 Hot Tub Itch and How to Prevent ItHaving a healthy soak in your hot tub can be a wonderful, relaxing experience. That’s probably why you’ve either purchased or are considering purchasing a hot tub in the first place. A good hot tub soak can offer a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life.
However, for too many people, the relaxing feel of your hot tub stops just as soon as the itching starts. This so-called “hot tub itch” after a soak can be incredibly aggravating and put you in a sour mood. What Causes a Bromine Rash? Hot tub itch can occur for a variety of reasons, including non-showered guests using your pool or spa. However, arguably the most common reason is due to the cleaners used to sanitize a hot tub. The two most common cleaners for hot tubs are chlorine and bromine. While they can be effective, they require precision when applying them to your tub. Too little and you risk bacteria and germs. Too much and you can get a rash. This bromine rash, sometimes called a “hot tub rash,” is caused by the cleaner destroying fatty acids and Vitamin E in your skin, which causes your skin to be irritated and dry out. How to Prevent Hot Tub Itch If you don’t want to have to worry about the balancing act of applying just the right amount of cleaner, visit Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. today. Not only do we offer hot tubs that use alternative cleaning methods, but we can also service your hot tub to ensure the water in your tub is just right.  Hot tub care includes regularly checking, balancing, sanitizing, and shocking your water. These four components of hot tub maintenance are vital to keeping the water clean, safe, and pleasant to use.
While using hot tub chemicals may sound a bit intimidating, it’s actually quite simple. Just follow this guide and you’ll have pristine water just in time for your next ultra-relaxing soak. 1. Checking Your Water’s AlkalinityThe first thing to do is to check your water’s alkalinity, which should fall between 80 ppm-120 ppm. Alkalinity between these levels will help to prevent fluctuations in the pH level. If the alkalinity is too high, your chlorine-based disinfectants won’t be as effective. This will lead to mineral buildup, cloudy water, skin/eye irritation, algae formation, and scales along the sides and bottom of your hot tub. If the alkalinity is too low, the water can irritate or dry out the top layer of skin. To correct, use a Total Alkalinity Increaser or check to see if you have significantly hard water. 2. Balancing Your Water’s pH LevelNext, you need to check and balance your water’s pH level to see how acidic or basic it is. It should fall between 7.2-7.8. If the pH level is too low, it can impact the overall efficiency of your hot tub, corrode equipment, and cause ear/eye irritation. If the pH level is too high, it can cause cloudy water, poor sanitizer efficiency, and skin/eye irritation. To correct, add either pH increaser or pH decreaser. When it comes to brand, the best hot tub chemical comes down to what works best in your particular circumstances. You might ask your local dealer for recommendations. 3. Sanitizing Your WaterSanitizing your hot tub water is important to keep it disinfected from bacteria and viruses, to keep it clear, and to keep it smelling fresh. To do this, you can choose between bromine and chlorine:
You might look at that list and determine that one, in particular, is your choice for the best chemical for your hot tub. Each has its strengths and weaknesses so it comes down to your preferences. Performing a Shock Treatment Finally, performing a shock treatment to your water breaks down the organic contaminants that can lead to cloudy water and unpleasant odors. Shocking the water reduces the need for high doses of chemicals, helps to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and algae, and keeps your equipment lasting longer. A shock treatment should be performed at least once a week. There are two types of treatments: non-chlorine shock (used regularly) and dichlor shock (used occasionally). The dosage depends on:
By correctly using hot tub chemicals, keeping your hot tub clean, and performing routine hot tub maintenance, your hot tub will provide you with fun and relaxation for many years to come.  Staying in a hotel offers a lot of those little luxuries many of us don’t get to enjoy at home. Having someone make your bed for you each day, walking downstairs to a ready-made breakfast, and getting easy advice on nearby attractions are all part of the experience. Another thing we often look for when selecting a place to stay is hotels with hot tubs.
Soaking in a hot tub is a wonderful way to conclude the day, whether you work all day or spend it having fun. However, you should think twice before you slip into the hotel hot tub on your next trip. Hotels with hot tubs don’t always take proper care of the facilities, which can lead to breeding grounds for infections. When not properly maintained, hot tubs can be even more unhealthy than public swimming pools. The dirt, bacteria, fluids, products, and dead skin everyone tracks into the hot tub can lead to rashes or a hot tub infection that can compromise your health. Healthy Hot Tub Benefits While hotels with hot tubs can present unhealthy risks for guests, hot tubs really do have many health benefits. Regularly soaking in a well-maintained hot tub can reduce stress. It also does wonders for joint and back pain. People tend to recover from sports and exercise more smoothly if they soak in a hot tub after activity. So what do you do when you want to enjoy the many hot tub benefits without risking the dangers of a hotel hot tub? The answer is to get your own hot tub from Rocky Mountain Hot Tub. They are surprisingly affordable and simple to maintain. Plus, having a hot tub at home allows you to enjoy the benefits any time you want. Give us a call today.  A dip in the hot tub is a no-brainer on a chilly night in the fall, winter, or spring months. The warm temperatures melt away the crisp air and deliver the ultimate relaxation and bonding activity for friends and family alike. But in the summer months, many people get less use out of their hot tub. Keep reading for some tips on how to use a hot tub in the summer.
