Hot tubs have benefits that go beyond just helping you relax. Most people think of them as fancy things to do on the weekends, but studies show that they can help with a lot of health problems, from chronic pain to getting better sleep. Using a hot tub on a regular basis can help your immune system, circulation, and muscle tension.
During our long winters, more Canadians are learning about these health benefits. The jets and warm water work together to relax stiff joints and help the body recover from the stress of everyday life. Hot tubs are great for staying healthy all year long because they help you sleep better and relieve pain naturally.
The social benefits are also important. Hot tubs create spaces for meaningful conversations and family time without screens or distractions. If you have arthritis, want to sleep better, or just want to get along better with your family, knowing these bigger benefits can help you get the most out of your investment.
More Canadians Are Putting Money Into Hot Tubs
Canadians are buying hot tubs at record rates because they are good for your health and wellness trends are making them more popular. The pandemic changed our priorities to include self-care and relaxation at home, and who can blame us? People realized that their homes needed to do more as both living spaces and places to relax after being stuck inside for months.
Getting More Popular All Over The Country
Since 2020, hot tub sales in Canada have gone up by 300%. British Columbia and Alberta are next, after Ontario. We’ve seen this in our showroom: people who used to just look around on the weekends are now serious buyers who want to spend money on their health and happiness.
Hot tubs are especially appealing in the winter in Canada. Many homeowners want the unique therapeutic experience that comes from the difference between cold air and warm water. Imagine that it’s −15∘C outside, snow is falling, and you’re in 38∘C water watching the steam rise around you. That is real Canadian magic.
Some important factors for growth are:
- Working from home gives you more time at home.
- Travel bans are making people spend more at home.
- More people are aware of the benefits of mental health
- Government incentives to make your home better
Now, the average Canadian home spends between $8,000 and $15,000 to put in a hot tub. This investment pays off in the form of property value increases and use all year long. Customers have told us that their hot tub was the best thing they ever bought, better than their last vacation or their fancy car.
The highest rates of adoption are in suburban areas. One in four homes in the Greater Toronto Area now has a hot tub or spa, according to reports from the area. If you drive through any subdivision in Oakville or Mississauga, you’ll see them in backyards, making little warm spots.
Trends in wellness and self-care in daily life
For many Canadians, wellness culture has gone from being a luxury to a need. This move toward preventive health care is a great fit for hot tubs. People are buying things that make them feel good every day instead of waiting until they’re stressed, sore, or sick.
People who are popular on social media show off their hot tub wellness routines. People who follow you on Instagram see posts about morning soaks and evening relaxation sessions and want to buy their own units. But these aren’t just pretty pictures; there’s real substance here—these aren’t just props for a lifestyle.
Some popular wellness apps are:
- Meditation sessions every day
- Soaks for recovery after a workout
- Time to bond with family
- Getting rid of stress after work
More and more Canadians are interested in the idea of “hygge.” This Danish way of finding cozy happiness is best done in a hot tub. Wrapping yourself in warmth while it snows outside is a naturally hygge thing to do.
Millennials are a big part of this trend. They value experiences more than things, and they see hot tubs as investments in their quality of life rather than just things they buy. One customer said, “I’d rather have this in my backyard than go on three vacations that I’ll forget about in five years.”
Using Hot Tubs for Health Every Day
More and more doctors are suggesting hot tubs for certain health problems. Warm water therapy can help with arthritis, chronic pain, and sleep problems. Physiotherapists have sent patients to us, not because they wanted to, but because they needed to for health reasons.
Some of the health benefits that have been written down are:
- Better blood flow
- Less tense muscles
- Better quality of sleep
- Blood pressure is lower.
- Better mood
Physiotherapists often tell people to use hot tubs to help them heal from injuries. The buoyancy eases stress on the joints, and the heat speeds up healing. It’s like having a rehab center in your backyard that you can use anytime without making an appointment or paying a co-pay.
The cost of healthcare in Canada keeps going up. A lot of families see hot tubs as an investment in their health that could lower their future medical costs. The math on home hydrotherapy starts to look pretty good when a massage therapist charges $120 for each session.
Using a hot tub regularly can save you money on spa treatments. A massage costs $100, but using a hot tub at home costs only a few cents per use over time. Also, you don’t have to drive anywhere or make plans weeks in advance.
Patients who have hot tubs at home heal faster from injuries, according to sports medicine clinics. The fact that you can get hydrotherapy right away speeds up the healing process. No waiting, no travel time—just relief when you need it most.
Relief for Muscles, Joints, and Chronic Pain Where It Hurts
Hot water therapy uses heat, buoyancy, and targeted massage to relieve pain in specific areas. These parts work together to lower inflammation and make problem areas feel better. This combination can really change your life if you have aches and pains every day.
Massage jets and buoyancy help you relax
Hot tub jets apply pressure to specific muscle groups that are tight. The water streams that pulse help break up knots and trigger points that cause pain every day. It’s not just a gentle bubbling; modern jets create focused pressure that is as good as professional massage techniques.
Buoyancy can make your body weight up to 90% less. This lack of weight relieves stress on joints and lets muscles relax completely. People who have trouble moving around say that moving around in water is easier. We’ve seen people with severe arthritis move around freely in ways they haven’t been able to on land in years.
The combination has a strong effect:
- Jets massage certain parts of the body
- Blood flow goes up when the water is warm.
- Buoyancy holds up the weight of the body.
- Muscles can relax on their own.
Regular sessions help keep muscle soreness from getting worse. This is a way for athletes to get better faster between training sessions. One hockey player from the area told us that adding daily soaks to his routine made a big difference in how well he played.
