AWARD LEISURE NEWS

Are you looking at buying a Hot Tub or upgrading your existing Hot Tub? Have you heard about different Hot Tub insulation options and been baffled about the differences? It is key to understand the importance of insulation on a Hot Tub as that will determine your running costs, so it could save you money and provide many other benefits.

Insulation in Hot Tubs is used for thermal and structural purposes, ultimately designed to reduce your Hot Tub running costs and enhance structural integrity. In this blog I will inform you of the differences between the different types of Hot Tub insulation and run though the benefits.

Over time, and still to this day, Hot Tub companies are coming up with new names for different types of insulation in Hot Tubs, so it is easy to get misled by all this jargon. Below is a diagram which talks about different types of foam insulation. 

100% Full Foam Insulation is considered one of the best types of insulation in a Hot Tub. The foam supports the pipes and plumbing to prevent leaks and reduce the noise (as there are little or no vibrations). It also backs the structure of the shell giving the spa structural integrity, and ultimately maintains running costs as the foam reduces heat loss.

What should you consider when thinking about insulation for your Hot Tub?

• Where will the Hot Tub be located? (U.K, France etc.)
• Will the Spa be outside?
• Do you want to use your Hot Tub in winter?
• Do you want to reduce the Hot Tub running noise (when jets and pumps are turned on)?
• Do you care how much the Hot Tub costs to run?

If you are considering purchasing a Hot Tub or Swim Spa then one question you need to ask yourself is “where will the Spa be located?” well, if you live in the U.K like myself, then you know that for the majority of the year the weather is COLD! If you have a Spa running outside 365 days a year that doesn’t have any or an effective type of insulation, then it is a FACT that the Spa WILL cost more to run in comparison to a Spa that is 100% insulated. If you want to maintain low running costs all year round, then I would suggest 100% full foam insulation for your Hot Tub.

To understand how insulation works regardless of its application in consumer products, the first step is to understand heat flow which involves three basis mechanisms – conduction, convection and radiation.

1) Conduction is the way heat moves through materials. A good example of it is when a spoon placed in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand.

2) Convection is the way heat circulates around us in different forms of matter - through liquids and gases, and is why lighter, warmer air rises, and cooler, denser air sinks in your home.

3) Radiant heat normally travels in a straight line and heats anything solid in its path that absorbs its energy.

Regardless of the mechanism used, heat flows from a warmer area to cooler area until there is no longer a temperature difference. In Hot Tubs, this means that in winter, heat flows directly from all heated air spaces within the body of 4-walls, bottom floor and the perimeter space. Heat flow can also move indirectly under the shell of the hot tub side-to-side, up-and-down and through body of water (above the water line to the underside of the safety cover). To maintain the set temperature within the body of water, any heat loss in a hot tub must be replaced by its heating system within the portable design of the spa. A proper insulated hot tub will decrease this heat flow by providing an effective resistance to the flow of the heat.

If a hot tub was to have less insulation such as partial foam, foam around the core or structural insulation around the base of the hot tub this allows for large spaces within the cabinet and behind the shell for heat to escape. Which in effect decreases the heat of the water causing the heater to kick in and re heat the water. Costing you MORE MONEY!

Where will the Spa be located? Will it be in a cabin, property, building, balcony, garden, sunken or above ground? These are the types of questions you should be answering when considering a Hot Tub or Swim Spa. The majority of Hot Tub owners have their Hot Tub located outside in the garden, I find there is something quite magical sitting back relaxing in your Hot Tub outside whilst its cold or snowing sipping on a nice glass of wine. If you are like the majority and are considering putting your Hot Tub in your garden, then the logical answer is that you would want it to be 100% fully foam insulated.

Do you want to use your Hot Tub in the winter? If the answer is yes, then you will need to be careful with what insulation your Hot Tub comes with. Cheaper spas tend to have either no insulation or a partial insulation or foam core insulation which means your Hot Tub will cost more to run! After doing some research, I have found that you should always find out where the spa is manufactured. The reason for this is because some American branded Spas are manufactured to suit hotter climates, Chinese Spas tend to be cheaply made and are of poor quality but I have found that Canadian manufactured Hot Tubs are nearly all 100% insulated to suit the cold Canadian climate – if you live in a cold climate then I would suggest a Canadian manufactured Hot Tub, this means your Spa will costs less to run and you can enjoy it all year round! Be aware! I have found that some Hot Tub brands sell themselves as being Canadian but are manufactured in other parts of the world e.g. Asia. So be aware when looking to purchase the Spa and always do your research. A Canadian brand which is highly recommended is Coast Spas or Regency Collection.