Reduce the Temperature You can still have a relaxing, warm soak in the hot tub even when it’s hot outside. Simply reduce your hot tub temperature setting to 85 degrees or less, and you’ll find it much more comfortable. The heat will still feel relaxing and give you the same pleasure as the hot tub does in the winter. Use it as a Mini Pool There will be plenty of days where the weather is warm enough to swim, but your pool water still may be uncomfortably cold. Heating an entire pool can be expensive, so skip the process and opt to heat just your hot tub instead. Heat the hot tub to a 75-degree range to enjoy a comfortable cool down. Kids especially love having a contained area to splash around. Schedule Maintenance Summer is also a great time to do maintenance on your hot tub. If you’re a hot tub owner in Breckenridge, Colorado, Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. is ready to deliver reliable, quality service on your hot tub. Contact us today to schedule your next hot tub tune-up.  Hot tubs can be a cherished spot for blissful relaxation after a long, stressful day. Every hot tub owner should learn the best way to clean their hot tub, since a hot tub won’t help you relax if it’s dirty or functioning poorly.
We at Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. have put together this step-by-step guide so you can learn the best way to clean a hot tub in Breckenridge, CO. 1. Flush the Lines. The first step to clean your hot tub is flushing the lines. If left untreated, bacteria can build up on a sticky substance called biofilm inside of your lines and contaminate the water. To properly flush your lines, add a line flush cleaning product to the water in your hot tub and let it circulate for at least 20 minutes. If you haven’t used a line cleaning product in a while, you may want to let the product circulate for several hours. 2. Drain After you’ve flushed your lines, the next step is to drain your hot tub completely. You can simply connect a garden hose to the spa drain and let gravity work over a few hours. If you don’t want to wait that long, you can use a sump pump. 3. Wipe Down Your Tub Next, you’ll want to clean your hot tub shell. Spray the acrylic surface with a hot tub cleaner or a diluted vinegar solution. Wipe down the shell with a soft cloth and then rinse thoroughly. 4. Rinse/Change Filter You’ll also need to clean your filter before you refill your hot tub. If your filter is too filthy, you should replace it. Otherwise, a simple soak will suffice. For the best way to clean a hot tub in Breckenridge, CO, you’ll want to use a special filter cleaner. Fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and add a dose of the filter cleaning soak as per the product instructions and then submerge your filter. After 24 hours, remove and rinse it thoroughly with water. 5. Refill and Balance After you’ve cleaned your tub, you can refill your tub with a garden hose. You may want to use a hose filter to reduce impurities like calcium as they can ruin your water balance. Once you’ve filled your tub, you should balance the alkalinity and pH of your water as soon as possible. Add any chemicals you need and then cover the hot tub for 24 hours to allow the chemicals to circulate. Contact Us Now that you know the best way to clean a hot tub, you are ready for the upcoming year. If you’d rather not go through the effort of cleaning your hot tub, contact Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. today and let us clean your tub for you! We provide a number of hot tub services, including cleaning, maintenance, and repair in the Breckenridge and Blue River areas of Colorado.  As wonderful as it feels to hop in a steaming hot tub in winter, warming up your body inside and out isn’t the only hot tub benefit you will reap. There are actually enough hot tub health benefits to make hydrotherapy a part of your daily routine...no matter the season. 1. Muscle and Joint Pain Relief Unlimited relief from an achy back and neck? Check. Joint pain therapy whenever you need it? Yes. If you are dealing with the consequences of an overzealous workout, suffering from arthritis, or are just living with the natural pains that come along with getting older, hydrotherapy could be your answer. Hot tubs are especially useful when they boast strategically placed jet massage packs that target the back, neck, shoulder, and leg muscles. Whether you’re in the mood for a kneading massage to loosen up your legs, a deep tissue massage that relaxes your lower back, a medium-intensity massage that alleviates built-up tension in your neck, or quick pulsations all over that help you achieve a meditative state, sore muscles and joints just don’t stand a chance after a good soak in the hot tub. 2. A Better Night’s Sleep Just about anyone can attest that stress and anxiety have a tendency to keep them up at night. Between work, family, social life, and the news, there are always plenty of problems bouncing around in the brain to keep sleep at bay. Since sleep is intrinsically linked to health, it is very important to get as much high-quality sleep as possible. Harvard lists the dramatic health consequences of reduced sleep:
