Category Archives: Swim Spa

Your swim spa will last a lot longer – and provide a fantastic experience every time you use it – if you look after it properly. If you haven’t owned a swim spa before then there is some cleaning and maintenance involved. Of course, if you invest in a Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company swim spa you get the benefit of self-cleaning technology and you have option to let us take care of all the ongoing maintenance. However, if you decide to handle everything on your own then there are a few things to consider.

Every four months

Empty and refill the system – water needs to be emptied below the skimmer every four months and the system purged. You’ll then need to refill the swim spa with water and the correct balance of water treatment products.

Testing the water quality – it’s crucial to frequently test the quality of the water in the swim spa and add scale treatments or antibacterials.

General cleaning – to keep the swim spa looking as good as new, it’s recommended that you give everything a good clean, three or four times a year. So, wipe down the cover, the pillows and strainer baskets and give the shell a thorough clean with a specialist cleaner. You might also want to treat the neck pillows with a vinyl protector to restore shine.

Quick MOT – check the heating, as well as pumps, filtration system, lighting systems and jet function.

Once a year

Emptying the swim spa – the entire system will need to be drained, purged and then refilled with the right balance of water treatment products.

Cleaning – once a year your swim spa needs a total deep clean, which includes cleaning the shell and using a scale treatment on it, draining water and flushing the entire swim spa through with a sanitiser and descaler. The removable hydrotherapy jets will also need to be taken out and cleaned, as will the jet housings, which should also be descaled.

Testing – it’s a good idea to pressure test your swim spa annually to ensure that there are no leaks. You should also carry out a general MOT of all the essential parts, including pumps, filtration system, lighting system and jet function.

Restore and replace – you may buy a new filter to add to the filtration system of the valve and the hot tub cover may need to be restored or replaced, depending on its condition.

If this seems like a lot of work then it might be worth thinking about the swim spa that you buy. We offer a range of self-cleaning spas that do a lot of the less interesting cleaning tasks for you so that you don’t have to add those to your list. Plus the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers routine servicing and maintenance packages that cover all of the above. And we can also deal with requirements for repairs, replacements and leak analysis – contact us for more information by calling 0208 300 4003 today.

Swimming is one of the most popular sporting activities for many good reasons. Just two and a half hours of regular aerobic physical activity per week – such as swimming – can reduce the risk of chronic illness and make you fitter. And when it comes to fitness, swimming is one of the most effective sports for everyone, whether you’re already super fit or you have a few health issues. FastLane technology means that anyone can enjoy the benefits of swimming at home to get fitter and enjoy a healthier life.

FastLane works in most pool sizes

You don’t need an Olympic sized pool to get the fitness benefits of swimming with FastLane. The technology is designed to produce a current that you can adjust to the speed at which you want to swim. The current provides resistance to swim against that means you don’t need a large area to swim a long distance. The different settings allow anyone to get a great workout from FastLane, whether you’re an athlete in training or a complete beginner.

A more economical way to enjoy the fitness benefits of swimming

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in America, those who swim regularly can cut the risk of death and disease by up to half. But you don’t need to spend your life savings installing a full size pool to get these fantastic health and fitness benefits. FastLane is both space saving and cost effective – a Hydraulic Power Unit and submerged hydraulic motor are the two main additions to your pool to turn it into a serious fitness asset. There is no construction required and FastLane can be installed in water as shallow as 99cm.

Supported fitness for everyone

The FastLane poolside Swim Unit provides a calm current against which to move, using innovative technology to provide a smoother swim. It allows anyone to get into the pool and start getting fit, whether you’re learning or you’re confident in the water. One of the major benefits of swimming is that it’s supported exercise so there is less physical impact on the body than running or aerobics. So, if you’re nervous about getting fit and looking for a low impact but aerobic way to do it, swimming is the ideal option.

