot tub to fit through in order to be correctly positioned. Some installers offer a crane service if the simplest option is to lift the hot tub up and over and into its correct spot.

Where exactly are you going to put the hot tub?

This is not the kind of decision to be made at the last minute. Decide where to position the hot tub well in advance so you can work through any potential problems in terms of getting the tub to that spot when it arrives. You might decide to have the hot tub right outside your home or – if you have land – a remote part of the property might appeal more for the peace and seclusion.

What are the space considerations?

When you’ve identified the potential position for the hot tub then mark it out to its exact dimensions. Is it still possible to walk around the hot tub and do you have enough space to install access steps? It’s important to have space around the hot tub so that its components can be accessed for maintenance.

Installing a hot tub on soil or lawn

Generally, this is a very bad idea. Soil or a grass lawn don’t provide the right support for your hot tub, which is heavy, weighing in at 2,000 to 8,000 pounds when filled. A hot tub could simply sink into lawn or soil and will also suffer from the potential exposure to wet grass, soil and insects.

What’s the right surface for a hot tub?

You can install a hot tub on an existing deck, for example, as long as the deck is structurally sound enough to support it. Many people construct a new deck for the purposes of a soon-to-arrive hot tub. Wherever you place the tub, the ground underneath will need to be leveled with a concrete or a gravel base to provide support.

If you’d like advice on a new hot tub for your home our experienced team can help you to choose the perfect model – and prepare for its arrival.

Considerations for choosing the right gazebo for your hot tub

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You’ve made the decision to get a hot tub – perhaps you already have one at home – but how do you ensure you can use it whenever you want? The answer for many people is a gazebo. This elegant and practical addition to any outside space provides shade on hot sunny days and shelter from the elements in the winter months. Either way, you get much more from your hot tub when you have a gazebo too. So, how do you find the right one for you?

Choose your texture

Gazebos tend to come either in wood or vinyl. There are pros and cons to both and you may decide to make the decision on the basis of aesthetics. In general, many people prefer a wood gazebo for the natural look and finish but others choose a vinyl gazebo because it’s much easier to clean and maintain.

Pick your spot

If you already have a hot tub installed then you know where the gazebo is going to stand. If not, you need to consider where you want both to be. Either way, now is the time to look at how you’re going to install the gazebo for optimal use. It’s important to remember with a hot tub gazebo that you’ll still need to be able to get water lines to the hot tub and don’t forget to check that the dimensions work with the outside space. It’s a good idea to consult the professionals when it comes to gazebo surface installation – do you want to install decking for the gazebo or work with a concrete surface, for example?

Think about the design

Not all gazebos are made the same and you’ll have considerable choice for yours, even if it needs to fulfill the design brief of fitting around the hot tub. For example, will you want to have a gazebo that is square, octagonal, rectangular, dodecagon or oval in shape? And when it comes to the roof will you be looking for a standard roof or something more artistic, such as tiered roofing or a pagoda roof. Sides and railings, screens and doors, as well as the material that you want to use for the decking are all decisions that also need to be made.

Look into the size and dimensions

It really is worth thinking carefully about the size of the gazebo you’re considering. If you’re looking for something large bear in mind that it could overshadow the entire outside space if you choose a design that is too big. If your gazebo is specifically for your hot tub then make sure it is wide enough to cover the tub you have installed (or are planning to install).

Who will build it?

The final consideration is whether you build the gazebo yourself or ask the professionals to do it for you. A simple gazebo can be easy to assemble but if you’re looking for something more decorative it might be worth seeking professional help.

A gazebo and a hot tub is a great combination for any outside space. If you’d like more information on the right styles for you then contact a member of our team.

Can hot tubs help and promote wellness and recovery for athletes?

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Hot tubs might seem to be about pure indulgence and luxury. However, they are part of the tradition of hydrotherapy, which has long played an important role in wellness and recovery for athletes. Whether you’re a pro looking for some home therapy, or you’re an amateur athlete seeking to improve performance with better recovery, a hot tub might be the ideal solution.

