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How to make the most out of your swim spa this winter

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Winter is a time for most families to stay home, cuddle up by the fire, and avoid venturing outside as much as possible. The cold weather is a massive turn-off for those who prefer to exercise outside too. That’s why a swim spa is a real game-changer for both families and fitness fanatics as it provides the ideal place to have fun and to work out from the comfort of your own home!

It’s a common misconception that swim spas are only for use during the summer months – they’re designed to be used throughout the whole year! Some people even go as far as to say that they prefer using their swim spa in the winter. Not convinced yet? We’ve put together a list of ways that you can ensure that you’re making the most out of your swim spa this winter. 

Keep fit over winter

We have to admit that it can be challenging to find the motivation to work out during the colder months. Leaving the sofa and going to the gym when it’s cold outside is often the last time on your mind. A swim spa however makes the thought of working out much more appealing. So, there are no excuses when you’re able to work out in your back garden!

Perfect for family time

 As the days become shorter, it can be difficult to try and fit in some quality family time. Using your swim spa to bring your family together is a great way to get around this. Setting some time aside to spend with your family over the winter is a great way to catch up and stay connected.

Winter self-care

Life can get overwhelming at times, especially with the effects of the ongoing pandemic, therefore it’s crucial that you allocate yourself dome dedicated ‘me-time’ this winter. Using the swim spa daily will provide you will a great helping of self-care, whether you choose to relax or work out.

Year-round fun

Unlike an outdoor pool which can be difficult to use during the winter months, a swim spa is quick and hassle-free to heat up and can be used throughout the year – regardless of the weather outside. Understanding the costs of using a swim spa vs a swimming pool might also play a part in making your decision. With a combination of insulation, energy efficiency and low maintenance costs, a swim spa is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a new way to enjoy winter.

As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, we’re able to advise you throughout the sales process of which model and specification of swim spa would work best for you. Get in touch with a member of the team today to discuss your options.

How to make the most out of your outdoor space this winter

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In the past, outdoor areas were frequently neglected throughout the winter. However, taking advantage of outdoor living has never been more popular. Fire pit sales have increased by 300 percent, while outdoor heater sales have surged. Now is the time to welcome the cooler weather by making your garden or patio the cosiest spot around.

When you’re designing your outdoor space, curate it as if it’s another room in your house. Want to feel transported to your own pirate oasis when stepping into your garden? Why not consider a rotating roof enclosure? The Rotating Roof is a must-have in every garden! At the press of a button, the Rotating Roof transforms from an open roof to a full rain cover for those clear winter days! You’ll never have to worry about getting dripped or dropped on again thanks to smart “leaf catch” and “rain catch” technologies!

Another way to create a cosy outdoor space is with your very own outdoor TV and entertainment system. Packed with great features, Proofvision Outdoor Televisions’ smart functionality brings a world of entertainment to your fingertips. They’re the perfect addition to your exterior winter setup, being completely waterproof and able to withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees! When paired with a pair of fantastic outdoor speakers by Yamaha, you can bring the magic of the big screen right to your garden. What could be better than getting cosy with a classic film al fresco style? 

By carefully designing your outdoor space you’ll be able to enjoy it all year round – despite the unpredictable British weather! Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we have over 30 years of experience in transforming outdoor spaces into your own personal sanctuary. From gazebos to enclosures to fully integrated multimedia entertainment systems, we’re certain we can help you on your way to creating a perfect winter space for you and your family to enjoy year after year. 

Get in contact with a member of the team today on 0208 300 4003 to discuss your ideas and specifications. With a wealth of knowledge within the construction, renovation and landscaping industry, we’ll be able to advise you on how to transform your outdoor space.  
 

The ultimate guide on how swim spas work

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You may not think it, but it is possible to swim on the spot whilst still being able to improve your stroke and enjoying a full body workout. When you consider the purpose of a treadmill for runners, a swim spa serves the same purpose for swimmers!

How do swim spas work?

Swim spas feature an integrated current system that supports swimming in one spot. This is done through the use of a jet pump or propeller which continually pushes water towards the swimmer, creating a current to swim against. With a similar make-up to that of a hot tub, water enters the swim spa through filtration and suction inlets. The difference is that the water moves at a much faster rate.

What features do swim spas have?

At The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we stock an extensive range of swim spas which all have different features. Let’s introduce you to some of our bestselling swim spas and some of their great features.

AquaSport

The AquaSport encompasses the benefits of both a hot tub and a swim spa! This model is great if you’re looking for an exercise space as well as a place to relax, with distinct zones for each. It’s also part of our self-cleaning range, which means you’ll have more time for yourself rather than on maintenance.

