What To Do in The Hot Tub? Give Your Partner as Hand Reflexology Massage!

August 16, 2010 By Alice 1 Comment

A really nice thing to do in your Hot Spring Spa is give your partner (and receive!) a hand reflexology massage. We all suffer from things like headaches and backaches from time to time and hand reflexology just might provide quick relief.

Hand reflexology is not as well known as foot reflexology, but the principles are the same. There are points on the hands that correspond to areas of the body. The  diagram above shows those areas.

HOW TO GIVE A HAND REFLEXOLOGY MASSAGE: Gently massage each point in turn starting at the head (around the thumb area) and working down across the neck, throat, and chest down to the feet. Hand reflexology has an advantage over foot reflexology because it can be performed anywhere. Start with gentle pressure.  Increase pressure gradually but ease off if it gets painful.

These are useful techniques to learn for the treatment of simple every day complaints. (Never use it if there is likely to be an under lying injury, or medical condition.) Here are a few:

HEADACHE:

If you have a headache, try stimulating the top of the thumb and the part below which represents the neck area to find relief.

STOMACH UPSET:

Gently massage the heel of the thumb and the area across the center of the hand. If there is pain, stop immediately because this may indicate something deeper that requires medical treatment.

LOWER SPINAL PAIN:

The point where the center of your hand joins your wrist can be stimulated to give relief from lower back pain. This is a perfect antidote to backache caused by sitting at a computer for too long. Always seek medical advice if back pain persists.

Try hand reflexology in hot tub. It can’t hurt, feels good and who doesn’t like to hold hands with your partner?? Let me know how it goes!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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Change The Way You Feel With a Soak in Your Hot Tub-It Only Takes a Few Minutes to Change Your Mood

August 9, 2010 By Alice 1 Comment

Everyone’s looking for the right way to change moods without say going for a run, taking a drink or ingesting illegal substances! One of the best ways to quickly change the way you feel is to soak in your Hot Spring Spa. It’s the fastest, surest way to “dial-a-mood”. Whatever mental state you’re in, it will change for the better as you soak.

Want to feel energized? Ready to be productive? try a vigorous soak with pounding jets for 10 minutes at 104 degrees. This is a great way to start your day.

Want to feel happier? Try 15 minutes at 102-104 degrees while doing some simple exercises.  The combination of mild exercise and temperature will release endorphins-the body’s feel good chemical-in your brain.

Want to feel mellow and detached? Trim the jets back and soak for 20-25 minutes (maximum) at 104. Now you’ll feel ready for a deep sleep.

Looking for pain relief? Keep the jets at the highest level you can tolerate and experiment with the length of time you stay in. If you set your temperature at 102, you can stay in longer for maximum pain relief.

A good soak is your backyard Hot Spring is guaranteed to change the way you feel in a very short time. And, it’s not illegal, immoral or fattening!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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Spectacular Light Show May Be Visible From Your Hot Tub Tonight

August 3, 2010 By Alice Leave a Comment

Attention hot tubbers in Puget Sound. It’s a clear night. Go soak in your Hot Spring Spa, look north and watch for a rare light show.

Here’s why: Earth is bracing for a cosmic tsunami tonight night as tons of plasma from a massive solar flare head directly toward our planet. That’s a photo of the sun “waking up” and shooting  a wall of ionized atoms directly at Earth. Scientists say it is expected to create a geomagnetic storm and a spectacular light show after Sunday’s sun eruption.

“This eruption is directed right at us and is expected to get here early in the day on Aug. 4,” said Leon Golub of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. “It’s the first major Earth-directed eruption in quite some time.”

The solar eruption, called a coronal mass ejection, was spotted by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which captures high-definition views of the sun at a variety of wavelengths. “We got a beautiful view of this eruption,” Golub said. “And there might be more beautiful views to come if it triggers aurorae.”

Views of aurorae (northern lights) are usually associated with Canada and Alaska, but skywatchers in the northern U.S. mainland are being told they can look toward the north Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for rippling “curtains” of green and red light.

