Category Archives: Swim Spa

As we turn the corner into spring, the days start getting longer and the nights start getting warmer, and the idea of getting into a swim spa begins to sound even more appealing. As swimmers we love this time of year, when the temperature beings to rise and we can spend time in a swim spa more frequently. It comes as a welcome relief after months of bitterly cold temperatures. However, there are many more reasons why spring is a swimmers’ favourite month, aside from just the weather! Check out these top 5 reasons why swimmers love the spring:

We get to trade our woolly hats for swimming hats!

The time has finally come to put away the scarves, gloves, and woolly hats and trade them in for goggles and a swimming hat. This change in accessories couldn’t come quick enough!

Diving into the water feels refreshing

As the spring months arrive and the sun rays start to increase our body temperature, diving into a cool, calm swim spa can be one of the most refreshing experiences. After a tiring day at work, a quick dip in the swim spa can be the ideal thing to do to let off some steam. You’ll be the envy of all your friends when you’re able to treat yourself to a dip in your swim spa on a warm spring evening, or a crisp morning.   

We start to get a bit of a tan

As temperatures start to increase across Britain and you choose to swim outside, whether that be in an outdoor swim spa, pool, lake, or river, you might even end up getting a spring glow, as UV light levels start to increase. Spring swimming not only makes you feel great, but it makes you look great too!

New swimsuit season

We can’t deny the fact that the new ranges of swimwear is one of the most exciting things about this time of year. When you look great, you feel great and you perform better too. So, treat yourself to that new swimsuit this spring!

More light means fewer swims in the dark

This is another one for all you outdoor swimmers! You can finally go for an after-work swim in your swim spa and not be splashing around in total darkness! Longer days mean more hours available to really enjoy your swim spa.

All in all, spring is a great time to get yourself back into swimming, if you’ve taken time away from it during the winter or are a complete novice to the entire experience. As the weather gets better and the nights become longer you’ve got much more freedom to ensure you’re swimming as frequently as possible.

If you’re an avid swimmer, you should consider purchasing your very own swim spa for your property – so that you have around-the-clock access to the sport that you love! Take a look at our full range of swim spas here.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or are new to a swim spa, it’s always a great idea to brush up on some of the best swimming tips to improve your technique. From warming up correctly to investing in the best swim spa attire, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our top tips to ensure that you’re making the most of your swimming experience.

Start with a shower

Before you slide into the swim spa, make sure you take a shower. Ensuring you shower before swimming helps to keep the pool water clean and sanitary for those who use it.

Warm Up

Often overlooked, warming up before you start your swimming session is really important to get your body and mind in the right state for swimming. Treat swimming just as you would a workout in the gym, get your blood pumping and let your body adjust to a new environment. We recommend starting with some arm and leg stretches before entering the swim spa, followed by 2-3 minutes of gentle gliding once immersed in the water.

Attire

Committed swimmers should invest in swimwear that is both comfortable and long-lasting. It’s paramount that your body feels relaxed when exercising. There is a variety of durable and stylish swimwear available which are often designed to be chemically resistant and quick-drying! Whether you opt for a high-end stylish bathing suit or something more-demure and modest, the ultimate objective is to feel comfortable and confident in the water.

Swimming must-haves

When swimming, we recommend wearing goggles and a hat. These swimming must-haves work really well to protect your eyes and your hair from the chemicals in the water. Swimming in a chlorine-filled pool on a regular basis can irritate your scalp and lead to dandruff. There’s a great selection of swim hats and goggles available online.

Enjoy it!

Our final, and most important tip is that you enjoy the swimming experience. The ultimate aim is to ensure you’re feeling as comfortable and confident in the water as possible as this will allow you to fully enjoy your time in the swim spa. Whether you’re a novice swimmer or a seasoned pro, swimming is about going at a pace and rhythm that is suited to you.     

