What’s The Perfect Hot Tub Drink? Iced Tea

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.

  • Share/Bookmark

Beat the Heat By Soaking In Your Hot Tub? That’s Right!

Soak in the hot tub to beat the heat? That’s right! This heat wave we’re having in Seattle now-it’s supposed to be 90 something  degrees today-reminds me of my own summertime cool down technique. I sit in my hot tub. Sit in the hot tub? Yes. Sit in the hot tub. First I turn it down to around 98. Did you know that your skin temperature is 92-94 degrees?  If you sit in 92 degree water, you’ll actually feel chilled after awhile. You’ll get goose bumps.  But, try 98 on a hot day like the ones we’re having this week. You’ll be able to stay in quite a long time and afterwards will feel refreshed for hours as your body cools.  It’s not like the short refreshment of a shower where you’re hot and sweaty 15 minutes later in heat like this.  It’s a deeper cooling. I’ve been know to stay in the hot tub for an hour at that temperature while reading a good novel.  If your tub is in the direct sun, wait until the sun is not directly overhead, wear a sun hat and sunscreen on your face.

Be sure to check with your doctor if you suffer from any physical aliments that are adversely affected by heat.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

  • Share/Bookmark

Best Birthday Present Ever? A Hot Tub, Of Course!!

Did you know that the month of July has the second highest number of birthdays in it? All of  you with July birthdays:  are you going to be hot tubbing to mark the occasion? Especially popular for birthdays with an “0″ i.e. 40, 50, 60, 70 or a “5″  i.e. 45, 55, 65, 75,  the hot tub may be the best present the birthday person has ever received or has purchased for herself!!  And, hot tubing is a way to celebrate that birthday all year long.  Over the years Olympic Hot Tub Company has done hundreds of hot tub deliveries that were a surprise birthday present for a spouse or family member.  Balloons, red ribbon and party ducks adds to the fun.  Surprise birthday hot tub deliveries are one of our specialties. If your spouse isn’t taking the hint that you want a hot tub for your birthday, call us and we’ll arrange for delivery on your birthday anyway. You deserve it!

Remember birthdays are good for you….the more you have the longer you’ll live.  Having fun adds to your longevity. And, nothing’s more fun than a hot tub at home.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

  • Share/Bookmark

How to Have Fun Without Accidents: Top Ten Tips For Child Safety Around the Hot Tub

Summer is here (well, maybe. The calendar says it’s July).  Many of you will be having friends over for picnics, barbecues and everyday hot tubbing.   Thinking about all that fun can push safety aside as a major consideration when tubbing. Establishing some safety rules for hot tub use is the best way to have fun without accidents especially when children are present.  Remember the Boy Scout slogan: Be prepared!

1. Treat the hot tub like a pool. Make it a house rule that children never go in the hot tub without adult supervision.
2. Install a locking cover to prevent use by children or anyone else when you’re not present.  Sunstar is the most reliable brand of  locking hot tub  safety covers.  And, be sure to lock it-ALWAYS-when the tub’s not in use and adults aren’t present.
3. Get in the tub with small children. Smaller children are more likely to get in the hot tub when the bubbles are off. Once your child is comfortable, you can turn jets on with most of the air dialed back. Gradually add air as they feel more secure. Note that small children may not weigh enough to hold themselves steady in front of the jets. A strong air and water flow may throw them off-balance so hold them until they can manage on their own.
4. Turn the temperature down. Let smaller children work their way into the hot tub gradually. First a toe, then a foot. For that initial dip, turn the temperature down to 100 degrees or less to get them used to the water.
5. Planning a hot tub party with your pre-teens/teens? Explain that horseplay, diving, splashing water out of the tub are NOT acceptable. Keep a close eye on the party. I-phones and other electronics like i-pods do not belong in the tub unless the electronics have come with the tub.
6. Explain the rules ahead of time and enforce them. Tell them that accessories are not play toys-i.e. the cover is not a trampoline!.
7. Watch for red faces! When kids look too hot, encourage them to get out of the hot tub or sit on the edge and dip their feet instead. Have them stay out until they’ve cooled down.
8. Help them stay hydrated by having water and juice nearby. Don’t forget the food-no matter old your kids are, they’ll probably be hungry after hot tubbing.  And, serve the food after the dip. You don’t want a mess on your hands from spilled snacks in the water. Remember to use non-breakable cups and plate to avoid broken glass and/or pottery around the tub area.
9. No bubbles in the tub please. Never allow kids to add anything to the tub without your permission. We’re talking bubble bath and soap here. Some children are allowed to maintain the family hot tub and are very good at it. They know exactly what to add for safe hot tubbing.
10. Lock up the chemicals. Keep all spa chemicals locked up and out of reach.

A little prevention can go a long way.  Have fun in the tub with safety first. Enjoy your hot tub all summer long. It’s supposed to be nice starting Monday. Hooray!!

SANUM PER AQUA.  Latin for Health through Water.

  • Share/Bookmark

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

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.

  • Share/Bookmark

Passionate About Gardening? Take a Hot Tub Soak to Relieve Back Pain, Soreness and Stiff Muscles After Gardening!

It’s finally sunny and I have friends who are gardening up a storm. No pun intended. Even the lack of good weather didn’t stop the weeds from growing. Now it’s make up for lost time by gardening 24/7.

