Hot tubs are used as a way to relax your muscles and your mind. They’re the perfect solution for someone who just needs a break from their daily life. In fact, 14.8% of hot tub owners say they prefer to soak alone, considering it their “alone time.” Hot tubs are typically used by adults, but what about children?

While some people are okay with children using hot tubs, there are still a few important factors to consider. Here’s what you need to know.

Age
While most children are able to go into a hot tub, children under the age of five should not enter the water. Young children are at a higher risk of overheating than adults, which means extended time in very hot water is a no-go. Your child should also be tall enough the stand in the tub without the water covering their face. Even if they’re over five, if they’re not tall enough for their whole head to clear the water’s surface, they shouldn’t step foot in any hot tubs and spas.

Illness
High water temperatures can help adults recover from injuries, but can actually cause children to develop illnesses like ear infections. The hot water is a breeding ground for bacteria growth, so if your child gets an earful of water, it could lead to bad news. In order to prevent a potential ear infection, parents should make sure their child doesn’t submerge their head fully in the water.

Injuries
If you have a child with long hair, you especially need to make sure you’re watching them while they’re in the tub. Long hair can get caught in the filters or drains since they are a suction-based tool. If your child’s hair gets caught in the drain or grates they could get pulled underwater and trapped there. This is one way a child can drown in the tub, so it’s extremely important to keep a very close eye on them. You should also make sure your child’s long hair is tied up and out of the way to help prevent it from getting caught.

Before you let your child in the hot tub or spa, make sure they’re staying safe, you’re able to keep a close eye on them, and that the water has undergone routine service and maintenance. Your child will be able to have a good time soaking in the tub and you’ll know you’re helping to prevent any potential incidents.

Many people use hot tubs for relaxation. In fact, soaking in a hot tub can help relieve stress and even help you get to sleep easier. Roughly 83.9% of hot tub owners say they bought their tub with the primary purpose of relaxing and relieving stress. Some people even use hot tubs for recovery if they’ve been injured. However, there is much more you can actually use a hot tub for.

Hot tubs are a great way to bring people together. They’re perfect if you plan on having people over to your house as a source of entertainment. On a cool night, you and your friends can take a dip in the warm waters of the hot tub and spa as a way to relax and bond with each other. While sitting in the hot tub can be fun, it can also seem a little boring. However, what if you were to introduce a few games to spice things up? Here are examples of a few games that can be played in a hot tub. Just remember, it’s extremely important to play these safely.

The first game you can play is a hot tub version of dodge ball. We all know the basics of the original game, but you can’t necessarily throw huge balls at people and expect them to not get hurt in a small hot tub. So, what you need to do for the hot tub version of dodge ball is pour up to five ping pong balls into the hot tub and if anybody gets touched by a ping pong ball, they are out. This way, you’re not risking any injuries, plus you’re going to have a lot of fun!

The next game you can play is called “cold shower.” What you need to do for this game is fill a balloon with ice water. Try to make it as full as possible without it breaking. You and your friends have to sit around the edge of the hot tub and pass the balloon around, holding it above your heads for a count of five. At one point, the balloon will break, and give the unlucky person a very cold shower.

The final game you can play in a hot tub is called “keep away.” This game will work with anything that will float in the water. So grab the ping pong balls that you used for your dodge ball game and try to get them to touch someone else in the water. However, you can only move the ping pong balls or other objects in one of two ways. The first way is with air, and the second way is with jets. If you make waves or touch the objects, you will be disqualified.

So, now that you know which types of games can be played in Sundance hot tubs and spas, which ones are you going to do?

Hot tubs are extremely popular things to have in a person’s home. They’re the perfect space for entertaining, relaxing, and helping your body recover if you’re feeling sore after an injury.

While soaking in hot tubs and spas is great, it’s important to make sure that the water you’re soaking in is clean and safe. Cleaning your hot tub properly is crucial before even thinking about hopping in. Here are some effortless ways to clean your hot tub or spa. Plus, you can clean the tub using regular household items!

One of the first household items you can use to clean your tub is olive oil or margarine. Imagine you had tree sap or pitch stuck to your cover or tub. Rubbing the area that was impacted can help to slowly remove the buildup. Once it has come loose, just wipe it away with a towel. You can then take warm water with a little bit of mild soap in it to cleanse the area after it’s been treated.

If you notice that you have chalky, white water in your hot tub service, you can easily treat it using another household item. White vinegar can be used to combat that. Mix 50% of the white vinegar and 50% of warm water and pour it into the tub to drain. This is a very inexpensive fix that will instantly remove that white chalky water you’re tired of seeing.