These five tips will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your swimming experience. Whether you decide to swim in a pool, swim spa or lake, you’ll feel totally comfortable if you follow these tips. Swimming is a great form of exercise to work into your daily routine, working nearly every muscle in the body and boosting overall cardiovascular health, swimming can really make you feel great.

If you’re an avid swimmer, why not invest in your very own swim spa to really reap the benefits of swimming without even leaving your home! The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company have an extensive range of swim spas to fit every budget and specification.

If you don’t have a lot of space on your property then you may have dismissed the idea of being able to swim at home. A full size swimming pool not only takes up a lot of space but can also involve a lot of work when it comes to maintenance and repairs. A swim spa provides a simple and effective alternative to a pool – it’s significantly smaller and easier to maintain. But can you actually swim in a swim spa?

Swimming at home

The short answer to whether it’s possible to swim in a swim spa is yes! If you haven’t encountered these ingenious pools before they are similar to the way a treadmill works. Instead of continuously walking or running on the rotating surface, in a swim spa you are moving against a current. This simple design means that you can do an intensive – or gentle – swim workout, use the swim spa for training or recovery or try a new way to get fit. There are many different ways to swim at home when you have a swim spa. Given that swimming is one of the best options for a full body workout that is also protective, thanks to the buoyancy of the water, it’s a great option for everyone, from beginners to athletes.

How does the swim spa work?

Every swim spa comes with a built in current system that can be adjusted to suit you. This system means that you can set the pace that you want to swim at and control the experience that you have in the pool. Jet pumps or a propellor within the built in system are used to push water towards you in a consistent current and this is what you’re swimming against. Although the swimming is essentially taking place on the spot you could cover distances of many miles swimming in a swim spa. Swim spas are often compared to hot tubs in terms of the use of jets – water flows through filtration and suction inlets and out through jets. However, in a swim spa the flow rate is higher and the water movement designed for swimming.

What kind of swimming experience do you get in a swim spa?

There are a range of different options when it comes to swim spas and the one you choose will have an impact on your swimming experience. If you haven’t used a swim spa before then the current may require a short period of adjustment to get used to – as you would with any new piece of fitness kit. Many people compare the experience of a swim spa to open water swimming as there can be an element of turbulence involved in the way that the current moves. This can be a great way to strengthen your muscles and technique, whether you’re looking to then go out on the open water or just finding new ways to stay fit and healthy.

It’s not just possible to swim in a swim spa but to enjoy a full range of benefits too, from improved fitness and technique to acquiring a new skill and a fun way to relax and burn off some energy. Find out more about all our self-cleaning swim spas can do here…

Swim spas have become a game changer when it comes to the opportunities that are available for people who want to swim at home. If you’re looking for a more compact and economic option than a full size swimming pool – with all of the advantages of a pool at home – then a swim spa could fit the bill precisely. Whether you’re keen to find a new way to exercise or looking to enjoy all the other benefits of hydrotherapy there are some very good reasons to consider getting a swim spa for your home.

• Easy to use in most spaces. Swim spas don’t require a huge property with extensive room to build a pool and they are much easier to install too. Plus, a swim spa is very simple to use – when you’re in the water you start swimming against the current system at a resistance that works for you.
• Swim spas are designed with exercise in mind. If fitness is your goal then a swim spa is a great idea because these are pools that are designed to help you achieve all your objectives. You can have a great workout in a swim spa whatever level you’re at and it’s simple to adjust the way that you use it so that you can set goals, improve, recover and achieve.
• Versatility is built in. You can choose to simply swim against the current in your swim spa, varying it depending on the workout you want that day or the training programme you’re working to. There are also many other ways to use your swim spa, including using the acqua fitness step that most models have built in or using accessories such as resistance bands or dumbbells to help optimise your workout.
• Enjoy the relaxing benefits of hydrotherapy too. Whether you’ve been exercising in the swim spa or elsewhere you can soothe tired muscles and relieve aches and pains by spending time in hot water. Many swim spa models also have a hot tub built in so you can get some massage jet action too.
• Supporting stronger immunity. Sweating and exercise – as well as the use of massage jets – can all combine to have a really positive impact where your immune system is concerned. Staying healthy is crucial for all of us right now and a swim spa can play a part in this, as exercise activates antibodies and white blood cells and can help your body to fight infections.
• Helping to manage stress. Whether you are struggling with work and homeschooling or just generally feeling the pressure of national restrictions and a lack of freedom, a burst of exercise in the swim spa could be just what you need to release that negative energy. Swimming is a full body exercise that requires concentration and activates all your muscles. It can relieve tension, physical and emotional, and help you feel refreshed and ready to take life on again.