How does a hot tub help?

Hot tubs provide heat therapy

Soaking in your hot tub after a workout or training session will help to boost blood flow and improve circulation thanks to the heat in the water and the steam. Your muscles will be able to relax to a much deeper level and you’ll find it much easier to wind down and ease out any tensions.

Hot tubs can be part of your warm up

If you’re looking to better prepare your body for training or exercise then a 10-20 minute soak before you begin activity can also have huge wellness benefits. Sitting in the hot tub will get your blood flowing and warm up and loosen all your muscles. Follow the hot tub soak with 10 minutes of stretching and your body will be ready to work at its optimum level.

Hot tubs help to optimise recovery

According to research published in the New York Times, muscles can often recover better from training or an intense workout when they are warmed up, rather than quickly subjected to colder temperatures. So, by using your hot tub after a workout session you could optimise the speed and quality of your recovery.

Hot tubs don’t have to be hot

If you’re looking to incorporate both heat and cold therapy into your post workout recovery then you can adjust the temperature settings on your hot tub to provide the right level of variety. You’ll still get the same benefits of the hydrotherapy but at a cooler temperature.

The jets provide essential massage

A soak in a hot tub after a workout also means that you’re subjecting your muscles to the massaging effect of the jets, which can help to ease out tension and aid recovery. Choose the setting that works best for you depending on how your body feels, from powerful jets that deliver an intense experience, to something a little more soothing instead.

Hot tubs can promote injury recovery

If you do get injured while training or working out a hot tub can play a role in helping you to recover from that injury and speeding up the process of getting well. Healing heat therapy is renowned for its therapeutic properties and can help with the recovery and rehabilitation of an injured muscle.

Hot tubs help you to relax

If you’re dealing with a stressful training schedule or finding it difficult to sleep due to upcoming events, a soak in a hot tub could help you to relax. Plus, 20 minutes in the hot tub before you go to bed can actually help you get a better night’s sleep.

For more information on how a hot tub supports athletes in wellness and recovery – and which might be the right model for you – please get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.

Do more of what you love using your hot tub this year

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If there’s one New Year’s resolution that is always worth making, it’s to do more of what you love in the next 12 months. A hot tub can play a big role in this and, when they are as affordable as our Serenity Hot Tubs range, you don’t have to break the bank to have one either. So, make 2018 the year that you install a hot tub at home so that you can do more of:

Taking time out for yourself

Especially during the winter months, or times of great stress, there is huge value in a few quiet moments that allow you to gather your thoughts. A hot tub is the perfect location for this with just the soothing sound of the water to help you meditate on whatever problems need solving. Enjoy the spa effect of the jets or take a glass of wine in with you for a luxurious downtime treat.

Socialising

Whether you opt for a full on party or something a little more sedate, a hot tub can be the focal point for socialising. Friends will be keen to try out your hot tub if they don’t have one and it’s the perfect place for everyone to relax and start chatting.

Time with the family

It’s often difficult to get all the family together in one place but quality family time really matters. If you don’t manage it at dinner time or on weekends then try scheduling some family time in the hot tub. You’ll be surprised how appealing this is to everyone, from the kids who want to splash around, to the teens who are keen to enjoy the health benefits. Hot tub time with the family can give everyone the chance to relax and catch up.

Looking after your physical health

When we feel good, life seems so much more enjoyable and a hot tub can play a role in helping to keep your body at its optimum level. Hydrotherapy has been a solution for soothing aches and pains – and for post-sport recovery – for centuries. With a hot tub at home you’ll get the massage benefits of the jets, the soothing effect of the warm water and the aesthetic impact of the sinus-clearing, skin brightening steam.

Enjoying the outdoors

If your hot tub is outside then this provides you with the ideal opportunity to start appreciating the nature that surrounds your home. From watching the perfect sunset from the comfort of your hot tub, to observing the birds and small animals in your garden, the hot tub is an easy way to feel at one with your immediate landscape.

Romance

Just add some music, some candles and the two of you and the hot tub can be an incredibly romantic date night. There are no distractions with a hot tub and you’ll be able to talk and re-engage with the one you love.