Pain relief for fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lower back pain
People with arthritis feel a lot better in hot water. The heat makes joints less stiff, and the buoyancy lets you move around without putting too much weight on them. Some of our customers who had severe rheumatoid arthritis said that using the hot tub regularly made their morning stiffness go away.
Targeted jet therapy works well for lower back pain. The jets work on specific pressure points while the warm water relaxes the muscles that support them. A lot of people say that their range of motion gets better after using it regularly. One customer stopped going to physiotherapy every week because her hot tub sessions made her feel better.
Regular hydrotherapy can help with fibromyalgia symptoms. The soft heat helps ease pain signals that are all over the place. Patients say they sleep better and feel less stiff in the morning. The warm water seems to block pain pathways that keep people with fibromyalgia in constant pain.
Recommendations for temperature by condition:
- Arthritis: 36 to 38 degrees Celsius
- 37–39∘C for lower back pain
- 35 to 37 degrees Celsius for fibromyalgia
Sessions that last 15 to 20 minutes give you the most benefits without making you too hot. Longer isn’t always better; your body needs time to process the effects of the therapy without getting too much.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy Backed by Experts
Studies show that people who use hydrotherapy regularly can cut their chronic pain by 25% to 30%. The Arthritis Foundation says that warm water therapy should be a part of all treatment plans. This isn’t alternative medicine; it’s just regular medicine finally realizing what people who use hot tubs have known for years.
In clinical settings, physical therapists use similar methods. You can easily get these same health benefits from hot tubs at home. The difference is that there are no appointments, waiting rooms, or rushing to fit sessions into busy schedules.
Some important changes in the body are:
- Better blood flow
- Less tense muscles
- Less stress hormones
- Better movement in the joints
Medical professionals say that using it regularly works better than using it only once in a while. Soaking for 20 minutes every day shows measurable improvements in pain scores within two weeks. It’s not about finding quick fixes; it’s about building therapeutic momentum.
The therapy works best when you do gentle stretching exercises in the water at the same time. This method gives you the most pain relief while safely building strength. A lot of our customers come up with water-based exercises that they can’t do on land.
A natural way to relax and let go of stress
Hot tubs make a relaxing space where the body and mind can relax and let go of stress. The warm water makes changes in the body that lower stress hormones and raise the levels of chemicals that make you feel good in your brain. It’s not just relaxing; your body’s chemistry is working for you.
Effects on the body: Less cortisol and endorphin release
The warm water in a hot tub has a direct effect on the body’s stress response system. People’s cortisol levels drop within 15 to 20 minutes when they soak in water that is between 37∘C and 40∘C. Customers have said that their stress “melted away,” and it turns out that this is exactly what happens at the hormonal level.
The main stress hormone that makes people feel anxious and tired is cortisol. Having too much cortisol in your body can make it hard to sleep, give you headaches, and make your muscles tense. Reducing cortisol naturally becomes very important for anyone who is stressed out at work, under pressure from family, or just dealing with the chaos of modern life.
Endorphins are released when you use a hot tub. These chemicals that are found in nature work like the body’s own painkillers. Endorphins make you feel happy and relaxed. You get the same effect as working out hard, but without the sweat and tiredness.
The heat also makes blood flow to the muscles better. This better blood flow helps get rid of the waste that builds up from stress every day. More oxygen gets to tired muscles when blood flows better. While you relax, your body literally cleans itself.
Some of the main health benefits are:
- Cortisol levels drop in 20 minutes
- More endorphins are made
- Better blood flow
- Less tightness in the muscles
- More oxygen gets to the tissues
Warm water immersion for anxiety and mental tiredness
Taking a bath in warm water can help calm an overactive mind. The water’s gentle pressure on the body turns on the parasympathetic nervous system. This system tells your brain it’s safe to relax by controlling the body’s rest and digest response.
Constantly making decisions and processing information can make you mentally tired. A hot tub’s quiet setting gives your mind a break from these demands. No emails, no notifications, and no need to make quick decisions. Just warmth, floating, and stillness.
The warmth helps control how you breathe. When you breathe more slowly and deeply, your brain gets the message that it’s safe to relax. This change in breathing helps with anxiety symptoms like a fast heartbeat and racing thoughts. We’ve seen customers who were stressed out become visibly calmer within minutes of getting into warm water.
When you soak in a hot tub, your brain has time to process information, which can help you think more clearly. A lot of people say that it’s easier to find solutions to problems after a relaxing bath. It’s like clearing your brain’s cache; all of a sudden, everything works better.
Water’s buoyancy makes it easier on the joints and muscles. This feeling of weightlessness helps people relax instead of focusing on their pain. Your mind can relax more when your body isn’t working against gravity.
Ritual to Wind Down at the End of the Day
Setting up a regular hot tub routine tells your body that it’s time to switch from work mode to rest mode. This ritual helps set healthy limits between stress at work and time for yourself. Duration doesn’t matter as much as consistency; even 15 minutes can change your whole evening.
When you use a hot tub can affect how much it helps you relax. Soaking for one to two hours before bed lets your body temperature cool down slowly. This cooling process helps people sleep better. It’s like a natural sleep aid that doesn’t need a prescription and doesn’t have any side effects.
A session of 15 to 20 minutes is the best way to relieve stress without getting too hot. Longer sessions may actually put more stress on the heart and blood vessels. Your body works hard to keep your temperature stable, so soaking for long periods of time is not as good as soaking for short periods of time.
Adding simple things makes the wind-down experience better:
- Candles or dim lighting
- Sounds of nature or soft music
- Lavender or eucalyptus aromatherapy
- Taking a break from screens and phones
Doing the ritual over and over makes it work better. People who use it regularly say they feel calmer during the day because they know they have time set aside to relax. When work gets too much, it gives you something to look forward to.
