Hot tubs today still maybe considered an item of luxury but they are becoming more affordable to the average person. We are supplying more hot tubs than ever before as it becomes fashionable to have one installed in the garden for all year-round use.
Beyond fashion and luxury, hot tubs have long been a tradition, which can be traced back across many different civilizations, all across the different parts of the world. Hot tubs in some form or other have been around for millennia.
Hot water has many beneficial properties including being therapeutic and relaxing, but to some it’s also a lifestyle, a way to socialise with friends and wind down, or even to do business. From the early days of the ‘SPA bath’ many civilisations have benefited from hot water springs. In the UK there are whole towns and cities which were built around a natural hot water Spa i.e. Bath & Harrogate.
While all civilizations have made their contribution to the history of hot tubs, Greeks seem to have the earliest connection. As per Greek mythology, a few tidal pools were blessed to cure. And so around these pools, bathing facilities were conceptualized, and chambers were built. Thus, natural elements were combined with constructed amenities to create a healing affect. Introduced by the Romans, marriages also used to take place in hot tubs. Did you ever think the history of hot tubs could be so glamorous?
Not everyone was blessed with a natural Spa on their doorstep, and it is thought the Japanese were the first to introduce the custom built ‘bathing spa’ with piping to deliver the hot water. These are stand along types are known as Ofuro in Japan. So, it’s possibly thanks to the Japanese we now have portable spa’s and hot tubs.
Today hot tubs are small, smart, affordable structures, which are no longer considered a luxury item exclusively for the rich. Even some holiday companies are installing them in their holiday units and selling these as a luxury accommodation.
In conclusion, a hot tub is nothing new, but modern technology and manufacturing techniques make them more affordable than ever before. All you need is to decide which one you want.
While all civilizations have made their contribution to the history of hot tubs, Greeks seem to have the earliest connection. As per Greek mythology, a few tidal pools were blessed to cure. And so around these pools, bathing facilities were conceptualized, and chambers were built. Thus, natural elements were combined with constructed amenities to create a healing affect. Introduced by the Romans, marriages also used to take place in hot tubs. Did you ever think the history of hot tubs could be so glamorous?
Not everyone was blessed with a natural Spa on their doorstep, and it is thought the Japanese were the first to introduce the custom built ‘bathing spa’ with piping to deliver the hot water. These are stand along types are known as Ofuro in Japan. So, it’s possibly thanks to the Japanese we now have portable spa’s and hot tubs.
Today hot tubs are small, smart, affordable structures, which are no longer considered a luxury item exclusively for the rich. Even some holiday companies are installing them in their holiday units and selling these as a luxury accommodation.
In conclusion, a hot tub is nothing new, but modern technology and manufacturing techniques make them more affordable than ever before. All you need is to decide which one you want.
The potential benefits of using a hot tub vary from person to person. Much depends on your overall health and how you use it.
One of the most obvious benefits of a hot tub is the potential to help ease the tensions of the day. The soothing effect of the warm water and massaging action may help relieve physical, emotional, and mental stress.
If you like, you can boost this stress-relieving effect even further with soft music, low lighting, or aromatherapy.
The hot water and massaging action of the hot tub jets can be an effective way to help relax and soothe tight, tense muscles. This can help ease aches and pains.
A hot tub soak before exercising may also reduce the risk of injury.
According to research, the simple relaxation gained from a soak in the hot tub may be enough to help you drift off into a more peaceful sleep.
Soaking in a hot tub may relieve some types of pain by relaxing tense muscles, joints, and tendons.
If you have arthritis, the heat and massaging action may help ease the stiffness and inflammation that cause pain.
Water supports your body and takes weight off joints, which helps improve flexibility and range of motion. You might gain some of these benefits in a warm bath as well.
Relaxing in a hot tub can raise your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
What to look for when buying a hot Tub
Important aspects like type of tub, size, accessories & safety issues.
Why do you want a hot tub? Is it because you have just had your first experience and now you are hooked? Assuming you have already read our other guide ‘Hot Tub Location & Installation’ you have now decided on the perfect location whether inside or out and now you have some questions, all of which could affect the final price.
Choosing a hot tub shouldn’t be difficult after all it’s just a spa bath right? Not exactly, and after reading this, you will realise it’s better to make your right choice first time, by understanding all the options available to you, as with every choice there is a noticeable price tag attached.
Most hot tubs come in a selection of sizes, and ours range from £3,500 to over £15,000 and can comfortably hold up to 8 people. Also the shapes can vary from circular, square and even triangular which are designed to fit in a corner. So you consider how many people will want to use the hot tub at any one time, and the space available e.g. a large open circular decking covered with a gazebo, would look brilliant with a sunken circular hot tub with coloured lights on a summer evening, and even more spectacular in the winter frosts and snow.
Did you want to keep the cleaning to a minimum, and keep the water warm? In which case you will need a lid, or a cover. Plus if you want it to be easy to take on or off, a simple hot tub ‘lid lifter’, is the perfect solution for you.
After lighting and covers, anything else may be considered as a convenience rather than necessary i.e. steps, spa pillows, sound system (dvd), additional jets, cleaning wand, scents, bar kit, gazebo. However, if you can cut down the size of the hot tub and not buy one with space you will rarely use, you will have saved some cash and can buy more ‘extras’.
Young children should never be left unsupervised in or near a hot tub for obvious reasons. Whilst this does a matter of common sense, accidents can happen to anyone at any age.
Also remember, hot water can make some people feel a little faint, so even adults need to be carefully watched if they feel affected by the heat.
If you are going to use your hot tub for garden parties, bbq’s etc where there is going to be food and drink on offer, it is advised that food should not be eaten in the hot tub, and drink in real glasses should NEVER be served. If a glass breaks in the hot tub, it is virtually impossible to find the shards of glass to remove. Apart from injuries to your friends, there is also the inconvenience of having to totally drain the hot tub to clear it and sanitise after injury. There are some very good quality plastic wine, beer and champagne glasses available.
In conclusion, what to look for when buying a hot tub depends on your budget, available space and which accessories your need.
Young children should never be left unsupervised in or near a hot tub for obvious reasons. Whilst this does a matter of common sense, accidents can happen to anyone at any age.
Also remember, hot water can make some people feel a little faint, so even adults need to be carefully watched if they feel affected by the heat.
If you are going to use your hot tub for garden parties, bbq’s etc where there is going to be food and drink on offer, it is advised that food should not be eaten in the hot tub, and drink in real glasses should NEVER be served. If a glass breaks in the hot tub, it is virtually impossible to find the shards of glass to remove. Apart from injuries to your friends, there is also the inconvenience of having to totally drain the hot tub to clear it and sanitise after injury. There are some very good quality plastic wine, beer and champagne glasses available.
In conclusion, what to look for when buying a hot tub depends on your budget, available space and which accessories your need.
Staffordshire Hot Tub Showroom
Yarlet Bank, Yarlet nr Stone ST18 9SD.
Staffordshire Hot Tub Showroom
at Yarlet Bank, Yarlet nr Stone, Staffordshire – ST18 9SD
