Can you use a hot tub in the Winter?

When you think of hot tubs, your first thought may be hazy summer evenings, relaxing getaways or having fun with your friends and family. However, hot tubs are incredibly versatile and winter can be the perfect time to make full use of their relaxing warmth! 

The health benefits of using your hot tub during winter

There are numerous physical health benefits of using your hot tub, but how can using it during winter help you?

Muscle relaxation and alleviating pain

You may be surprised to learn that relaxing in a hot tub is recommended for muscle aches and pains as well as several debilitating conditions including arthritis and fibromyalgia. During winter, health conditions like these can become worse due to the cold weather.  By soaking in your hot tub during winter, the buoyancy in the water can ease the pressure on muscles as the water supports your body and takes the weight and stress off your joints. The hot water raises your body temperature and increases blood flow to muscles which improves healing. In fact, hot tubs have been recommended by the Arthritis Research Campaign as a way to apply heat to help soothe joint pain, reduce inflammation, and improve everyday movement. There is also evidence to suggest that a soak in a hot tub before exercising can reduce the risk of muscle injury. Not to mention the combination of relaxation and massage releases endorphins in the brain, which acts as natural pain relief. 

So if you are suffering with painful muscles or inflamed joints, particularly when it’s cold, a soak in the hot tub could make you feel much better!

Alleviate the stress of the season

Although winter is a time for hot chocolate and open fires, many people find this season the hardest to deal with. This can be due to low light levels, not being able to get around as easily and the advent of Christmas. The stress caused by winter can be eased by making the most out of your hot tub. This is because the action of soaking in warm water can reduce stress levels by the hot water raising your body temperature and relaxing your muscles, as well as the added luxury of hot tub jets providing a therapeutic massage. 

In turn, this can aid better sleep, leaving you able to deal with whatever the holiday season may throw at you!

You can also choose to add relaxing elements such as aromatherapy and candles which altogether can help with not just physical stress, but any mental or emotional stress you may be carrying. 

Start the new year healthier

If you’re looking to make healthier choices, especially around new year, then you should consider the cardiovascular benefits of soaking in your hot tub. The pressure from the water on your body makes your heart work harder, improving your heart health. This can be extra beneficial for people with heart disease and high blood pressure, as just fifteen minutes in a hot tub can simulate exercise, and an hour’s soak can burn around the same calories as going for a 30 minute walk, but it is far less stressful on the heart. So if you want to improve and increase your cardio volume but find it difficult to exercise, or have high blood pressure, then get yourself in a hot tub. It won’t work as a magic cure, but any attempt to keep your heart healthy is a good start. Although if you do have heart disease, we would always recommend you talk to your doctor or physician before using a hot tub to help avoid any complications. 

Using your hot tub during winter

If you are planning to use your hot tub during winter, then it may be worth bearing in mind a few things. 

• Temperature: During the winter, your hot tub must work harder to keep your water at a higher temperature, so although your instinct may be to turn your temperature up to combat the cold, it actually helps your hot tub (and your energy bills!) if you drop the temperature of your water down. 

• Water: If you are planning to run your hot tub during winter, then before the cold truly sets in you need to make sure that you have drained the water, cleaned your hot tub, and replaced the water. You can, of course, do this during the winter, but we can guarantee it won’t be much fun in freezing temperatures! This also ensures your hot tub is in prime condition to continue to run throughout the season. 

• Hot tub cover: Your hot tub cover is an essential component of your hot tub. Not only does it help keep your water clean, but your cover can keep the heat in and prevent wastage and high energy bills. Make sure you give it a thorough check over for any damage before you keep your hot tub going during winter. 

Looking for a hot tub? 

If you are thinking of buying a hot tub for your  home or would like to discuss the hot tub options available to you, then please do not hesitate to contact hot tubs and living. We can find the ideal hot tub for you, as well as providing all the information you need to keep your hot tub properly maintained, even in Winter.   

If you would like to browse our exciting range of hot tubs, accessories, and garden furniture in person, you can visit our fabulous Yorkshire showroom, featuring 150 square metres of hot tub inspiration to peruse at your leisure. With permanent displays of premium hot tubs, you can not only be assured by the quality and high standards provided at hot tubs & living, but you are also bound to find the perfect brand or hot tub to suit you and your home. 

We are here to help you get the most out of your new hot tub, so you can create your perfect, luxury space, whether for relaxation, health, or fun. Please contact our wonderful team on 01904 231477  to arrange a visit to our wonderful showroom or use our online booking form.