Category Archives: Hot Tub

In the busy-ness of modern life, a lot of people would do anything to have their own luxurious space to retreat to relax in at the end of the day. This is just one reason why the ownership of hot tubs is rising, to give users their own personalised experience, tailored to their preferences. So how can you make your hot tub into an outdoor oasis?

Decide how you best relax

Different people will have different ideas about what they’d like to use their hot tub for the most, which is why it’s important to visualise what you are aiming for. Both design and purpose are important – what do you want it to look like when it’s finished and what will you use it for? If you’re aiming for a romantic feel, why not choose a smaller hot tub model?

Decking around your hot tub can provide an intimate and private feel, where you can also add candles, lighting, and enjoy drinks from the oasis of your hot tub. If you’re aiming for use as a family, a larger tub may be preferable, with plenty of space around it, or for ultimate relaxation, why not create a whole “spa” area, with a real luxurious feel?

Creating a hot tub “spa”

Many people choose to enjoy spa weekends or days away, but hot tub owners can recreate this experience from the privacy of their own home, with exclusive hot tub use! Design is at the centre of creating this relaxing feel, for example using cool, blue colours can evoke calming emotions, whilst adding palm trees and other plants around your hot tub can create additional privacy.

You can even accessorise your hot tub by using the built-in lights to select the colour you most like, whilst it is up to you to create a surrounding area that reflects the “spa” vision that you want to recreate. For example, you could consider surrounding your hot tub with a luxurious stone pathway or creating the ultimate retreat with a pavilion or gazebo of your choice.

Energise yourself through hot tub exercise

For those of us who prefer to rejuvenate by doing some exercise, the hot tub is ideal for this too. You can either get a hot tub combined with a swim spa to swim at home, or use your hot tub as part of your exercise and recovery routine. The warm water relieves any pain from injuries, offers the ability to work out without high impact on the joints, and offers a private setting to relax following your exercise too. If this is how you energise yourself, why not combine different elements that you like by creating an outdoor gym area with hand weights, and pool-exercise accessories?

Considerations for your outdoor hot tub oasis

There are some considerations to make when creating your hot tub oasis. For example, you might prefer greater privacy from neighbours, or maybe you require a larger hot tub to seat more friends and family. Your outdoor oasis can become an extension of your home and indoor space, so think carefully about where to place your hot tub. Many users choose to have their hot tub close to their house, in order to incorporate it into a decking area, as a direct extension of their home.

Whether you’re looking for a hot tub of your own, or simply looking for ideas about how to make your hot tub the centre of a new outdoor oasis, give The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003.

There are a number of reasons why it is a good idea to have a cover for your hot tub, and one that will protect your hot tub sufficiently. So why is it important to use and protect your hot tub cover?

General protection and hygiene

The most obvious reason to use a hot tub cover is to stop debris such as leaves, dirt or insects falling into your hot tub water. Users want to enjoy soaking in their hot tub knowing that it is as clean as possible, so ensuring that it is covered when not in use is the best way to keep your hot tub hygienic.

Sunlight can be damaging

Did you know that exposure to sunlight can be detrimental to your hot tub? Long periods of exposure to sunlight can damage the hot tub and cause premature deterioration of the materials used, such as fading. Protecting your hot tub from sunlight by using a cover can prolong its lifespan and protect the interior and exterior alike.

Reducing costs

Not only does a suitable hot tub cover reduce running costs, but it can also cut the costs of maintenance. Even with self-cleaning technology, chemicals must be balanced and leaving your hot tub open to the elements can change pH levels more quickly than when a cover is used. Therefore your cover cuts these costs and makes using your hot tub easier, whilst it can also keep in the heat and reduce energy consumption for your hot tub.

Safety and aesthetics

Hot tub safety is important too, and having a cover on your hot tub when it is not in use will increase this safety. If your hot tub sits in decking, for example, it could be easy for small children or pets to fall in, but the cover acts as a barrier to ensure no accidents happen. At the same time, your hot tub cover can give a stylish aesthetic to your hot tub when it is not being used.

