Spending prolonged moments in the bathtub is something many people embrace. The relaxation and calming effect after the pressure of life have won bathtubs a people’s favorite sweet spot. But are hot tubs good for you? This question may run through your mind after spending too much time on it. Luckily, the answer is yes; many health and relaxation hot tub benefits exist. In this article, we will look into some of the benefits of soaking in a hot tub.
Relieve Stress
One of the obvious benefits of a hot tub is the ability to ease tension in the body. If you have a busy lifestyle, it can be hard to find time to relax. Soaking in a hot tub for even a few minutes can help to reduce your stress levels and leave you feeling more relaxed.
Hot water has a soothing effect on the body and helps reduce muscle tension. A study of 30 elderly patients found that hot water foot baths reduced fatigue. Also, moving helps stimulate touch receptors in the skin, further contributing to relaxation. You can make the hot bath soaking more effective with low lighting, aromatherapy, and some soothing music.
Reduce Pain
Soaking in a hot tub helps reduce pain by relaxing the tendons, muscles, and joints. The heat of the water can also help to loosen tight muscles, leading to pain relief. Research shows that thermal therapy helps manage chronic pain.
If you suffer from muscle aches and pains, arthritis, or other chronic pain conditions, soaking in a hot tub can help to alleviate your symptoms. The water’s heat and buoyancy can help reduce inflammation and ease muscle tension. For more effectiveness, you can add Epsom salts, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve your cardiovascular health. Research shows that frequent hot water bathing improves cardiovascular functioning. The heat can help dilate blood vessels, improving circulation and blood flow. The increased circulation can also help increase heart rate and lower blood pressure.
The heat in the water stimulates the heat shock protein, stabilizing the proteins that regulate the cardiovascular system. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, soaking in a hot tub can help to improve your condition.
Burn Calories
Soaking in a hot tub can also help you to burn calories. As your body temperature rises, your metabolism will also increase. This means you will burn more calories even when you are not exercising. Soaking in a hot tub for 30 minutes can help you burn up to 200 calories.
If you are looking for a way to burn some extra calories, soaking in a hot tub can be a great option. Research on men showed they lost 140 calories in a hot bathtub, which is equivalent to the calories lost in a 30-minute walk.
Improve Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, soaking in a hot tub can help. Research shows that passive body heating treats insomnia in older adults. The water’s heat can help relax your muscles and ease tension. It can help you to fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly.
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to regulate your body temperature, which is vital for a good night’s sleep. Adding some lavender oil can also help to promote sleep through its calming effect.
Muscle Relaxation
Muscle relaxation is among the immediately felt benefits of a hot tub. Once you get into the hot bathing tub, you can feel the relaxation that increases as time goes by. The heat helps to loosen tight muscles and ease tension.
Research shows that hot water stimulates the heat shock proteins that help in skeletal muscle regeneration after regular exercises. You can have an intimate relaxation experience with bathtubs that accommodate more than one person, such as American whirlpool hot tubs.
Improve Skin
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve your skin health. The water’s heat can help open pores and remove impurities from the skin. Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve blood circulation and collagen production, which can help to keep the skin looking young and healthy.
Soaking in a hot tub can be a great option if you are looking for ways to improve your skin health. Always ensure your hot tub is clean so it doesn’t contaminate the water. For effective cleaning, use a spa surface cleaner.
Improve Mood
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve your mood. The heat of the water can help to increase endorphins, hormones that can improve mood and feelings of well-being. A 2008 study suggests bathing using hot water improves mood more than showering. The hot water bath affected tension, anger, depression, confusion, fatigue, and vigor, leading to improvement in overall mood.
Boost Insulin Sensitivity
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve insulin sensitivity. Research shows that exposure to regular thermal therapy in hot baths can improve impaired insulin sensitivity. Also, several studies have shown that heat therapy using bath tabs and saunas helps treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The studies recommend the water be at 40 degrees for 15 minutes for three months.