What are the other benefits of having a fully insulated hot tub?

Do you want to reduce the Hot Tub running noise (when jets and pumps are turned on)?

• Some Hot Tubs carry up to 2574 litres of water, that’s a lot of heavy water being pushed and pumped around the Hot Tub pipework! When the pumps and jets are on the internal pipework will move with the amount of water surging through them, like a fireman’s hose, if there isn’t anything supporting the pipework then the pipes can sometimes come away from the jets, causing leaks – this will mean you will be paying for a Hot Tub engineer to come out to the Hot Tub to see if they can fix the leak (sometimes it’s not always a guaranteed fix on the day, so you may need to pay another professional to come out, so this can become very expensive.) When you spend £1,000’s of pounds on a Hot Tub the last thing you want to do is worry about it breaking or leaking! Fully insulated spas allow the foam density to encapsulate the pipes and plumbing preventing vibrations, muffling noise and preventing leaks.
• Hot Tubs are made all throughout the world, whether your spa is from China, America or Canada they are all being imported overseas in large containers. You want to ensure that the product is structurally supported throughout its transportation.
• Saving you money! It has been proven that a Hot Tub that is fully foam insulated will cost less to run compared to a Hot Tub with no, or less than 100% insulation.  

So what does all this research suggest?

When buying a Hot Tub ensure the spa has 100% Full Foam A + R Rated Insulation – this is the best form of insulation in hot tubs. Coast Spas actually use a 2 pound density thick foam sprayed all around the plumbing and pipework, this will reduce the noise, supporting the plumbing/structure plus this will prevent pipework from moving, and ultimately keep the heat in to maintain low monthly running costs. This type of insulation is vital to make sure you are not spending thousands of pounds a year to keep the spa heated. Top brands in the Hot Tub industry have been using this insulation for decades, because it’s the best!

Want to know more about Hot Tub Foam Insulation? Click the image below to see how Foam Insulation is installed into a Coast Spas Hot Tub!

Find out about the things you should know that some sellers do not tell you before you buy your new hot tub. Get our FREE buyers guide here.

#fullfoaminsualtiononhottubs #hottubinsulation #fullfoamspas #whatisinsualtiononahottub #coastspas #madeincanadahottubs #awardleisure #hottubdeals

Hot Tub Gazebos are not only great for keeping the bad weather out, they also help to create one of the best hot tub experiences imaginable. Visualise gazing up at the stars on a crisp, clear evening while relaxing in soothing, bubbling water – whatever the weather! The large skylights fitted into the cedar gazebo roof offers weather protection while keeping you connected with the outside world, so you can relax and watch the world above you go by. The night sky changes constantly throughout year and even during the night, giving you the perfect reason to indulge in a midnight soak in the middle of Winter.

Adding an enclosure with a skylight isn’t the only way to maximise your Hot Tub experience! If you have a large family or decide to throw a hot tub party, there’s no better way of keeping refreshments close at hand than making use of a bar that is built-in to the side of a Hot Tub Enclosure. Having a bar close to your Hot Tub will transform the area into a great spot for social gatherings and give all your friends the perfect excuse to pop round with a bottle or two!

Buy a Hot Tub and Gazebo Enclosure Package and Save Money at Award Leisure with our Package Offers.

Still Browsing? Need to know more? Download your FREE Buyers Guide!

See our full range of Hot Tub enclosures at your local Showroom in Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, Birmingham or Cheshire.

#hottubenclosures #hottubgazebos #hottubshelters #hottubenclosuresideas

With a Hot Tub Enclosure, making the most of your hot tub throughout the whole year has never been easier. Enclosures come in many sizes to suit any garden,  Cedar gazebos can come fully enclosed with sliding doors or bronzed glass windows to create a completely enclosed space; or if you prefer something a bit more connected to the outdoors, you can choose to have up to 3 open and closing louvered sides for a more immersive outdoor hot tub experience while still being protected from the elements.