The benefits of swimming at home

Installing FastLane at home turns your pool into an opportunity to lose weight and get fit whenever you have the time. You’ll be able to teach your kids to swim and to learn how to be safe in the water – and get them started on a path to fitness too. Plus, swimming has many therapeutic benefits and can help to provide relief from pain caused by chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. If 2018 is the year that you want to start taking fitness seriously then FastLane offers a budget-friendly and simple way to make the most of a home pool, whatever size. Contact one of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa team to find out how we can help.

Water is by far one of the best fitness tools out there, plus working out is more fun when your splashing around in your own pool. Aquatic exercise can burn fat and they’re healing too, easing arthritis and fibromyalgia. These dynamic workout tips will transform your body and wake up your workouts.

Up your pool game

It is generally assumed ‘swimming’ is simply going back and forth in water unless you are aware of your options. You can make your pool workout as dynamic and fun as you like, you could include interval challenges, or even muscle sculpting exercises.

Get your whole body working

Because water is resistant, moving through it without sinking requires you to use every major muscle group in your body, especially your core. A great way to work your muscle from multiple angles is to switch up your strokes during workouts. The freestyle stroke is generally the easiest stroke to master and yields a return of burning 322 calories in 30 minutes, which is just pipped to the post by the butterfly yielding 354 calories.

To get your core and hip flexors going you should try the backstroke as it requires your torso to be tightened and your hips to be in line with your body. If you want your legs to be firmer, try the breaststroke requiring bigger, powerful kicks than any other strokes meaning your inner and outer thigh muscles are at work.

Keep an eye on your form

If your form is slightly adjusted, it can hugely impact your body as your swim through water. To be speedier you need to stay streamlined and efficient meaning you need to be continuously engaging your big muscles and pulling your ribs in almost as if you’re trying to close them together. You will also need to make sure your head, neck and belly button are aligned on one horizontal place with hips, knees and feet. Finally keep your hands fully extended, keep your fingers closed and wrists straightened.  No matter what stroke you do if you maintain this three-point form checklist your body will remain a firm unit moving with maximum fluidity.

Incorporate intervals

When working out in your pool, think of it as you would any fun interval workout. If you were to do a 30-minute routine, try spending 5 minutes warming up with an easy pace, then incorporating intervals of 20 minutes. Perhaps you could go by time, alternating ten 90 second sprints with 30 seconds of rest in between. Or perhaps distance, sprinting one length and recover as you come back. Or perhaps increase your effort each lap, take the first interval at an easy pace, second at a moderate pace and third at a hard pace with a repetition three times and a final push.

Think beyond laps

Using the pool frame is a great way to sculpt your body. For example, pushing yourself up the edge of the pool deck 20 times, getting out of the water deeply strengthens your anterior shoulders and triceps. For a speedy interval twist swim to the end of your pool, cross your hands over your chest and kick vertically all while keeping your head above water. Aim to do this for three sets of 5 minutes. You can also incorporate power moves, including in the shallow end running and doing squats.

Use your workout as active recovery

If you swim every day, not only are you training every day but you’re also letting your joints recover from yesterday’s workout.

To find out more or chat to a member of our team call us on 0208 300 4003.

The swim spa is the perfect piece of at-home luxury for any household, whether you’re looking for fitness, relaxation or just somewhere to have family fun. And swim spas are not just for summer either – they have benefits for the entire household all year round. Here are some of the greatest benefits that your own swim spa could offer.

The opportunity to exercise at home

If swimming is what you love to do – or you’re looking for a new way to work out and keep mentally and physically fit – the swim spa at home is the ideal choice, all year round. Swimming is fantastic exercise and can help to improve fitness, to strengthen muscles and to enable you to develop stamina. Your body is approximately 90% supported by the buoyancy of the water so it isn’t subjected to the same pressure as with other higher impact sports.

A better fit for smaller spaces

Did you know that it’s more cost effective and more space efficient to install a swim spa than to opt for a larger pool? You can swim laps in a swim spa in a compact area without the need to make turns, and at the same time, you don’t need a huge space to fit a pool. Simply set the resistance to the pace at which you want to swim and you’ll be able to exercise against the water jets in the swim spa to the speed and resistance that work for you. Sizes start from just twelve feet long!