Relieve Cold and Flu symptoms
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to relieve cold and flu symptoms. The water’s heat can help open up the sinuses and ease congestion. Soaking in a hot tub can also help to reduce fever and muscle aches. The hot bath also enhances the functioning of immune cells, which would help heal colds or flu faster.
Get a Luxurious Hot Tub and Installation Services
Hot tubs benefit you beyond the feel-good experience. It can help heal some conditions while keeping you refreshed mentally and physically. We’re your ultimate solution if you want to install it in your home or you’ve got a new project. At Ajax Pool and Spa, we are the best bathtub dealers, offering exceptional installation services to ensure maximum relaxation. Contact us to learn more about our bathtubs and Jacuzzis.
You might be surprised to find out that it’s not that hard to get a hot tub installed. While you need to have a hot tub installed by a professional — it requires a foundation and electrical work — it’s likely that you have everything you structurally need to get started.
Let’s take a look at what’s required to install a hot tub, after you’ve found the hot tub of your dreams. While most of this will be handled by the hot tub company, it’s still good to keep it all in mind.
The right location
Make sure you have enough space to accommodate the hot tub, as well as any additional features or accessories. If the ground isn’t leveled, you will have to level that ground before you pour a foundation. People frequently place hot tubs on patios and in other established outdoor spaces.
A concrete pad
This will provide a level, stable surface for your hot tub. Once the concrete pad has cured, you can assemble the hot tub’s frame and foundation. The concrete pad will support the weight of the hot tub and provide a stable surface. Generally, it will be positioned over a concrete base after the area has been excavated.
Pour the concrete pad at least 3 to 4 inches thick. The pad should be level, so use a laser level to ensure it’s perfectly flat. If you don’t have a laser level, you can use a long level or a string line stretched across the pad’s surface.
If you live in an area with a high water table, consider pouring a thicker pad (6 to 8 inches) to prevent the tub from shifting as the ground beneath it settles.
An electrical hookup
Your hot tub will need to be connected to a 220-volt circuit by a licensed electrician. It’s not wise to attempt this yourself. Hot tubs heat and move a large volume of water; without a special hookup, they can’t generate the power necessary to function.
Today, some people are installing solar generators to keep their hot tubs warm, but this can be a costly solution — the solar generator has to come with a battery (not a lot of sun at night).
A regular garden hose
Spas are filled with a regular garden hose. When the water needs to be replaced, a portable pump may be used to change the water every four to six months.
Your next steps
Are you interested installing a hot tub? The first step is to find the right hot tub for you. There are a lot of hot tubs out there and they may have different installation needs, such as a larger concrete pad or lower-powered energy hookup.
And there’s a lot more to it than installation. You may find that you want a specific type of hot tub, such as one for large groups of people, or one that has massaging functions. You could want to treat your hot tub with salt or need a hot tub that’s particularly impervious to cold weather.
Installing a hot tub is work, but it’s also a great investment. A lot of people find that a hot tub is both relaxing and therapeutic and it improves their property values. Find out what it will take to install a hot tub in your house by contacting Ajax Pool & Spa today.
The importance of maintaining a hot tub in the summer cannot be understated. Without proper maintenance, the system will not have the lifespan it deserves. The same goes for the system’s level of energy efficiency. Weekly, daily, and sporadic maintenance are required as well. While everyone enjoys the relaxation and comfort that a hot tub has to offer, this peace of mind is destroyed when the hot tub is not running in the manner that’s expected.
Fortunately, an owner can avoid these types of problems if they are willing to keep up with their maintenance on a regular basis. With the necessary care, the system will always run in the manner that it needs to. Aspen homeowners would do well to read on and learn more about the following tips and tricks on how to care for a hot tub in the summer as well:
Tennis, Anyone?
Anyone who has ever seen tennis balls in and around a hot tub has probably wondered why they are there. As it turns out, they can play a key role in the long and short-term maintenance of the hot tub. Place some in the skimmer or the water itself for best results. The tennis balls soak up the lotions and oils that have made their way to the water’s surface. Even if the hot tub is getting heavier usage, the water will still remain fresh. Tennis balls should be a part of any regular maintenance routine.
