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Practical considerations for perfect hot tub placement

Hot Tub Placement

A hot tub is a fairly flexible luxury – if you want to soak in your tub on a deck or a lawn, a balcony or indoors then there is usually an easy way to make that happen. Getting the placement of your hot tub right is going to be a combination of practicality, lifestyle and aesthetics and there are a number of different considerations to bear in mind.

The need for a firm foundation

Many people assume contemporary hot tubs are lightweight but when you combine the materials of the tub itself with the weight of the water the pounds soon add up. A 450-gallon home spa, for example, has a total weight of 5,920 lbs when filled up. So, a solid foundation of support – and a level base – is going to be a key consideration when looking at where to place your hot tub. If your hot tub is outside then concrete slabs, paving stones or gravel make for good foundation materials.

How will you get the hot tub into place?

Even a regular sized hot tub can be a challenge to deliver if you haven’t worked out whether it will fit through doors, fences or hedges in advance. Sometimes it may be necessary to temporarily remove some fence panels or a gate so that the hot tub can be delivered to the property – or there is always the option of a crane. If you’re looking for a very simple delivery process then use the hot tub dimensions you have and work out if the spot you’ve chosen is going to work in terms of delivery logistics.

Convenience and lifestyle

If your hot tub is difficult to use then you may find you get less and less enthusiastic about it over time. The location of the tub can have a big impact here – if it’s convenient and in a great spot where you can make the most of a property, garden or view then you’re much more likely to get more from it. If you live in a country with very cold winters then you might want to consider placing the hot tub closer to your property, or even indoors. Always make sure that, wherever you place the hot tub, it’s going to be safe for children and pets.

Water and drainage

Hot tubs can overflow and spill while in use, plus you’ll also need to drain the tub completely several times a year. So, placing the hot tub close to an existing drain can make life much easier. Bear in mind the effect of the water on any materials in the area too – for example, if the hot tub is going to be positioned on wood you can prepare it with an oil-based sealant to protect it.

The importance of maintenance

It’s crucial that your hot tub is in a location where maintenance is effortless. The equipment access panel should be easy to open and the tub in a position where everything, from large repairs to regular water checks, will be easy to carry out.

Personal choice

Some people want a hot tub to be somewhere very private, in which case it will be important to choose a secluded location that is not overlooked. For others, comfort is the bigger factor and so having the hot tub a few paces from the property or on the lawn will be more important.

Hot tub placement is just one of the key considerations when buying a new hot tub – we can help you find the perfect model for you, as well as the ideal location in which to place it.  Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003.

How can your Softub become part of your holiday home?

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Whether your holiday home is in the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps or the tropical landscapes of the Seychelles, your Softub has a lot to add to how you experience a vacation property. It’s often only after enjoying the benefits of a Softub elsewhere that holiday homeowners realise just how appealing a Softub as part of a holiday property really is. If you’re keen to enhance your holiday experience then it’s worth looking into how your Softub can become part of your holiday home.

A versatile hot tub choice

If you’re looking for a versatile hot tub that is much more portable than a traditional design then the Softub is perfect. It has been crafted with portability in mind and can be placed on virtually any surface – unlike a traditional hot tub that may require certain support or foundations to be laid. So, that means that whatever the holiday property you have, a Softub can be easily added, whether that’s on decking overlooking a fabulous view or on grass underneath the shade of some trees.

A great way to relax

If there’s one thing most of us want from our holidays it’s to truly relax and wind down. It can be difficult to find a space in which to do this, especially if you are on holiday with children, friends or family. Adding a Softub to your holiday home makes this easy, creating a space in which the warmth of the water, combined with the innovative massage jets will instantly soothe and relax. The structure of the Softub itself is also designed to create an ultra relaxing environment – the more flexible sides have a “give” to them that is a direct contrast to the inflexible surfaces of a traditional hot tub.

Ease of installation

When it comes to holidays and holiday properties, the easier everything is, the better. Ease of installation is one of the major features of a Softub and one that makes it incredibly appealing as an addition to a holiday property. As the world’s most portable spa, the Softub requires minimal disruption and hassle to install and, as you can install it anywhere, there is no need to make structural changes and only one person is required for the installation. Softubs are a hassle free and easy way to introduce an extra element of relaxation for the perfect holiday.

Attractive aesthetics

The leather look outer shell of the Softub provides a luxurious feel, ideal for making you feel like you’re being pampered on holiday. Plus, there are a range of colour choices, as well as extras and additions that enable you to design a Softub that fits with the aesthetics of your holiday property.

Essential energy efficiency

Softubs are renowned for their energy efficiency and for the use of heat recovery technology. Plus, the design is very simple with pump, motor and heater in a single unit. This makes Softubs one of the most energy efficient options, especially attractive for those looking for a hot tub for a holiday property.