If you notice any stubborn scum lines in your hot tub service, you can remove them using baking soda and white vinegar. The combination of the two can really help to break down the marks and can be applied using a scrubbing sponge. If you don’t have any baking soda on hand and don’t want to run out to the store, you can always use alkalinity plus. This is a product that you should have anyway if you have a hot tub. It’ll act the same way as the baking soda, so you don’t need to spend the extra money.

Cleaning a tub might seem like an awkward thing to do. However, it is necessary. A well-constructed hot tub can last at least 20 years, so taking care of it properly can extend it’s lifetime. You can easily use household items to rid your tub of germs and scum, without having to break the bank.

Hot tubs and spas are used in two different ways. You can host a hot tub party with friends and beverages, or you can create a calming environment for yourself and let all of your stress wash away. If you’re one of the 83.9% of hot tub owners who bought their tub with the main intention of relaxing and relieving stress, then you’re in luck. Here are some calming ideas to take home spa relaxation to the next level.

1. Candles

   The soft, subtle flicker of candlelight never fails to calm down your mind, mesmerize your eyes, and enter you into a state of pure security.

2. Music

   Depending on the hot tub you get, there could be speakers built into the shell. Play your favorite soft tunes while you soak for the easiest listening you’ve ever experienced.

3. Dim Lights

   Many models of hot tub today come with an option for multi-colored LED bulbs. This might seem too flashy at first, but the slow, repetitive switching from blue to green to yellow to red to purple to blue… It can be mesmerizing.

4. A Book

   If you want to read, but don’t want to get your book wet, download an audiobook and let the story wash over you in your most comfortable state.

5. A Fire

   If you liked the thought of candles, why not build a fire at a safe distance from your hot tub? Campfires smell fantastic, are reminiscent of a home fireplace, and produce a passive cracking, popping noise that contributes to the ambiance.

6. Jets

   You’ll never have better feeling muscles than after you’ve soaked in a hot tub with excellent jets. Make sure they are adjustable to the right power for you.

7. Incense

   Burning incense can truly engulf you in a prevailing moment for eternity. Burning the same incense every time you are in your hot tub can create an association with serenity and calm. If you’re ever feeling stressed and you aren’t near your hot tub, burn the same incense to take you to that happy place.

Hot tubs and spas are wonderful things. They allow you to find peace in a chaotic world and relaxation in a world of stress. If you need a hot tub service in Rockville MD, contact us when you are ready. Your bliss awaits.

Hot tubs and spas are among the ultimate relaxation activities. While a hot tub that’s well put together can last more than 20 years, proper care is essential if you want to keep the relaxation flowing. Especially when your hot tub lives outside through winter.

In science class, we once learned that hot and cold temperatures cause expansion and contraction. Which was a great theory to think about in elementary school, but not so great when the physical effects of this theory have wreaked havoc on your hot tub. That’s an expensive lesson!

In 2014, an estimated 21 million U.S. homes had some manner of spa, hot tub, or pool. We can guarantee that most of them were located outside and that many had to weather some fairly intense wintry temperatures. Freezing damage in the winter time is one of the most common hot tub service and maintenance issues. To avoid unwarranted winter damage to your hot tubs and spas, heed these helpful hints.

Up Your Cover Game
A lot of freezing damage and wasted energy comes from having a hot tub cover that seals poorly. If heat isn’t properly trapped, the temperature controls will constantly adjust to warm the winter air leaking in. This can damage your equipment and spike your electric bill, neither of which we wish upon you.

Watch Your Temp And Water Level
It’s no secret that it takes hotter water to freeze. If there’s more of it, even better! The electronics can finicky on hot tubs in cold weather, so keep your eye on the tub. See if the temperature controls are remaining consistent and make sure the water level is high and hot enough to keep from a fast freeze.

Winterize If You Must
This is a last resort option. Generally, it’s not recommended to winterize your hot tubs and spas unless they’ll be in extreme cold and unused for months on end. It consists of draining the tub itself, then clearing all lines of water to avoid damage and breaking from freezing. While it’s not an overly complicated process, doing it wrong can be a costly mistake and professional help can certainly be employed.

Winter time hot tub care boils down to paying attention and some simple maintenance. We love a relaxing soak as much as you do, so as the temps get colder, keep your oasis safe from winter’s winds. Soak on, spa lovers!

Just because winter is quickly approaching doesn’t mean that you have to give up taking a soak in the hot tub.

Having a nice, relaxing evening in the hot tub can be extremely beneficial on a cold winter’s night. However, there are some things you need to know about staying safe while taking a dip when it begins to snow.

Maintain the Water Temperature

When soaking in the hot tub during the winter months, it’s crucial that you make sure the water temperature is appropriate. The water in hot tubs and spas should not go over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high, you’re risking medical issues such as heat stroke, drowsiness, and unconsciousness, which can ultimately lead to drowning. When it’s cold out, you may think that raising the temperature is okay due to the outdoor temperature. If you raise the temperature and have your shoulders and neck above the water, there’s a chance your body might not realize how cold you actually are. Keeping up with water temperature maintenance is key while taking a soak in the winter. Also, if you can, wear a winter hat.