Maintaining your hot tub cover

In our opinion, vinyl is the best material for hot tub covers, as long as they are cleaned and maintained properly. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa offers a cover that is unique and protects your hot tub to the highest possible level. Other vinyl covers can use PVC and be coated in plasticisers, plus softening agents to make it easier to manage. However, over time this can become damaged due to exposure to sunlight, and some protecting agents can leave a waxy coating or contain harsh chemicals which actually damage the vinyl.

Over time, hot tub covers can become brittle and dry, which looks messy but also can lead to tears and damages, which stop it working to protect your hot tub sufficiently. Our vinyl protector and restorer helps you to maintain your hot tub cover for longer, without damaging it. This, combined with regular cleaning with your garden hose, can extend the life of your hot tub and cover alike.

Find out more about our hot tub covers and vinyl protector and restorer by getting in touch on 0208 300 4003 today.

Within the Hot Tub industry, innovation is at the centre of providing new designs and ideas at all times. Customer demands and requirements frequently change, so it is imperative that the hot tubs themselves are ready to meet these demands. So what popular hot tub features have we seen so far in 2017?

Quieter technology

Hot tubs can produce noise through the bubbling of the water, as well as general running sounds, however some hot tubs, primarily smaller, lightweight Softubs, are now being designed using Whisper Technology. This makes them the quietest spas worldwide, which has proven popular amongst hot tub owners looking for a quieter model.

Self-cleaning and easy maintenance

Hot tub owners are now looking for Hot Tubs that are easy to maintain and keep clean. This makes it more viable for people to own their own hot tub, without having to spend hours cleaning and maintaining their tub. All of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s Hydropool Hot Tubs use self-cleaning technology, which is a Patented cleaning system using filtration which cleans the entire contents of your hot tub in just 15 minutes.

Energy efficiency and green technology

Self-cleaning systems are also energy efficient, reuse water and therefore cost only pennies per day to run. Covers and lids are specially designed to ensure that heat loss is minimised when the hot tub is not in use, so energy consumption is as low as possible. This adds to the convenience for users who don’t have to wait for their hot tub to heat up before they are able to use it.

Elegant design

As practical requirements change, so also do designs. The aesthetic of your hot tub is important as a customer, as it needs to fit with the surroundings. All of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s Hot Tubs are of a timeless design that is flexible to fit anywhere you want, as well as LED lighting on the inside being available to customise many of our models. There are also many matching accessories customers can choose from to create the style and elegance that they are looking for.

Swim spas are more popular

The swim spa is a concept that has become more popular with the hot tub industry throughout the year. They have many attractive points such as providing a safe and convenient place to swim and exercise from the comfort of your own home. They can also be incorporated within the Hot Tub design, to combine the two elements together, for example many of the AquaSport and AquaTrainer models.

Stay up to date with the latest Hot Tub trends on our blog, or get in touch by calling our team on 0208 300 4003 to discuss which Hot Tub is best for you today.

Losing weight and then going on to maintain it can be hard work, and require lifestyle changes in order to make it an achievable goal. But did you know that regular hot tub use is something that could help to aid you in your weight loss journey?

Stress causes weight gain

Of course, healthy eating, exercising and cutting out sugars and alcohol make the biggest difference, but there are other factors that come into play when you’re trying to lose weight. One of the biggest of these is stress, which can often cause weight gain. This happens because cortisol (which is the stress hormone) triggers a fight or flight response in our bodies when faced with stress, not just in immediate situations but in the stresses we face in everyday life.

Ongoing stress and weight gain

In fact, ongoing stresses can cause constant stress, and if cortisol is being triggered on a regular basis then this can lead to weight gain. This can be made worse by the way that many of us choose to eat unhealthy foods to deal with stress, such as increased consumption of chocolate, salty foods or alcohol. At the same time, cortisol has been known to block testosterone, the muscle-building hormone, which the body uses to burn calories in a more efficient way. With this reduced, fewer calories are able to be burned during the day, and therefore this can also lead to weight gain.

