Category Archives: Hot Tub

Hot tubs are known for their relaxation benefits but a lesser-known use is that hot tubs are ideal for gentle and low impact exercise to improve your overall health and fitness. This doesn’t need to be difficult exercises, and you can enjoy the benefits that this has on your body from the comfort and luxury of your hot tub. At the same time, the heated water helps to increase your overall blood flow, which in turn helps your body to release any toxins. Here are 5 low impact exercises that you can do from the comfort of your hot tub:

#1 Core extensions

You can work your abdominal muscles gently in the water, and the buoyancy created by the water is fantastic to support your back whilst you do this. Simply put yourself into a sitting position facing into the centre of your hot tub. Hold onto the side with both hands before bringing your knees to your chest, and then extending them completely, keeping your back straight. Repeat this 30 times or as many times as you can until you feel the burn in your muscles.

#2 Heel raises

Heel raises are great for slimming and toning your calf muscles, whilst the water supports your body to improve your balance. Stand with your feet flat, and rock backwards and forwards from the toes to the heels of your feet around 15-20 times, repeating as many times as you like. One tip is to engage your core muscles to help you stay completely upright and avoid injury.

#3 Hand claps

This is one that everyone will be able to do. Stand up in the hot tub or kneel down so that your body is fully submerged in the water. Extend your arms out beside you with thumbs towards the sky, and then as quickly as you can bring your palms together, keeping your arms straight. The water provides good resistance to work your arm and shoulder muscles. Repeat 10 times for one set, pushing faster each time.

#4 Supported squats

Squats can be tricky and put strain on the knees, but in a swim spa this strain is taken away through the buoyancy of the water. Stand with your knees bent and your hips tilted back. In repetition, bend your knees to squat as low as possible, then stand up and push your hips forward to full extension whilst squeezing your glutes.

#5 Underwater cycling

Even if you don’t have an underwater exercise bike, you can replicate this movement with your legs under the water in your hot tub. Do this in a seated position and extend your legs in front of you before making pedalling movements as quickly as you can, but with controlled movements. Keep going for as long as you can, and you will begin to feel your muscles working after a little while.

Exercise recovery

These exercises are all easy to do within your hot tub, with the water acting as a support, which is useful if you are suffering from an injury or joint pain. But perhaps the nicest part of the whole experience is relaxing in your hot tub after exercising. The warmth of the water is soothing for your muscles and can help you to fully relax and recover quickly.

Take a look at our full range of hot tubs or give one of the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003 to find out more.

After the initial set up, maintaining water quality is straightforward and allows you to enjoy a consistently brilliant experience whilst getting the best value out of your tub and protecting your investment for years to come. If you own one of our Hydropool Self Cleaning hot tubs, this is even simpler as the hot tub takes care of the cleaning for you, but for other hot tubs, here are our aftercare tips to help you achieve the best value out of your hot tub.

Creating and Following Routine

There are a number of steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your hot tub. These should be completed on a consistent schedule – the frequency of which varies based upon the task. For example, it is good practise to drain the tub and clean the outer shell every three months. For our customers, we offer these services as part of our After Sales care, but for those who want to tackle the care and maintenance of the hot tub themselves, establishing a routine of testing the water quality, filters and systems, draining and refilling the tub, and cleaning the different parts can help prolong the life and ensure the water stays crystal clear.

To see the full range of maintenance tasks that we offer as a part of our after-sales care, and read our advice on how best to approach these, take a look at our hot tub services page here.

Protecting your Hot Tub

A great way to help prolong the life of your tub is to ensure it is properly protected from the elements. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is with a high quality hot tub cover. Your cover protects your hot tub from the weather, which is essential as rain, snow and heavy storms can all take a toll on the life of your tub. For this reason, it is worth looking after your cover, being careful when removing it or clearing debris as to prevent tearing.

Another effective way of protecting your swim spa is by installing a gazebo or another type of enclosure to surround the tub. This not only offers excellent protection from the elements, but also creates a space of ultimate relaxation and pleasure as well as providing additional privacy. Installing a custom hot tub enclosure is the perfect way to create a romantic space to relax with cocktails in the evening, or establish an elegant oasis for casual lunches and family swims.