AquaTrainer

The AquaTrainer is the model for you if you want a highly sophisticated swim spa with a deep tank. This is one of our most advanced models, with its ergonomic design, and wealth of features such as hydrotherapy seats with zone therapy.

AquaStream

The AquaStream comes with electronically controlled twin jets alongside dual performance low intake which substantially reduces the reflective wave effect. These features can revolutionise your workouts. What’s more, you’re able to adjust the resistant swim current to your liking and enjoy a lower body massage from the thigh abductor jets. It also comes with two full-body massage chairs! – What more could you ask for?

ExecutiveSport

If you’re serious about swimming, The Executive Sport swim spa is regarded as one of the most advanced swim spas on the market. Its unique Current Collector and V-twin jets optimise water flow, letting you swim with far less turbulence than models from other manufacturers. In need of a well-deserved massage after your workout? The ExecutiveSport’s hydro-massage jets will help your whole body relax whilst supporting your muscles and joints.

If you’re considering purchasing a swim spa for your home, call our showroom today on 0208 300 4003 to speak with a member of our dedicated sales team who can answer all your questions and queries about our range of swim spas

Looking after your swim spa during the winter

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Swim spas are a great investment for your home as you’re able to use them throughout the whole year! This being said, there are a few maintenance tips that you should be aware of to ensure that your swim spa is performing with optimum efficiency.

Deep clean your swim spa

Deep cleaning your swim spa will guarantee that it runs smoothly throughout the winter months, eliminating the need to change the water during the coldest months of the year. A thorough deep clean will make sure that all pipework, filters, covers, and the swim spa shell are as clean as can be, allowing you to use your swim spa without having to worry about it throughout the winter.

Use a cover

When you’re not using your swim spa, it is advised that a quality insulating thermal cover be fitted. There are good alternatives to hard covers such as a Covana covering. When the weather becomes colder, tunnels and floating covers may not be able to keep your swim spa at the desired temperature so we’d highly recommend investing in a good, durable swim spa cover.

Maintain the right chemical balance

Maintaining the pH and sanitiser levels in your swim spa is another great way that you can help protect it during the colder months. Before you start looking at pH levels, make sure the water’s alkalinity is correctly balanced. A floating dispenser will gently release sanitising chemicals into the water to ensure the appropriate quantities of sanitiser.

Don’t allow for freezing

The best method to care for your swim spa throughout the winter is to use it frequently. If you want to drain your swim spa for the winter, you should hire a professional to do this for you. This procedure includes draining and completely removing all water from the spa, the pipes and the pumps. The engineer will also disconnect all pipes after draining. This will prevent any damage occurring to your swim spa due to freezing. Before refilling your swim spa in the spring, these pipes will need to be reconnected again by an engineer.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company is the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, providing exceptional self-cleaning hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and steam rooms, backed by 35 years of outstanding customer service. Get in touch with a member of the team today to enquire about our range of swim spas.

Health benefits of cold-water swimming

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Cold water swimming often takes place during the winter in pools, lakes and ponds, in water with temperatures lower than 5 degrees Celsius. With those that practise cold-water swimming regularly experiencing an increase in their life expectancy and overall quality of life, there are some major health benefits of taking a dip in icy waters. Paired with a balanced diet, cold-water swimming has been proven to improve your overall fitness. We’ve collated six of the top health benefits that you could experience once taking up cold-water swimming.

Helps to strengthen your immune system

There has been extensive research into the immune system’s response to cold water. It’s understood that as your body reacts to a change in external stimuli (the cold water), your white blood cell count increases tenfold. Over time, this helps your body build its defence against harmful bacteria and viruses. There’s a reason why people who swim in cold water don’t get sick very often.

Releases endorphins

The brain releases endorphins, responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being, when we conduct certain activities, such as when we work out. Swimming in cold water takes us close to our bodies’ pain threshold, triggering the release of endorphins to help us deal with the pain. The release of endorphins has been proven to help those with depression or struggling with their mental health. Circulation is enhanced

Swimming on cold water has been proven to help cleanse your veins, arteries, and capillaries. In an effort to keep the body warm when exposed to the cold water, the circulatory system is forced to work harder, pushing blood to the surface, thus increasing blood flow around the body. 

It improves your libido

Historically, cold water therapy was used to suppress sexual urges. In fact, it has the opposite effect, with research proving that it actually enhances your libido as it enhances oestrogen and testosterone production.