Cedar is the most resilient wood to inclement weather and therefore makes for a perfect Hot Tub Enclosure. Despite the unpredictable British climate, if you’ve placed your hot tub in an enclosure, there’s very little the weather can throw at you to spoil a pre-planned soak.

While 70% of hot tubs are purchased during the summer months, a seasoned hot tub owner will tell you that the best time to enjoy the relaxing warm massage is when the weather turns colder. While most of us only use our garden through the autumn and winter months for hanging out the washing or letting the pets out, hot tub owners get to use their garden 365 days of the year – especially if they’ve put their hot tub under a Gazebo or inside a Log Cabin. Hot tub enclosures not only get you into hot water, they get you outside in the fresh air throughout the year.

Buy a Hot Tub and Gazebo Enclosure Package and Save Money at Award Leisure with our Package Offers.

Still Browsing? Need to know more? Download your FREE Buyers Guide!

See our full range of Hot Tub enclosures at your local Showroom in Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, Birmingham or Cheshire.

#hottubenclosures #hottubgazebos #hottubshelters #hottubenclosuresideas

Wooden Gazebos and outdoor Pergolas make the perfect Hot Tub Enclosure and provide the benefit of offering privacy, weather-proofing and adding a design feature to your garden, enabling you to enjoy an all-weather Hot Tub lifestyle. Outdoor structures with either a wooden roof, side screens or even both features allow you to use your preferred outdoor area more frequently throughout the year, even if you are overlooked by neighbours.

There are many choices of Hot Tub Enclosure – in shape, size and price. These types of outdoor structures generally do not need planning permission and are invaluable if you are looking to make more use of an area in your garden which you’d never previously considered. There are many different styles and materials to suit any garden, from luxurious Cedar Gazebos to stylish Thatched Gazebos.

Typically, the location of a hot tub is best placed nearer to the house or in the most private part of your garden. Hot Tub Enclosures can come with solid side walls or with Open and Close Louvred Sides to give you more options on how to get the best out of your garden space while keeping out of sight of neighbours!

Buy a Hot Tub and Gazebo Enclosure Package and Save Money at Award Leisure with our Package Offers.

Still Browsing? Need to know more? Download your FREE Buyers Guide!

See our full range of Hot Tub enclosures at your local Award Leisure Showroom in Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, Birmingham or Cheshire.

#hottubenclosures #hottubgazebos #hottubshelters #hottubenclosuresideas

Our Hot Tub Showrooms around the country will be opening over the Christmas period with altered opening times:

Award Leisure Warwickshire

Thursday 20th December: 9am - 3pm
Friday 21st December: Closed
Saturday 22nd December: Closed
Sunday 23rd December: Closed
Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve): Closed
Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed
Wednesday 26th December (Boxing Day): Closed
Thursday 27th December: 9am - 5pm
Friday 28th December: 9am - 5pm
Saturday 29th December: 9am - 5pm
Sunday 30th December 10am - 4pm
Monday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): Closed
Wednesday 2nd January: Back To Normal Opening Hours 9am - 5pm

Award Leisure Lincoln

Thursday 20th December: Closed
Friday 21st December: Closed
Saturday 22nd December: Closed
Sunday 23rd December: Closed
Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve): Closed
Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed
Wednesday 26th December (Boxing Day): Closed
Thursday 27th December: 9.30am - 5pm
Friday 28th December: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday 29th December: 9am - 5pm
Sunday 30th December 10am - 4pm
Monday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): 9.30am - 4pm
Tuesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): Closed
Wednesday 2nd January: Back To Normal Opening Hours 9.30am - 5pm

Award Leisure St Albans

Thursday 20th December: Closed
Friday 21st December: Closed
Saturday 22nd December: Closed
Sunday 23rd December: Closed
Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve): Closed
Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed
Wednesday 26th December (Boxing Day): Closed
Thursday 27th December: 10am - 5pm
Friday 28th December: 10am - 5pm
Saturday 29th December: 9am - 5pm
Sunday 30th December 10am - 4pm
Monday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): Closed
Wednesday 2nd January: Back To Normal Opening Hours 10am - 5pm