Our range of Serenity Hot Tubs provide the perfect balance of massage variety and hydrotherapy – and socialising, fun and romance. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find out more.

What do you need when looking for a new hot tub?

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Whether you already own a hot tub but you’re ready for an upgrade, or you don’t have one and it has been a long held dream for you, now is the ideal time to look for a new hot tub.

Why have a hot tub at home?

It’s a luxury that can bring many benefits to your life. For example, hot tubs promote wellness, helping your muscles to relax after a workout and improving circulation and blood flow. If you’ve got a January cold then the steam from the hot tub could help to clear your sinuses and the relaxing effect can aid better sleep. Hot tubs are also great for entertaining and fun for the kids. Home hydrotherapy can also help provide relief from the pain and discomfort of conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia without painkillers or expensive treatments.

Key questions when looking for a new hot tub

Where are you going to put it?

Hot tubs can be positioned indoors or outdoors. You may already have the perfect outside space for a hot tub or you might want to build a specific room indoors for it. Factors to consider include the need for ventilation indoors, the additional maintenance that might be required for a hot tub outside, as well as the design of your home.

What’s your budget?

There is a hot tub for most budgets these days but it’s important to establish initially how much you want to spend. Increasing your budget might enable you to have a bespoke design and additional features that could prove to be well worth the money.

How do you want to use the hot tub?

If you see yourself undeterred by the weather, enjoying the hot tub in both summer and winter then an outdoor hot tub with a few additional features will be ideal. If you’re looking for a private space and you plan to use the hot tub for spa style relaxation only then an indoor option might be a better choice.

Installation and running

You’ll need to have a structurally sound surface on which to install the hot tub, as well as a reliable source of electricity. Some hot tubs can simply be plugged into a traditional 110-volt electrical outlet. The higher end designs may require 220-volt or 230-volt outlet. Remember that you’ll also need a water source to fill the hot tub from.

Maintenance

Hot tubs require some maintenance – although you don’t have to do this yourself as there are packages available, as well as the option of self-cleaning hot tubs. Maintenance factors to consider include:

  • Cleaning filters (once a week)
  • Testing water quality (two or three times a week)
  • Cleaning the hot tub (once a month)
  • Draining and refilling the hot tub (once every three or four months)

Why upgrade a hot tub?

If you already have a hot tub at home then why would you want to buy a new one?

  • You’ve had it for a while and it’s not working as well as it used to
  • The model looks outdated
  • Your family has grown and you’re looking for something bigger
  • You’re keen to find a more energy efficient hot tub
  • You want the latest innovation in hot tubs

The right hot tub can be a great addition to your home – if you’d like help in choosing the best model for you then contact a member of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company team for more information.

What is so great about Self Cleaning Hot Tubs and Swim Spas?

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Having a hot tub or a swim spa at home is a real luxury. You have access to your own little slice of blissful relaxation – or somewhere to exercise and have fun – whenever you want it. Of course, the downside of having your own hot tub or swim spa is that you’re also responsible for its maintenance and that means staying on top of the cleaning. The new generation of hot tubs and swim spas have innovative self-cleaning technology, which is designed to make owning and looking after one much easier. But what’s so great about it?

You won’t get it wrong

If you’re cleaning your own swim spa, for example, then there is a mix of chemicals that need to be used and you will need to add these on a regular basis. You may not get the mix quite right or you may simply forget when other things in life take over. Regularly cleaning a hot tub or swim spa is an important part of maintaining it and you might reduce its longevity if you fail to do it. A self-cleaning model makes it much easier to protect your investment for the long-term, as well as keeping the tasks on your to do list to a minimum.

You can use the hot tub whenever you want

If you have a standard swim spa or hot tub then you have to factor in the cleaning to the process of using it. That might mean delays on the day that you want to use it or having to plan ahead. If you have a self-cleaning model then this just isn’t necessary. The water automatically replaces itself in a self-cleaning model so you can be completely spontaneous – if you want to jump in at 6am or midnight then there’s absolutely nothing to stop you doing it.

