THE KEY ASPECTS

Buying a hot tub is a major investment, a decision that will last for decades and may even involve a minor home redesign. Do your research carefully and, if possible, try out the brand you choose. If you don't have the opportunity to try a hot tub with water, you can sit in the seats when it's dry. Without the buoyancy of the water, you can judge the ergonomics of the model much better.

The hot tub is powered by electricity, the smaller ones require one phase, the larger ones three phase systems. It is advisable to design the spa environment in such a way that the water tap for refilling is within easy reach. You can set up your hot tub in the garden, on the terrace, on the roof terrace or in an unused room where you can create your own personal wellness centre.

If you are installing the hot tub in your garden, it is important to know that you will need a solid base that is appropriate to the dimensions of your new spa. The electricity will also have to be brought here, via a cable of the right thickness and directly from the electricity meter. Don't forget the easy accessibility of the pool, and you may also need to provide shading in the future.

A GOOD DEALER IS THE ALPHA AND OMEGA OF BUYING A HOT TUB

A professionally recognised, trusted dealer who only offers high quality products from the right manufacturer - without them, the whole purchase, delivery and installation process can be a nasty surprise. Anyone who does not win our full trust, does not answer our questions entirely, does not explain the energy consumption of the hot tub, the guarantees, the importance of watercare, should be forgotten. But if we have found the right one, he will have a well-built hot tub made of quality materials and components that will serve us for many years.

The length of time spent on the market can tell you a lot about the reliability of the seller, and the reputation of the company and the brands it sells is also important, which can be supported by references on the internet. It's best to trust the opinions of others! As we expect long-term, trouble-free operation, it is important to know who and where will provide the warranty service, if needed.

The design of the seating surfaces and the comfort of getting in and out of the hot tub are crucial. Think about how many people will use the spa at a time and choose the size and number of seats accordingly. A basic question may be whether your hot tub should have a lounge seat as well?

THE JET SYSTEM IS THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE SPA

The main reason for buying a spa is the hydromassage experience, so one of the most important aspects is a well-designed jet system, not the number of jets. In many cases, we find that the number of jets is a simple marketing ploy and does not carry any real value. Proper placement of nozzles is more important than having too many! If too many jets are used, the intensity of the water will be dispersed and the massage experience may actually be reduced rather than improved.

Make sure that the massage system has been designed with ergonomics in mind and, if possible, check the structured and "targeted" positioning of the nozzles. Choose a hot tub where the water pressure can be precisely regulated and the different jets can be individually adjusted, as this is a basic requirement nowadays! The different designs of massage jets allow the water to flow in different ways, each with a different sensation and physiological effect. It is advisable to take a closer look at them to make the right choice!

VISIT THE SHOWROOM

Be sure to choose between the different types and models in person. Much better if you start exploring with a swimsuit and test the model you've chosen.

See what features it has to offer, which one you can comfortably lie in, check that the waterline height is optimal for you. Hot tubs can be very different, and the only way to make the right decision is to really experience the power of the water, see the lights, hear the music, try out the controls and compare different models with different features.

In addition to aesthetics and design, let's look at practicality! Thinking about your own needs can make it much easier to make the right decision. Find the ideal size and features for you.

MOOD ELEMENTS, LIGHTING, STRESS RELIEF

The lighting system of the hot tub is not just a mood-booster, it is as important component of relaxation as the hot water. Colour and light therapy is more than just a visual experience, it is an important function in relaxation and stress relief. If you want to take your wellness experience to the top, don't leave out these extremely useful and enjoyable therapeutic tools, which can be an effective complement to massage.

Match the look of the hot tub to the future environment of the spa! Don't be put off by composite surfaces because they are easier to keep clean! In recent years, manufacturers have switched almost entirely to synthetic materials, as they are less likely to wear out over time.

From a hygiene point of view, it is essential that the filtration system is effective so that it is able to keep the water crystal clear for a long time. This is easy now, as the major manufacturers use the most technologically advanced and continuously improved filtration and watercare systems.

Watkins' patented innovations include a salt system, AG+ silver ion cartridge and 100% filtration system, which ensure a high level of hygiene so that even small children can use the hot tub problem-free and safely.

The spa water needs to be kept warm at all times, so good insulation is very important. In our experience, hot tubs with full foam insulation or FiberCore insulation, for example, are the most energy-efficient and provide the best water temperature. Some models also use waste heat from the spa motors, so the water temperature is always kept at a comfortable temperature.

The hot tub’s cover plays an essential role in maintaining the temperature and clarity of the water. As most heat is lost through evaporation, without a cover the water loses heat easily. Even a well-insulated hot tub can cool down by 1-2 degrees in winter in a few hours if the cover is open. For the best thermal insulation, choose a spa with a very tightly closed top. The manufacturer will always provide the spa with a thermo cover in the same colour as the cabinet, coated with artificial leather, which is also weatherproof. To save energy, always close the thermo cover when the spa is not in use.

As our bodies are partially floating in water, the pressure on our joints can be greatly reduced by immersing ourselves in the water. The warm water stimulates blood circulation, relaxes muscles and makes it lighter to move your limbs.

By doing light stretching exercises in our hot tub 2-3 times a week, we can increase the flexibility and range of motion of our muscles and joints and prevent joint injuries. For those who otherwise have mobility problems, the warm water can give them a renewed sense of ease in their joints. In addition, the massage function of the water jets in the spa relieves muscle tension and discomfort.

Not only does hot tubbing have a positive effect on our physical wellbeing, it also has a positive psychological effect. Several studies have shown that patients undergoing hydrotherapy experience positive psychological changes during the treatment. Nervousness and depression are reduced and the overall mood of patients improves. In addition, combined with aromatherapy and mineral salts, the pampering sensation of a hot tub can be further enhanced.