Overcoming motivation issues

Particularly during the winter months, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to stay active. Getting motivated to get up and out of the house to a public swimming pool isn’t easy when it’s cold and dark. With a swim spa at home you don’t face any of these problems. Simply get up, get in to the pool and you’re good to go. You can save time and do better with your fitness goals when you have a swim spa at home, at your complete convenience as the self-cleaning technology means that the heated swim spa is ready to use straight away at any time.

Simplicity of installation

One of the biggest benefits of installing a swim spa is that it doesn’t require major works and you can choose from either above ground or in-ground options. A good quality swim spa is usually made of fiberglass, layers of insulation and acrylic, which makes it long-lasting and hard wearing as well as a very easy option for a home pool that will be ready to use in no time at all. Delivery and installation often only takes two days.

Your own home spa

Whether it’s during the heat of the summer or the cooler winter months there are many benefits to having a swim spa at home. The hot water jets are ideal for massaging the stress out of aching muscles and the warmth of the water is perfect for leaving behind winter chills and keeping cozy on darker days. Remember you can increase the temperature to suit all climates; even up to hot tub temperature for Christmas!

Somewhere to relax and unwind – all year round

If you have an outdoor pool or hot tub then during the winter months all you can do is cover it and hope for the best. With a swim spa that’s not the case, as you can position it where it can be used all year round. So, whether you’re looking for a way to wind down after the madness of Christmas or cool off after a hot summer day, the home swim spa is the perfect place in which to do it, whatever the weather.

Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today by calling us on 0208 300 4003 to request more information about our range of Swim Spas.

Learning to swim is something of a rite of passage, even for kids today in the digital driven world we inhabit. However, getting into the water for the first time can also be a frightening and unsettling experience and one that your children may not want to repeat if the whole thing is too traumatic. Teaching your children to swim at home with your own swim spa puts the entire situation within your control – if you want to make sure that you’re going to raise children who are happy and safe around water then it’s a great option.

Why teach your kids to swim at home with a swim spa?

Health & safety

Drowning is the biggest cause of accidental death in children under 5. This very unsettling number shows why it’s so important that you teach children how to swim as early as possible. Once the skill has been learned then your children can look after themselves around water and you know that you’ve done all you can to avoid your family being touched by that grim statistic.

Learning skills early

There’s plenty of research to suggest that the skills we pick up at an early age tend to be those that we excel at. So, whether you’re looking to encourage a champion swimmer in the family – or you just want your children to be comfortable around water – the earlier they are taught to swim, the better. A swim spa at home makes this a much easier task for everyone involved.

Fitness

Swimming is a fantastic workout – it is great cardiovascular exercise and can help with weight management and strength. It’s also a very useful activity for teaching coordination and tends to help support the development of the five senses. If you’re looking to get your little ones into good habits when it comes to fitness – and habits that they will enjoy enough to sustain – then a swim spa at home is an easy way to do it.

Mental health

Regular exercise has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health. It can relieve stress and help increase the quality of sleep, as well as boosting memory and mood. Encouraging children to incorporate regular exercise into daily routines at an early age starts good habits that will see them through tough times and challenges. The benefits of exercise such as swimming should not be underestimated – regular sessions can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many other problems that more and more children tend to suffer from.

There are many benefits to getting children into the water and swimming as early as possible in life. However, it’s not always that simple if you’re trying to use a public pool. A swim spa at home means you don’t have to travel, organise schedules or pay to use the pool. You have 24/7 access to your own water where you can teach your children to swim as early as you want to. And when they’re not having lessons, the water provides plenty of fun times too.

Find the perfect swim spa for you by giving us a call on 0208 300 4003 or why not visit our showroom with your children to see which swim spa would be the best for you?

Swim spas and hot tubs are great ways to bring both family and friends together, offering hours of fun including a place to relax. And with your swim spas, you may find it worth considering our range of enclosures that make your spa space more valuable.

