This blog originally appeared on hotspring.com. It has been edited for clarity and length.

What Is The Ideal Hot Tub Temperature?

When you choose a Hot Spring spa, you’re not just buying a hot tub – you’re making a long-term investment in health, vitality, and well-being. Like any fitness equipment, a hot tub provides maximum benefit with regular use. It can become an essential part of a daily routine when it’s always ready and set to the perfect temperature.

Determining the ideal temperature is key to getting the most out of a hot tub experience, but there are several variables to consider.

What Temperature Should A Hot Tub Be?

While the ideal hot tub temperature varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, health, and personal preference, there are recommended guidelines to keep in mind.

Set Temperature At Or Below 104° F Degrees For Adults.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that temperatures above 104°F are dangerous for adults because they can lead to heatstroke. For a comfortable soak, most people set their hot tub between 100°F and 102°F. Healthy adults are safe to soak at these moderate temperatures for 20 minutes at a time.

Start Low, Then Gradually Raise The Spa Temperature.

Set the spa controls to 98°F or 99°F, and as you soak, increase the temperature gradually until you can enjoy an invigorating massage without feeling overheated. If you have the urge to get out or sit on the cooling step after a couple of minutes, that’s a sign that the water temperature is too high for comfort.

Consider The Preferences Of Everyone In The Tub.

When soaking with friends or family members, consider the age and health of everyone in the tub, and set a temperature appropriate for everyone in the group.

How Long Will It Take For My Spa To Warm Up When I'm Ready To Use It?

After filling the spa for the first time, allow 18 to 24 hours for the water to reach a temperature of 100°F. After an initial setup is complete and you’re enjoying daily hot tub use, you’ll want to make sure the hot tub is always ready to deliver the ultimate in hydrotherapy. To do so, simply set the spa to your ideal temperature, then close it up and leave the thermostat set at that level. Hot Spring spas feature insulated cabinets, custom-fitted covers, and energy-efficient circulation pumps that work together to maintain a steady temperature while conserving energy.

How Much Will My Utility Bill Increase?

Utility costs vary depending on model and usage, but you can be confident a Hot Spring spa is built to be energy efficient. All models are certified to the California Energy Commission (CEC) requirements. California sets the standard for energy-efficient hot tubs, so you can have peace of mind knowing that it’s designed to keep operating costs low no matter where you live.

When Should I Change My Normal Temperature Setting?

While a “set it and forget it” approach is recommended for convenience, energy efficiency, and the longevity of the spa, here are some times when you should consider dropping the water temperature by a few degrees:

• When you’re exercising in your hot tub, such as doing stretches or yoga.
• When the outdoor temperature is high, or if you’re overheated from exercise or illness.
• If there will be others in the tub who require a lower temperature.

What Temperature Is Best For Hydrotherapy For Arthritis Relief?

A hot tub soak is good for you! The heat improves blood flow, can help improve joint flexibility, and can provide relief from arthritis pain. There are even recommended hot tub stretches and water exercises for arthritis relief. You can experience these benefits at relatively low temperatures – so set the spa at around 100°F to start, and raise it to suit your comfort level.

The post What Is The Ideal Hot Tub Temperature? appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.

If you’re considering buying a hot tub, you already know about the great benefits of regular use. But, spas come in hundreds of types, shapes, and sizes. So, how can you be sure you’re making the best spa-buying decision? 

It doesn’t have to be a tough process. We share five great questions to ask before you buy a hot tub.

1. How Easy Is It To Take Care Of A Spa?

Luckily, most people report their hot tubs are easy to maintain. The manufacturer’s manual explains the particulars but hot tubs typically require filter cleaning, sanitizing, and draining every few months.

Another related question to ask the dealer is, can they perform regular maintenance services for you? How much do they charge for these services? A good dealer will share the upkeep costs for a hot tub.

2. How Energy Efficient Is A Spa — Can You Get Estimated Monthly Costs?

The type of hot tub you buy directly reflects the cost. If you want to be energy-efficient and keep costs down, be aware that higher speeds, more jets, and bigger pumps will cost more and use more energy. 

However, insulation and hot tub covers can help reduce energy use. For your convenience, manufacturers have energy tables available to estimate monthly costs. Make sure you have the current rate of power in your area to calculate how much it could cost to run the unit.