The Sleep Connection: How Soaking Before Bed Can Change Your Nights
Soaking in a hot tub creates a series of physiological changes that relate directly to improved sleep. The cold of the air and the warmth of the hot water together create a temperature transition that mimics cues of natural sleep, while timing the soak affects the results. If you are battling with sleep problems, this could be the natural solution you have been looking for.
Body Temperature Regulation, and Improved Sleep Onset
The human body needs to decrease core temperature by 1-2∘C to activate sleep. The hot tub soak induces a ramp up of the activate sleep process based on thermoregulation. When a person goes from warm water to air, their temperature drops rapidly—and perfusion increases and heat dissipates. This induces the sleep sequence artificially.
The drop in temperature signals to the brain to release melatonin. Research shows quality sleep improves for up to 15-20 minutes after hydrotherapy with water temperature set to 40-42∘C. This is more effective than melatonin supplementation, and you are working with natural processes as opposed to impulses of the changing the body chemically.
Research assessed through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index has demonstrated significant improvements, in sleep onset. There was a decrease of 36% improved sleep onset for the soaked people who engaged in routine evening soaks. The warm water increases perfusion in the limbs, which assist with the cooling of the core in turn.
For individuals with insomnia, particularly benefiting from the same routine of temperature regulating activity. This accompanied with routine sleep habits create a circadian rhythm of full resting requiring sleep cycles. One customer told us they stopped taking sleep medication after the week three of hot tubs in the evening.
Timing: 60-90 minutes before bed
The timing of hot tub use impacts sleep benefits. I recommend soaking 60-90 minutes before sleep for adequate time for body temperature stabilization. This effective time permits cooling without upsetting the circadian rhythm of sleep. If I offer a recommendation you would rather it not be so close to sleep.
Too close to sleep could raise the core temperature and lengthen the onset of sleep. The body needs plenty of time to cool and initiate its natural drowsiness response. If you soak 30 minutes near sleep, you will experience problems getting to sleep because you are heating the body near the time you know to cool.
Recommended guidelines:
- 60-90 minutes before bed: Ideal to have maximum potential increasing in thermal regulation
- 45 minutes before bed: Minimum time frame for effective treatment
- 30 minutes before bed: Too close to the sleep path, risk of sleepy?
Water temperature should remain at 37-40∘C in the evening. Higher temperatures can alter the condition of the nervous system and slow the process down to the sleep benefits. We recommend starting at the low end and elevating it based on their response.
Routine Example
A consistent pre-sleep routine may optimize the hot tub process for sleep. For example, you would drain the tub 75 minutes before bedtime and try a water temperature of 38∘C. The sessions should last between 15 and 20 minutes to minimize overheating. Allowing time for the body to thermally stimulate, rather than stimulating the bodes system too much the body should be able to reduce their (thermal effect).
Once out of the hot tub, take a lukewarm shower or bath to remove chemicals and also to slowly lower your body temperature. Put on comfortable pajamas to be in your sleepwear and do something that doesn’t put too much work to your body, ideally quiet reading or mindful stretching. Avoid any tasks that output as the effect of relaxing possibilities.
Example Evening Schedule:
- 9:00 PM: Soak in hot tub
- 9:20 PM: Exit and shower
- 9:30 PM: Light reading/meditate
- 10:15 PM: Sleep
The dim lights during and after a soak will promote melatonin release, helping you wind down. A screen and stimulating activity free environment will also support relaxation and your ability to sleep. This type of routine develops regularity in sleep/wake times resulting in improved sleep over time.
A number of customers notice improved sleep in the 1st week of following this routine. The secret is consistency, because your body develops an expectation of sleep prep in the evening rituals. Your body becomes conditioned and the behavior becomes more reflexive.
Cardio Without A Workout: Enhances Circulation & Cardiovascular Health
Using a hot tub increases your heart rate and enhances blood vessel size naturally, which potentially provides cardiovascular benefits without having to perform physical exercise. Research suggests that these passive benefits may improve vascular function and support cardiovascular health for individuals who have limitations in mobility or may have blood pressure concerns. This is a gentle cardio workout that doesn’t require a gym membership or workout clothes.
Mild Increases In Heart Rate & Blood Vessel Size
Getting in warm water raises the heart rate, approximately 10 – 15 bpm. This mild increase occurs easily since your body is attempting to maintain a regulated temperature. The heart pumps blood more quickly to distribute heat through the body – a similar cardiovascular response that you may get at a lower intensity for very light exercise.
Heat dilates the blood vessels, which improves increased circulation. Blood vessels that are larger (wider) allow for blood to flow more smoothly. This also lowers the work the heart through the maintenance of a sufficient blood flow. This is beneficial for people, that through age, sedentariness, or health conditions, have experienced less than optimal circulation. The cardiovascular system reacts to hot tub heat, much like light physical activity. Blood moves more efficiently due to dilated vessels. This increased circulation is also much better at moving oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. We have customers with circulation disorders who notice after regular uses, that their hands and feet are warmer.
Key cardiovascular responses are:
- Increased heart rate (10-15 BPM)
- Vasodilation of blood vessels
- Increased blood flow to the extremities
- Decreased peripheral resistance
Research Showing Passive Cardiovascular Benefits
Research demonstrates measurable cardiovascular benefits of regular hot tub use. One study in 2016 showed that passive heat therapy improved vascular function in people with limited mobility. This opens the door to cardiovascular benefits for those with limited mobility who do not exercise in the traditional sense.