Discover our stunning range of luxurious enclosures on our website today or get in touch with one of our specialists to explore the options available to you by visiting our website here or calling 0208 300 4003.

Hot tubs, at their very core, are all about luxury. Making the decision to invest in your own hot tub is a fantastic way of displaying your personal style and luxury. One incredible way to enhance this bespoke sense of luxury and relaxation is to invest in the perfect furniture accompaniments for your hot tub.

Landscaping and Accessories

Many people opt for some form of landscaping around their hot tub, whether in the form of a bespoke enclosure, a decking or simple adjustments or additions to the current space. This provides a truly unique and customised finish to the investment, allowing you to creatively display your style in whichever fashion you wish. If you do decide to erect a deck around your hot tub, or form an enclosure for use all year round, a simple but effective way to complete the space and enhance its beauty is with some furniture accompaniments.

These come in a vast range of options, and whilst there is no limit to your creative options, the easiest way to enhance your hot tub experience is with some simple lounge chairs or sunbeds and a surface to act as a table for refreshments.

Factors to consider

The main factor to consider when it comes to selecting furniture for your hot tub environment is your personal sense of style and aesthetic preferences. The design is entirely for you to shape and style dependent on your taste. You may choose to go for a minimalistic style, or a more rustic, homely feel, but whatever you decide on, it should be a reflection of your personality, a visual representation of who you are.

With this in mind, you should begin to consider what you require from your hot tub furniture. Do you simply require somewhere to sit and dry-off once you leave the tub? Or would you prefer to structure an environment for entertaining guests? Maybe both? Once you understand what you require, it is far easier to narrow down the options to find the best solution.

Making the decision

Now that you have filtered your options to match your requirements, and selected a few based on your aesthetic preferences, the only other factors to consider are: the size, will it fit in the environment you have designated for it? Your budget, how much would you like to spend on furniture? And the quality, is the furniture of a high quality to match that of your hot tub? Once you’ve thought about each of these, it’s all down to you to see which you like and which work with the environment you are trying to create, and have fun!

To find out how you can purchase your own hot tub, or explore the options available to you, visit our website here or speak to a member of our team on 0208 300 4003.

Hot tubs are known for the relaxation benefits that they provide, and are often seen as a luxury. Although many people buy their own hot tub purely for the relaxation and enjoyment, there are actually a number of health benefits that hot tubs are able to bring to regular users. Here are some examples of these:

Blood sugar changes

Did you know that hot tubs can benefit those living with type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes involves the body being unable to produce enough insulin, or use it effectively, which results in high blood glucose levels. Over time this can cause damage to the organs, however type 2 diabetes can be largely managed by keeping sugar intake minimal through a controlled diet. It’s a little known fact that hot tubs are actually effective at reducing blood sugar levels, since the hot water exposure for around half an hour daily can make a noticeable difference.

Eases difficulty sleeping

The average hot tub temperature is around 40 degrees, and sitting in it for a period of time helps your body temperature to rise to adjust. This, combined with the support of the surrounding water taking the strain off of the body, causes the body to relax, and can aid sleep. Once leaving the hot tub, your body temperature returns to normal, and this drop back to normal can also encourage a deeper sleep.

Hydrotherapy for many conditions

Many conditions ranging from Arthritis and joint injuries to stress, headaches, Tendonitis and Scoliosis are often treated through hydrotherapy, which is prescribed by medical professionals. Most hot tubs can ease the symptoms of these conditions through not only the warmth of the water. Relaxing massage jets can stimulate better circulation, blood flow and muscle relaxation. Buoyancy from being in the water eases pressure on joints by creating a feeling of weightlessness.

Increased mobility and fitness

With the benefits that have already been mentioned, this can also lead to increased mobility and overall greater wellbeing and lower stress levels. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company also offers a range of combined hot tubs and swim spas, meaning that buyers can enjoy swimming against a current and increasing their fitness levels and swimming abilities from the comfort of their own home.

Find out more about our range of hot tubs and swim spas today by giving us a call on 0208 300 4003.

