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  • Who Can Go in a Hot Tub? Your complete guide

    Back to the Learning Centre Who Can Use a Hot Tub? Your Complete Guide By Jon Filson Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas Published Jun 19, 2025 You’re getting a hot tub. You’ve decided. But who is it for? For you? Just for you? What about the kids? What about your pregnant sister-in-law? What about your parents? What about your lovely golden retriever? Is it for all of them? We get asked all the time who (and what) can actually get in a hot tub. It’s among the more common questions we’re asked in our stores. Everyone wants to make sure their family members are okay to use anything they buy.We want you to know that hot tubs are safe. They have been sold for decades since they were developed in North America and now can be found around the world. In general, we have found that most people can use hot tubs without worry. In all cases, we recommend you talk to your family doctor if you have any concerns or questions we don’t answer here. Some we know we won’t: Because we want them to be answered by doctors instead of us. We don’t give medical advice after all, and we don’t make medical claims about Hydropool hot tubs or swim spas.    In this article, we will go over the most common questions we are asked about what can go in a hot tub. By the end, we hope you’ll have a good idea of what you can do and what you can’t and when you should check with your family doctor.   Who Can Go In a Hot Tub? We want to say “anybody” here. But we don’t. In general, we advise very young children and anyone with high blood pressure to avoid hot tubs. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. says children under five shouldn’t use hot tubs. The concern is that children’s bodies regulate heat differently than adults and they have a more difficult time adjusting to a tub’s water temperature. It is why hot tubs become a great place to bond with your child when they become a teenager. It can be a rite of passage, when your child is old enough to use the hot tub with you without any concern. If you want a place where your child is happy to join you – and put their phone down – a hot tub is a great spot for connecting with your kids.  Can a Dog Go in a Hot Tub? There are actually two parts to this question: Can the dog handle the hot tub? And can the  tub handle the dog? Let’s take them both in turn.Can a dog handle being in a tub? This is tough to say. Go online and you will read about many people saying they let their dogs in their hot tub. Just as many say the heat can be harmful because dogs don’t regulate heat the same way we do and the warm water isn’t good for them to be in or ingest. We’re not taking a stand here other than to say to please go ask your veterinarian before letting your pooch anywhere near your hot tub. In many cases, this situation will depend on the dog. Can the tub handle the dog? Yes. In this case, it’s no different than anyone else getting in the hot tub: hair and bacteria will get taken care of by the filters. It will be like an especially hairy friend came over.Our best suggestion is to buy your dog a little wading pool that you can have beside the hot tub and fill it with standard tap water. And let your dog decide if it wants to hop in or not! Hydropool’s Self-Cleaning Technology Can a Pregnant Woman Go in a Hot Tub? We advise you to speak to your doctor here. Can a Woman Go in a Hot Tub With Her Period? The site verywellhealth.com says you can here and in general we would say yes, but as always, we advise you to check with your doctor. How Long Should You Stay In a Tub? We generally recommend 20 minutes, but to always get yourself out or reduce the temperature if you’re experiencing any issues at all. How Long Can You Stay In a Tub? The World Record is a lot longer than 20 minutes. Andre Van Zilj once spent 306 hours in a hot tub for the current world record (you can read about it here). It should be obvious that we don’t recommend this, even for tough guys like Andre.  Are Hot Tubs Good for You? Can Children Go In Hot Tubs?  We always recommend no child should go in a tub without a parent being present. That’s just common sense and good hot tub safety. If your child is over five, it shouldn’t be an issue, but it never hurts to keep an eye out. And again, head to your family doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Can Older People Use Tubs? Senior citizens are one the largest groups of hot tub owners. There may be some cases where hot tubs aren’t appropriate for seniors, but in most cases, we find they enjoy the therapeutic and wellness benefits hot tubs offer.  Best Hot Tubs for Families Who Can Go In a Hot Tub? Healthy adults and teenagers of all ages are who hot tubs are for! There are groups that have reasonable questions whether it’s wise to enter hot tubs are not, and we’ve done our best to answer those questions here. If you have any questions or concerns – any at all – we highly encourage you to speak with your family doctor. We want people to enjoy hot tubs and we want to make sure everyone stays happy and healthy when they do use them. We hope this article answered your questions about who can use hot tubs. If it hasn’t, we first suggest speaking with your doctor. If you have hot-tub related questions though, our local dealers can help you out as well. Don’t hesitate to…

  • What to Do If Your Hot Tub Isn’t Heating Properly?