Daily hot baths reduction the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 28% according to Japanese research. Improved cardiovascular health is demonstrated in participants who either used hot water immersion for 5-7 days a week. Keep in mind, this study followed over 60,000 people for 20 years—it’s not preliminary research but robust data that is long-term.
Research on passive heat treatment also shows better endothelial function. The endothelium is located inside blood vessels and controls circulation. Better endothelial function equates to healthier blood vessels leading to better cardiovascular function. Think of it as having younger and more pliable arteries.
Researchers in multiple studies found that participating in heat and sauna baths increased nitric oxide. This chemical allows blood vessels to vasodilate and receive blood flow. Active cardiovascular features continued after the hot tub, creating a persistency in vascular health and function.
Benefits For Limited Mobility Or Hypertension
Hot tubs provide cardiovascular associated exercise for those who cannot do traditional exercise. People who have arthritis, joint pain, or mobility issues can still safely improve circulation. We’ve worked with clients who were coming off of orthopedic procedures, able to use hot tubs to obtain cardiovascular benefits while they were recuperating.
The hydrostatic pressure of the water makes return to the heart more easily. Hydrostatic pressure works like compression therapy on the legs. When swollen, hydrostatically can improve circulation and lessen swelling, without compromise to the heart. Hydrostatic pressure is passive compression therapy, which has meaningful effects if you are susceptible to edema or circulatory effects.
Patients with hypertension may experience some thermal-use benefits of the hot tub itself (as long as all precautions are taken). The heat will soften up tissues and blood vessels and may help in the reduction in blood pressure. Before starting any stimulation protocol (including heat stimulants), discuss your situation with your physician (especially if you are also on some prescribed blood pressure medications that heat may affect).
Physiological benefits of circulation involved:
- Increased blood perfusion to the extremities (hands/feet)
- Lessens edema to lower extremities
- Increased metabolic function through improved circulation
- Improved quality of vascular system in patients over time.
The warm water environment also serves as an enjoyable way for movement to improve cardiovascular health. Also, just doing stretches in hot water may suffice benefit for circulation (that’s exercise without exertion for mobility: how else is that good for impaired systems?).
Pain Relief to Immunological Benefits: Decreasing Inflammation from the Inside Out
The thermal therapy of hot water immersion has some really potent anti-inflammatory mechanisms that can also fortify the immune system. The combination of the warm water and hydrostatic pressure facilitate not only measurable benefits from blood perfusion; but also rest restorative cellular health processes. For those who struggle with chronic inflammation, this natural remedy will be side-effect free.
Heat And Hydrostatic Pressure Benefits Inflammation
A spa bathing/hot tub experience enhances heat shock proteins to help protect the cell cell from cellular injury and decreases inflammatory markers for the body. Bathing in a hot tub that is 38-40 degrees Celsius is optimal. Heat shock proteins are induced in a hot tub bath within the first 15 to 20 mins of bathing followed by better conditions that will improve integrity of protective systems. The proteins will encapsulates a covering and will stay with the cells letting them solely perform their work while withstanding the chronic existence of inflammatory markers in their environment.
Benefits of hydrostatic pressure = tissue compression/improved lymphatic drainage. Mild compression is better for the removal of waste that is thought to cause inflammation, or the stiffness in joints. So although a tub user does has any problem with discomfort with the pressure. The tub user itself, they are wearing a body suit of compression which then it’ll also help the lymphatic system to function properly.
In a post-hyperthermia environment, you could expect to see the following benefits of inflammatory markers that could be measured indicating;
- C-reactive protein levels down
- Interleukin-6 levels down
- less delayed-onset muscle soreness
- less recovery time from injury
Regular hyperthermic conditioning would reduce glucose and increase muscle tissues as a measure of glucose sensitivity. Grains intake and increase in metabolic function could stimulate BIO-ENERGY26 growth strategies to maximize body weight and reduce inflammation over time with the challenges of type 2 diabetes occurring. Customers with diabetes of soaking experiences had showed better regulation of blood glucose.
Immune Response And Circulation Improvement
Hot water exposure increases core body temperature just as if they have a mild fever, where in this kind of controlled thermal stress increases the increase of production of immune cells and gives energy for the body’s natural rest systems process. This controlled thermal stress would ‘train’ the immune system, where it will expose it to mild stress without the bodily feedback systems signaling to indicate immune compromise/the presence of diseases.
Sitting in hot water improves circulation. With your vessels widely open your immune cells are able to navigate your body to a greater degree. Improved circulation increases detox capacity, through improved kidney and liver function. Your organs will function better with greater unobstructed blood flow.
After heat exposure your white blood cell count will increase temporarily. Immune cells will ramp up their activity and innate immunities have an increased ability to recognize danger. While circulation will disperse these defensive cells to the area in need of repair. You might think of it as a more vigorous personal security system.
Better circulation equates to:
- More blood flow and diffusion to your tissue
- Better flow of oxygen to tissues
- Improved flow of nutrients
- Better removal/flow of metabolic waste
Benefits From Autoimmune Conditions
Individuals with autoimmune conditions routinely experience diminished symptoms using hot tubs. Heat modulates the hyperactive immune modulation, as well as providing some heat to modulate joint inflammation and stiffness. Certainly not a cure, however many of our customers noted decreased bone prescription itself after utilizing a modified soaking plan of care.
Rheumatoid arthritis customers experience considerable pain control using heat exposure. The warm-water environment provides a forum for moving and stretching that could not be done on land. A patient with severe RA noted that after six weeks of soaking every day she can button up her button shirts.
Patients with fibromyalgia utilize hot tub allowance for heat, buoyancy, and compressive forces. You may be confusing the signals of pain sensory input through relaxing muscle. Often sleep is a problem with fibromyalgia individuals. Immediate relaxation response at night is a directly restorative activity.