THE EFFECT OF THE HOT TUB ON OUR HEALTH

Anyone who has used a hot tub knows how refreshing it can be, but few people think about the other benefits. Research shows that 80% of the root cause of all diseases is related to stress. Warm water therapy is an effective way to fight stress, relieve joint pain, tone muscles and improve circulation. Many doctors recommend warm water exercise as a complementary treatment for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic back pain.

HOW TO RELIEVE PAIN

The best way to reduce minor, everyday aches and pains is to use water at 34-36°C, close to body temperature. If the water temperature in the spa is higher than this, between 38 and 40°C, it can relax muscle tension and relieve stress-related pains such as backache. It is not recommended to heat the hot tub water to more than 40°C, as it raises body temperature very quickly and can induce an artificial fever.

After 5 minutes - blood pressure decreases. The warm water stimulates blood circulation, and the use of a hot tub has a similar effect on the cardiovascular system as cardio exercises, but without any effort.

After 8 minutes, blood circulation in the hands and feet improves, making the limbs feel warmer. It's a really nice feeling on a cold winter's day.

After 12 minutes, our muscles relax, the tissues become more flexible, making them more receptive to stretching and the detoxification process begins.

After 15 minutes, the level of minor aches and pains can be significantly reduced.

COSTS OF UPKEEP

A hot tub for 3-6 people with proper insulation will add between 5-15 thousand HUF to your electricity bill at the end of the month.

Please note: the electricity consumption of a poorly insulated hot tub can be much higher, so if possible, choose a hot tub fully insulated with durable quality insulating foam!

Clean the filter once a week! If you use a silver ion cartridge, you should change it every 4 months. Similarly, change the total amount of water in the spa every 4 months. Always fill the hot tub with clean, filtered, softened water. Once a year, it is advisable to check the pool's mechanical equipment and the operation of the controls and control panels.

It is advisable to change the water every 4 months, but not because it will be too dirty. A good quality hot tub filter system can keep the water clean for much longer than that. After 4 months, the water will be worn out, saturated with disinfectants and detergents, and depleted of minerals. At this point it is advisable to refresh.

The constant water temperature of around 37 degrees and the clear water allow you to use the hot tub whenever you feel like it. It is advisable to choose a hot tub that can provide a proper water temperature in an economical way.

According to spa users, winter is the best season. There is nothing more pleasant than sitting in our hot tub in winter, even at -20 degrees. Besides, a good quality and insulated hot tub is much more economical to run in winter than to drain and refill. If you are not going to use the spa for a long period of time in winter, lower the temperature and keep the insulated spa cover closed (this can only be done if the spa is properly insulated).

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATERCARE

One of the most important goals when using a hot tub is to keep the water crystal clear. Whether you've just bought a new hot tub or have owned one for years, you'll be happy to use it if the water is so clean that you're even willing to take a sip.

For half a century, the hot tub industry has been dealing with the tasks of watercare to make bathing not only enjoyable, but also perfectly hygienic and healthy. Water purity can be ensured by a wide range of disinfectants: chlorine, bromine, active oxygen, ozone, UV lamps, built-in salt systems.

Probably one of the most sophisticated watercare systems in use in the world today is the Freshwater salt system. It is based on a simple and affordable interchangeable salt-degrading cartridge to produce natural chlorine from the decomposition of salt water and thus disinfect the water. Another great form of watercare is based on a revolutionary invention, the physical dissolution of biofilm. Developed by Dutch researcher Jan de Rijk, the AquaFinesse system uses a natural salt concentrate to break down the natural protective layer of bacteria, making them more vulnerable and unable to grow and multiply. The result is crystal clear water with far less chlorine, so there is no dry skin and no chlorine smell after use. Both methods are the achievements of the last decade.

The commonly known classic chlorine pH control watercare program is now very rarely used, and nowadays AquaFinesse is one of the most common watercare programs. (Conventionally, a lot of bacteria are produced in the used water every day. The result is a noticeably sticky, slimy layer of biofilm on wet surfaces such as walls, pipes, covers and nozzles.)

Most hot tub owners get used to the unpleasant and negative effects of traditional watercare products. However, many people are more sensitive to these substances, with symptoms such as red eyes, irritated skin and discolouration of swimwear. The extra time spent with conventional products and procedures can be more than a full week in a year, so spa owners can save themselves a lot of time with Aquafinesse! It's easy to use, because it only takes five minutes a week to dose AquaFinesse.

Each package of AquaFinesse will last for about 3-6 months, depending on the amount of water you use it for. The chart included with the product shows how long you can treat your water with one box of AquaFinesse.

Yes, AquaFinesse is environmentally friendly, so it does not harm garden plants. If chlorine has been added to the water earlier, you should wait until it evaporates.

COVER LIFTER

A simple solution for moving, opening and closing the spa cover is the cover lifter. There are several types of cover lifters. Choose the one that is the most practical and comfortable for you to use, and which also adapts to the surroundings of the hot tub. Consider the clear space available around the pool.

STEPS

The two-level step makes getting in and out easy and safe. There is a choice of wooden steps, matching the colour of the side panels, or even a durable, anti-slip plastic step in the same colour as the hot tub.

HANDRAIL

Especially for seniors, the hot tub handrail is recommended to help you get in and out of the hot tub. This accessory provides a firm grip, reducing the risk of slipping.

UMBRELLA

The umbrella, which can be used specifically for the hot tub, protects you from the direct sun, making your hot tub more comfortable in the summer heat. The base can be easily moved under the pool.