    Back to the Learning Centre Like someone who has found an indie band of their very own, you have discovered the swim spa. It’s like a hot tub, but you can swim in it, but less expensive than a pool. The only question left is where it goes in your garden. By Jon Filson Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas Like someone who has found an indie band of their very own, you have discovered the swim spa. It’s like a hot tub, but you can swim in it, but less expensive than a pool. The only question left is where it goes in your garden. And then it hits you: Where can it go in your garden? Or should it go in your garage? Maybe it should go indoors? Or maybe it should partially above ground, for a lifted effect. Maybe it should go entirely below? Or perhaps just sit there on top, with decking built around? Or can it go on a deck itself? So many questions. We are asked all of these and more from swim spa buyers and would-be buyers at our retail stores. So we wrote this article with the answers, so you could know what option fits you best. Have a read and hopefully by the end it will be more clear on what works best for you. Can you put a swim spa in the ground? Yes. Swim spas can be placed in-ground all the way or part of the way. The most popular option locally is to semi-submerge the hot tub into the ground, with more than three-quarters of swim spas being installed this way in the UK. This look is quite refined and requires additional landscaping, but done well, the swim spa will look like an integrated and expensive addition to your home and garden. You will need to create a wide area surrounding the swim spa, so that it can be accessed for service, and a pump will need to be installed to keep that area from becoming filled with water due to rain or overflow from swimming, should you be especially energetic. Can you bury a swim spa? As in put it entirely below ground? Yes you can. This is another quite popular approach with all of the caveats of putting a swim spa in the ground part of the way. You will need to build a basin to hold the swim spa so that it can be accessed for service and you will need to ensure that the basin is kept dry with a pump. Can you put a swim spa in a garage? Yes. There are a few thing you’re going to want to be sure of though. To install a swim spa in a garage: You will want to be sure the foundation is solid, as swim spas must live on a flat, stable, strong surface, such as concrete pad. You will want to make sure there is adequate electrical capabilities, as swim spas require 240V of power. You will want to have sufficient ventilation. Exhaust ventilation is expected, to forcibly expel the moisture that invariably will build up. You will want to be satisfied you have access. How are you getting the swim spa inside the space you’re considering? If it’s not built, this is relatively easy. But if it is built already, you will need to ensure you have a large enough doorway to slide the swim spa through. If putting your swim spa in the ground indoors, the same caveats apply as outdoors. You will need a concrete basin surrounding your swim spa to guarantee access, and you will want a system to ensure that basin is free of water. Can you put a swim spa indoors? Yes. It doesn’t have to be just a garage! A swim spa can be installed indoors. Our showrooms regularly feature swim spas that you can test before you buy, for example, so we are quite used to indoor installations. Keep in mind the floor/foundation, adequate ventilation and electrical will all be required as well as access to the space in the first place: The swim spa will need to get in the door somehow. With indoor installations, we highly recommend you speak to a local retailer who can work with you to advise you of the particulars to your location. We find even in gardens, every delivery is unique. Do you need planning permissions for swim spas? Here’s the good news: In 99.9% of situations you do not need any permissions. You should always discuss this with your local retailer, however, before you buy. But it is a very rare situation where anything document is required as a swim spa is a portable unit, not a permanent one like an in-ground pool. Can you put a swim spa on a deck? In short, no. We do not advise this. A swim spa is extremely heavy and a deck isn’t build to take the weight. Swim spas must be placed on a secure concrete pad. Swim spas are great contributors to gardens. While it is common to put them in the ground, it isn’t mandatory. Decking can be built around a swim spa so that you’re able to step right in and so that your swim spa doesn’t stick right out but is instead incorporated into the surroundings. Where can I install a swim spa? Swim spas can be more easily located in your garden or indoors than pools. There is additional work for different applications, but swim spas remain versatile units. Most people in the UK semi-submerge swim spas, with more than 3/4s of the buying public opting for that particular approach. It requires a bit of extra effort, but the overall effect is often stunning, with access made easy through steps and decking. Whichever way you decide is right for you, we hope we have answered many of your questions here on how swim spas can be installed. If we have missed any questions,…