There are a few factors to consider before deciding where to place your new Hydropool Hot Tub. For example, is your new spa going to be used mainly to provide relief from back pain, stress or insomnia? Or will it become the central social hub of your home where you can spend quality time with family and friends? There are lots of options available to you, here are a few points that you may find useful…

#1 Maximum relaxation for all seasons

The ideal location for your beautiful new spa would be one that allows you to soak up some vitamin D during the summer months, whilst offering some shelter in the winter. Our wide range of marine grade and weather proof gazebos provide the perfect all year round solution. Enjoy al fresco dining in our bespoke Riviera Pavilion. Look up and you will see the benefits of having the tinted sky roof – see the clouds and the stars! This stunning enclosure allows you to feel like you are outside when you are sheltered and warm! Open the louvre blinds on warmer days or close them in colder ones. The gas filled bar window offers those enjoying the bar a chance to get involved in the action. The possibilities are endless.

#2 Indoors or Outdoors?

Contrary to popular belief, hot tubs aren’t designed to solely exist outdoors. Many people choose to build a relaxation room with a tub, sauna and gym equipment inside their homes. This means that you could potentially create the perfect luxury retreat inside your very own home!

#3 Who will be using it?

If you’re expecting to use your spa mostly as a private adult health retreat, you may want to choose a more secluded or quiet area of your garden. Hydrotherapy has been scientifically proven to do wonders for arthritic pains, back pain, migraines, stress relief, diabetes, insomnia and much more! On the other hand, if you plan on using your spa to reconnect relationships with your family and to entertain guests, a more accessible, central location may be more appropriate.

#4 Where does it fit?

Where will your hot tub fit? There may only be one place that your hot tub will realistically fit in your garden or home, but there might be options for you. In this case, you’ll have to consider how it fits with the rest of your garden, such as any landscaping elements, trees, lighting and pathways.

#5 Our spas are fit to last a lifetime!

With the majority of people getting the most out of their hot tub experience during the winter months, some may worry that if it is not properly protected the colder weather and snow may damage the spa. However, our weather proof, thick, insulated covers not only keep out any dirt or debris but they also protect the shell and jets from any adverse weather conditions. Our Hydropools have marine grade, rot proof cabinets to ensure that your spa looks aesthetically pleasing all year round!

Hot tubs are a flexible solution and can be placed anywhere you decide depending on your preferences and practical requirements. At The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we offer a wide range of different sized hot tubs and swim spas to meet the needs of each of our customers. We also offer site surveys, carried out by one of our award winning team of experts, to offer advice on the best location to maximise your hot tub experience!

Give us a call today on 0208 300 4003 for hot tub placement advice or to make your purchase today.

If you own a hot tub, you know that having water that is clean, clear, and safe for you and your guests is crucial. Understanding how to keep your hot tub’s chemistry balanced will not only ensure that your water is in top condition, but it will also keep your hot tub equipment running strong.

Below you’ll find out more about the basics of hot tub chemistry so you can keep your hot tub looking its best.

Chlorine Versus Bromine

Chlorine and bromine are both sanitizers. This means they kill viruses and bacteria and prevent algae from growing in your hot tub. Chlorine is more commonly known than bromine and is extremely effective in creating clear, clean, disinfected water. You can choose from easy to use tablet or granule forms. Chlorine levels should always be between 3 and 5 mg/l.

Bromine is preferred by some hot tub owners because it is a mixture of sodium bromide and chlorine. Because of this, it doesn’t have the overpowering smell that chlorine is known for. Bromine also comes in tablet or granule forms and is just as easy to use as chlorine. To keep your hot tub clean and safe, bromine levels should stay between 3 and 6mg/l.

Hot Tub Shocking

Shocking your hot tub with chemicals is a practice all hot tub owners should be familiar with. Every so often, shocking your hot tub will destroy odors, oils, dirt, and dead organic material. Specialized shock products are available, including non-chlorine shocks with water clarifiers and pH buffers. For simplicity, you can skip buying a product and simply apply chlorine or bromine at a higher level.

Alkalinity for Stability

The total alkalinity (TA) level of your hot tub is a strong indication of how well your water is able to maintain a stable pH level. Ideally, TA should be between 125 and 150mg/l. If your TA is lower than this, corrosion will result. If it is higher, the water will become cloudy. An important beginner’s tip regarding adjusting the TA is to adjust the total alkalinity before you check the pH. Because TA has the ability to influence the pH, adjusting it first will make sure the pH remains in balance.