Coping with stress

Relaxation can be one of the most effective ways to deal with stress. Using your hot tub regularly is the perfect way to give this relaxation time, where you can physically as well as mentally relax for a period of time. This gives your body a break from constant stress, and also improves mental wellbeing. Lowered stress levels can leave us less likely to eat badly to relieve stress, and make us feel energised and therefore encouraged to exercise more when we feel we can.

Hot Tub use is perfect to de-stress

Hot tub use is ideal for de-stressing since the warm water and jets have a therapeutic effect on the muscles to relieve any pain and reduce tension. Raised body temperature increases blood flow and heart rate can lower, whilst circulation improves and allows more oxygen to flow to the different parts of the body. At the same time, toxins are sweated out of the body which can improve skin and overall self-worth, and breathing slows as heart rate decreases, which in itself is calming. This can make sleep easier, which can also give the body proper rest which in turn aids weight loss.

Reduction of cortisol through Hot Tub use

What’s more is that using your hot tub over time can have an extremely calming effect and gives your body a rest from the constant stress you may feel throughout the day. This also reduces the production of cortisol by the body, which reduces cravings for sweet, salty and fat-rich foods and increases metabolism. All of these effects of hot tub use are beneficial for aiding weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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

The health and wellness benefits of owning a hot tub are often discussed, but something that is not often mentioned is that your hot tub could actually help to improve your social life. Your hot tub is not just a personal oasis, but a fantastic place for friends and family to relax together and socialise. Here are just a few ways that your hot tub could help to improve your social life:

Chatting whilst relaxing

The first simple way you can enjoy your hot tub socially is by using your hot tub when friends and family come to visit you. A hot tub makes the perfect relaxing and quiet place to catch up and talk in peace, whilst all enjoying the warmth and relaxation of the hot tub jets.

An alternative to going out

If you enjoy music and having a few drinks when you go out, your hot tub can also serve as an alternative to going out. Instead of leaving your home to celebrate that special birthday or occasion, your hot tub can double as a party environment where you can socialise and enjoy drinks and music in the luxury of your own hot tub. You can customise the use of the surrounding area to make it more of a party environment where you have the space.

Spa days at home

No longer will you need to make that trip to the spa with a friend – your hot tub means you can re-energise with the invigorating bubble of the hot tub and relax and unwind in the warmth, even with a glass of champagne if you wish! This is where you can also ease any joint or muscle pain at home, in your hot tub, rather than going to a specific rehabilitation centre.

Watch a movie together

Why not set up your own home movie system – either go all out and set up a projector and do a complete screening for friends and family to enjoy from your tub, or for a smaller setting you can bring your tablet to the hot tub and watch something more intimate.

Enjoy being outside

Using your hot tub is a great opportunity to enjoy being outdoors and enjoy natural surroundings and fresh air. Whether you love making the most of the sunshine during the day or stargazing at night, your hot tub is the perfect place to do both. And why not invite your friends or family to join you?

From evenings celebrating to quieter film evenings, and enjoying the spa benefits of your hot tub, there are many ways that your hot tub can become central to your social life. Why not enjoy a romantic evening for two, or invite a whole group of friends to catch up together whilst unwinding in the luxury of your hot tub.

Take a look at our full range of Hot Tubs or give The Hot Tub Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003 to arrange to come and take a guided tour of our Hot Tubs.

Hot tubs come in all shapes and types so why should you choose a Softub?

The comfort factor

If you’re looking for a truly comfortable hot tub then the inflatable options are often the best. A Softtub is the equivalent of sitting in a pool of bubble-filled water in one giant air-filled bubble. The Softub has a softer, more flexible lining that makes the whole experience much more like a massage by removing any hard edges.

Softubs are more flexible

If you consider a hot tub to be an investment then the Softub option is the best kind because you can enjoy it in a wide range of different places. While a standard hot tub may be limited to a large outside space, a Softub can be placed anywhere. From holiday homes to smaller balcony spaces, a Softub is easier to set up in any location that you choose.