A clean hot tub is a healthy hot tub

There are all sorts of health risks that you may expose yourself and/or your family to if the water in your hot tub or swim spa isn’t clean. It’s a risk that’s just not worth taking, which is why investing in a self-cleaning model makes so much sense. If your hot tub or swim spa cleans itself then you completely minimise any potential for unhealthy mistakes and ensure that you always have the best hot tub or swim spa experience.

Saving time and money

A self-cleaning hot tub or swim spa is a real time saver, especially if you’re a frequent user. It also means you save money on maintenance costs as you don’t have to pay for the cleaning chemicals – or cover the expense of bringing in anyone else to do your maintenance for you. The swim spa or hot tub takes care of everything itself leaving you free to do other things. There’s an enormous range of choice when it comes to self-cleaning hot tubs and swim spas. If you’d like to find out more then contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company on 0208 300 4003.

Could your hot tub bring you hydrotherapy benefits from your home?

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Water has been used as a method for healing for centuries. “Hydrotherapy” is Greek and means “water healing” – if you have a hot tub at home then you could also have access to this wonderfully effective form physical therapy.

What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?

Water provides a far safer environment for therapy and exercise in many ways. Buoyancy helps to support joints and limbs while the warmth of the water and the water pressure add a lot of value when it comes to enhancing the benefits of this kind of healing. When the human body is immersed in warm water, the surface blood vessels start to expand helping muscles to relax. Skin temperature rises, which can also have a very positive effect in soothing any muscle spasm or pain. The water pressure acts to reduce swelling in the body by helping to move bodily fluid away from a swollen area. Plus, the buoyancy of the water reduces impact and means that any problems with balance don’t need to be a consideration.

What can hydrotherapy help with?

Hydrotherapy is incredibly soothing for a tired body and can work to make you feel better, to reduce the swelling in ankles or legs after a busy day and generally to help with relaxation. It’s also a very effective option for tackling other conditions and general wellness too. For example:

  • Post-operative rehabilitation. Recovery from any number of conditions can be optimised with hydrotherapy, including elbow dysplasia or a hip replacement.
  • Stress. Hydrotherapy may help to slow down the body’s reaction to stress. It can also be used to lower blood pressure and improve relaxation to relieve anxiety.
  • Injured muscles. When the body is immersed in warm water, circulation is improved and this can help to get the blood flowing to the parts of the body that need it the most. Improved circulation can have a positive impact on injured or damaged muscles and joints.
  • Detoxification. The heat of hydrotherapy is ideal for detoxifying. Sweating is the primary way that the body eliminates toxins so hydrotherapy can help to cleanse and detoxify.
  • Boosting the immune system. The positive effects of hydrotherapy include the increased blood flow and circulation of white blood cells. This allows a fluid called lymph to be more effectively transported around the body – lymph contains infection-fighting white blood cells.

Hot tubs and hydrotherapy

Having a hot tub at home is a great way to bring the benefits of hydrotherapy into your house. Hot tubs are widely recognised as, not just a great way to wind down and relax, but also an effective option for home physical therapy. In fact, many models – such as our Serenity hot tubs – have been designed in conjunction with physiotherapists and osteopaths to give you a perfect balance of massage variety and hydrotherapy. Natural buoyancy and invigorating and pulsating jet streams provide support and relaxation with all the benefits of hydrotherapy.

If you’d like to find out more about which of our hot tubs is the most suitable for you, please get in touch today on 0208 300 4003.

Could your hot tub help you to avoid a cold as winter sets in?

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There’s no doubt that using a hot tub is a thoroughly pleasant and relaxing experience. However, could it do more than just make you feel good? Does the hot tub also help when it comes to winter colds and chills?

Benefit 1: Better sleep

If you’re coming down with a cold or the flu then what you need more than anything else is a good night’s sleep. Giving your body the time to rest, relax and fight off whatever it is that is affecting you will do you a lot of good. 20 – 30 minutes in the hot tub before you hit the hay is proven to help you relax and promote a better night’s sleep. With an uninterrupted night of high quality sleep you could reduce the impact of whatever it is you’re suffering from.

