Category Archives: Swim Spa

Whether you’re swimming in a pool, lake or the sea there are many benefits to continuing to swim outside during the winter months. Fitness, resilience and the wellbeing and mood boosting impact of winter swimming are just a few of the advantages of getting into the water at this time of year. However, if you want to ensure that you get the most from swimming in the winter then it’s important to make sure you do it safely. These are our top tips for swimming throughout the winter this year.

• Get the kit that works for you. Some people choose to swim in swimwear all year round others opt for a wetsuit when the temperature starts to drop. Work out where your body most feels the cold and consider some extra protection there – that could be wetsuit boots for your feet, a hat or neoprene gloves, all of which can help you to retain body heat.
• Give yourself time to get used to it. Cold water swimming is a shock the first time but the secret is simply to carry on. Start with just a short period of time in the water and then build up from there as your body and mind begin to get more used to the experience.
• Don’t jump in. The shock of cold water can be dangerous if you just hurl yourself in. Instead of doing this and ending up gasping or choking just get into the water gradually instead.
• Choose your location carefully. If you’re planning to swim in open water then make sure you’re well aware of all the risks involved, including shipping traffic and rip tides. Don’t swim on your own and consider taking a tow float and wearing a bright hat so that you can always be seen in the water.
• Don’t force yourself to stay in for too long. In the summer we can stay in the water for a long time but that’s not the case in winter. In fact, many winter swimmers only dip into the water for a couple of minutes. You can still get the benefits of the cold water from this kind of short experience. Make sure you don’t push your body too far where the cold is concerned.
• Don’t have a hot shower. Hot water on a cold body can be dangerous so avoid a hot shower and let yourself warm up gradually instead. This means plenty of hot drinks and warm clothes. Many people invest in a changing robe for winter swimming – these have weather protection on the outside and are warm towelling on the inside. They can make getting warm and cosy again after your swim much easier to do.

Winter swimming has a lot of positive health benefits and can make you feel fantastic. It’s important to make sure that you choose where to swim wisely and that you’re prepared for the impact of the cold if you want to get the most from the experience.

If there is one time of year that can be particularly hard on the body it’s winter. Not only are we inside a lot more but we tend to indulge frequently and the weather can make it especially tough to get out and get some exercise. This time of year can be challenging but it also represents a great opportunity to do things differently. Swimming is the ideal form of exercise to take up in winter – it’s supported but strong, will help to keep you healthy and upbeat even on the darkest days and could enable you to meet new training goals too. These are just some of the reasons to start swimming during the winter this year.

• The calorie burn. Although exercise is always more fun if you’re not counting the impact on calories there is no escaping the fact that swimming really does a great job when it comes to helping you to burn off the effect of winter puddings or Sunday roasts. Depending on your weight, an hour of moderate swimming can burn up to 600 calories. The best way to take advantage of this (and to enjoy the process) is to start with shorter, regular swimming sessions several times a week and build up from there.
• Strengthen your core and abs. Swimming is full body exercise but does have particular benefits if you’re looking to sculpt those abs. Breast stroke is especially good for waistline definition while front and back crawl will work your obliques and so could help to get rid of annoying muffin tops. Focus on contracting your abs while you’re swimming and you’ll not only go faster and get a better workout but you’ll strengthen your core and get that ab definition too.
• Wellbeing and mental health. There are so many positive benefits to swimming when it comes to mental health, from the healthy fatigue and sense of achievement you’ll get afterwards to the fact that being immersed in water triggers an endorphin release in the body. Over time you’ll start to feel yourself getting stronger and swimming can also be a great social sport if you do it with someone else.
• Building muscle and strength. Swimming works almost every muscle group and does so in a very balanced way. Unlike some other sports where you will end up with very defined legs or arms swimming ensures that this strength is built right across the body. Make sure you vary your strokes and sessions to get the full benefit.
• Improving skin quality. The impact of water passing over the body while you’re swimming can be like a massage and help to firm and improve skin tone. Cellulite is very normal – everyone has it – but you could find that regular swimming helps to smooth out cellulite. The strength and muscle tone that you develop as a result of swimming could give you the confidence boost you need to be proud of your body as it is.