Some autoimmune benefits include (but are not limited to):
- Less morning stiffness
- Reduced prescription medications
- Sustained better sleep
- Reported improvements in activities of daily living
Type 2 diabetic control is achievable through consistent heat exposure. The care limits provider to manage more effectively fasting insulin AND glycolic toleration due to the improvement of blood sugars in the more normal way. Hot tub sessions can function the same as part of a comprehensive diet and medical care with connected healthcare.
Breathe Easy: Assistance with Airway Function
The steam from the hot tub and warm air might have some effect for your sinus congestion and difficulty breathing. The moist heat may offer a temporary respite from some of your symptoms of a respiratory condition thought it should be emphasized that this is not a medical remedy for serious respiratory conditions.
Benefits of Steam for the Airway, Sinuses, Lungs and Breathing
Hot tub steam behaves in much the same way as a humidifier for the respiratory system. The warm, moist air helps to improve the flow of mucus in your nose and sinus cavities. This mucus thinning effect will help you clear nasal congestion naturally. It has been reported by many users of the hot tub, which was especially helpful in the dry winters of Canada, that there was less blockage of the sinuses after soaking in a hot tub.
The steam may help bring moisture to dry nasal passages. A sensitive nasal passage would dry out in the cold winter air. The dry air was made worse with indoor heating, losing a majority of the moisture in the room air. The steam from a hot tub was beneficial for natural humidification right where you needed it.
The benefits of steam for breath-related conditions are as follows:
- Reduced nasal blockage usage
- Improved elimination of mucus
- Moist airways
- Temporary relief from congestion
Warm, humid conditions may be beneficial for seasonal allergies or dry air conditions. However, for serious respiratory conditions, it’s best to consult a doctor before using a hot tub on a regular basis.
Steam may be useful for temporary relief for minor conditions however it is not the equal to appropriate medical treatment for a chronic condition such as asthma or COPD.
Warm Air and Relaxation for Minor Respiratory Conditions
It appears that the combination of warm air and relaxation may be helpful for those that breathing had degrees of difficulty. Stress often adds to respiratory issues so relaxing in a hot tub may offer two forms of relief. When we are stressed, we breathe more shallowly, and the relaxation response naturally deepens our breathing pattern. Warm air is more comforting on sensitive airways than cold air. This can be advantageous during Canadian winters when getting outside is subject to harsh and dry air. Many of our customers will exclaim, “I breathe so much easier in the winter when soaking compared to having outdoor cold air.”
The relaxation response of hot tubbing may also relieve stress induced breathing difficulty. When we are relaxed, our breathing is usually more deeply and regularly. This is not only perception, but relaxation also physically alters our breathing in quite measurable and observable ways.
Some mild respiratory complaints that benefit:
- Seasonal stuffy
- Dry throat from home heat
- Stress shallow breathing
- Mild seasonal allergies
Heat increases circulation in the body including the respiratory tissues. Circulation to promote repair is a vital process. Means to predict fluids (oxygen and nutrients) to our tissues that need repair.
Tip 1: Water Chemistry = Safe Steam
Good water chemistry is key for steam inhalation. Poor water chemistry can produce fumes that are harmful to your respiratory system and potentially annoying, instead of inhaling therapeutic steam. The steam you are inhaling is only as clean as the water you are using.
Chemical balance levels to ensure:
- pH=7.2−7.8
- Chlorine=1−3 ppm
- Total alkalinity=80−120 ppm
Test your water chemistry at least twice a week with accurate test strips or testers. Unbalanced chemistry can carry bacteria and chlorine and any germs you inhale vapour. We’ve encountered individuals who have experienced respiratory irritation as a result of poorly-maintained water—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Regularly clean the filters to prevent contaminants from entering the water. A dirty filter will allow contaminants and bacteria to circulate, which leads to poor air quality above the water surface. Replace filters according to manufacturer guidelines or more often with heavy use.
Replace water every 3-4 months or by the manufacturer’s recommendation. The freshest water, with the correct chemical balance, creates the most health-related steam for respiratory purposes. This may feel like to simple maintenance but clean water is vitally important for health.
More Than Just Me-Time: Social and Relationship Benefits
Hot tubs effectively take outdoor spaces and convert them into gathering places spontaneously where conversations really happen. The warm water sets the relaxing mood and brings the group together without distractions—something that, today, is harder to find in our digitally driven world!
Hot Tubs: The New Campfire
Hot tubs are serving the same purpose as campfires have for millennia. People gather around warm, inviting spaces to engage in storytelling and connection. There is something instinctive about warming rests that draws humans together and invites frankness.
The circular seating arrangement also provides natural face-to-face conversations! Everyone is at the same level so it creates some equity among the participants. It removes any existing social barriers that might exist in a more formal environment. We have seen customers who were somewhat timid speak away when we demo’d water on their showroom—there is something about being in warm water that seemingly removes social awkwardness.
Social benefits include:
- Natural conversation starters about the bubbles & warmth
- Shared sensory experience helps create common ground
- Relaxed environment can alleviate social anxiety
- Intimate setting can create the space for thoughtful conversations
The warm water releases endorphins that can boost your mood. When you are happy, you communicate more openly and connect more deeply. Over time, frequent hot tub gatherings become beloved rituals for friend groups. It’s like having a social catalyst in your own back yard.
Hot tubs work during the winter months, unlike campfires in Canada’s weather, making for incredible experiences while soaking in the wintertime, with steam rising up in the cold air. There is something extraordinary about being warm & relaxed while surrounded by swirling snowflakes.
