HOT TUBS
YOUR HOT TUB QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q. Are hot tubs safe during pregnancy? A. It is wise to ask your doctor first as all pregnancies and conditions will be different. Generally, it’s the temperature of the water in the tub which is important and during pregnancy you do need to be careful! All hot tubs allow you to adjust the temperature, so if you set it between 36°C and 37°C you’ve just made it into a big bath tub instead of a “hot tub”. It can start to be dangerous if your body temperature goes above 37°C.
Q. What are the genuine health benefits of hot tubs? A. People have always enjoyed the relaxation and pain relief offered by natural hot springs. The soothing hydrotherapy provided by a hot tub is a proven relief for stress. Stress is a major problem for our health and general well being. Relief from tension and aching muscles promotes better sleep and relaxation. Submersion in hot water releases natural endorphins to help fight muscle pain and joint pain while at the same time increasing blood flow and relieving the stress on aching muscles and joints. When the body is in warm water blood vessels near the skin relax allowing more blood to flow. The benefits of submersion in warm water continue for some time afterwards. Studies show that soaking for 30 minutes per day benefits certain types of diabetes and reduces the amount of insulin required. Hot tubs can also benefit people suffering from arthritis by helping to improve flexibility and easing pain.
Q. How hard is it to maintain a hot tub? How much time do I have to spend taking care of it? A. Once your hot tub is properly installed, you can care for it in 20 minutes each week. Maintenance really consists of checking the water chemistry with simple test strips, and adding required water treatment products once or twice every week. After that it’s a question of half an hour a month to clean the filter, and two hours every three months to empty and refill the pool.
Q. How much will my hot tub cost to run? A. The information available from hot tub manufacturers regarding the electrical consumption is improving so we are getting a clearer picture on costs. The first thing to say is the cost will depend on such variables as the average temperature outside, the water temperature inside, the size of your hot tub, the frequency of use and the overall duration of use. BISHTA have estimated that the costs of running a hot tub are an
62 WHAT POOL & HOT TUB
Our experts help with answers to some of the most popular concerns about owning a hot tub or spa
average of £1 – £1.50 a day. Based on current UK electricity prices one recent respected study calculated a typical cost of £259.74 per year or £4.99 per week or 71 pence per day for an average size residential hot tub subject to normal use. These figures assume electricity prices based on the combined average prices of half a dozen major UK electricity suppliers at the Standard Rate tariff payable last year. The cost of the chemicals is normally less than half of the cost of the electricity.
Q. What is the difference between a hot tub and a spa? A. Originally hot tubs were made from wood and spas were not. Nowadays the differences have become blurred and generally speaking you can use either description. Hot tubs and spas are both designed to provide relaxing hydrotherapy in exactly the same way and both include a heater, pumps, therapeutic jets and water filters. The only name outside this rule is Jacuzzi which is often used as a generic name but is a registered trade mark of Jacuzzi Ltd.
Q. What about the warranty. What should I be looking for? A. The warranties from hot tub manufacturers are excellent and reflect the quality of the products and the confidence the makers have in them. Typically you should be looking for up to 10 years manufacturer’s warranties on the shell for integrity and up to two years manufacturer’s warranties on the pumps and control panels. In recent years there’s growing evidence that the top branded hot tubs have very few warranty claims as the components are of the highest quality.
Q. Do more jets mean better hot tubs? A. Many people make the mistake or have been mislead by thinking that more jets = better hot tub. Generally speaking the greater the number of jets, the more invigorating the massage can be, however the jets fitted need the water flow to power them and this is a careful balance. Jets must be well positioned to ensure a good massage and when you buy a hot tubs you can have them positioned and adjusted for your personal needs!
To assist customers make informed choices about buying a spa or hot tub, BISHTA and its members have created some Consumer Advice that is available on its website (
www.bishta.co.uk)
WWW.WHATPOOLANDHOTTUBMAG.CO.UK
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