Category Archives: Swim Spa

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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…