Family Time, Romantic Getaways, And Friends’ Night In
Families have told us that hot tubs give them tablet-free, phone-free, screen time together. Children usually share more about their days while their bodies are relaxed in warm water. Parents have told us that these moments create lasting memories. One family shared that their hot tub was the spot where their teenagers actually talked to them—it was no small feat in this day and age.
Things families like to do together include:
- End of the day school and friend chats
- Soaking together on weekend mornings with hot cocoa
- Teaching kids about responsibility by maintaining the hot tub
- Celebrating family occasions
Couples use hot tubs to reconnect after a busy day. Time for discussions without household distractions. Many couples go on repeat hot tub dates to create a relationship ritual. They are cheaper than going for dinner and easier than going to the movies.
Friend circles are reconceptualizing hot tub nights as social events. The size of the hot tub limits the size of the group, which lends itself to deeper discussions rather than larger gatherings. Some are regular rituals. One user organizes “Wine Wednesday” soaks that her friends coordinate from their schedules. Some soak stories would be deemed in-depth.
The hot tub warms interpersonal interactions, and after a while, you feel more comfortable than a normal social event. Hot tub time provides surface and emerging details that you wouldn’t share on any other gathering. You are warm and relaxed so you go to deeper levels than chit-chat.
It is all talk without screens
The conversation times flow without restraint. Likewise, they are engaged in one another and practicing clean listening. The face to face talk build stronger emotional connections. It is building relationships, without intentional bonding.
Benefits of unplugged socializing:
- Better communication
- Better conflict management
- Listened better for emotional connections
- Better in regard to empathy
Kids use social skills in heated water. Kids learn to interpret reading landscape and body language. These social skills carry over to their formal schooling and peer relationships. There is value in digital context, but moving over those doesn’t replace it.
Adults learn to talk without digital interference. Many participants feel more like individuals and families feel more together after ongoing use of a hot tub or a hot tub time for us. Process is muscle memory to be with people; something we are losing to our screens.
The hot water makes sharing deep talk so easy. Families have time with the hot tub to discuss important things and sometimes even things that could be considered important, I get the feeling like at different times. The heat makes processing easier and doable.
A Smarter Way to Stay Healthy Starts at Home
It’s easier to stick to a healthy routine when you plan regular hot tub sessions into your week. After a workout, soaking in the tub helps your muscles recover faster. Evening sessions help you relax after a long day. It’s important to treat these sessions like important appointments instead of optional extras.
Adding Hot Tub Sessions to Your Weekly Schedule
Three to four hot tub sessions a week work for most people. Midweek stress relief works well on Monday and Wednesday nights. Mornings on the weekend are a calm way to start the slower days. Your body gets used to regular patterns, so the exact time doesn’t matter as much as consistency.
For the best results, plan sessions that last 20 minutes. If you soak for a long time, you could get dehydrated or sleepy. Shorter sessions may not give you all the health benefits you need. Most people find that twenty minutes is just right.
Example of a weekly schedule:
- Monday: Soak to relieve stress at 7:00 PM
- Wednesday at 8:00 PM: muscle recovery session
- Friday: 6:30 PM wind-down for the weekend
- Sunday: 10:00 AM morning rest
Set reminders on your phone for the times you have planned. Think of these sessions as important meetings. Your body will start to want and expect these regular breaks for your health. A lot of customers say they feel anxious or out of balance when they miss their scheduled soak times.
Before each session, have a towel and a water bottle close by. This planning makes it easier to stick to your schedule. Get rid of things that make it hard to be consistent. The easier it is to use your hot tub, the more likely you are to keep up with healthy habits.
Tips for Soaking After a Workout and Relieving Stress
After working out hard, wait 30 minutes before getting into your hot tub. This time to cool down keeps your body temperature from rising too quickly. The warm water helps muscles that are tight relax and heal. Timing is important for how well therapy works.
Benefits After Working Out:
- Lowers muscle soreness by 25% to 30%
- Increases blood flow to tired muscles
- Makes it take less time to recover between workouts
When you soak, focus on deep breathing to help you relax. Breathe in for four counts, hold for four, and then breathe out for six counts. This method gets your body to relax. Breathing exercises work better when you do them with warm water than when you do them alone.
Evening sessions are the best way to deal with stress. The warm water naturally lowers your blood pressure and heart rate. When you leave, your body temperature drops, which tells your brain to get ready for sleep. It’s like giving your nervous system a fresh start.
Combining Aromatherapy, Lighting, and Playlists
Aromatherapy turns regular hot tub sessions into spa-like experiences. Put some cotton balls with a few drops of essential oils near your hot tub. Lavender helps you relax, and eucalyptus clears your sinuses. Adding oils directly to the water can hurt your system.
Some common aromatherapy blends are:
- Chamomile and lavender for relaxing at night
- For energy in the morning, mix peppermint and eucalyptus.
- Citrus oils for afternoon baths that lift your spirits
Dim lighting is the best way to relax. Put string lights around your hot tub area or use lanterns that run on batteries. Don’t use bright lights above your head that hurt your eyes. Your brain gets ready for sleep when the lights are soft.
Soft music in the background adds to the sensory experience. Sounds of nature, like rain or ocean waves, can help you relax. Instrumental music can help you relax without lyrics that get in the way. Keep the volume down; you want to help people relax, not make them feel worse.
Make separate playlists for your morning and evening sessions. Acoustic songs with a happy beat wake you up in the morning. Slower, more relaxing songs can help you wind down at night. When you listen to certain music while you’re in the hot tub, it helps your brain relax faster.