Whether you’re keen to get fit – or looking for ways to wind down – having a swim spa at home can enhance your life experience in many ways.

Whether you’re looking to increase the value of your property or improve your experience of daily life, a swim spa can make all the difference. These are the top 10 reasons to have a swim spa in your life.

The right size for any space

If you’d like to have a pool but really only have the room for a hot tub then a swim spa is the ideal compromise. You’ll be able to exercise as if you had a pool and enjoy the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy too. Swim spas are designed to fit most spaces and to be easy and quick to install.

All the benefits of a swimming pool

Although the swim spa is much smaller than a pool you’ll still be able to enjoy all the benefits. A current is created in the water by the swim spa and you can swim against this or use it to exercise in other ways, such as walking or jogging against it.

All the advantages of a hot tub

Many swim spas have the same features as a hot tub does, including massage jets and ergonomic seating, so you have the combined benefit of a pool and hot tub in one.

Access to hydrotherapy

Humans have used hydrotherapy for centuries as it’s incredibly beneficial for the body. It can be particularly useful if you’re recovering from an injury or in the treatment of chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

Soaking in a swim spa has lots of benefits

From the advantages of exercise to improving sleep and helping to ease aches and pains there are lots of very good reasons to get into your swim spa on a regular basis.

It’s just so convenient

If you’re the kind of person who struggles with exercise motivation then having a swim spa on your property could be life changing – no more excuses as all you have to do is jump out of bed and into the pool.

Improving the aesthetics of your outdoor space

Add some decking and flower beds around the swim spa, as well as loungers and even a bar space and your outside area suddenly becomes a seriously enjoyable and good looking part of the property.

Effective, low impact exercise

Thanks to the weightlessness of the human body in water, swimming is a very low impact exercise when it comes to the effect on muscles and joints. However, it’s high impact with respect to the way it can improve fitness, tone and burn calories. Plus, the water in the swim spa adds resistance so you can achieve even more from your workout than you would on land.

All year round use

You can control temperature in the swim spa so that it’s comfortable all year round – or get into cold water swimming and let the temperature drop in the winter months.

Somewhere to learn the basic skills

If you’re keen to learn to swim – or anyone in your family wants to acquire this skill – having a swim spa at home makes it easy. You don’t need to deal with open water until you’re ready or have people around you until you’ve built your confidence up.

A swim spa is a great asset to any home, adding to the aesthetics and providing a wealth of opportunities for a lifestyle upgrade.

Whether you choose a pool, a home swim spa or a body of wild water, swimming is a great commitment to make to your health. There are many benefits to getting into the water, from those that affect your resilience and fitness to the mental health boost that comes from activity and cold water. Swimming daily could be the best choice that you make for yourself in 2021 – here’s why:

It’s enjoyable

For any activity to be sustainable there needs to be a reason that you return to it again and again. Swimming is not just a great way to get fit but can also be very sociable and can help you to relax even during stressful times. You’ll start to notice the impact on your body quickly if you’re keeping up your swimming every day and so the sense of achievement will be strong.

