Hot tubs are no longer a luxury. These days, we can hire a hot tub for a weekend party or invest in one for our health and wellness. You certainly don’t need to be an A-lister to have a hot tub in your back yard. They are affordable and fun. It can also be a selling point if you ever come to sell your home. Create the right vibe and viewers will be queuing up to buy into your lifestyle.
In this article, we are going to look at the pros and cons of investing in a hot tub. This will help you to make the right decision.
The Mental Health Benefits
Lying in a tub of hot water is surprisingly good for us. It is very relaxing for starters. Imagine coming home after a tough day, with aching shoulders and a throbbing tension headache just behind your eyes. You head outside, switch on the hot tub, and when it’s nice and warm, step into the water and…relax.
Hot water immersion has been proven to help users overcome stress and anxiety. If you are the anxious type, or you suffer from workplace stress, a hot tub could be the answer. It has to be better than taking anti-anxiety medication, right?
Reduce Inflammation
Anyone suffering from aching limbs, muscle pain, and arthritis knows how effective heat therapy can be. Well, the good news is that a hot tub can help on all fronts. Soaking in hot water is great if you have arthritis, back pain, or any other type of inflammatory pain. Hot water immersion soothes inflammation and reduces swelling in affected joints.
Sports Recovery
It is also handy if you are a keen sportsperson. Instead of lying on the couch when you get home from a 10-mile trail run, hop into the hot tub and let the warm water ease your aches and pains. Your legs won’t ache half as much the next day.
Be Sociable
In some countries, relaxing in a hot tub with friends is all part of the social scene. With the right décor, you can even turn your hot tub into a home spa, complete with scented candles and aromatherapy oils. Pour a glass of wine (or vodka, if you prefer), and relax with your friends.
The Cons
Of course, it’s not all fun and games. There a few things to be aware of when using a hot tub. Firstly, warm water is a breeding ground for bacteria. You absolutely must keep your hot tub spotlessly clean. If you don’t, anyone who uses it is at risk of a nasty infection. For this reason, don’t use your hot tub if you have any open cuts or scratches.
Hot tubs are also risky for people with circulatory problems, as hot water immersion can make the problem worse. And if you have an outdoor swimming pool, don’t jump straight into a cold pool after using a hot tub; it could give you a heart attack.
Shop around for the best prices before you buy a hot tub. Look for one with a sturdy cover, so you can use it all year round.