Keep Your pH Level Steady

Your hot tub’s pH level is a measure of its alkalinity or acidity and can easily be determined by using test strips. If the pH range is between 0 and 6 that means your water is acidic. If the pH is 7, your water is neutral. If the reading is between 7 and 14, your water is basic. When adjusting pH, you want it to be right in the middle, between 7.4 and 7.8. At this slightly basic level, you’ll achieve the best possible sanitation. Not only is pH balance important for keeping your hot tub safe, but it also protects your hot tub equipment. If your pH level falls below 7, within three weeks it can damage your jets, pump seals, and head cushions. If you notice a low pH reading, make sure to fix it as quickly as possible.

Calcium Regulation

Whenever you fill your hot tub with new water, check the calcium level. It should stay between 100 and 200 mg/l. At lower levels, you’ll experience corrosion while higher levels can create cloudy water and calcium deposits that can cause serious problems for the heating element, equipment, and shell. Fortunately there are many products available to balance the calcium in your hot tub and remove deposits if necessary. Your dealer should be able to recommend the best product for your needs.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about hot tub chemistry, download our buyer’s guide and start looking for the right hot tub for your lifestyle.

From increased circulation and the benefits to your overall heart health to soothing sore muscles, hot tubs simply provide a great solution to alleviate pain, while providing a lot of fun. What many people don’t realize is that you can also get a really good workout in a hot tub despite the space restrictions.

Because the water in a hot tub offers the exact same amount of resistance that a traditional pool or swim spa offers, you can really work those muscles and get a healthy resistance based workout with just a few simple alterations to the way you would work out in a pool.

One great and easy exercise is the shoulder roll. Simply sit in the hot tub and start to rotate your shoulders first to the front and then to the back. Do this a few times to get loosened up before starting on the other exercises.

The next is torso rotations. Simply kneel on the floor of your hot tub and put your hands on your sides. Then, start to rotate your torso from side to side. Side leg extensions are another great exercise for the hot tub. Sit in one corner holding the edges to support yourself and begin to stretch out both legs, so they are floating in the water. Then, spread your legs apart slowly followed by retracting them to the original position. The resistance from the water will make it seem like you are pushing weights without the high impact.

You can also do the same with your arms. Simply kneel again on the hot tub floor and put your arms together in front. Then, extend your arms outward like you are swimming doing the breast stroke. Then, pull them back in and repeat the movement until you have had enough for the day.

The only limit to the exercises you can do in the hot tub is your imagination. The resistance from the water will make them seem as though you are doing a much heavier work out and you will simply feel great!

Just as sitting in a warm bath can have therapeutic effects on your body, a soak in a hot tub can have even a greater impact on your tired and sore muscles.

No matter what the cause of your muscle soreness, whether from working a hard and physically demanding job or as a result of training for a sporting event, the result is the same. You feel sore and your tired muscles ache and scream for some relief. But, you force yourself to keep going because you have the commitment to whatever it is you are trying to accomplish, whether that is winning the game you love or simply to put food on the table for your family.

Thankfully, there is a way to make those muscles feel better and to recover from the intense strain you have put them through. Most people have access to a hot tub whether it is on your yard, a neighbor’s property or the local gym. Getting the opportunity to spend some time rejuvenating those muscles and reaping the benefits of the hot tub are pretty easy to do.

Science has shown us that the use of hydrotherapy and hydro massage provides immediate relief for a broad range of issues that we face when working those muscles to the extreme.

The combined benefits include, not just the rejuvenation of the muscles, but also benefits like increased circulation that greatly aids the body in its recovery phase, as well as lowering blood pressure and stress, which have lasting benefits for your body and mental health.

With all of the amazing things that you can experience while soaking in a hot tub for a few minutes, you simply have to make the time to find a place where you can experience it for yourself. Once you do and fully recognize the incredible benefits, you will be joining a great number of people who have purchased a hot tub for their own space and can enjoy the benefits any time you like, night or day.