Take Caution When Cleaning the Hot Tub Cover

Since there’s a chance that it will be snowing outside, it’s possible that the hot tub could be covered with snow and ice. Take extra caution when removing the cover, as you don’t want to risk having snow or ice fall into the water. That falling snow and ice are enough to make the water freeze or freeze the cover to the hot tub. To keep up with hot tub maintenance, make sure you fully remove anything that may be sitting on top of the cover, preferably with gloves on.

Make Sure You Have a Plan When Getting Out of the Hot Tub

When it’s summer, you don’t have to worry about freezing after hopping out of the hot tub. Make sure that you have yourself covered, literally, when getting out of the tub if you’re taking a soak in the winter weather. Make sure you have a towel, robe, and other forms of warmth available on-hand when you’re ready to get out.

A whole 83.9% of hot tub owners say they bought a hot tub for the purpose of relaxing and relieving stress. If you plan to relax and relieve stress with the help of a hot tub in the winter, make sure you take extra precautions to stay safe. Also, ensure your safety by making sure that the service and maintenance of your hot tub are up-to-date before entering the water.

According to a Pool and Spa Marketing study, there are more than 7.3 million hot tubs in the United States. A well-constructed hot tub can last the owner 20 years or more, making them a great investment. However, sometimes hot tubs and spas can suffer damages that lower these lifespans. One of the most common is chemical damage.

Spas, unlike pools, are not very forgiving when it comes to chemical damages. This is because they’re up to 50 times smaller than a pool is. Hiring a hot tub service and maintenance company to treat chemical damages can be expensive, too. With those things in mind, you want to do everything in your power to avoid this issue. Here are a few ways you can avoid having chemical damages done to your spa:

Avoid Using Pool Chemicals

Spa manufacturers will often void their warranty if you try to use pool chemicals in your hot tub. These chemicals are rated for pools, meaning they have dosages meant for 10,000 gallons. You can easily make the mistake of over-dosing your spa with chemicals. Spas also use ounces for their dosages, while pools use pounds or similar large measurements. Only use spa-grade chemicals for your hot tub, for its benefit.

Don’t Buy Cheap Chemicals

Another thing you want to avoid is buying cheaply made chemicals. These have been flooding the market in the recent years, but you definitely don’t want to use them. These cheaper chemicals not only have a lower shelf life, but they also create side effects in the spa water chemistry. They can damage filters, pump seals, and the surfaces of the hot tub quite easily.

Stay Away From Biguanides

Biguanides are products that replace chlorine in a pool or hot tub. They can clog your filter, dry out your hose, and attack the hot tub’s walls. However, if you know the right dosages for this product, you can use them effectively. If you’re unfamiliar with these dosages and products, it is recommended that you avoid them at all costs.

Taking care of your hot tub is important, but you can’t rely on just any chemicals. Chemical damage can really affect your hot tub’s performance and lifespan. Keep what we said here in mind when performing your chemical maintenance and servicing.

Soaking in your hot tub can be a good way to relieve stress and relax, especially after a long day of work. But did you know that there are physical health benefits associated with a soak in hot tubs and spas?

Almost 45% of hot tub and spa owners will take a nightly soak before heading to bed, and there are reasons behind this practice. Not only is it relaxing, but it can also aid in getting a good night’s sleep. It’s one of the little-known health benefits of a spa.

But if you’re looking for more than just a good night’s sleep, here are some health benefits you could have if you take regular soaks in the hot tub:

Reduces Stress And Anxiety
Along with making you feel relaxed and sleep better, studies show that the hot water and massage of the jets, combined with the feeling of weightlessness, can have a positive effect on your mind. That means you can feel both physical and mental stress decrease.

Decreases Chronic Pain
For people suffering from ailments like arthritis, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and other such aches and pains, a hot tub can be largely beneficial. You can experience some much-needed relief after just a 30 minute-long soak. This is a result of buoyancy from the bubbles present, which can make you feel like all of your weight has suddenly disappeared. In addition, your blood circulation increases with the heat, and the tightness in your muscles is relaxed. All of this can lead to less inflammation in the joints, heightened flexibility, and a wider range of motion.

Lowers Blood Pressure
Relaxing in the hot tub can have a positive effect on your blood pressure, reducing it significantly. This is because of the heat, which makes your heart work harder and faster to disperse excess temperatures. In the process, your blood flow is providing extra oxygen to cells and revitalizing your body. The increased warmth also aids in reducing resistance and lowering your overall blood pressure. You want to avoid going from hot and cold again and again, however, as this can actually lead to higher blood pressure.

