Enjoy the Benefits of Hydrotherapy: How to Choose the Right Home Spa

When you have a busy work schedule, it’s very important to make time for relaxing and restoring your energy once in a while. And what better way to do so than with your own home spa? Having a spa at home is the perfect excuse to take some time off and treat yourself to a soothing soak in a warm, bubbly bath.

But spas can be more than just a way to relax. Hot tubs are actually a form of hydrotherapy which can help improve your physical well-being in many ways. For one, heat promotes better blood circulation, which means increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The warmth also encourages the movement of lymph which helps boost your immune system so you can fight off infection and disease more easily. In addition, the hot water also opens up pores, thus helping to remove toxins.

Add to that the massaging effect created by the jets, and a home spa can be the key to improved physical health. The gentle swirling action of water stimulates the body’s tissues which helps soothe sore muscles and joints. As a result, after using your home spa, you’ll feel relieved from the tension in your body, as well as freshened up and energized from the unwinding bathing experience.

So, don’t you want to reap all these benefits in the comfort of your home whenever you want to? Here’s your guide on how to choose the right home spa for your needs and space.

Pick a Suitable Shape

Hot tubs come in a variety of shapes: from rectangular to square, round, and even ones that are shaped like a diamond or a heart. While an unusual shape may look fun and interesting, it might not feel as comfortable or convenient for your space like standard shaped hot tubs. Considering how it doesn’t have any awkward angles, a round spa is usually the preferred shape for most people. It allows everyone to spread their legs comfortably and you can even squeeze an extra person regardless of the stated capacity. What’s more, a round spa shape allows manufactures to fit extra jets due to the lack of corners. Rectangular spas are popular for bathrooms as they can conveniently fit into a corner, whereas round spas are usually used stand-alone in outdoor settings.

Consider the Size

But regardless whether you opt for a rectangular or round spa, size is also an important consideration. While smaller hot tubs are compact and affordable to run, they can feel a bit crowded for a family. A small two or three-person hot tub is usually suited for people who want to enjoy the relaxing effect in private. On the other hand, you can also choose large family models with 4-5 seats. Some hot tubs even come with ten seats, making them ideal for socializing and entertaining guests.

But besides considering how many people you want the spa to fit, you also need to make sure it suits your space. While a large hot tub may be perfect for entertaining, it takes up a lot of space. With that being said, larger models are usually suited for large, open backyards. It’s also important to note that the larger the hot tub, the higher the costs of running and ongoing maintenance.

Pay Attention to Filtration & Hygiene

In order to enjoy only beneficial health effects from your spa, you need to keep it clean at all times. Skin cells, lotion residue, dust and other particles can easily build up with use, and along with the wet environment, can cause the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow. In fact, dirty hot tubs are one of the most common causes of skin infections such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also known as hot tub folliculitis. Luckily, the combination of a good filtration system and regular cleaning is enough to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the hot tub.

When it comes to the filtration system, the most important things to consider are the filtration cycle and circulation pump. The filtration cycle refers to how often the water in the tub is filtered and in combination with a powerful circulation pump ensures the water is sufficiently filtered. In addition, a hot tub with a Microban coat can provide some additional antibacterial and anti-fungal protection.

Consider the Various Types of Jets

And finally, there’s also the jets to consider. In this case, don’t believe that quantity will equal quality. Too many non-adjustable jets can provide a less than comfortable massage. Instead, consider the types of jets used and their layout. It’s recommended that the jets are adjustable so that you can fine-tune the pressure and intensity of the massage. There are several types of jets, directional and rotational. Directional jets use a spiral action that gives an energetic massage and stimulates blood flow. On the other hand, rotational jets create a kneading effect to stimulate smaller muscle groups and surrounding tissues, making them helpful when recovering from an injury. It’s also important that the jets are installed in strategic places, like for instance around the neck, shoulder area, upper and lower back, the hips and the knees.