Drain The Water Regularly
As a rule of thumb, the water in the hot tub needs to be drained on a consistent basis. The experts will recommend doing so every couple of months. At a bare minimum, the tub should be drained every four months. Once the water has been drained, it is time for the homeowner to thoroughly inspect their hot tub and clean it. In these instances, an all-purpose cleaner works best.
Maintaining The Chemical Balance
Once the cleaning and inspection have been taken care of, it is time to check the chemical balance. Test strips can be used to check the water’s level. In a best-case scenario, the alkaline and acid levels should be even. If they are not? This means that it is time to fix it. Add the necessary chemicals on a regular basis, so that these types of issues do not have the chance to fester. The level of frequency will depend on the frequency at which the hot tub is being used.
Quality Water Circulation
In some instances, the Aspen homeowner may own a model that circulates the water for them. If not, this is a task that will need to take place on a consistent basis. If the water does not get a chance to pass through the hot tub’s cartridge filters, this can spell problems down the road. A model that does not automatically circulate the water will need to be turned on for about 15 to 20 minutes per day to ensure that the water is given the chance to pass through the filters. Some hot tub owners may even decide that the process needs to take place twice a day.
Proactive Inspections
When it comes time to inspect a hot tub, no sane homeowner should be waiting until a problem has a chance to take place. It is always better to be proactive instead of reactive in these instances. When cracks, leaks, and various damages occur, it can be hard to spot them before it is too late. By catching these problems early, they can be addressed and fixed in a timely manner.
The filters in the hot tub also need to be examined consistently. When the filters are allowed to get dirty, the hot tub is never going to function as efficiently as it should. Any hot tub owner that sits back and waits for problems to pop up is going to spend far more to fix them on the back end.
When maintenance services are required, it is time to contact the professionals. Ajax Pool and Spa is here to help all of our clients with their hot tub-related needs, including access to the necessary chemicals and supplies. That’s why any Aspen homeowner who is looking to address these types of potential problems is urged to contact Ajax Pool and Spa as soon as possible.
Knowing how to drain a hot tub fast is not nearly as important as knowing how to drain a hot tub properly. While draining the water is important for keeping the water clean, it is also crucial when it comes to preventing damages. By taking the time to drain the water and change it, an Aspen homeowner can avoid a number of long-term issues.
Corrosion is common when hot tubs are not drained on a consistent basis. The balance will be lost and no one wants to soak in dirty water that has not been taken care of properly. To learn about how to drain a hot tub, be sure to check out the following tips and pointers:
When To Drain Your Hot Tub
A hot tub has amazing self-cleaning properties but that does not mean that the owner will not need to change the water from time to time. The frequency at which the tub should be drained depends on the type of system that is being used. Traditional systems that rely on bromine or chlorine will need to have their water changed every three to four months.
Meanwhile, those who have a saltwater system can get away with less frequent hot tub draining. These systems can be drained on a yearly basis. To remain free of contamination, the Aspen homeowner must remain cognizant of the requirements for their specific system.
Draining Your Hot Tub
The process is simple, especially for those who have thought to place their hot tub adjacent to the drain where it was installed. Once the homeowner has decided to get started, there are a few steps that need to be taken, as it is time to gather the necessary equipment. A submersible pump is the best bet for any tub owner that does not want to go through the hassle of finding a garden hose long enough to reach the hot tub from the drain.
A spa shell cleaner and some clean rags are also required. It will take roughly an hour to drain the hot tub if the owner is using a drainage spigot. Those who want to drain a hot tub fast will want to obtain a submersible pump, which allows the tub to drain within ten minutes.
Does The Water Absolutely Have To Be Drained?
In a word, yes. Summer maintenance is absolutely essential to the long-term sustainability of the tub. Experts will recommend that the spa water be changed every three to four months. As chemicals are added to the water, they are going to start to dissolve more and more slowly. When this happens, the water becomes overly saturated, and the hot tub is not nearly as clean as it once was.