If you’re looking for a new activity this winter swimming has a lot of benefits. Speak to our team today to find out about our swim spas…

The seasons are changing – as the leaves change colour and the temperature drops it’s a clear sign that autumn is here. That means that you need to look after your pool differently. You might not be using it as much as during the hottest part of the year but that doesn’t mean that some maintenance isn’t still required. These are our top tips for pool maintenance this autumn.

Keep up with the cleaning

It can be tempting at this time of year to just put the cover on your pool and hope for the best until next spring. Not only will this make it difficult if you want to use the pool at all during the winter months but you may also find that it’s in a bit of a state next year. Regular cleaning in autumn is particularly important if you want to ensure that your pool remains in good shape through to next year.

• Do a full pool clean. If you want to avoid algae and other similar issues when the spring arrives then a full pool clean is essential. This means removing dead leaves and debris and then emptying the pool and giving the entire thing a good scrub. Brush the floor and walls, vacuum and make sure you clean the lint and skimmer baskets too.
• Focus on the filter. The filter is a tiny, but essential, part of your pool as it keeps it clean. So, take this opportunity to give the filter some attention. Give the filter a thorough clean and make sure you clean off any grease or oil that could harden and become tough to remove over the winter. You may also want to run the pool filter, both to check that it’s working and to help distribute any chemicals you’ve just added to the water.

Monitor the chemical levels of the pool

The pH level in your pool is an essential metric to keep an eye on. It should sit somewhere between 7.2 and 7.6 but you may find that this has changed as the pool has been in frequent use during the summer months. Make sure that you take steps to correct this if it’s not within range. Another essential chemical to check is the chlorine. Depending on the type of chlorinator you’re using this should be around 2-3 PPM (parts per million). Once you’ve finished checking the chemical levels you might want to add some algaecide to help ensure your pool stays algae free over the winter.

Cover the Pool

When you’ve finished the pool maintenance make sure you cover it once again to help avoid filter-clogging debris falling in. A good cover should keep material out and also help you to retain water.

It’s a good idea to carry out regular maintenance on your pool throughout the winter, from removing debris to checking the filter and administering a shock treatment to keep the water clean. That way, when the weather warms up again, the pool will be clean and ready for use.

Swimming is a great way to exercise, tone, build muscle and also has some fantastic wellbeing benefits too. If you’re keen to try something new this autumn – or find a more effective way to exercise – it could be the activity that you need. These are just some of the health benefits to regular swimming.

1. Minimising physical wear and tear. Swimming is one of the few activities that allows you to do an intense workout that is low impact and so minimises the impact on joints.
2. All muscle groups get worked. Exercise can often target specific muscle groups but leave out others. This isn’t the case when you’re swimming as all of them are activated, even the often-ignored lats, deltoids, and traps.
3. Swimming is open to everyone. From people who are injured to top-level athletes, pregnant women or children, everyone can get in the water and swim.
4. Combining cardio and strength. When you’re swimming it’s not an ‘either or’ situation where cardio and strength are concerned as you’ll get a workout with both. Not only are you swimming against the resistance of the water and increasing the impact of the workout as a result but you have to be in constant motion or you’ll sink so the intensity level is high.
5. Improving lung capacity and function. Studies have found that swimmers have greater tidal volume (the amount of air moving in and out of the lungs during normal breathing) due to the way that the body learns to use oxygen more efficiently and expel more carbon dioxide with every breath.
6. Boosting your capacity in other sports. Breathing techniques learned in the pool can be applied to other sports, such as long distance running. Plus you’ll benefit from the positive impact of swimming on hamstring, glutes and core.
7. Swimming is a stress buster. When you’re in the water you’re isolated from the usual bombardment of sensory information and this can make you feel calm and relaxed.
8. It’s also anti aging. One study found that regular swimmers are 20 years younger than their real age, biologically speaking. Everything, from blood pressure to cardiovascular performance and cholesterol, is at a level you’d expect from a younger person if you swim regularly, even when you’re in your 70s.
9. Brain benefits. When you’re swimming blood flow to the brain is increased by 14%. This can have a lot of benefits, so much so that there is now a considerable body of research investigating whether water based workouts are better for the brain than those we do on land.
10. Getting outside your comfort zone. It can be challenging to get into the pool for the first time, to start setting yourself fitness goals and working up to them. But the more you venture outside your comfort zone in this way the more open you’ll be to new experiences – maybe swimming the English Channel is next.