To find out more about Softubs for your holiday home, get in touch with the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 309 0600.

Pick the right gazebo to complement your hot tub by making these considerations

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If you’re looking to buy a gazebo for your hot tub then it can be difficult to work out where to start with the decision making process. There are many different options, from the intricately designed through to those that have a range of different features. If you’re looking for a gazebo for your hot tub then these are the key decisions to consider:

How are you going to use the gazebo?

Yes, its main purpose will be to provide shade or cover for your hot tub but what else do you want the gazebo to do? You might be looking for a structure that will also provide some seating or somewhere to hang bags or towels. You could even been keen to find a gazebo with the facilities to keep drinks cool or host a party. It’s also worth considering who is going to be using the gazebo – if you have children then something more robust and practical might be the better choice than a more design-led structure.

What aesthetics do you prefer?

Gazebos could be any shape but octagonal, square, oval, rectangular, or dodecagon tend to be the most common. As all can be designed to accommodate a hot tub, the choice is yours in terms of the look of the structure you want for your outside space. The shape and design of the roof will be a key component in which gazebo is right for your hot tub. Some of the most popular styles of hot tub gazebo roof include a pagoda roof, tiered roof or a cupola. The flooring is another consideration – how do you want this to feel underfoot, what should it look like and what practical functions should it have?

How much maintenance do you want to do?

There are two main choices when it comes to the materials from which a hot tub gazebo can be constructed: vinyl or wood. For many people wood is the most popular choice because it looks great and has a more natural finish. However, vinyl options also have a lot to offer today and that’s particularly so when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the gazebo. Wood can require a lot of upkeep, painting and staining. It’s far easier to clean and maintain a vinyl gazebo than the wood option and that’s something to bear in mind if you’re looking for low maintenance.

Where are you going to position the gazebo?

This is another key factor that will influence the overall design and type of gazebo that is right for your hot tub. If you don’t have a lot of space then you’ll need to think about the most compact gazebo possible. You’ll also need to ensure that the water supply for the hot tub is accommodated by the gazebo. Surfacing is also key – are you going to position the gazebo on a deck or are you planning to install a concrete surface, for example?

A hot tub gazebo is a great way to get more from your home hot tub so that you can use it whenever you feel like it, all year round.

Take a look at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s range of Gazebos today or come and visit our showroom to see some in person.

What are some of our newest featured Hot Tubs?

Self Cleaning Models

Hot tubs are an evolving and exciting technology that deliver a wealth of blissful benefits for a home spa environment. You might be looking for hydrotherapy to help with aches and pains, or a way to help you relax and wind down after a tough day at work. With the right hot tub you can access all these benefits and more. The Hydropool 790 Self Cleaning Hot Tub and the 10 Person Self Cleaning 970 are two of our newest hot tubs and well worth investigating if you’re ready to have a hot tub at home – or upgrade an older model.

10 Person Self Cleaning 970

Space is the primary feature of the Self Cleaning 970 that sets it apart from many other models on the market. This hot tub has genuinely sizeable dimensions, which makes it the perfect choice if you have a large family or you’re looking to enjoy your hot tub at home with friends and guests. It has also been luxuriously designed to ensure that you get all the relaxation benefits of having a hot tub, including a unique volcano-style jetting system for the feet and fully adjustable high-volume jets that you can fine-tune to suit your own needs. The hot tub design features a never-float lounger, as well as a Muskoka-style chair and there are also eight additional seats, creating room for up to 10 people in total.

The self cleaning technology is key to the appeal of the 970, as it makes life so much easier for a hot tub owner. This hot tub has some of the most advanced self cleaning technology in the world, which means that 100% of the water is cleaned every 15 minutes. Debris is cleaned away from both the water surface and also from the bottom of the hot tub. With a range of different colours available, the 970 hot tub wins both in terms of customisable design and spa experience for up to 10 people.

Hydropool 790 Self Cleaning Hot Tub

The therapeutic benefits of the 790 Self Cleaning Hot Tub are hard to beat. Designed with physiotherapists and osteopaths, it provides a blissful way to soothe away aches and pains and the cares and stresses of daily life. The fully adjustable, high-volume hydrotherapy jetting system and the therapeutic nature of the warm water have many benefits, from helping to relieve aching legs to supporting your body through a detox. Multi level seating means that the 790 hot tub is ideal for all the family and there is plenty of room, with space for up to eight people.

The 790 is another of our hot tubs that benefits from radical self cleaning technology. A Patented Self Cleaning System means that the hot tub is simple to maintain, requiring minimum effort and enabling maximum enjoyment from the first moment of installation.

These are two of our newest featured hot tubs, popular for their specifications and design – and also recently featured on ITV’s This Morning. Contact us to find out more about which model is perfect for you, on 0208 300 4003.