If you’re not used to it, all that gardening can really make you sore the next day. Don’t forget to soak in your hot tub after every gardening workout.  Hot tub soaking will ease muscle stiffness. You won’t feel sore and sorry the next morning.  Why limp around with a sore back when you can prevent it by soaking after a vigorous bout of gardening? And, you’ll be able to go out and hit the turf again in your quest for garden perfection! (Is there ever a time when your garden’s perfect?)

No hot tub? We can remedy that. Check out Olympic Hot Tub Company’s line of  Hot Spring Spas. There’s one for every backyard and budget. And, for you gardeners who want to soak, but not give up much gardening space, there’s the Hot Spring Spa Jetsetter-prefect for 2-3. In garden-crazy Seattle, it’s our most popular model! Let us know you’re a gardener when you purchase and we’ll include the Gardening Duck pictured above. It doesn’t get any better!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

  • Share/Bookmark

We’re on Facebook and Twitter-Become a Fan and Join in the Conversation!

Check out Olympic Hot Tub Company’s Facebook wall. You can post your hot tub duck’s travel photos, let us know what you’re listening to in your hot tub and keep up with what’s new at Olympic Hot Tub Company.  Log in as a fan today.

Our Twitter followers are increasing daily. Join the conversation about hot tubs, saunas, water care, sales and the bliss of hot tubbing!!
Everything under the sun about hot tubs and saunas!!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

  • Share/Bookmark

Hot Tubs, Decks and Outdoor Kitchens Replacing Suburban Lawns

The suburban lawn is disappearing say news reports.  As home owners continue to add more edible garden spaces as well as native and drought resistant plantings, there is very little lawn left.  Hard-scaped areas, such as patios, hot tubs, outdoor saunas, gathering areas, stone gardens and fire pit areas are increasingly important as we entertain and socialize at home.

Outdoor living at its best includes a hot tub. Here’s a wonderful backyard that packs a lot of living into a small space. A fire pit, deck, eating area and Hot Spring Grandee Spa with SpaStone surround are all ready for entertaining or family relaxing. Want one like it? We have contractor referrals and design experts ready to help. And our BIG Memorial Day Sale going on right now! Call Olympic!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

  • Share/Bookmark

Harley Rider? Top 10 Reasons You Need a Hot Tub!

Ride a Harley? Take a look at the top 10 reasons why you need a Hot Spring Spa from Olympic Hot Tub Company and, call us today!! Floor models & demos available at BIG savings. plus our BIG Memorial Day Sale is here.  Owning a Hot Spring Spa form Olympic will make every riding day better……..guaranteed!

  1. Experience deep, deep relaxation in your Hot Spring Spa after hours of riding on busy roads.
  2. Let the wide variety of jets in a Hot Spring Spa take the kinks out of sore muscles. With Hot Spring’s special jets for every muscle and ache, there’s no need to feel sore and stiff the day after a long rides.
  3. Eliminate back trouble by soaking immediately after riding. Sitting in the saddle for hours can cause your back to cramp.  The heat, buoyancy of the water and the jets all keep your back healthy and pain free.
  4. Enjoy a perfect massage after every ride and, not only then, but your Hot Spring Spa is ready for you  24/7. Hot Spring Spa’s Moto Massage jet gives you a full back massage as it sweeps up and down your back.
  5. Feel a deep clean after being on the road for hours in the crystal clean waters of a Hot Spring Spa kept pristine by SilkBalance-natural water care for spas and hot tubs and the revolutionary ACE Salt Sanitizing system.
  6. Extend the riding season! The ability to get a your bones warmed up after long rides in the winter will keep you on the bike longer! Just knowing you have a hot tot tub waiting for you at the end of the ride will keep you going.  You’ll get more use out of your bike.
  7. Be a kid again as you play with your Harley rubber duck. Take your duck with you on rides and send us photos of the duck’s travels.
  8. Party at your house after your ride! Convenient and fun. A great way to impress your friends! Hot Spring Spa’s entertainment system will entertain you and your guests in or out of the tub.
  9. Enjoy the outdoors year round with a hot tub and a Harley.
  10. Many, Many health benefits are associated with hot tubs/hot water. Having a hot tub could help you live longer and give you many more years of riding.

And, don’t forget the most important reason to buy a Hot Spring Spa right now: Harley owners enjoy a discount towards purchase of a new hot tub or sauna at Olympic Hot Tub Company.  We make it so easy to take it easy. 11 models under $100/month or one year same as cash on approval of credit.

Ride a Harley? You NEED a hot tub!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

  • Share/Bookmark

Announcing The Great Traveling Hot Tub Duck Contest

Hot Tub Ducks love to travel! Are you traveling to an exotic locale or staying around home this summer? Take your hot tub duck with you. Send us a photo (squeaky clean, of course) of your hot tub duck on vacation with you-at home or abroad.
Olympic Hot Tub Company’s Facebook page fans will vote for the winner by ‘liking ‘ their favorite photo. That’s the hot tub duck at the Great Sphinx in Egypt.

Prize? A one time Valet Service on your hot tub –a $250 value!  Drain, Clean, refill, balance all done by one of Olympic’s professional Valet Team Members.

Happy Travels!  Contest runs May 15-August 15, 2010.

Need a new duck? Olympic Hot Tub Company is Duck Central. See the complete collection for the perfect duck to take on your holiday at any of our stores: Seattle, Fife, Everett, Issaquah, Lacey.

The small print: No cash value. Prize applies only to Puget Sound residents where Olympic has established Valet Service. Once submitted Olympic reserves the right to use your photo for advertising purposes. Call Olympic’s Service Center for details. 206 431-2876. Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.


  • Share/Bookmark