Swimming has many physical benefits

When you’re swimming you’re getting a serious workout, often using all the muscle groups in the body but without the high impact you’d get if you were running or lifting weights. While your body doesn’t feel this impact stress swimming is an activity that increases your heart rate, burning calories and increasing fitness. It can improve your physical endurance and cardiovascular fitness and also tone and build strength in your muscles. Swimming is a great way to maintain your health not just in terms of weight and strength but also the function of your lungs and heart.

But that isn’t where the benefits stop

Yes you’ll get fitter and healthier if you’re swimming on a daily basis but that’s not the only way that you’ll benefit from committing to this activity. Swimming can help you to better manage stress, providing a time out from your daily life and making you feel more relaxed as it’s often a very peaceful activity. Swimming can also improve your physical condition and flexibility, as well as balance and posture. And if you’re swimming every day then you’re also likely to be able to use it as therapy for any injuries or existing conditions.

Swimming tips for 2021

• Decide where you want to swim and then look into what you need to swim there. This is especially important if you’re going to swim outside – for example, if you’re river swimming then you may need a tow float and river shoes.
• Be safe. If you’re not a confident swimmer then it makes sense to choose to swim in a lifeguarded pool.
• Take some lessons. Swim teachers are available for swimmers of any age – learn for the first time or get some tips to brush up on your technique.
• Build up gradually. Like any exercise you can over exert yourself if you go for it too hard initially so build up your strength gradually and set realistic targets for progress.
• Remember to rehydrate. You may not notice how hard you’re working as you can’t see sweat in water but you should always refuel and rehydrate after a swimming session.

These are just some of the benefits that you’ll see from swimming daily. Contact our sales team today to see how we can assist you with finding the perfect swim spa for your home…

It’s the time of year to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions again. If you always find that your resolutions tend not to stick then maybe it’s time for a rethink. Focusing on positive activities that are enjoyable as well as purpose-driven could be the secret to making sure that your resolutions last beyond the first week of the new year. Swimming is one of those activities that has a lot to give. It’s not only a great way to get fit, build muscle and stamina and reach personal fitness goals but there is also a strong social and wellbeing element too. So, how can you make swimming part of your new year resolution for 2021?

Work out where you want to swim

The simplest way to make swimming part of your daily routine might be to have a swim spa at home so that you can build fitness and enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy without leaving your property.

Put together a training plan

You don’t have to be a professional athlete or an experienced swimmer to benefit from having a training plan. All that a training plan provides is a structure that you can use to gradually improve how you swim so that you can get more from the experience. There are plenty of swimming training plans available online, whether you find them via Swim England or from professional swimming coaches. You can also create your own training plan based on what you think you can do each week, working towards your own personal goals over a set period, such as six months.

Fuel your body

Nutrition is a big part of any exercise plan as it will provide your body with the fuel that it needs to reach the goals that you’ve set. Depending on your tastes and body requirements there are plenty of different options out there for ensuring that you’re fueling your body in the right way. Breakfast is often particularly important, especially if you’re planning to do your swimming training in the mornings, and it will be essential to ensure that you’ve got a plan in place to replace energy and nutrients when every session finishes.

Set yourself some goals

If you need some extra motivation to stick to your training plan – and new year’s resolutions – then how about setting some specific goals. These could be to sign up for a 2021 swimming event, take part in a triathlon or gain a professional swimming qualification.

Swimming is a fantastic way to fulfil fitness resolutions for 2021 and has a whole range of broader wellbeing benefits too. Find out how we can help you reach your fitness resolution with our self-cleaning swim spas…

Fitness is essential for overall health and wellbeing. However, a repetitive round of running or going to the gym can get boring. Swimming is a fantastic way to break this up and to get a full body workout in a more physically supportive environment. And if you need a break from swimming then there are lots of exercises that you can do in the water that can help to improve your fitness. Not only that but you’ll get the benefits of being immersed in water, from the additional resistance that this brings to any exercise, to the buoyancy of the water, which can take the pressure off muscles and joints. If you want to try some new pool exercises for the new year then these are some of our favourites.