5 medical conditions that regular hot tub use can help to relieve

Pain Relief Hot Tub

We often view a hot tub as a symbol of luxury and something that’s purely about indulgence. However, that’s not the only function that hot tubs have. From providing therapeutic easing of muscle pain through to helping to improve circulation, there are many benefits to using a hot tub regularly that can help to ease certain medical complaints.

How can hot tubs assist with Parkinson’s Disease?

Hydrotherapy is increasingly being used to treat Parkinson’s Disease. The warmth of the water helps to loosen up muscles and the buoyancy of the water means that there are no balance issues to worry about. Using a hot tub at home on a regular basis can help to ease the symptoms of this progressive disease.

Hot tubs can help to reduce ongoing, chronic pain

Many people suffer from chronic pain, particularly as they get older. Chronic pain is different to acute pain, which usually eases once the cause of the pain has been dealt with. Problems with chronic pain can persist for months or years but regular use of a hot tub can help to relieve some of the symptoms. The warm water and jets in a hot tub can help to reduce inflammation and soothe painful joints.

Arthritis and fibromyalgia pain can be reduced through hot tub use

Both arthritis and fibromyalgia involve problems with the joints and soft tissue in the body and can cause chronic pain that can’t be cured. However, this can be reduced when joints, muscles and tendons are relaxed. Spending regular time in a hot tub – with its warm bubbles and soothing jets – is a great way to help bring more relaxation to the body. The effect of this is to make it much easier to manage the pain that can come with these two conditions.

Neuromuscular conditions that can he helped through regular hot tub use

Neuromuscular conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, often involve problems with muscle condition and mobility. Hydrotherapy is increasingly being used as a treatment for this category of conditions because the buoyancy of the water provides a low impact way to exercise and the body is supported. Regular use of a hot tub can help to relieve some of the symptoms of neuromuscular conditions, including pain and muscle spasms.

Hot tubs can help to relieve the aches and pains of getting older

Regularly spending time in a hot tub can do a lot to help relieve the aches and pains of getting older. Problems with senior health can arise in any number of different ways, from conditions that cause chronic pain through to the emotional and mental issues that result from a loss of confidence. If you have a hot tub at home then this can be a huge benefit when it comes to senior health. The heat of the water helps to open blood vessels and improve circulation and the jets in the hot tub are designed to help soothe aching muscles. Plus, confidence can be improved by regular hot tub use – as it’s one more activity seniors know they can still do.

If you’d like to find the perfect hot tub for your home, whether it’s for therapeutic or relaxation purposes, we can help. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find out more.

Which type of hot tub should you get?

Which Hot Tub

A hot tub at home has a lot of benefits. From somewhere to relax after a hard day, to the therapeutic effect of the water, there are lots of reasons to consider a hot tub for your home. If you’ve already made the decision to get a hot tub then what do you need to consider when it comes to choosing which hot tub to get?

Energy efficient hot tubs

Hot tubs are the perfect size and design to retain heat and consume less energy but not all hot tubs are created the same. If you’re looking to ensure that you don’t experience an increase in your energy bills as a result of the new hot tub – and you’re pursuing an environmentally friendly lifestyle – then make sure you opt for an energy efficient hot tub that traps and reuses waste heat and minimises energy consumption,

A self-cleaning hot tub

Maintenance and cleaning are the less interesting parts of owning a hot tub. However, if you choose the right model then you can minimise the time that you have to spend doing this. Self-cleaning hot tubs make it much easier to ensure your hot tub is always in great condition and if you have the right, specialist filters then you can minimise the chemicals that you need to use too.

The right construction

The way the hot tub has been built will have an impact over your experience of it. It’s a good idea to steer away from less durable materials, for example, if you’re looking for a hot tub that will still be functioning and looking great no matter what kind of use or exposure it gets. Avoid soft-sided vinyl and opt for tubs made from materials like wood, thermal plastic and stainless steel. Insulation is another key element in your hot tub – full-foam insulation (as opposed to partial coverage) will support the hot tub and protect against heat loss.

Customisable design

Not every hot tub is built the same and what works for your neighbour might not be your ideal hot tub design. Being able to customise the jets in your hot tub, for example, will give you a lot more control over your experience of it. If the hot tub has a broad selection of therapeutic massage options then you’ll be able to use it in many different ways. The cover is another key element to customisable design and crucial to ensuring the longevity of the hot tub. The cover should be designed for a perfect fit – so that the interior is protected – and lockable so that children and small animals can’t gain access.

Size and location

Hot tubs come in a very wide range of sizes, from the compact to the palatial. Choose the right dimensions for your space so that the tub doesn’t dominate but has plenty of room for everyone. If you’re planning an outside hot tub, as opposed to an inside design, then you might want to consider protection from the elements for the colder months.

If you’d like to find out more about how to choose the right hot tub for you then contact our team of specialists for help.

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.