Insufficient sleep increases healthcare costs, decreases productivity, negatively affects day-to-day wellbeing, and ultimately lowers life expectancy. The University of Minnesota Hospital found that soaking in a hot tub for just 10 minutes can give you increased feelings of well-being and decreased anxiety. These positive feelings, coupled with the innate muscle and joint relaxation that comes from a good hot water soak, go a long way to helping you fall asleep fast and stay asleep all night long. 3. A Drop in Heart Rate and Blood Pressure If your doctor wants you to take measures to lower your blood pressure, giving your heart a rest with warm-water immersion is beneficial to cardiovascular health. A hot tub benefits the heart by causing a shift in blood volume, moving it from the body’s extremities into the chest. This shift pumps more blood in the heart, improving its function. In addition, immersion in a hot tub benefits the circulatory system by decreasing resistance through the arteries and veins. Combined, the heart will feel less stress and the heart rate will lower (and so will your blood pressure). 4. An Aid for Weight Loss While there is no quick fix for losing extra pounds, working out and eating healthy foods will go a long way. Add in some time in a hot tub to support your weight loss goals and you may just find yourself reaching the desired number on your scale even faster. Here’s why:
In addition, working out while in your hot tub is a great way to achieve weight loss. Doing low-impact, water-resistance exercises is a powerful way to continue on the path of healthy living. So, whether you want to look at cold weather hot tubs solely for the bodily warmth or so you can enjoy all of these other amazing hot tub benefits, check out Bullfrog Spas today.  Whether you are a serious athlete who has always maintained an exercise routine, or someone who has decided to shed their couch potato status and start living a healthier life, sore muscles are going to be part of your routine. A relaxing soak in a hot tub from Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. is an excellent way to get rid of post-workout muscle pain.
 Hot tubs are not only the perfect way to relax after a long day at work or running around getting chores done, but they also offer health and wellness benefits. If you’re thinking about investing in a hot tub, you just may be convinced after you read about these five hot tub health benefits. 1. Improves Cardio Health Many people buy a hot tub because it gives them an outlet for relaxation and a good excuse to slow down. Studies have shown, however, that hot tubs can actually help your cardiovascular health and lower your blood pressure as well. Another study discovered that people who relaxed in a hot tub at least five times a week were 60% less likely to have a stroke than those who did not. 2. Improves Sleep In 2015, Americans spent approximately $41 billion on supplements to help them sleep. Soaking in a hot tub is a health benefit that is a natural remedy to help you sleep better. It helps our muscles relax, our minds to unwind, and as previously stated, lowers our blood pressure—all of which ready us to a state that is perfect for a good night’s sleep. 3. Alleviates Pain For those who suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia, studies in hydrotherapy have shown that warm water can actually help alleviate the pain. Water supports 90% of our bodies weight, thus relieving stress from sore muscles and joints. Water therapy has the possibility to improve quality of life and physical function. 4. Lowers Stress and Anxiety Levels Soaking in a hot tub can help reduce stress and anxiety because our nervous system reacts to warm water the same way it reacts to relaxation exercises, such as meditation. It makes the body feel balanced, and all of the tension in our body dissipates. Taking the time to unwind for 15-20 minutes a day in a safe and comfortable place gives us the opportunity to reflect and focus on what’s important—our well-being. 5. Improve Relationships Slowing down in a hot tub with our family and friends can provide an opportunity to catch up, talk about life, and find out how everyone is doing. Today’s life is very busy, and we rarely get the chance to sit down and just enjoy each other’s company. Popular relationship tips include spending time together, communicating, and taking the time to listen without distractions. You can do all of this while relaxing in your hot tub! Who knew that a hot tub had so many great health benefits? Rocky Mountain Co has a wide range of hot tubs to suit your lifestyle and your budget. We will help you throughout the whole process from choosing a hot tub to giving you advice on how to maintain it to the final installation. Just contact us today to get started!  As the year comes to an end, one thing that is typically on everyone’s mind is New Year’s resolutions. What new goals should be worked on in the coming new year? Some of the most common include healthy New Year’s resolutions like losing weight or exercising more often.
|
Archives
June 2019
Categories |
RSS Feed