Award Leisure Superstore

Friday 21st December: Closed
Saturday 22nd December: Closed
Sunday 23rd December: Closed
Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve): Closed
Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed
Wednesday 26th December (Boxing Day): Closed
Thursday 27th December: 9am - 5pm
Friday 28th December: 9am - 5pm
Saturday 29th December: 9am - 5pm
Sunday 30th December 10am - 4pm
Monday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): Closed
Wednesday 2nd January: Back To Normal Opening Hours 9am - 5pm

Award Leisure Birmingham

Friday 21st December: Closed
Saturday 22nd December: Closed
Sunday 23rd December: Closed
Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve): Closed
Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed
Wednesday 26th December (Boxing Day): Closed
Thursday 27th December: 10am – 4 pm
Friday 28th December: 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday 29th December: 10am – 4 pm
Sunday 30th December Closed
Monday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): Closed
Tuesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): Closed
Wednesday 2nd January: Back To Normal Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm

Award Leisure Cheshire

Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day): Closed
Wednesday 26th December (Boxing Day): Closed
Thursday 27th December: 10am – 4pm
Friday 28th December: 10am – 4pm
Saturday 29th December: 10am – 4pm
Sunday 30th December 10am – 4pm
Monday 31st December (New Year’s Eve): 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 1st January (New Year’s Day): Closed
Wednesday 2nd January: Back To Normal Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm

Make sure you check our Facebook page every day to be in with the chance of winning in our daily giveaway!

Check out our Facebook Page every day in December for your chance to win in our Daily Giveaway!

Have a flick through any Swim Spa Brochure and you’ll be greeted with lots of pictures of athletes and swimmers using the Swim Spa as part of their training regime – and they’re not wrong! Swim Spas offer a perfect alternative to installing a full-sized pool into your back garden. If you don’t have Olympic swimming aspirations and you’re wondering if a Swim Spa is worth the investment, read on to see why Swim Spas are for more than just swimming!

Socialising

If you have a large family or lots of friends, there is no better excuse to get everyone together than a soak in the swim spa! Our Coast Spas Wellness Party Swim Spa has seating for up to 8 adults together, or if you wanted to allow the kids room to play in the spa with the adults relaxing, our Coast Spas Wellness IV features a self-contained hot tub joined to the Swim Spa together in one unit!

XL Hot Tub

What’s better than a standard hot tub? A bigger one of course! Swim Spas can come with all the lighting, jets, and temperature control that a hot tub can, bringing with it all the health and relaxation benefits you can get from a hot tub. Some Swim Spas also feature lounger seating, so you can use your Swim Spa for relaxation just like a Hot Tub.

Resistance training

If swimming isn’t quite your thing, but you still want to use your Swim Spa for fitness, resistance training works excellently. By using the resistance of the water (turning the jets on will increase the resistance), you can tailor your workout to suit you! Below are just a few examples of exercises that work well in a Swim Spa:

If you prefer to use Exercise Equipment in your workout, there is a wide range of products available. From Exercise Bikes to Treadmills, Award Leisure stock products that will take your workout to the next level.

Don’t be fooled by their name – Swim Spas are so versatile and can be used for much more than swimming. If you want to see how a Swim Spa can improve your family’s lives, get in touch with us to receive a Free Buyers Guide!

Chlorine tablets, regardless of brand, all contain a chemical called Trichloroisocyanuric acid (or Trichlor for short). When used in an acrylic Hot Tub, it can cause severe damage to the shell – if the thermal cover isn’t removed for a few days to vent the gases given off by the tablet, severe bleaching of the plastic occurs.

We advise that if you wish to use a tablet form of Hot Tub sanitation, Bromine is the recommended option; either as a Frog Cartridge or a Bromine Tablet. However, we do stock Chlorine tablets for customers that own LayZ Spas, swimming pools, or other non-acrylic spas. If you still wish to use Chlorine to sanitise your spa, we do stock Spamate Chlorine granules which do not contain Trichlor and are safe to use in acrylic spas.

Award Leisure strongly advise that Trichlor is not used with any Coast Spa, and Coast Spas themselves agree. Use of the tablet is quite apparent and obvious to detect and will also not be covered by your warranty.