These are just some of the more common benefits to your health that you can experience by soaking in a hot tub. Not many know about these benefits, but they can be a good thing to keep in mind when you’re stressed in the midst of your routine spa service and maintenance.

Just soak in the tub after to help lower your blood pressure. We conveniently also have locations at: Hot Tubs Of Occoquan and Hot Tubs Of Vienna.

Hot tubs and spas are some of the most common luxuries in the United States, and as of Spring 2014 nearly 21 million households included a hot tub. However, there are a lot of fallacies that get passed around about hot tub service and maintenance, and a lot of so-called tips that can actually damage these popular amenities.

To help you perform routine hot tub service and maintenance without doing any damage in the process, here are some of the common misconceptions on the internet.

Myth #1: Hot tubs are a lot of work.

Truthfully, hot tub service takes far less time than a pool. If it’s constantly covered, which it should be to keep energy bills low, you won’t have to skim the water. Even better, it should take just five minutes a week to sanitize it. If you want to cut out the guesswork altogether, you can schedule routine hot tub service in the same way you would for a pool.

Myth #2: Hot tubs are not sanitary.

Often, hot tubs are thought to be more unsanitary than pools, but this is a falsehood. A hot tub’s filtration system is as big as a pools’, and it cycles through much less water to sanitize it. For that reason, they’re actually very clean — if properly maintained.

Myth #3: The chlorine hurts your eyes.

This is also not true. While it is true that high levels of chlorine can lead to irritation for individuals with sensitivity, normal levels of chlorine won’t actually cause eyes to burn while soaking. If your eyes are burning, this is likely due to a chemical imbalance, such as a low pH. You should adjust the water once a week to prevent this, and it should be a part of your weekly hot tub service.

Myth #4: Bleach is good to clean the cover and sanitize the water.

Not only is this myth straight false, but it’s also a great way to damage your hot tub! You should keep household bleach far, far, away from the inside of the hot tub, or the cover. Bleach can damage the acrylic of the hot tub, and the waxy finish on the cover protects it from the elements. Only use approved sanitizer and cleaners for both of these items.

Myth #5: You can wash your hot tub filter in the dishwasher.

Again, no. This can really damage your filter and make it wear out rapidly. The heat from the washer, combined with high water pressure, will make the filter deteriorate and can warp the cartridge. Clean by soaking in a cleaning solution, and then spraying with a hose.

These are just some of the common myths about hot tub service and maintenance that exist on the internet. There are a ton more, and each should be questioned unless you hear otherwise from a professional pool and hot tub servicing company.

If you have questions about hot tub service in Rockville, MD, contact us any time. We’ll be glad to assist you.

Young love is easy. You’re both excited about your future and each other. This initial spark can tend to fade a bit, but, settling into a comfortable, quiet routine with your partner as the years go by, doesn’t mean that romance has to die. In fact, quite the opposite is true, a committed long-term relationship is the ideal climate to foster intimacy. Check out these three tips on how to fan the flame within your relationship.

Be Intentional

Author Madeleine L’Engle wrote, “Love isn’t how you feel, it’s what you do”. Your relationship requires more intentional maintenance than most other parts of life. Set aside regular time that is only devoted to your spouse. It could be making every Friday “date night,” or spending some quiet time on Sunday afternoon in the hot tub together. Whatever you choose, stick to it. Intimacy is facilitated by routine.
It may sound a little gooey, but it really helps to make sure that kids, friends, and coworkers are aware of your affection, too. The kids will learn that the value of a strong relationship. Your friends will know where you stand and appreciate your commitment. Plus, the public accountability will encourage you to put in the hard work necessary to maintain the relationship.

Reconnect

Within the time that you’ve set aside for each other, find new ways to reconnect. Accept that your partner will change, and embrace the new sides of him or her. Consider trying activities that will challenge you to grow together, like taking a cooking class, or joining a book club. Not only will you have more to talk about, but you’ll uncover new sides of each other. Try making a list of activities to try for a week. Whether you’re writing a love letter to your partner, or eating a picnic in the park, the change of pace will refresh the relationship. Add in a few silly items too, like having a food fight or watching a comedy together. You’ll be surprised by how much fun reconnecting can be.

Find Ways to Serve

Secretly spend a week or two doing everything exactly in the way that the other person prefers. This could be as simple as putting on the toilet paper roll in the way they like. These small changes will both surprise and delight your mate. Plus, you might realize that the problems weren’t so annoying as you thought. They might even start doing the same for you! You don’t want to change your spouse, but find things you can both work on to make the relationship more enjoyable.

 

Carving out time in a busy schedule to focus on your partner, finding new ways to connect and putting the other person first are easy ways to keep your romance alive.

 

This blog post originally appeared at http://www.bullfrogspas.com/hot-tub-blog/keep-romance-alive-tips-for-the-young-at-heart/.