1. Simple walking. This is a great way to get used to exercising in water and to improve fitness at the same time. In waist height water, start carefully putting one foot in front of the other, heel first and then toes with your arms at your side. Add in ankle or wrist weights to increase the challenge.
2. Jumping jacks. These are simple star jumps with the water at chest level. As you jump your feet out raise your arms over your head and then lower as you bring your feet back together. Repeat and add arm weights for more resistance.
3. Arm lifts. If you’re looking for an arm workout then stand in water that covers your shoulders, a water dumbbell in each hand with the palms facing up. Bring your elbows in close to your body as you raise your arms to water height. Rotate the dumbbells so your palms are facing down and lower. Repeat.
4. Core activators. Start holding on to the pool wall with your feet on the wall and then push off on your back. Pull your knees into your chest then lower them to the floor and run back to the side to start again.
5. Kicks. Hold on to the edge of the pool and cycle through repetitions of key swimming leg kicks – flutter kicks, scissor kicks, breaststroke kicks and dolphin kicks. Do each set of kicks for up to three minutes.
6. Lateral arm lifts. If you’re looking to build upper body strength this is a great option. Start standing in water up to your shoulders with your dumbbells at your side. Raise to the height of the water so they are level with your shoulders and then lower.
7. Leg shoots. Curl into a ball upright in the water, knees tucked in. Then shoot your legs out explosively so that you end up on your back. Curl your knees in and then do the same with your legs but this time finish on your stomach.
8. Ballet lifts. In waist height water stand on one leg and raise it with the knee bent until it’s parallel to the water. Extend the leg fully, hold and then lower with the leg straight. Repeat and then do the other side. Add ankle weights to make it harder.

These pool exercises will not only help to keep you fit in 2021 but bring an element of fun and variety to your workout too.

Swimming in the winter might seem like madness but there are some great benefits to doing this. Not only does it make you feel amazing but everything, from skin to heart health can be improved too. If you’re going to try winter swimming this year then these are our top tips.

• Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or until you have all the right kit. If you’re feeling the desire to get in the water then go with the momentum and start today.
• Decide when you’re going to swim. Give yourself a regular swimming schedule and you’ll find it much easier to stick to regular dips. Choose one or two days a week that work for you and make sure you keep to them.
• Stay warm before you swim. If you’re already cold then you might find it harder to motivate yourself to get in the water – and to warm up afterwards. So, make sure that you stay toasty right up until the moment you’re ready for a dip.
• Swim at a time that works for you. For most people this is going to be the morning or during the day – in the evening it will get colder as the light fades and you might find it harder to motivate yourself to go.
• Choose social accountability to help you commit. Swimming with a friend is a great idea, not just from a safety perspective but also to make sure you actually go. If it’s just you then you won’t feel the same social accountability as if you have someone else who is expecting you to show up.
• Don’t hang around. Whether you’re swimming in a river, the sea or an outdoor pool make sure that you get in quickly. The initial flash of cold is the hardest so you need to get through it quickly to avoid backing out.
• Go for it as soon as you get in. The quickest way to feel warmer is to start swimming energetically as soon as you’re in the water. Warm up with a little freestyle and then start actively going for your lengths.
• Set some goals. Perhaps you want to swim further this winter or improve the quality of your stroke. Now is the ideal time for setting objectives and creating a training schedule or goals to make them happen.
• Think about the summer. Remember the start of the summer last year when you wished you’d done more swimming through autumn and winter to stay fit? Think about that as you’re getting in the water and how much better you’re going to feel when summer 2021 rolls around.
• Get warm as soon as you get out. Make sure that you take off wet swimwear straight away and get into warm clothes and a hat and cosy footwear. A hot drink is essential to help you warm up (avoid a hot shower as this can be too much for the body after a cold swim).

Winter swimming is a wonderful experience and can get you set up for more enjoyable summer swimming next year too.