Electronically controlled

One type of enclosure you’ll find is worth considering is one that is electronically controlled. These kinds of enclosures are really easy to use, and take as little as just a touch of a button to open and close. What this means for you is you can enjoy the best of both worlds, when the suns out, you can open your enclosure, enjoying the revitalising rays from the sun. But when the weather is dreary and wet, you can escape in your pool of warm water and forget the troubles around you by closing your enclosure.

Colour and design

When deciding on what enclosure is best for you, we’d recommend considering the different variations of colour, shapes and designs. Why not look for an enclosure that fits the aesthetics of your garden, for an organic and natural look.

Retractable enclosures

It is also worth mentioning, if you want more of an elaborate look, you could consider a fully retractable pool enclosure. As above you’ll have the option of having it either open or closed, making use of the swim spa versatility. We’d also recommend before finalising your decision consider what you have available to you, including budget.

We have faced many clients who when first bought a swim spa, did not consider adding an enclosure, which meant their fun was limited. After realising this and the other benefits that the swim spa offer, they didn’t want to lose any time throughout the year not being able to us it.  Making the extra investment for an enclosure is a good one because it allows you to use your spa all year round.

Take a look at your full range of enclosures on our website, or call us on 0208 300 4003 to get your swim spa enclosure.

HIIT workouts, or High Intensity Interval Training, is known for being a fast way to burn calories and increase heart rate. It has grown in popularity over the recent years due to the short and intense workout time being easy for more people to fit into their busy day-to-day schedule. HIIT is a great way of training that has some strong benefits to the body.

The benefits of HIIT

HIIT is an advanced training technique that focuses on a cardiovascular workout in high intensity bursts, with short rest periods. This has been shown to burn more calories than steady exercise in the same amount of time, whilst also increasing metabolism, which is why many gym classes, fitness groups and boot camps use HIIT training as part of their workout routine.

HIIT can cause stress on the body

The downside to HIIT is that the high intensity can cause greater stress on the body, which means that it is not always suitable for everyone to do. If you’re injured, HIIT can be very difficult, and risk causing further injuries, or the workout itself can cause strain on your muscles and joints, even if you’re healthy and strong.

Less stress with all the benefits… in the pool!

One fantastic way to incorporate HIIT into your fitness routine, without the additional stress and strain on your body, is to take your workout to the pool! This works by giving support to your body through the buoyancy of the water, whilst the added resistance of the water can even make the workout a higher calorie burn.

Preparing for your HIIT workout

If you’ve never done it before, a HIIT workout in the pool is easy! You should stand in the pool with your feet flat, and have the water at a comfortable chest level. Warm up your body by jogging in the pool, and speeding up gradually. You may wish to run widths, or on the spot.

Some easy HIIT pool moves to try

In the pool, the simple moves are often the most effective. Start with doing tuck jumps forwards and backwards in the water, using your arms for stability if needed. The resistance of the water may take some getting used to in the pool, but should also support your knees upon landing. Exercise for 45 seconds, and rest of 15 each time.

Next, side to side jumping can get your heart rate up – and you can make this as hard as you like by trying to jump further and higher each time. Jump in and out, with your legs apart and then together. Trying to do this move quickly will get your heart pumping and the water resistance is great for muscle development. You can then build this into a star jump once you are confident with your balance.

HIIT workouts in the pool help your body

HIIT workouts in the pool offer the same cardiovascular benefits as on dry ground, but reduce the risk of injury, either through the strain on your joints, or reducing the impact if you were to fall. This makes it easier for older participants, as well as those concerned about protecting their joints, or recovering from injury. And you can enjoy the same workout benefits, without noticing all the sweating that you’re doing!

Why not give it a try in your pool today, or if you’re looking for a pool of your own, get in touch today on 0208 300 4003 or take a look at our indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Having a pool at home is a luxury – perfect for cooling off on hot days and maintaining fitness – but it’s also an investment, especially if you need sizeable one. If you’re a keen swimmer and your current pool doesn’t quite meet your needs for distance then Fastlane could be the answer. Rather than a brand new, larger pool in which you can cover further distances, installing Fastlane could turn your current pool into an endless pool.

How does it work?