Swimming is a very accessible form of exercise that has some fantastic health and wellbeing benefits that anyone can enjoy.

There are many good reasons to consider a swim spa, whether that’s for therapeutic purposes, health and fitness or relaxation and wellness. These cleverly designed mini pools provide a range of opportunities to enhance your current lifestyle from the comfort of your own home. You don’t need to have any particular expertise – or a specific level of fitness – to use one and you can start to enjoy the benefits straight away.

How does a swim spa work?

Swim spas are designed with powerful jets inbuilt that provide a current for you to swim against. So, you don’t actually move within the swim spa itself but the resistance provided by the jets means that you can swim as far as you want. You can also set the strength of the resistance to suit your physical needs, enjoying an intense workout or a gentle swim that offers effective therapy.

Why should you consider a swim spa?

• You can swim at home. For most people the idea of having a full sized pool at home simply isn’t feasible. The costs of installation and maintenance can be high and most gardens just won’t accommodate one with any room to spare. A swim spa is much easier to find a space for, simpler to maintain and provides you with the opportunity to swim on a daily basis.
• Swimming is full body exercise. Swimming for just 30 minutes a week can provide a boost to your body in terms of both cardiovascular exercise and muscle toning. Swimming uses almost every muscle in the body and is a great way to burn calories. It’s also low impact, which means it’s much gentler on your joints than running or using the gym.
• A simple stress reliever. Exercise is a great way to help relieve stress but exercise in water is even more effective. Research has found that swimming for just 20 minutes a couple of times a week can help to significantly reduce stress levels, bring blood pressure down and release feel good hormones into your system.
• The benefits of hydrotherapy. Human beings have been using hydrotherapy for centuries to help improve wellness and aid recovery. A swim spa is a very easy way to access this, whether you’re looking to ease tired muscles or recover from an injury. Warm water helps to boost circulation and increased blood flow around the body has all kinds of benefits, from minimising the pain from chronic conditions to rehabilitation. If you’re in water that is warmer than 28 degrees then you’ll also enjoy a detoxification effect and this can help to make the immune system more effective at collecting and removing toxins from the body. Spending time in a swim spa can also be ideal if you’re embarking on a new exercise regime, helping to ease soreness and provide an opportunity to keep moving on slower days.

These are just some of the reasons why now is the ideal time to consider a swim spa for your home.

The short answer to this question is a resounding yes! It’s totally possible to swim in a swim spa – in fact, this is one of the reasons why the swim spa was developed. Being able to swim at home used to require the luxury of a large pool, which could be expensive to install and maintain and which most people simply don’t have the space for. A swim spa is much smaller but still provides options for swimming as far, and as fast, as you want.

How does a swim spa work?

It’s the watery equivalent of a treadmill. Most of us have either used or seen a treadmill, whether at home or in the gym. On a treadmill you can run for miles without ever moving from a single spot and a swim spa is the same concept. A swim spa comes with a unit built in that pushes a consistent current towards you when you’re swimming, allowing you to essentially swim on the spot. You can set the resistance of the swim spa so that you’re moving at the pace that works best for you.

What’s the swimming experience like?