Having a hot tub through the summer is great for having friends over and enjoying the long balmy evenings together; but for those in the know, using your hot tub in the winter can be just as enjoyable. But is it worth it?

Keeping Warm

On a crisp, cold day there aren’t many places more inviting than a warm hot tub. Removing the cover and watching the steam rise from the hot water just before a soak can relax you and set you up for the day. For many people, the cold winter weather brings with it many aches and pains that can be relieved by your hot tubs hydrotherapeutic massage jets, with the warm water relaxing tense muscles and the steam helping unblock those stuffy winter flu noses!

Not as Expensive as you Think

Many people are put off running their hot tubs through the winter due to thinking that their electricity bill will go through the roof. We’re here to tell you, with a little maintenance, that isn’t the case! If you have invested in a good quality hot tub cover with a tight-fitting seal, your tub will be efficient at maintaining the temperature without driving up your energy costs.

Another great tip for reducing your energy cost is to reduce how often you use the jets and remember to turn them off when you have finished your soak. Hot tub jets work by blowing air into the water, which will reduce the temperature of the water, meaning that your hot tub will use more energy keeping the water warm.

Accessorise to Maximise Comfort

Some may enjoy a warm soak in the hot tub while being exposed to the colder elements; however, creating a comfortable outdoor space to house a hot tub may be a better solution for others. Depending how connected to the outdoors you wish to be, hot tubs can be protected from the elements by something as simple as an awning or gazebo, right through to a dedicated log cabin.

Still Not Convinced?

Hot tubbing in the Winter may not be for everyone. If this is the case with your hot tub, you must make sure you properly shut it down for the winter, to avoid any nasty surprises when you come to recommissioning it in the Spring. Here at Award Leisure, we provide a Professional Winterisation Service where your hot tub is thoroughly drained, and the water is drawn out of all the pipework to ensure your hot tub will be ready to go in the warmer weather.

If hot tubbing in the winter sounds like the perfect way to relax and enjoy your garden year-round, Check out our Black November deals to get a great price on a stock model in our massive display sale! With 0% finance over 3 years, no deposit and guaranteed delivery before Christmas, you can be enjoying winter the right way!

Hurry, only 37 35 30 Models left!

Saunas are well known for their plethora of health benefits and are regarded in some countries as a great social experience; but are you making the most of your Sauna sessions? We’ve included some helpful tips and tricks to leave you fully refreshed after a perfect sauna session.

Hydrate Yourself

Keeping yourself hydrated during a sauna session is essential for your own safety. It’s no secret that Saunas make you sweat, but the key is to keep yourself hydrated throughout your session, so you can keep flushing out those toxins without depleting your fluids. Alcohol is not advised, as it will dehydrate you faster and can be dangerous - stick to water, it's much better for you and will help you make the most of your sauna detox!

Grab your Essential Oils

The Sauna provides the perfect opportunity for some aromatherapy! Mix and match your favourite scents to create a perfect haven. Unsure where to start? We’ve included some ideas below:

If you have a Traditional Sauna, mixing one or two drops into the water that you pour on the coals will release a cloud of delightfully scented vapour with each ladle poured.

Leave your Phone Alone

Steam and electronics do not mix. Use the excuse to unplug from social media, work emails and demanding conversations to just enjoy the moment and fully relax. Bonus points if you have an Outdoor Sauna and you leave your phone in the house!

Take some Time to Cool Down

Straight after a sauna session, you need to cool your body down. If you don’t feel as brave as rolling around in the snow like the Finnish, a Cold Shower will work just as well. Don’t plan on doing anything too strenuous straight after a session, just enjoy the feeling of complete relaxation before slowly returning to the fast pace of modern life.

These tips will work great in any sauna, but the secret to long-lasting benefits is regular sessions. If the thought of travelling to your local gym or leisure centre 2-3 times a week for sauna sessions fills you with more dread than relaxation, perhaps its time to consider installing your own private haven!

Here at Award Leisure, we are proud of our quality range of Cedar Saunas, from Indoor or Outdoor saunas, to our beautiful outdoor Barrel and Pod saunas. With loads of optional upgrades available, our saunas are fully customisable to create a functional space that you’ll love to spend time in.  

Want to know more? Fill out our online form to receive your FREE Sauna Buyers Guide.