Here’s the science part: When a coronal mass ejection reaches Earth, solar particles stream down our planet’s magnetic field lines toward the poles. In the process, the particles collide with atoms of nitrogen and oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere, which then glow, creating an effect similar to miniature neon signs.

Take a look and let us know if you’re able to see this light show. Even if you don’t see the light show, you’ll see masses of stars and that’s always a good thing.

RES EST SEVERA VOLUPTAS. Latin for pleasure is serious business.

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Hot Tub Blog Celebrates Two Years of Hot Tub Bliss

July 24, 2010 By Alice 2 Comments

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years of blogging about hot tubs and hot tubbing here on Hot Tub Bliss. Thanks for all of your comments, suggestions, and encouragement. I’ve enjoyed writing about all things “hot tub” including health, lifestyle, water care and Hot Spring Spas. The largest response to any post? “More on How to Save the Whales While Soaking In Your Hot Tub”. Most read post: “Foam in Your Hot Tub? Not a Good thing! What to Do to End Foam Forever.”

Hot Tub Bliss is written to connect you with all things from “ahhh” to “aHa”. The “ahhhs” are the sounds that escape when you sink into the hot swirling waters after a long day.  That hot water is so soothing and healing that letting out a big  sigh  is the only way to stand the pleasure.

The “aHas”-are those ideas and split-second inspirations that bubble up when you’re relaxed. Inspiration and “brainstorms” have always been an important part of hot tub soaking. The “staycations” you enjoy every day in your own backyard hot tub can bring quiet and sometimes awe inspiring pleasure. So, do share your “aHas!”

And, for fun, tell me about the fabulous vacations you’ve taken with your Olympic Hot Tub Company rubber duck in hand. Some of your ducks have seen the Seven Wonders of the World, and we have photos from hundreds of exotic places to prove it. Remember to pack a duck in your suitcase and take it along on your next vacation. Place the duck in interesting spots and send the photos to us. We’d love to see how far these ducks travel.

So, chime in and share how your hot tub makes a difference in your health, work, life and lives of your family members. Email photos of your own fabulous tubscape.  Recall what happened and how you felt when you finally made your hot tub purchase, perhaps after waiting years to say, “YES.”

With Hot Tub Bliss I intend to create hot tub evangelists all over the world, one soak at a time. Come on in and visit often. The water’s fine!

Comments and suggestions on blog posts and for new blog topics are always welcome.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

 

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IMPOSSIBLE HOT TUB DELIVERY? NOT WITH A CRANE AND CAREFUL CREW!

July 21, 2010 By Alice 1 Comment
Here’s the story of an “impossible hot tub delivery”  from an Olympic Hot Tub Company customer:
Our new hot tub was delivered this morning and our old one was taken away.  Because of the difficult logistics of getting tubs in and out of their little nook in our backyard, I thought I should photograph the process for posterity.  We thought you might like to see how your crew handled it. So here is a brief summary of the process (completely unretouched photos):

First the crane lifts the new tub under the wires and over the railing to the deck.  Notice the wires being pushed out of the way.  The Olympic guys and I were given a brief lecture by the crane operator about which wires are hot and which are not.  The ones you see being pushed out of the way by the crane are phone lines – no danger.  The low-level ones over the deck are the electrical lines to the house and EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.  But, no problem.  The crane operator managed it all with as much as an inch to spare – no joke.

Then the process of getting the old Hot Spring Classic model out.  The dolly was placed against the side of the tub and the tub was lifted up onto it.  BTW, this was the 34” dolly because the regular, 36” dolly wouldn’t fit between the planters embedded in the deck in the side-yard. They’re only 34-1/2” apart.  It also probably helped in maneuvering the tub out through the tight entrance.


Tip it up on the dolly.

Scraping the stairs on one side and pushing the arbor on the other.  Not much room to maneuver.  Better back it up and turn it.

>Good thing we thought to dismantle the arbor.  The angled sides on the old tub would definitely not have fit under it.