It burns more calories

Swimming in cold water requires the heart to beat faster and the body to work harder to keep itself warm, meaning that you’ll burn more calories than if you were swimming in a heated pool. It’s no surprise that most cold-water swimmers are in good shape!

Helps relieve stress

Stress in something that most people experience on almost a daily basis and can be extremely damaging to your health. Reducing stress levels will help you feel healthier and happier and also more resilient when faced with stressful situations. Swimming in cold water puts physical and emotional strain on the body. The relationship between cold water and stress reduction has been proven in several studies, with swimmers who swim in cold water feeling naturally calmer and more relaxed.

As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers an extensive range of hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and steam rooms, backed by 35 years of outstanding customer service. Get in touch with a member of our friendly team on 0208 300 4003 to discuss your options.

How to improve your swimming technique

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Did you know that swimming for exercise is one the most effective ways to work out? It’s great for those who want to become more active, regardless of age or ability. Swimming on a regular basis can help to lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It can also improve your mood and help you maintain a healthy weight. But how good is your swimming technique? Ensuring your form is spot on will help you move faster through the water and prevent you from injuring yourself when in the pool. Here are our top tips on how to improve your swimming technique.

Don’t swim with your hands

When swimming, grab the water with your entire forearm and hand, keeping your forearm at a right angle to your upper arm, and dig the water as if you were gathering sand. Maintain a broad, flat, strong grip with your hands. You’re anchoring your arm in the water and dragging your body over it rather than pushing it through.

Heavy rotations

Each stroke should start with your leading arm entering the water with the low side of your body effectively pointing to the bottom of the pool. The high side of your body should be lifted, and the arm that just ended its stroke should be getting ready to come back to the water.

Keep your head down

Ensure you keep your head down when swimming to keep your torso high, reducing the strain on your neck and lower back, whilst cutting drag.

Find your path

Fewer strokes are preferable in the pool. Your objective should be to cover a lot of ground with each stroke. Continue to glide forward with one arm forward and the other back as your pull yourself towards the other end of the pool.

Allow your feet to drag

Transforming your feet into fins is key to a good swimming technique. Momentum is key, your legs should be tense and scissor you through the water, while your feet remain supple. This will help them flex on the downstroke of each kick, giving them more power and assisting you in twisting your body along the centre axis.

Make every breath count

Before taking a fast, complete breath on the high side, emphatically release the air from your lungs (all of it, not just 90%). If you’re new to swimming, you should breathe after each stroke, but as your endurance increases, switch sides and breathe after three strokes.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers an extensive range of swim spas that fit all needs and specifications. From our ExecutiveTrainer Swim Spas to the AquaSport Range, we’re sure that we have a swim spa for your every training need. Get in touch with a member of our team to discuss which swim spa fits your requirements today on 0208 300 4003

Our guide to buying a swim spa in 2021

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For generations, people have visited public pools to enjoy the health benefits that come from swimming. Today, swimming has become one of the most favoured types of workouts across the globe. Swimming is still regarded as the best sport for healthy people, due to the fact that it’s a low impact activity that engages all of the muscles. Although public pools are plentiful, having to travel to the nearest swimming centre can make it tough for people to stick to their routine. A swim spa can solve this problem, however, with so many models and different features now available, purchasing one may be daunting.

As with many large purchases, the best way to identify the right swim spa for you is to make a list of the features and specifications you desire. Being prepared can help you avoid being sucked into any deals or promotions that you’re not 100% sure about.

Fun & Fitness

One of the most undervalued aspects of a swim spa is how it is an incredibly versatile investment. A swim spa can provide endless hours of enjoyment for the entire family, whilst doubling up as your own personal fitness suite. Some exciting features to bear in mind when looking for a swim spa to entertain the family may include LED waterfall fountains for the kids to swim beneath, or adding a sound system!

Comfort, Design, & Massage

The comfort of your swim spa can ultimately be controlled by the design of the different elements. When searching for your swim spa, asses the chairs to verify if they are ergonomically created to accommodate the natural contours of the body. This is incredibly important in ensuring that you’re going to get the best soaking and massage experiences. Don’t be afraid to get in and try out the seats for yourself to see if they’re up to scratch! 

Reputation

Who you end up buying your swim spa from will either make or break your buying experience. Dealing with a reputable store such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company will ensure that you are supported before, during, and after you commit to buying a swim spa. If your hot tub were to malfunction, you want to know that you’ve got a dedicated, knowledgeable team at the end of the phone who are able to support and advise you. 