  • Common Hot Tub Problems: Your Complete Guide

    Back to the Learning Centre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzQuXE6wvhgThe Complete Guide to Common Hot Tub Problems and How to Resolve Them   By Jon Filson Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas If you own a hot tub or are considering buying one, you understand that it’s similar to owning a car or a home appliance. It has moving parts that need regular attention and occasional maintenance to keep running smoothly. And sometimes even then, servicing is required.  At Hydropool, we’ve been in the hot tub industry for over 40 years, and we’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for hot tub owners to understand how their spas function. By knowing the common problems that can arise and how to tackle them, you’ll ensure your hot tub remains a source of relaxation and enjoyment for years to come. In this expert guide, we’ll cover: Key hot tub components that may experience issues The most common problems faced by hot tub owners Proven tips to maintain your hot tub and avoid costly repairs We hope your Hydropool hot tub will run without a hitch, but like any piece of equipment, occasional servicing may be necessary. Let’s dive into the details and explore how to keep your hot tub in perfect condition.  Which Hot Tub Parts Can Experience Problems? A hot tub consists of various components, and understanding which ones are most likely to experience issues can help prevent major headaches. Here’s a breakdown of common parts and their potential problems.  Plumbing Parts: Hoses and JetsHoses carry water through the system, while jets circulate it to provide the therapeutic experience you bought your hot tub for. Though they require minimal maintenance, over time occasional issues like leaks or calcium build-up in jets can arise if water isn’t properly balanced. Regular checks help ensure smooth operation. Leaks can happen with hoses. This usually happens shortly after delivery, if something has jostled loose, or years after ownership.   Pumps: The Heart of Water CirculationMost hot tubs have one or two pumps. For example, in our Signature range, the Gold model uses a single pump, while the Platinum model benefits from dual pumps for enhanced efficiency and longer lifespan. A single pump has to work harder than two pumps, so it tends to go quicker. The most common other long-term issue is leaks due to worn seals, but pumps are generally long-lasting with proper care.  Heater: Keeping Your Water WarmYour hot tub heater keeps the water at the perfect temperature by passing it over a heating element. However, if your water chemistry isn’t balanced, it can stress the heater due to particles either accumulating on it or eating away at it. Make sure to regularly check your water’s pH to protect this essential component.  How does your hot tub work? Electrical Components: Ensuring Smooth OperationHot tubs rely on electrical components like control panels, pumps, and the heater. There are a variety of codes that can come up, and each needs to be handled separately. Over time, wear and tear, water damage, or faulty connections can cause problems. If you notice issues with the electrical system, it’s always best to consult a professional to avoid further complications.  Filters: Keeping Your Water CleanFilters are essential for maintaining water cleanliness. If not regularly cleaned, they can become clogged, leading to more severe mechanical issues. Regular filter maintenance ensures your hot tub water remains inviting and your system continues to run efficiently.  Water Quality: A Key Factor in Hot Tub HealthGreen water, foamy water, odd smelling water, cloudy water: It can all happen. That’s why maintaining the right water balance is crucial. A low pH can corrode components, while high pH levels can cause calcium build-up.  Regular water testing and adjustments prevent most water-related issues. Your local hot tub store will be able to advise you if anything happens. Just bring in a sample and they can tell you what to do to fix it.   Shell: Maintaining Aesthetics and PerformanceAcrylic shells can sometimes chip or get scratched, while imbalanced water chemistry can cause staining. Regular maintenance and attention to your water balance will help preserve the beauty of your hot tub shell for years.  Cabinet and Frame: Ensuring Structural IntegrityFor your hot tub to function properly, it should sit on a solid, level surface. If not, the frame and cabinet could warp over time, leading to structural damage. Ensuring the proper installation of your hot tub is key to avoiding these issues.  Hydropool’s hot tubs are insulated by a blanket which wraps the entire environment, creating elite energy efficiency while still providing acccess should servicing ever be needed. Does Insulation Matter for Hot Tub Repairs? Yes, it absolutely does. The type of insulation used in your hot tub affects both its energy efficiency and the ease of repairs. Many hot tubs are fully foam-filled, which means if a repair is needed, the foam insulation must be removed and replaced—a costly and time-consuming process. At Hydropool, we’ve designed our hot tubs with a thermal blanket system, which not only provides excellent energy efficiency but also makes repairs easier and more affordable because the entire unit is accessible inside cabinet. This design gives you peace of mind, knowing that repairs won’t break the bank. The Most Common Hot Tub Problems and How to Fix Them Let’s now dive into the most common problems that hot tub owners experience. Armed with the right knowledge, you’ll be able to resolve these issues quickly and effectively.  Water Issues: The Most Common ProblemBy far, water-related problems are the most common. Improper maintenance can lead to discolouration, foaming, unpleasant smells, or even damage to internal components. Regular water testing and maintenance are your best defense against these issues, with your local hot tub dealer always there to test your water for you and offer advice.   Heater Failures: Causes and SolutionsIssues with the heater often arise from water chemistry imbalances. If the water is too acidic, it can damage seals, while high pH levels can cause calcium build-up. Additionally, blocked filters can impede water flow, which may cause the…