Fastlane produces a current in your pool for you to swim against, allowing you to cover any distance you want to without moving very far. You’ll get all the benefits of a long distance swim without the need for an Olympic sized pool in which to do it. The water speed can be set to any required pace, whether you’re just learning to swim or you’re in serious training. If want to optimise the use of your pool then Fastlane adds a whole new dimension.

Who can use Fastlane?

Anyone at all, from children picking up a float for the first time to adults with a fitness plan to follow. Because Fastlane is adjustable you can set it to the right pace for you, whether that’s intensive training, a relaxed swim or some summer fun in the pool with the kids. Fastlane can also be used to create resistance for a wide range of other water sports, including aqua aerobics, water jogging and therapeutic hydrotherapy. It allows your pool to be so much more than just somewhere to enjoy a quick dip.

What kind of installation is involved?

Fastlane installation is simple and quick. The Swim Unit fits pretty much any pool and with no electrical connections poolside there’s zero risk. The Hydraulic Power Unit provides the momentum for the Swim Unit, which is made up of our custom designed propeller, which delivers its innovative current flow, providing a smooth and adjustable swim environment. The system runs on biodegradable vegetable-based hydraulic fluid for fuel, which is efficient and environmentally friendly, ideal for use at home.

What type of pool does Fastlane suit?

It’s not so much the pool as the humans that Fastlane suits. The system can be installed in water as shallow as 99cm and any pool that has enough depth to be swum in is ideal for Fastlane. Above ground pools work well with Fastlane, as do in-ground concrete, vinyl-lined, or fibreglass pools. So, any pool is ideal for the system as long as there are children and/or adults around to enjoy it. Fastlane is super easy to operate with a simple on and off button and a control for faster or slower speed. It’s the perfect no fuss way to extend the life of the pool, as well as the range of activities it can accommodate. From aqua aerobics for the neighbourhood to a fun birthday pool party, Fastlane brings the action every time.

If you are interested in finding out more about Fastlane and what it could add to your pool, get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today by calling our team on 0208 300 4003.

So you’ve decided to get a pool, but where should it go? There are many reasons why you might choose to have your pool outside, but there are benefits to having it inside too. Largely it depends on the use you intend it for and where you live. So how can you assess the pros and cons of each and decide whether to choose an indoor or outdoor pool for your home?

Maintenance and cleanliness

It can sometimes be easier to maintain the cleanliness of your pool if it is indoors, simply because the surrounding area is likely to be cleaner, for example tiled instead of grassy surround. There is a lower chance of dirt getting in, which can make it easier to maintain, however The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offer unique self-cleaning technology which means this process is much easier whichever you choose.

On the other hand, indoor pools often cost more to run than outdoor pools simply by design, so this is something to consider if it is a deciding factor for you. Plus, a good pool cover should help to minimise the dirt that gets into your outdoor pool.

Weather considerations

Obviously your indoor pool is beneficial because it can be used in the same way regardless of the weather, and if it is raining this will not impact your use of the pool. However, at the same time, having it inside means that when there is sunny weather your pool is not outside for you to enjoy in the heat.

Some people enjoy sunbathing next to their pool, or sitting in the sun with their feet in the cool water of the pool, whereas others would much prefer to have consistent use indoors without the worry of what the weather will be like. For this reason, it is purely subjective as to which option is preferable – outdoor or indoor.

Pool as a central focus

An outdoor or indoor pool can become the centre of a social gathering so your home location and garden will impact where you want your pool to be. For example, if you have a stunning green outdoor space, this could be the perfect place for BBQs with friends and enjoying this space, but if you have a smaller outside space or feel it may be overlooked, it might be that you’d prefer to make the most of the privacy that an indoor pool offers instead.

Perhaps inside you may even have an adjoining sauna, but it is important to also be aware of possible condensation that can form if your room is not well ventilated.

Choosing the pool for you

It may be clear to you that you would prefer either an indoor or outdoor pool, but there are other options to consider to help you decide if you’re not yet sure. For example, The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers a wide range of enclosures which can provide shelter for your outdoor pool if that might change your decision.

To discuss your requirements, give The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003.