Insulation

Often overlooked, taking into consideration how insulated your swim spa is can pay dividends with your electricity bill. Investing in an energy efficient swim spa that is better equipped to maintain the temperature of the water all year round can dramatically reduce the long-term expenses. Investing in a decent hardcover can also help boost the energy efficiency of your swim spa. 

Other features to consider when buying a swim spa include, jet options, fragrance dispenser, water features, air therapy and lights! Although purchasing a swim spa can seem like a daunting process, getting in contact with a reputable dealer like The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, who can advise and support you.

Finding the perfect spot in your garden for a swim spa

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Are you considering purchasing a swim spa? If that’s the case, you’ve probably already envisioned  where it will be in your garden. If not, don’t fret! We’ve put together some useful points to consider to ensure that your swim spa ends up in the perfect spot in your garden.

In-ground vs Above-ground

There are so many important things to consider when deciding where your swim spa is going. One of these is whether you want to position your swim spa in-ground or above-ground. If you have trouble with steps you may choose to install the swim spa in-ground. Alternatively, you could opt for a half-sunk tub.

A solid foundation

Whether you install your swim spa in-ground or above-ground, you’ll need to ensure you lay a concrete foundation to support the weight of the spa and the water it holds. This is incredibly important as when fully loaded Hydropool swim spas can weigh over 10 tonnes.

Logistics

Another important factor to think about when choosing where to install your swim spa is the access to electricity outputs, ensuring an outdoor plug with sufficient amperage is installed by a trained electrician.

Indoor or Outdoor?

If you’re planning on using your swim spa all year round, you might want to consider installing it indoors. The great British weather is unpredictable, so unless you don’t mind swimming in the rain, then installing your swim spa inside might be the best option for you. Alternatively, you could invest in a swim spa enclosure or gazebo to protect it throughout the year.

A stunning view

One of the most important things to consider is what you’ll be looking at when you’re swimming or bathing. If you’ve got a great view from your garden, you need to make the most of it! Also, consider whether the swim spa will be in line with the view from the neighbours’ house, as you’ll want to preserve as much privacy as possible. To this end, you could install a screen, fence, or pergola to maximise privacy.  

The Hot Tub & Swim Spa Installation and Engineering team are able to fit your swim spa to pretty much any specification! With over 30 years of expertise, there is yet to be an installation that we haven’t been able to deliver! Explore our extensive range of swim spas on our website or contact a member of our team on 0208 300 4003.

Our top benefits of owning a swim spa

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A swim spa is often placed at the top of the list of luxury property features. A swim spa is a great addition to all sorts of properties, from holiday homes and family estates to city dwellings. If you’re thinking about purchasing a swim spa for your property, there are a number of benefits that you should be aware of.

Convenience

Whether you’re considering a swim spa as part of your new fitness regime or for a blissful place to relax and unwind, having your own swim spa eliminates the need to leave your house. This can be very useful for maintaining your motivation and can make life hassle-free when it comes to reaping the benefits of hydrotherapy.

Creating the perfect outdoor setting

Swim spas can provide a great amount of architectural value to your garden or deck. The water looks inviting, particularly in the summer when the sun makes the water sparkle. The swim spa’s stylish and contemporary style will make your outdoor space the talk of the town.

Flexibility for fast-paced lives

Busy lives equate to jam-packed schedules, but getting a swim spa for your home allows you to use it at your convenience. If you want to start swimming in the morning as part of your fitness routine, you can do it from the comfort of your own home – no need to drag yourself to the public pool – saving you time and energy. On the other hand, if you feel like you never have enough time to go to the pool and relax, getting a swim spa of your own means relaxation is always only a few steps away.

Control and agility

When you have a swim spa at home, you’ll have the freedom to use it however you like and for whatever you like. Adjust the settings to alter the power of the jets to change up your workout or relaxation session. Since the swim spa is only shared with those in your household, you have full control over it – this means you’ll be able to get the most out of it.

Privacy and discretion

Even the best spas in the country have a range of people using their facilities, but if you purchase your own swim spa, you’ll only have to share it with the people you choose. When it comes to exclusivity, a home swim spa provides you with nothing less – providing you choose the right placement for it, then a lack of privacy will never be an issue.

Safety

With a home swim spa, you can keep an eye on the kids to ensure that no injuries occur whilst making sure that the pool is being used in the right way. Having your own swim spa provides you with an opportunity to educate your children on the importance of water safety.

If you’d like to install a swim spa at home, you can talk to a member of our team about the perfect specification and model for you.