Then the old tub was carefully lifted down. Again, he had a whole inch of clearance under the electrical line, but he was very good.

Great job, guys!

If you have what you think is an impossible spot, but long for a hot tub to go there, give us a call.

Impossible? Maybe not! Go for it, if that’s where you want a hot tub! Crane deliveries are our speciality.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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July 14th Is National Nude Day!

July 14, 2010 By Alice Leave a Comment

National Nude Day is today July 14th. As a hot tub lover, you may love hot tubbing nude, but not want to show it all when not heading for the water.  Right? But National Nude Day is one kind of  celebration  for how to keep cool on a hot , sticky summer day.

National Nude Day is a purported to be a serious event with all of the nudist groups around the world.  Nudists believe that the body is a beautiful thing, and meant to be displayed.  We’re not disputing the “beautiful”, it’s the “display”  that most people have a problem with! Nudist colonies, nude beaches, and other venues exist to cater to the preferences of individuals who seek to walk around “au natural”.

We will not speak to whether this is right or wrong. We’re simply making you aware  of this holiday. Snicker if you will. But, no “sleeze”  please about this holiday. We have no photo to illustrate this post because there is nothing worse than seeing someone’s hot tub party pics the day after.  Check out our hot tub etiquette tips for more on this.  Imagination is just that..and so much better left to the imagination in this case!

Interestingly, we found a lot of sites promoting Nude Day T-shirts. But, isn’t this problematic? How can you wear a T-shirt on National Nude Day!??

The Origin of National Nude Day:  Our research couldn’t locate the creator, or the origin of this day. Although this “holiday” appears to have originated in New Zealand, we didn’t find any documentation confirming this to be a “National” day.  We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation.  Oh well, it’s fun any way!

Thanks to Holiday Insights for the info on National Nude Day.

Nude in the hot tub or not nude? Let us know which you prefer. Or, does your choice of bathing suit or not depend on whom you’re soaking with?

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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What’s The Perfect Hot Tub Drink? Iced Tea

July 11, 2010 By Alice Leave a Comment

When some people think of summertime drinks, they think of lemonade or Kool Aid or sodas.  It’s finally warm enough to think about cool drinks.  When it comes to cooling off on hot days and having something wonderful and non-alcoholic to drink in your hot tub, I personally think nothing beats a tall, cold, glass of southern-style iced tea. That’s my sweet-tooth coming out. Pass the sugar.

The best tea is still old-fashioned “sun-tea” made fresh in the morning. A little more work-yes-but worth the effort. We used to call it “sun tea” because it was “brewed” by setting a big jar with ten or more tea bags in the sun then chilled in the fridge. By the time it “brewed” and chilled, it would be late afternoon and you’d be dying for something cold to drink. You don’t have to wait for that refreshing drink now thanks to ready-made teas. They can be chilling in the fridge ready to take out to the tub to quench your thirst while hot tubbing solo or partying with friends. Be sure to pour the tea into a plastic glass (no glass around the hot tub, please!), add mint or lemon if you like and you’ll be in hot tub bliss.

I like chilled green tea, too. Try any of the green teas from Seattle’s own Three Tree Tea Company. Our personal favorite is Matcha Genmaicha which has tiny kernels of popped rice to enhance the taste and is blended with matcha green tea. In this tea the matcha undergoes a minimal steaming process which creates a superior flavor. We drink it every night after dinner and I put the leftover tea in the fridge to have it chilled and ready to drink while soaking in my Hot Spring Spa.

It has a very pleasant taste and green tea is good for you! Double your health benefits: drink green tea AND soak in your hot tub. Enjoy!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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How To Have a Great 4th of July Hot Tub Party-Start Planning Today

June 26, 2010 By Alice 1 Comment

Entertaining with a hot tub in your backyard or deck is easy.  Everyone is already psyched to have a good time. Follow these Top 10 Tips to create a fun evening with good times to remember:

10. Invite the Fun People in Your Life-Omit the Grumps

When drawing up your guest list, include friends who will have the most fun at your hot tub party.  Keep in mind the maximum occupancy of your tub, so you don’t leave any guests sitting out in the cold.