More cost effective and affordable

Both the up front and the maintenance costs are much lower for Softubs. Softubs are often made from less expensive materials and have just one pump unit, which is why they come in at a much lower price than a classic hot tub. Their mobility and accessibility makes them easier to keep clean too and with the right care the durable materials of the Softub can last for years making them a really cost effective hot tub investment.

Therapeutic purposes

A Softub is perfect for those in need of a little hydrotherapy or stress relief. Hydrotherapy can help with a number of conditions, including arthritis and tendonitis, as the water jets apply just the right kind of warm pressure to help the body both relax and revive. The warmth of the water can reduce blood pressure and boost circulation and the endorphins release during an inflatable hot tub session are scientifically proven to give you a better night’s sleep. Your inflatable hot tub could even help with Type 2 diabetes – just 30 minutes a day in the tub can help to lower blood sugar levels by mimicking the effect of insulin.

Customise your hot tub for you…

Softubs offer just as wide a range of options as any other type of hot tub whether you’re looking for LED lights or the most powerful jets. Find the size and dimensions that work best for you, both in terms of the area you the hot tub to fill and the type of space available to accommodate it. If you want to have Softub that looks more permanent then there are plenty of options for casings and panels too.

…And then accessorise it

No matter what your idea of accessories is there are plenty of different options to choose from. Opt for cleaning accessories to keep your Softub in great condition, from leaf catchers to products that will prolong the life of the tub. Or you can go all out in terms of comfort and glamour with everything from head rests and drinks tables through to steps. And if you want to make your Softub party central then disco lights will get everyone jumping in.                                                                             

Find out more about the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s range of Softubs by calling the team today on 0208 309 0600.

Despite the obvious relaxation benefits, regular hot tub use also has many mental and physicals health benefits. Here are just the top 4 benefits of hot tubs:

Therapeutic pain relief

The warm water temperature of hot tubs means that it acts as a form of therapy to reduce pain. The heat can ease join and muscle pain as well as cramping, or even some relief from pain caused by more serious conditions like arthritis, sciatica and rheumatism. Sitting in the warm environment regularly can increase circulation which then relaxes muscles and can reduce any swelling, whilst the buoyancy of the water takes the pressure off of joints to support the body.

Leads to great skin

Hot tub use can also have beneficial effects for the skin. Warmth opens up the skin’s pores to allow toxins, bacteria and dirt to be released. This acts as a detox and sweats out any impurities, helping your body to complete this natural process in a more efficient way that helps your glands to do their job. As a result, your complexion will be clearer and have a healthy “glow”.

Stress relief in busy life

When life is busy and stressful, your hot tub can be an oasis of calm and relaxation. This not only provides enjoyment but can reduce the stress you feel. There are physical effects of this stress such as hormonal imbalances and other health problems, so regularly using your hot tub for downtime and as a relief from the stresses of life can be a fantastic way to help your body to relax and rejuvenate. Hydrotherapy can also help you to sleep more easily and reduce anxiety levels.

Get an immunity boost

When your body is run down, your immune system can struggle to fight infection and illnesses easily. You can become prone to viruses and feel tired and unwell. However, hot tubs can help to boost your natural immunity by improving blood circulation and cleansing your body from impurities through your skin. This means that you not only feel better, but help your body to fight infections more quickly.

Overall, hot tubs provide a wide range of health and relaxation benefits to regular users. Whether you suffer from a long term condition that causes you pain, or think you could simply benefit from having some time to relax and unwind from busy life, you can get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company to discuss what you are looking for today on 0208 300 4003.

Water has been used for forms of relaxation and rehabilitation for hundreds of years, and hydrotherapy is still commonly practiced today. Hydrotherapy is effective because of the soothing effects that it has on the body, whilst being completely non-invasive and comfortable.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is used for many health reasons since water is effective at relieving pain through cold and hot temperatures. A great example of this is how athletes use ice baths and then hot baths following intense exercise, which helps to aid muscle healing and calm and soothe the body. It can also reduce inflammation.