3. Do You Have To Use Harsh Chemicals To Keep Your Spa Water Clean?

The required chemicals aren’t any more harmful than those used for a pool. They help the water maintain the right pH level and keep grimy buildup from destroying the spa’s components. The right sanitizing system prevents bacteria and mold from growing in your hot tub.

4. What Kind Of Backyard Preparation Do I Have To Do?

The great thing about hot tubs is their easy installation with not much to be done for preparation. Find a level area to place the hot tub with access to an outlet and a hose. Be sure the chosen location is strong enough to support a hot tub full of water and people. And, be aware of overhead trees and power lines, and compliance with local codes.

5. What Type Of “After The Sale” Service Does The Company Provide?

Find out what kind of support you can expect from the hot tub dealer and the specific manufacturer. Keep in mind:

• Warranties: Does the manufacturer have one? Does the dealer? What do they entail?
• Service hours: Do they offer 24/7 service?
• Maintenance services: What type of services do they offer? Do they offer both cleaning and repair?
• Stock & supplies: Can you get parts and supplies in a reasonable time frame?

There can be a lot of things to think about when purchasing a hot tub, but ask these five questions first and you will have a better chance of buying the right hot tub from the right dealer. The right choice will give you peace of mind while saving you time and money.

The post 5 Questions To Ask Before Buying A Hot Tub appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.

This originally appeared on hotspring.com and has been edited for clarity.

Improving wellness doesn’t have to involve tedious treadmills, endless salads, and hours of meditation. Sometimes the best thing to do for yourself is nothing. When you unplug, unwind, and simply relax, you can free yourself from distraction, reduce anxiety, and calm the mind. After all, the mental aspect of wellness is every bit as important as the physical.

This is why owning a hot tub can provide such a big boost to your overall personal wellness. You can take time every morning or evening to relax and recharge your mind while relieving physical tension throughout the body. But there are other benefits to hot tub health. Whether you want to relieve stress or soothe aching joints, here are four tips for using a hot tub to improve your wellness.

1. Use Your Hot Tub Regularly

The secret to improving overall well-being is to make health a habit. Start by making a hot tub soak part of your daily routine. By doing so, you’ll reap the therapeutic benefits of warm water immersion daily. Not only will this help you relax, but the heat and buoyancy of spa water combined with a jet massage can provide several physical advantages:

• Heat: Warm water dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow and allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach muscles quickly. This replenishment is especially crucial after a hard workout.
• Buoyancy: Floating in the warm water takes the weight off tired muscles and joints, allowing you to experience relief from the normal force of gravity.
• Massage: The water pressure of a jet massage kneads major muscle groups, helping to reduce swelling and compress muscles to relieve fatigue.

2. Put The Phone Away

There’s no question that technology makes our lives easier. But that doesn’t mean our devices are always helping our well-being. While a smartphone provides an important connection to work, family, and friends, it also demands attention. With that comes obligations, distractions, and often, stress. When overused, technology can be associated with health problems.

To prevent a smartphone from getting in the way of good health, leave it in the house when soaking. If you can’t help but have it nearby, turn it on “Do Not Disturb” and use it only for streaming music through a Bluetooth® audio system. The separation from texts, calls, and social media allows focus on relaxation as the hot water soothes your body and mind, and the massage jets work to release tension. A little time away from the phone and other devices can have a positive effect on your outlook and improve wellness.

3. Listen To The Water

Living in the city brings advantages — but it can make a lot of noise. Heavy traffic, sirens, jets flying overhead, and people walking down the street all add to the din of the urban environment. Unwelcome noise can add to feelings of anxiety, especially when all you want is a little peace and quiet. This is why urban dwellers often turn to hot tubs for some precious moments of tranquility.

When you turn on the massaging jets to help reduce pain and work out the tension in different body areas, you activate an effective white noise generator. The soft bubbling of the water can cancel out irritating city noises that could otherwise disrupt the quiet time.

What’s more, many hot tub manufacturers offer a variety of entertainment system options. Hot Spring® Spas feature optional accessories like a wireless Bluetooth® audio system and a 22″ HD monitor. With these innovations, you can listen to podcasts and playlists in your spa or catch up on a TV series.

4. Soak Before Sleeping

No list of wellness tips would be complete without talking about sleep. Research has shown a good night’s sleep is critical for mental and physical health. But not everyone sleeps well. Seventy percent of adults in the United States report not getting the rest they need. If you’re kept awake by worries, aches, or pains, a hot tub can offer a way to better sleep.