Benefit 2: Soothing aches and pains

Some symptoms of colds and flu are difficult to do anything about – such as the dreaded aches and pains. If your muscles are sore and you feel like you’ve been in a wrestling match because of your illness then some time in the hot tub could help you feel much better. The warmth of the water in the hot tub helps to boost blood circulation in the body, which can sooth muscles and help them to relax. The result for you is feeling generally better and much less achy.

Benefit 3: Reducing congestion

The congestion that comes with a bad cold is unpleasant. It can stop you sleeping, can affect the way you speak and eat, and generally makes normal, every day tasks seem far harder because your head feels like it’s bound up in cotton wool. The atmosphere of the hot tub can do a lot to help ease congested nasal passages and sinuses. The warm, steam filled air helps to reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages so that it’s possible to breathe normally again.

Benefit 4: Heating your body up

When you use a hot tub it increases your body temperature. Some experts have suggested that this increase mildly mimics the course of a low grade fever. The impact this could have on a sick body – or one that is sickening – is to kick the immune system into action, which in turn means that you can start fighting off the cold or flu that’s attacking your system. So, a session in the hot tub when you start to feel unwell could help give the immune elements of your body the head start they need to start fighting back.

Although a hot tub can’t prevent you from getting a cold – there are few things on earth that can help you to do that – it could certainly help to reduce the severity of whatever is that is making you sick. And, at the very least, it will give you some relief from your symptoms and make you feel warm and much more relaxed.

If you’re ready to relax this winter and rejuvenate, get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003.

What is the optimum time to spend in your hot tub?

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Have you ever thought about how long you spend in your hot tub? Let’s face it, a hot tub is such a relaxing experience that you might entirely lose track of how long you’re in there every time you get in. However, depending on the experience that you’re looking to have, there’s an optimum amount of time to spend in those warm, relaxing bubbles…

Type 2 diabetes therapy

Recent studies have shown that regular use of a hot tub can actually help those coping with Type 2 diabetes. How? Because the effects of the hot tub help to lower blood sugar. If this is the reason that you’re using your hot tub then the optimum time to spend in it is 30 minutes a day – that’s the amount of time that has been shown to work by all the studies. When you leave after 30 minutes make sure you stand up and get out slowly so you don’t ruin the effects of that wonderful soak.

Sleep therapy

No one is suggesting you go to sleep in the hot tub – in fact, please don’t do that. However, there is a lot of evidence to show that spending time in a hot tub can help to solve sleep issues. The increase in body temperature you’ll get from sitting in a hot tub, plus the weightlessness caused by the buoyancy of the bubbles and the water, can pave the way for a beautiful night’s sleep. If you’re looking to sleep deeper then try 20 minutes in the hot tub before bed and see if you don’t have a night full of sweet shut eye.

Hydrotherapy

Regular use of a hot tub can have a very therapeutic effect on every body. The warm water opens up blood vessels and reduces blood pressure while the impact of sitting in the water can help to take the pressure off joints. To get the full benefits of the hydrotherapy impact of the hot tub it is best used every day for somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes.

Pregnancy

Sitting in a hot tub can have all kinds of positive effects on the pregnant body, particularly if you’re suffering from a lot of aches and pains at whatever the stage you’re at. Weightlessness in the water can also be a huge relief if you’re really feeling the impact of carrying around the extra weight of a little human. The optimum time for pregnant women to use the hot tub is 20 minutes – 30 minutes maximum.

Relaxation and chill

Let’s be honest, the main reason most of us purchase a hot tub is because of the impact it has on making us take a step back and relax. Whether you’ve had a bad day or you’re just coming to the end of a very long week, some time in the hot tub can soothe both body and mind. The optimum time for a relaxing soak is 25-30 minutes. Any less and you might not get the full wonderfully relaxing effects.

Find out more about the benefits of hot tub use by getting in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003.