Bubbly Retreat: Reasons You Need Your Very Own Spa & Buying Tips
Not a lot of people need a special reason to have a spa in their home. I mean, having the budget and space to install one is reason enough, if you ask me. Taking a spa bath is something that everyone finds pretty enjoyable, and getting to do so whenever you want sure sounds enticing, right? But if your partner needs extra persuading to get on board or you’re simply curious about how taking regular spa baths can affect your health, this is for you.
It’s Fun for the Whole Family
Some people think that they shouldn’t get a spa because they have children and would like to have the extra space on their deck or in their bathroom for them to run around. But I bet your children will love the spa more than you do. After all, kids can’t get enough of playing in the water, and being able to do so even in the winter certainly sounds fun. Plus, instead of spreading out in front of the TV or being focused on your smart gadgets, sharing the spa as a family can be a great way to get some quiet quality time in between doing homework and housework. And a family-sized spa doesn’t necessarily need to take up a lot of space. Standard-sized models of 4 person spas are large enough so that multiple family members can comfortably get in, and also small enough to be squeezed into a bathroom or be installed on balcony or deck.
It Can Improve Cardiovascular Function
Did you know that soaking in a hot tub can have similar benefits to a cardio workout? Yes, I’m not making things up! The bubbling water in the hot tub puts more pressure on your body and along with the warm temperature it helps increase your cardiac volume. In other words, even though you may feel relaxed and unwind in a spa, actually, your heart works harder the whole time, similarly to a low-intensity cardio workout. So, if you want to keep your heart and circulatory system healthy but don’t have time to exercise, a spa can be a nice alternative. However, if you have a heart condition, you might want to soak with caution and avoid extremely high temperatures that can stress your heart.
It Can Alleviate Aches and Pains
The waves created by the jets are a form of physiotherapy called hydrotherapy which can help relieve pain in the muscles and joints. As a result, soaking in a home spa can be a good way to deal with back pain or any type of pain and tension in the body due to prolonged sitting. And considering how most of us have an office job, we can really benefit from a good soak now and then. What’s more, the hydrotherapy provided by the jets in combination with the hot water can also help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and promote faster healing of athletic injuries like muscle pulls.
It Can Reduce Stress & Help with Sleep
While the hydrotherapy provided by a spa definitely has benefits for your body, it can also benefit your mind. Immersed in the hot water and feeling the pulsating jets, you can completely shut off the rest of the world, decompress and emerge refreshed putting daily stress behind you. Plus, unlike visiting a public spa where there’s a chance that you encounter noise or have to be exposed in a swimming suit in front of strangers, a home spa is a private sanctuary. You can even soak in the nude if you like. Additionally, the warm bath helps raise your body temperature and relax your muscles which puts you in sleep mode. And if you add some aromatherapy into the mix, I’m sure sleepless nights will all be a thing of the past for you. However, be careful that you don’t fall asleep while still in the spa as this can be very dangerous.
Buying Advice
When choosing what kind of spa to get, you should consider several factors – the money you’re willing to invest, the space you have on disposal and the size of your family. Even the most basic spa can be an expensive purchase so make sure to take into account every feature as the more features the higher the price. Consider what you really need. Some features can truly enhance the relaxing experience, while others are put there to merely make it seem fancier. A good amount of hydrotherapy massage jets, recliner lounges to prevent back pain from sitting, a layer of Microban for continuous antimicrobial protection and a good filtration system are the most basic features to look for in a spa.
And whatever you do, don’t overlook safety! Note that if there are steps leading up to the spa, they should be made of nonslippery material and have handrails to grab onto while getting in. After finding the most suitable model for you, it’s important to make sure that the spa is safe for every member of the family. Whether it’s 2, 3 or 4 person spas, the water level should always be adjusted so that everyone can hold their head above water and children under five can stand in it. For older kids, spa safety is all about establishing some ground rules before getting in, like for instance not bringing any gadgets with that can cause electrical shocks.