The chemistry of the water becomes imbalanced, and the hot tub can even begin to develop a scent. Since the hot tub is smaller than a pool, the more deodorant, lotion, sweat, and oil that gets left behind. None of this is going to be diluted very well, which causes the water to become cloudy and foamy. Added solids are also left behind as the water continues to evaporate, causing more long-term issues.
If the water is not drained during the summer months on a regular basis, the hot tub is not going to be clean or safe. Aspen homeowners must take the time to remove old and dirty water before it has the chance to start corroding the tub itself.
When Is It Time For a Change?
The water needs to be tested on a regular basis so that the proper balance can be maintained. Once the water has become consistently gritty or funky, this is a sure sign that it is time for a change. The frequency at which the spa is used also plays a key role. Divide the total number of gallons in the tub by three. From there, divide this number by the number of daily users. The answer to this formula tells homeowners how often to change the water, taking all of the guesswork out of the equation.
Aspen homeowners who have any further questions about the cleanliness of their hot tub and how regular draining can enhance their enjoyment are more than welcome to contact the good folks at Ajax Pool and Spa. These trained professionals are always on hand, ready to answer any questions or address any concerns that a tub owner may have!
It’s important to know how to balance the water in your hot tub. Learning how to lower alkalinity in a hot tub is easier than you might think. Once you learn how to achieve the desired level, it’s also easier to maintain it.
Alkalinity is the measurement of the water in your hot tub to determine how it is able to neutralize acids. A proper pH balance is critical so that you have the comfortable soaking environment that you have come to expect.
The alkalinity is sometimes referred to as the “buffer.” The reason for this is to ensure that your water is capable of resisting drastic changes in pH levels.
Test strips can be used to tell you what the alkalinity of the water is. Your goal should be to maintain it between 80-120 ppm.
Why is Lower Alkalinity Important?
If you have high alkalinity, you’ll notice problems with the cleanliness of your tub and the water itself. You might see scale forming along the sides, calcium buildup around the jets, and even cloudiness within the water.
In some instances, there may be so much calcium that you see yellowish flakes swimming around in the hot tub water.
A deep cleanse can help you to reverse any damage. However, if you’re not careful about pH levels, you can create a significant amount of damage that will affect overall functionality.
It’s important to note that you don’t want to lower your alkalinity too much, either. If it’s too low, the sanitizing solution you add to the water won’t be effective. The water may look a little green and it can even result in mold or mildew growth.
What Causes High Alkalinity?
Now that you know why high alkalinity is bad, you need to know what causes the PPM to go higher than desired.
Lotion, sweat, and other products you put on your body get dissolved into the water
Your water source may have a high alkaline rating
If you find that your alkalinity is constantly running on the higher side, it may also be a good idea to have a technician come out. We can run some diagnostic tests and help you with your weekly alkaline testing.
Tips on How to Lower Alkalinity in a Hot Tub
There are plenty of ways to test the alkalinity so that you know if it has to be lowered.
First, plan on testing the water in your hot tub when the water is hot. Test it one to two times a week based on usage. It doesn’t take long for the alkalinity of the water to change.
If you’re above 120 ppm, you’ll want to work on getting the alkalinity lowered. Otherwise, your pH levels could quickly become unstable.
Here are a few things that you can do to lower alkalinity:
Add sodium bisulfate to the water
Add muriatic acid to the water
Schedule a service appointment
The trick is to test, test, test. Additionally, you’ll want to know the basic details of your hot tub (total gallons, etc.) so that you can make the necessary calculations. You cannot simply drop in a pinch of sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid and hope that you’ve lowered the alkalinity sufficiently. Careful measurement will make all the difference – and deliver the best possible results.
Get Help with pH Levels and More
When you are struggling to maintain the desired pH levels or feel overwhelmed by the various chemicals that can go into your hot tub, call us. At Ajax Pool & Spa, we have technicians who can provide maintenance and offer guidance. Once we get your alkalinity lowered, you can enjoy your hot tub more.
There’s no reason to fight with your hot tub. We’ll set you up on a schedule so that we can come out to work with you on not only chemical levels but also overall hot tub maintenance.