Health Benefits Without Health Risks: Tips for Safe Soaking
To use a hot tub safely, you need to pay attention to the water temperature, the time, and how to stay hydrated. Before starting a regular soaking routine, some health conditions need to be checked out by a doctor. Safety doesn’t have to be hard, but it does have to be the same every time.
Rules for Time and Temperature
For most adults, the temperature of the water should be between 37∘C and 40∘C. When the temperature goes up, it can cause overheating and skin irritation. We’ve seen customers raise the temperature, thinking that more heat means better results. That’s not how it works.
Sessions should last no more than 15 to 20 minutes. Longer soaking times raise the chances of getting dehydrated and heat exhaustion. Your body can only handle so much heat therapy before it stops working.
People who have never used a hot tub before should start with shorter sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. It takes time for bodies to get used to being in the heat. One customer didn’t listen to this advice and spent 45 minutes in water that was 41∘C on his first try. He felt dizzy for hours after that.
Safety Rules for Temperature:
- 37∘C to 38∘C: A range that is easy for beginners
- 38∘C to 39∘C: Normal comfort range
- Maximum safe temperature: 39∘C to 40∘C
If you feel dizzy or sick, get out of the water right away. These signs mean that you are too hot. Don’t try to tough it out; your body is trying to tell you something.
Staying Hydrated, Staying Away from Alcohol, and Keeping Up with Maintenance
Before, during, and after using the hot tub, drink water. When you sweat, you lose more fluids when you’re hot. Even though you’re surrounded by water, it doesn’t take long for you to get dehydrated in hot places.
Drinking alcohol while soaking can lead to dangerous dehydration. It also makes it harder to decide when it’s safe to soak. Some of our customers thought they could handle longer sessions after a few drinks, but they were wrong and we had to call paramedics.
Water that is clean and balanced keeps skin from getting irritated and infections from spreading. Use the right test strips to check the chemical levels twice a week. Rashes, eye irritation, and breathing problems can all happen if the water isn’t balanced.
Important Maintenance Tasks:
- Cleaning the filter every two to three weeks
- The pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.8.
- 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine
- Alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm.
Change the water every 3 to 4 months, depending on how often you use it. Bacteria that cause skin problems live in dirty water. It’s not just about cleanliness when it comes to fresh water; it’s also about health and safety.
Who Should See a Doctor First
Women who are pregnant need to get permission from a doctor before using a hot tub. High temperatures can hurt the development of the fetus. Most doctors say that you should stay away from hot tubs during the first trimester.
People with heart problems should talk to their doctor about what temperatures are safe for them. Heat has an effect on blood pressure and circulation. Some heart medicines don’t work well when you are exposed to heat.
People who take medicines that change how the body controls its temperature need to see a doctor. Some medications make people more sensitive to heat. Antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, and some antidepressants can all change how your body reacts to heat.
When you need to see a doctor:
- Diabetes
- Blood pressure that is too high or too low
- Problems with circulation
- Eczema and other skin problems
Kids younger than 5 need to be watched all the time and not be around things for long periods of time. Their bodies control temperature in a different way than adults. Small bodies get too hot faster and don’t show as many warning signs.
Small Investment, Big Change in Life
Buying a hot tub changes your daily routines into wellness rituals and gives you health benefits that you can see. The fun and health benefits all year long lead to lasting changes in your life that go far beyond the initial cost. We’ve been in this business for 15 years and have seen how these purchases change lives, not just backyards.
A Summary of the Physical, Mental, and Restorative Benefits
Hot tubs use targeted hydrotherapy to help with physical problems. The warm water can boost blood flow by as much as 40%. This better flow makes muscles less tense and joints less stiff. This isn’t a luxury for people with chronic pain; it’s medicine.
Buoyancy makes the body 90% lighter. This relief helps damaged tissues heal faster. People with arthritis feel a lot less pain after soaking in the water for a while. We’ve seen customers who had trouble walking move around easily in warm water.
The emotional benefits are just as big. Endorphins are released naturally when you take a warm bath. These chemicals that make you feel good lower stress hormones like cortisol. It’s not just relaxation; it’s biochemistry working in your favor.
People who use it regularly sleep a lot better. The drop in temperature after soaking tells the body to get ready for sleep. Most people go to sleep 15 to 20 minutes faster. Better sleep affects your mood, energy, immune system, and ability to make decisions.
When stress levels go down, your mind becomes clearer. The quiet space is good for thinking and meditating. When you soak in peace, your worries go away. A lot of customers say that they find it easier to come up with solutions to problems after spending time in the hot tub.
Making Life Better Every Day of the Year
Winter goes from a time of suffering to months of fun outside. People in Canada can comfortably soak in temperatures as low as −20∘C. The difference between cold air and warm water makes for a refreshing experience that makes winter something to look forward to.
Backyard hot tub parties take summer fun to a whole new level. Friends and family naturally want to be in a calm place. Evening soaks turn into fun social events. It’s fun to have pool parties, but hot tub parties bring people closer together.
Short hot tub sessions can make morning routines more helpful. Before work, the heat makes stiff muscles feel better. You have more energy on busy days. Some customers say that their morning soak works better than coffee.
It’s easy to recover on the weekend. Athletes use hot tubs to ease muscle pain after hard workouts. Better circulation speeds up healing and stops injuries from happening. Weekend warriors can also tell that they heal faster after yard work or hockey games.
Installing a hot tub by a professional will raise the value of your home. Spas that are well-made can raise the value of a home by $3,000 to $8,000. The investment pays off when you sell it. Real estate agents often use hot tubs as selling points.
Call to Action: Go to the Showroom or Set Up a Consultation
There are more than 15 high-end hot tub models on display at Canadian Home Leisure’s Whitby showroom. Customers try out different seating arrangements and jet placements. Staff who know what they’re talking about explain how to take care of things and how much energy they use. You won’t know how good they are until you try them yourself.