A short soak about an hour before bed helps relax your body and prepare your mind for a satisfying sleep. As you soak in the warm water, your body temperature rises. Once out of the spa, your body temperature drops, signaling to the brain that it’s time for sleep. The break from cell phones and other distractions also helps quiet your mind to fall asleep faster.

Visit Hot Spring Spas of Iowa & the Twin Cities Today!

No matter your specific aim, a hot tub can be a great addition to any personal wellness plan. To experience the tremendous benefits yourself, stop by Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities for a wet test. As you feel the effects of the warm water firsthand, imagine the impact you could make on your daily wellness by adding a hot tub to your home.

The post Personal Wellness Tips: Home Hot Tub Edition appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.

This originally appeared on hotspring.com and has been edited for clarity.

Improving wellness doesn’t have to involve tedious treadmills, endless salads, and hours of meditation. Sometimes the best thing to do for yourself is nothing. When you unplug, unwind, and simply relax, you can free yourself from distraction, reduce anxiety, and calm the mind. After all, the mental aspect of wellness is every bit as important as the physical.

This is why owning a hot tub can provide such a big boost to your overall personal wellness. You can take time every morning or evening to relax and recharge your mind while relieving physical tension throughout the body. But there are other benefits to hot tub health. Whether you want to relieve stress or soothe aching joints, here are four tips for using a hot tub to improve your wellness.

1. Use Your Hot Tub Regularly

The secret to improving overall well-being is to make health a habit. Start by making a hot tub soak part of your daily routine. By doing so, you’ll reap the therapeutic benefits of warm water immersion daily. Not only will this help you relax, but the heat and buoyancy of spa water combined with a jet massage can provide several physical advantages:

• Heat: Warm water dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow and allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach muscles quickly. This replenishment is especially crucial after a hard workout.
• Buoyancy: Floating in the warm water takes the weight off tired muscles and joints, allowing you to experience relief from the normal force of gravity.
• Massage: The water pressure of a jet massage kneads major muscle groups, helping to reduce swelling and compress muscles to relieve fatigue.

2. Put The Phone Away

There’s no question that technology makes our lives easier. But that doesn’t mean our devices are always helping our well-being. While a smartphone provides an important connection to work, family, and friends, it also demands attention. With that comes obligations, distractions, and often, stress. When overused, technology can be associated with health problems.

To prevent a smartphone from getting in the way of good health, leave it in the house when soaking. If you can’t help but have it nearby, turn it on “Do Not Disturb” and use it only for streaming music through a Bluetooth® audio system. The separation from texts, calls, and social media allows focus on relaxation as the hot water soothes your body and mind, and the massage jets work to release tension. A little time away from the phone and other devices can have a positive effect on your outlook and improve wellness.

3. Listen To The Water

Living in the city brings advantages — but it can make a lot of noise. Heavy traffic, sirens, jets flying overhead, and people walking down the street all add to the din of the urban environment. Unwelcome noise can add to feelings of anxiety, especially when all you want is a little peace and quiet. This is why urban dwellers often turn to hot tubs for some precious moments of tranquility.

When you turn on the massaging jets to help reduce pain and work out the tension in different body areas, you activate an effective white noise generator. The soft bubbling of the water can cancel out irritating city noises that could otherwise disrupt the quiet time.

What’s more, many hot tub manufacturers offer a variety of entertainment system options. Hot Spring® Spas feature optional accessories like a wireless Bluetooth® audio system and a 22″ HD monitor. With these innovations, you can listen to podcasts and playlists in your spa or catch up on a TV series.

4. Soak Before Sleeping

No list of wellness tips would be complete without talking about sleep. Research has shown a good night’s sleep is critical for mental and physical health. But not everyone sleeps well. Seventy percent of adults in the United States report not getting the rest they need. If you’re kept awake by worries, aches, or pains, a hot tub can offer a way to better sleep.

A short soak about an hour before bed helps relax your body and prepare your mind for a satisfying sleep. As you soak in the warm water, your body temperature rises. Once out of the spa, your body temperature drops, signaling to the brain that it’s time for sleep. The break from cell phones and other distractions also helps quiet your mind to fall asleep faster.

Visit Hot Spring Spas of Iowa & the Twin Cities Today!

No matter your specific aim, a hot tub can be a great addition to any personal wellness plan. To experience the tremendous benefits yourself, stop by Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities for a wet test. As you feel the effects of the warm water firsthand, imagine the impact you could make on your daily wellness by adding a hot tub to your home.