Most people who use a swim spa describe it as similar to open water swimming, not just because you can be out in the open air when you do it but also because the water can present a good level of challenge. Like a treadmill it can take a little getting used to but offers a great opportunity for daily exercise at home once you’re comfortable with the feeling and how you want to swim in it.

Is a swim spa like a hot tub?

The main difference is that the hot tub is designed to be enjoyed without moving. You’ll still get many of the hydrotherapy benefits of the hot tub experience in a swim spa but with the added advantage of being able to exercise too. Also, the flow rate in a swim spa tends to be higher because of the design and the technology required for the swim jets tends to be more advanced. If you’re looking for a way to exercise in water then the swim spa is the obvious choice.

What are the benefits of the swim spa?

Having a swim spa at home means that you’re able to exercise to your own schedule and as often as you want to. No expensive gym fees to pay and no need to share the water with strangers. Particularly in the light of COVID-19 it’s not just more convenient to have a swim spa at home but could be safer too. Swimming is a full body exercise that uses most major muscle groups but is supported and easy on joints and muscles. It’s a great way to exercise without risking the injuries that come from some higher impact sports, such as running.

It’s definitely possible to swim in a swim spa and the experience could change your life.

Hydropool Inc have announced a collaboration to allow our GB Olympic Swimmers to continue to train at home for Tokyo 2021 during the current UK lock down. 

The exciting new partnerships sees that GB Swimmers James Guy, Ben Proud, Anna Hopkins, Luke Greenbank, Tom Dean, Adam Peaty MBE, Sarah Vasey and Jack Burnell have been provided with our popular Reverse Current Swimming Pools, also known as Swim Spa units for their home gardens. 

Fans will have already noticed GB swimmers posting videos of their training social media account and updates will continue to be shared in the coming weeks. through their social media account and updates will continue to be shared in the coming weeks. 

James Guy who is now using one of Hydropool’s flagship 16ft Executive Trainer swim spas added: 

“It feels unreal to be back in the water again, a massive thank you to Bedfordshire Hot Tubs and Hydropool. The support that I have had from them has been second to none and the way they have conducted themselves around me and provided me a pool is unbelievable. To actually be in the water every single day is amazing, you don’t actually realise you miss it until it’s gone. I am doing real sessions in there and its definitely going to give me an advantage for next year leading into the Olympic games.” 

Mel Marshall, Head Coach for Swim England also shared her view:

“With the Olympics moved to 2021, we had a window of three weeks where no swimming was going to be ok for the athletes. However, beyond that we needed to somehow find our way to water. However, Hydropool® were able to do one better and bring water to us!!! Jim has worked tirelessly over the last week to make this possible and the team will be forever grateful for making this happen. On a personal note the current climate is incredibly hard, and it’s important that we stay safe. To now be able to do this and train at the same time is just incredible.” 

Andy Bewicke, Business Development Director for Hydropool UK Ltd also added:

“This is an amazing collaboration on a number of levels. First and foremost, getting our GB Swimmers back in water and training for Tokyo was our number one concern. We are huge supporters of what these people achieve for the nation and the opportunity to help and become a small part of the journey was incredible. “

About Hydropool Inc 

Headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, Hydropool Hot Tubs Inc. originated in 1970 as a commercial swimming pool company and in 1978 became one of the first hot tub retailers in North America. Our products are now sold through a 250+ retailer network in over 40 countries.

About British Swimming

British Swimming is the national governing body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Country national governing bodies of England (Swim England), Scotland (Scottish Swimming) and Wales (Swim Wales) British Swimming seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. For more information about British Swimming, visit https://www.britishswimming.org/ 

Swimming isn’t just a great way to cool off in the summer. It’s also an incredibly effective form of exercise and can have a lot of lifestyle benefits. If you’re keen to add a new activity to your routines this summer then swimming is a perfect choice with a lot of positive benefits to it.