A free consultation includes planning the delivery and checking out the site. Certified technicians check the electrical needs and the best ways to get to them. They give you accurate estimates of how long the job will take and how much it will cost. There are no surprises or hidden costs; just honest advice about what will work best for you.
Financing options make it easy to get into premium spas right away. Qualified buyers can make monthly payments starting at $89. Extended warranties cover investments for up to ten years. If you take care of them, good hot tubs can last for decades. This isn’t a short-term buy.
The design team makes custom outdoor areas for new hot tubs. They work together to plan the lighting, decking, and privacy features. In just one visit, the whole backyard can change. We don’t just sell hot tubs; we make places that are good for your health.
Right now, you can get free delivery and setup within 50 kilometers. Customers can save up to $2,000 with spring installation specials. When stock levels drop, limited-time deals end. When you’re ready to get healthier and live a better life is the best time to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
People who use hot tubs often ask the same questions about health benefits, safety issues, and how soaking compares to other wellness activities. People can make better choices about whether or not to use a hot tub every day by answering these common questions.
What are the possible health benefits of using a hot tub on a regular basis?
Using a hot tub on a regular basis can help blood flow throughout the body by opening up blood vessels and making them bigger. The warm water may help people with arthritis or chronic pain feel better by easing muscle tension and joint stiffness.
Hot tubs can also help you sleep better. When you get out of the warm water, your body temperature drops, which tells your body to get ready for sleep. A lot of customers say that after starting a routine of soaking in the evening, they fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Many people feel less stressed while they are soaking. Warm water, buoyancy, and quiet time together can lower cortisol levels and help you relax. There are changes in stress hormone levels that can be measured, not just feeling better.
How does soaking in a hot tub help you recover after working out?
Hot tubs’ heat therapy increases blood flow to muscles, which helps bring them the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal. This better blood flow can help get rid of metabolic waste products like lactic acid faster. Athletes say that hot tub sessions help them recover faster from hard training.
Water’s buoyancy takes pressure off of muscles and joints. In this weightless environment, tight muscles can relax more easily than they can on dry land. We’ve worked with physiotherapists who say that using a hot tub can help with recovery.
Taking a hot tub bath within 24 hours of working out may help with sore muscles. The heat helps keep muscles from getting too stiff after a lot of exercise. A lot of people use their hot tubs to help them recover from being a weekend warrior.
Can using a hot tub often make your skin better?
Warm water opens pores and makes you sweat more, which can help get rid of dead skin cells and other impurities. This natural way of removing dead skin cells might make your skin feel smoother. When you expose your skin to heat, it increases blood flow, which brings more nutrients to skin cells.
Over time, better circulation can help your skin look better. Some customers say that soaking their skin regularly makes it look brighter, but results vary from person to person and depend on a number of factors.
But hot water can also take away the oils that are naturally in skin. Users should keep their sessions short and moisturize afterward to avoid dryness or irritation. It is very important to have the right water chemistry. Unbalanced water can hurt your skin instead of helping it.
How often is it safe to use a hot tub, and what are the risks?
If you follow the right rules, most healthy adults can safely use hot tubs a few times a week. To keep from getting too hot, sessions should usually last 15 to 20 minutes. For the best safety and benefits, the temperature should stay between 37∘C and 40∘C.
Before using it regularly, pregnant women, people with heart problems, and people taking certain medications should talk to their doctors. Hot tubs can change how your body controls blood pressure and body temperature. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor first.
Not taking care of the water properly can lead to bacterial infections. To avoid health problems, users must keep the right chemical balance and filter. With every purchase, we give you detailed instructions on how to take care of your item. You have to follow them.
A common worry with frequent use is dehydration. If users don’t drink enough water, the heat and sweat can make them lose fluids. During every session, have a water bottle close by.
How could using a hot tub help you lose weight?
When you use a hot tub, your body has to work hard to keep the water warm, which burns calories. A 30-minute session may burn 100 to 150 calories, which is about the same as a brisk walk. It’s not a lot of calories burned, but it’s more than just sitting on the couch.
The heat can make your heart beat faster and your metabolism work harder for a short time. This mild effect on the heart and blood vessels gives some fitness benefits without having to work out hard. It’s a safe way for people who have trouble moving around to get heart health benefits.
Hot tubs might help you lose weight by making you sleep better and lowering your stress levels. Getting more sleep and less stress helps keep hormones in check that control metabolism and appetite. It is much harder to keep your weight in check when you don’t get enough sleep.
But just using a hot tub won’t help you lose a lot of weight. It works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Think of it as a tool that will help you, not a magic fix.
How do the benefits of using a sauna and a jacuzzi differ?
A sauna uses dry heat, while a jacuzzi uses warm water to make you feel better. Water makes things float, which takes pressure off of joints. Saunas can’t do that. This difference is very important for people with arthritis or other joint problems.
Saunas usually get hotter than hot tubs, with temperatures ranging from 70∘C to 100∘C, while jacuzzis only get up to 37∘C to 40∘C. This very hot weather may cause more sweating and detoxification effects. Some people like the sauna’s intense heat.
The social part is different for the two choices. Jacuzzis make it easier to talk to each other and stay longer, while saunas usually have shorter, more private sessions. Hot tubs naturally make people want to talk to each other because it’s hard to ignore someone sitting two feet away.
Both are good for your heart and help you relax. A lot of the time, the choice comes down to whether you prefer wet or dry heat therapy. Some customers end up with both a sauna and a hot tub. They use the sauna for intense heat therapy and the hot tub for social relaxation and joint relief.