The post Personal Wellness Tips: Home Hot Tub Edition appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.

5 Reasons To Love A Small Hot Tub

This originally appeared on hotspring.com and has been edited for clarity.

Imagine starting your day with a rejuvenating soak in a Hot Spring® spa. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or a starry evening, our small hot tubs fit perfectly into your lifestyle and space. Here are five reasons why a 2-person or 3-person small hot tub might be the perfect fit.

1. A 2-Person Or 3-Person Hot Tub Is Ideal For Small Spaces

You don’t need a large home or yard to enjoy the benefits of hot tubbing. A 3-person hot tub like the Jetsetter®, Jetsetter® LX, or SX can easily fit on a small patio or deck. Or, consider the triangular TX, a 2-person hot tub with a unique shape that fits into spaces other spas don’t.

Whether you’re starting out, downsizing to a smaller home, or comfortable in your space, a 2-person or 3-person hot tub helps create a backyard retreat. Immerse yourself in warm water, massage to revitalize, slow down to recover, or connect with a loved one to feel closer.

2. A Small Hot Tub Encourages Distraction-Free Connection & Intimate Chats

A 2-person hot tub outside a bedroom or den can create a warm space for couples to connect and recharge whenever they find a minute together. If you’re looking for more quality time with someone you care about, enjoy a perfect private spa experience that is distraction-free, regardless of space limitations.

3. A 2-Person Or 3-Person Hot Tub Is Perfect For Empty Nesters

When children grow and move away, the experience can be bittersweet. Though the house may feel empty, it allows you to discover new interests and revise your daily routine. Downsizing parents have a chance to slow down and find new ways to connect. A small hot tub is the perfect way to enjoy the newfound freedom of an empty nest.

4. Small Hot Tubs Help Active People Keep Moving

If you’re going to stay fit, healthy, and active, taking care of your body is important. The massaging jets of a Hot Spring spa, used before or after exercise, can help muscles relax and encourage blood flow, which can help reduce pain.

A soak after a workout can enhance the stress-relieving benefits of exercise, and help to keep performing at your very best, even when space is limited.

5. A Small Spa Gives You Access to an Instant Retreat

Successful people know it’s crucial to schedule time for reflection and recovery. Whether you need to recover from the stress of a busy day or want a few minutes to ease stiffness and relieve aches and pains, a small hot tub provides the perfect warm water retreat. A regular soak each morning or evening can do wonders for your focus and mindset.

A hot tub isn’t just for relaxing; it’s also a chance to reset your mind. How much more could you get out of life if you had space to focus, recover, and recharge daily?

Find Out More About Space-Saving Hot Tubs

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Download our Virtual View® AR app to see how our hot tubs fit in your area, then visit any of our six Iowa and Twin Cities locations to find yours today!

The post 5 Reasons To Love A 2-Person Or 3-Person Hot Tub appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.

How A Daily Hot Tub Soak Can Help Improve Physical Wellness

This blog originally appeared on hotspring.com and has been edited for clarity.

There’s no one magic pill to take that improves your physical wellness. Instead, incorporating small, but healthy habits into your routine can create a complete, wellness-focused lifestyle. This may include eating nutritious meals, practicing self-care, a good night’s sleep, and exercising regularly. But also consider adding a daily hot tub soak to your wellness regimen. Hydrotherapy can provide amazing health benefits, allowing you to recharge, reconnect, and recuperate. 

How To Improve Physical Wellness With Hydrotherapy

Taking steps to improve physical well-being doesn’t mean you need to enter triathlons. Instead, it’s about being dedicated to a wellness routine, while being thoughtful and active. If you work in an office, consider standing up to stretch more often or taking a walk on your lunch break. If you live close to your job, think about walking or biking to work. If you’re a parent, set time aside to play outside with the kids and reconnect with them when you get home.

You don’t have to change your life drastically or push yourself to a quick extreme. Wellness isn’t a sprint. It can be as relaxing and enjoyable as soaking in a hot tub.

What Is Hot Tub Hydrotherapy?

Hot tub hydrotherapy — the combined therapeutic effects of heat, buoyancy, and massage — can improve your health, especially when enjoyed as part of a daily routine. Warm water immersion:

• Relaxes muscles;
• Creates buoyancy which reduces joint tension while easing aches and pains;
• Jet massages can work out knots caused by hard work or stress; and 
• Improves emotional wellness so you feel better physically and mentally.