Spa culture and relaxation

The benefits of hydrotherapy are so well recognised that many spas offer hydrotherapy treatments such as hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and hot tubs. These provide heat and sometimes massage the body, which provides some of the many health benefits of hydrotherapy to the body and aids relaxation, such as:

Pain and tension relief

Pain and tension can be relieved through the warmth of the water combined with the buoyancy that it gives the body. Both of these things support the body to ease movement, reduce tension and help with the healing of sore muscles or joints. Endorphins are also released by the body during hydrotherapy sessions, which acts as a natural pain reliever for the body, even for long-term incurable illnesses like arthritis.

Injury rehabilitation

Heat from the water during hydrotherapy is good for the body as it raises the overall body temperature of the bather, which increases their blood flow and circulation. This also reduces pain and is especially useful in cases of injuries or rehabilitation following a sports or recreational injury where the muscles or joints need to heal. In fact, hydrotherapy may even be recommended as part of your official rehabilitation and recovery treatment.

Immunity and detoxing

Other ways that hydrotherapy is good for the body include increasing circulation, which in turn causes white blood cells in our immune system fluids to move throughout the body more quickly and efficiently. This can boost the speed at which your body can fight off a cold or similar illnesses by helping your body’s natural processes to become more efficient. At the same time, therapy through other methods such as saunas or steam rooms helps to cleanse the body by flushing toxins out through the skin and removing impurities as the heat causes the body to sweat.

Get the benefits of hydrotherapy at home

Even if your body is healthy, hydrotherapy is fantastic at relieving stress and allows your body to fully relax. You can enjoy these benefits at home with your own Hot Tub which gives you all of the same effects as hydrotherapy spa treatments can.

Take a look at our full range of Hot Tubs today or give us a call on 0208 300 4003 if you have any questions.

In recent years, as the popularity of residential hot tubs has continued to rise and the technology has developed, hot tubs are becoming more and more energy efficient, to the point where many can operate for as little as pennies per day. However, it is still worth considering simple opportunities that can improve efficiency even further and ensure you are receiving the best value out of your investment.

Investing in a hot tub cover

When it comes to hot tubs, the majority of heat loss occurs through evaporation, which takes place through the open top of the spa, where the water meets the air. Investing in a quality hot tub cover serves to prevent this by protecting the hot tub from the outside, cooler air, significantly reducing the rate at which heat can be lost and consequently decreasing the amount of energy needed to maintain a consistent water temperature. This helps lead to an overall more efficient spa.

Hot tub enclosure

Another great way to improve the efficiency of your hot tub is to invest in a hot tub enclosure. Ranging from a stylish gazebo to a bespoke, hand crafted cedar pavilion, a hot tub enclosure does not only insulate the hot tub from the outside weather, but also creates an incredible spa environment which promotes a premium relaxation experience. This can be perfect for hosting social events and facilitating for friends and family, as well as creating a private space to spend some time unwinding after a long day.

Optimising your hot tub use

If you are going on holiday and your hot tub will be going without use for an extended period of time, there are a number of ways in which you can optimise the hot tub settings to increase its efficiency whilst keeping it up and running. One way of achieving this is to set all of the jets, lights and blowers not to run whilst not in use, as well as turning down the temperature in the thermostat settings to reduce the amount of energy being consumed at idle in your absence – our spas call this ‘economy mode’.

All of these steps help to reduce the energy usage and improve the efficiency whilst unused, whilst still keeping the hot tub operational. This is important as it allows the hot tub to regulate and clean itself and to stay ready for use as soon as you return.

The effects of improved efficiency

Ultimately, the effect of improving the efficiency of your hot tub is to preserve energy. By opting for a quality hot tub cover or enclosure and optimising your hot tub use, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain your desired hot tub temperature, which consequentially reduces the operating costs.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can purchase a hot tub for your home, speak to one of our specialist team on 0208 300 4003.