A supported way to exercise

The buoyancy of the water means that you can get a really good workout when you’re swimming without heavy impact on your body. Whether you suffer from back or neck pain or issues with your joints you will probably find that swimming will enable you to exercise without any of the impact injuries that can result from activities like running and aerobics. Fewer injuries mean more opportunity to be active.

A great method for weight loss

Swimming burns calories and can help you lose weight. It’s one of the few genuinely full body activities and engages a whole range of muscles, as well as getting your heart rate up. If you’re keen to lose weight this summer then regular swimming can support this alongside healthy eating and plenty of water and sleep.

Build and tone your muscles

One big advantage of swimming as exercise is the fact that the water provides a huge amount of resistance. As a result, it’s much easier to build muscle at a faster rate for swimmers than those engaged in other activities. The repetitive movements of swimming mean that you can build up specific muscles, such as those in your back or arms, and you’ll also develop good muscle stamina if you stick to a regular swimming schedule.

It’s good fun

Swimming might be very effective when it comes to improving muscle tone and helping with weight loss but it’s also a very enjoyable activity. Whether you’re swimming in a pool or outdoors in a lake or the sea it’s often viewed as a fun way to improve physique and get healthier – preferable to spending time inside in a gym when it’s warm out. It’s also something that you can do with other people, making it potentially a very sociable way to exercise too.

Swimming helps to keep you calm

Stress is a big issue for many of us today and something that a lot of people struggle to get under control. Exercise in any form has been found to have a positive impact when it comes to reducing stress and swimming is no different. Regular swim sessions can help to minimise anxiety and depression and improve positive feelings. The water can increase this positive impact, especially if you are swimming outside in nature, for example in a lake or in the sea.

Swimming is a great all year round activity that has a lot of benefits for both body and mind. If you’re looking for a way to keep fit and improve stamina, as well as losing weight, then this might be the ideal sport for you.

Now that the clocks have gone forward we’re speeding towards summer and for many people that means more opportunities to get in the water. Swimming is a great activity all year round but especially when the weather is warmer. It can be a very effective way for adults to get fit and also has a lot of benefits for children too. In fact there are 4 key reasons why your kids should be in the water swimming this summer.

Swimming is an ‘active’ activity

As a parent it can feel like a constant battle to get children away from playing console games and watching TV. Swimming is a very simple way to do this – it’s an activity without screens that encourages a healthy lifestyle very early on. It’s an incredibly enjoyable activity that also helps to support better fitness and will provide the stimulation that sitting in front of the TV cannot.

The social element is a big bonus

Summer can feel endless as a kid and many children miss the sociable side of school when there is nothing to do every day. Swimming presents plenty of opportunities for kids to be sociable, from attending swimming camps to joining a swimming team. There’s also a lot of potential to start achieving, meeting new people and gaining confidence in skills and abilities, whether that’s forming friendships outside of the pool or improving technique while in the water.

Many summer parties are focused on the pool

Birthday parties, summer BBQs or bank holiday weekends – whatever the occasion there is often an opportunity to jump in the pool. In fact, while the adults might sit and have a beer in the shade the kids often head straight for ball games in the water. Children who don’t know how to swim can feel left out at this time – and if your child isn’t a confident swimmer then it can be worrying for a parent too and difficult to relax when they are around water. There are plenty of quick swimming courses available for children to ensure that they are ready to start swimming this summer.

Practice makes perfect

Especially if you have a child who is already a competent swimmer but wants to get really good the summer is a great time to start creating that competitive advantage. Spending a summer in the pool provides the opportunity to improve speed and skills, technique and timing. It can help a child to establish swimming as a sport that they are really good at and start setting goals for the following year, whether they relate to competition or fitness. The more time kids have for swimming in the summer the more potential there is for it to become an essential and useful part of future daily routines.

Swimming is great exercise and also encourages confidence and relationship building. These are just some of the reasons why kids should be spending as much time as possible in the water this summer.