Hot Tubs Make Hydrotherapy More Accessible

With a home spa, the benefits of hydrotherapy become more: accessible, private, and therapeutic. Having a hot tub at the center of a wellness routine can inspire you to stick with an overall wellness plan because it’s an enjoyable experience. Unlike fighting the crowds at the gym, soaking in a hot tub every morning or at night before bed will be a bright spot in the day, helping you feel good about the effort you’re making.

A Good Night’s Sleep Can Improve Physical Wellness

Sleep is a major component of wellness, affecting many areas of life. A lack of sleep can alter your mood and make weight loss more difficult. If you’re perpetually tired, you likely won’t have the energy to work out or stay committed to other health-related activities.

A warm soak before bed can help you sleep better if you suffer from common sleep ailments, such as insomnia, and help relieve the day’s stress and naturally ease your body into sleep. After a good night’s sleep, a morning soak is invigorating and mentally prepares you for even the most trying day.

Soak Your Way To Better Well-Being

Enhancing physical wellness is about developing healthy habits that contribute to overall well-being. A daily soak in a hot tub can help promote health by providing all the benefits of hydrotherapy in an enjoyable and relaxing experience. No matter what your exact routine is, with your hot tub as the cornerstone, you’ll be making wellness a priority in your life and increasing your chances for success in all your wellness goals.

The post Improve Physical Wellness With A Daily Hot Tub Soak appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.

How A Daily Hot Tub Soak Can Help Improve Physical Wellness

This blog originally appeared on hotspring.com and has been edited for clarity.

There’s no one magic pill to take that improves your physical wellness. Instead, incorporating small, but healthy habits into your routine can create a complete, wellness-focused lifestyle. This may include eating nutritious meals, practicing self-care, a good night’s sleep, and exercising regularly. But also consider adding a daily hot tub soak to your wellness regimen. Hydrotherapy can provide amazing health benefits, allowing you to recharge, reconnect, and recuperate. 

How To Improve Physical Wellness With Hydrotherapy

Taking steps to improve physical well-being doesn’t mean you need to enter triathlons. Instead, it’s about being dedicated to a wellness routine, while being thoughtful and active. If you work in an office, consider standing up to stretch more often or taking a walk on your lunch break. If you live close to your job, think about walking or biking to work. If you’re a parent, set time aside to play outside with the kids and reconnect with them when you get home.

You don’t have to change your life drastically or push yourself to a quick extreme. Wellness isn’t a sprint. It can be as relaxing and enjoyable as soaking in a hot tub.

What Is Hot Tub Hydrotherapy?

Hot tub hydrotherapy — the combined therapeutic effects of heat, buoyancy, and massage — can improve your health, especially when enjoyed as part of a daily routine. Warm water immersion:

• Relaxes muscles;
• Creates buoyancy which reduces joint tension while easing aches and pains;
• Jet massages can work out knots caused by hard work or stress; and 
• Improves emotional wellness so you feel better physically and mentally.

Hot Tubs Make Hydrotherapy More Accessible

With a home spa, the benefits of hydrotherapy become more: accessible, private, and therapeutic. Having a hot tub at the center of a wellness routine can inspire you to stick with an overall wellness plan because it’s an enjoyable experience. Unlike fighting the crowds at the gym, soaking in a hot tub every morning or at night before bed will be a bright spot in the day, helping you feel good about the effort you’re making.

A Good Night’s Sleep Can Improve Physical Wellness

Sleep is a major component of wellness, affecting many areas of life. A lack of sleep can alter your mood and make weight loss more difficult. If you’re perpetually tired, you likely won’t have the energy to work out or stay committed to other health-related activities.

A warm soak before bed can help you sleep better if you suffer from common sleep ailments, such as insomnia, and help relieve the day’s stress and naturally ease your body into sleep. After a good night’s sleep, a morning soak is invigorating and mentally prepares you for even the most trying day.

Soak Your Way To Better Well-Being

Enhancing physical wellness is about developing healthy habits that contribute to overall well-being. A daily soak in a hot tub can help promote health by providing all the benefits of hydrotherapy in an enjoyable and relaxing experience. No matter what your exact routine is, with your hot tub as the cornerstone, you’ll be making wellness a priority in your life and increasing your chances for success in all your wellness goals.

The post Improve Physical Wellness With A Daily Hot Tub Soak appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.