9. Clean, Clear Water

Just as you’d clean your house before a big party, make sure your hot tub water is clean and sparkling before guests arrive.  Check your supplies and make sure you have clarifier and sanitizer on hand.  You want your guests to go “aah” with delight when you roll back the cover, not “yuck!”

8. Have a Plan B

Bad weather, a power outage, or crabby guests- you never know what could crop up to spoil your hot tub fun, so plan other activities just in case you can’t go in the hot tub.

7. Party Food: Keep it on the Light Side

Stick to finger food that can be eaten in or out of the tub. Easy to eat items like veggies & dip, fresh fruit on skewers, chicken or shrimp kabobs, egg rolls, etc work best.  Do it yourself ice cream sundaes are always a hit. Avoid potato or corn chips in the tub.  If spilled, they make a party-ending, gummy mess!

6. Drinks: Save the Alcohol for After Soaking

Serve a selection of bottled waters, juices and sodas to keep soakers hydrated while soaking.  Alcohol?   Alcohol’s effects are felt much more quickly in a hot tub. If you over consume, a major hangover is a sure thing the next day. Save wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks for after soaking. You don’t want your guests to be sorry they accepted your invitation.

5. Provide Extra Bathing Suits or Make it “Suits Optional”

It’s a good idea to tell guest in advance if your party is nude or not nude. If it’s not nude remember that most people are self-conscious around strangers. Some guests might “forget” their suits” in order to avoid soaking. Once they see all the fun everyone’s having, they’ll want to jump in, too.  Have a selection of extra bathing suits and swim trunks on hand for guests who left their suits at home. Shop online sales for swimsuit bargains.

4. Extra Towels for the Thoughtful Touch

You can never have enough towels! Guests may get in and out of the tub multiple times which will create a mound of damp towels. No one want to towel off with a damp towel.  Add more towels than you think you’ll need. Put wet towels in the washer & dryer as the party goes on. Your guests will love you for it and so will your carpet and upholstered lawn furniture.


3. Add Hot Tub Accessories, Games and Door Prizes and Make the 4th the Theme for your Party

All of the action will be centered around your hot tub, so pick up fun party favors with a 4th of July theme, small door prizes, ducks for everyone to race, waterproof cards, floating checkerboards, etc. Solar powered lanterns are a beautiful way to light up the night. Use flags and baseball caps with flags to complete the theme. Get red, white and blue pop-bead necklaces for everyone to wear and  rubber ducks for everyone to take home for party souvenirs.

2. Cue the Soundtrack: Music is A Must

Every party needs a soundtrack. Many newer hot tubs come with music and an iPod docking station.  Choose your music with your guests’ taste in mind. Throw in some songs with a strong beat to add pizzazz to your party’s theme.

1. Have Fun

If you aren’t having a good time, your guests won’t either. Sit back, relax and have a ball at your own hot tub party. You can never predict what problems will happen, so just go with the flow.  Your guests will pick up on your mood and  have fun themselves.

That’s the recipe for a great hot tub party!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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Best Place for a Hot Tub? On a Navy Ship??!!

June 14, 2010 By Alice Leave a Comment

I’m no military expert, but isn’t that a hot tub on the back of a Navy ship? I say 10 stars for creativity and recognizing the need to relax under trying circumstances. Take a tip from the Navy. A hot tub is THE place to relax.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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Celebrate National Go Barefoot Day by Taking a Long Soak in Your Hot Tub

June 1, 2010 By Alice 2 Comments

Today is National Go Barefoot Day. Time to organize your shoes, donate the ones you never wear (and that hurt your feet) to a charity.  Prepare a nice cold drink. And, sink into your hot tub. Let the the jets massage the soles of your feet and toes.  Bliss! Any excuse for a celebration!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.


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