Hot Tub Landscaping
Tools you will need:
- Pick
- Shovel
- Steel rake
- Push broom
When buying these tools, don’t worry about spending a lot on brand names. Just look for a mid-range quality tool and you will be fine. Look for solid tools with fiberglass handles. You may also want to invest in a wheelbarrow too, for compost, mulch and plants.
Ingredients you will need:
- Plants
- Soil
- Mulch
- Compost
Soil and compost: Add to your existing soil unless you have a new build and there’s no or bad quality soil.
Mulch: It’s best to get organic mulch comprised of pine needles or shredded bark, as these are best for your plants. Avoid stone, recycled tires or tumbled glass because these don’t break down or provide nutrients for your soil.
Plants: Because hot tub water has chemicals in it and can splash over the sides, use grass as a screening plant.
What to Do
Your soil, mulch and plants should not directly touch the tub. Plant them around your hot tub pad, or use planters if you want them right up against the tub.
- Add the soil: Use existing soils mixed with compost to increase organic matter content and nutrients.
- Add grass: Dig a hole in the soil. Make sure it’s deep enough that roots can grow without bending. Place the grass in the hole and fill it with the dug up soil. When the grass can stand on its own, press on the soil around the grass gently. Make a little well so any water won’t run off too fast.
- Add mulch: Add a layer (three to four inches) of mulch around the plants and on top of the soil. This will help to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
- Water and sun: Water the plants once a day, at least at first. Once established, you won’t have to be such a stickler.
Hot Tub Yoga
First, check with your doctor to see if you can do hot tub yoga safely. If you’re pregnant, skip this activity. Stay hydrated and get out of the tub if you feel dizzy. Do some stretches first to warm up. Here are some poses to try:
Wave Pose
Stand up straight in the center of the tub with feet spread. Then lift your right arm up to the left and kick out your right hip. Look to your right arm, then repeat on the reverse side.
Half Boat Pose
Sit on the edge of tub seat, keeping your back straight. Then lift up your legs, keeping your shins parallel to the surface of the water. Put your arms in front of you toward your shins.
Half Moon Pose
Stand up straight with your hands on your lower back, arching your back. Press your elbows together and look up.
Breakwater Pose
Stand up straight with your feet spread, putting both arms in front of you. Turn right, using your torso, and keep your arms extended. Repeat on the reverse side.
Pelican Pose
Stand up and bend your knees slightly, wrapping your right leg around the left. Put your arms to the sides, bending them at a 90-degree angle. Put your left elbow over your right, then press your hands together. Repeat on the opposite side.
Diver’s Pose
Sit at the edge of a seat with your legs bent toward your chest. Grab your toes and straighten your legs up, keeping your back straight.
Driftwood Pose
Stand up straight, lifting and bending your right leg to the side and placing your foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your back straight, look forward, and put hands in Namaste. Repeat on the opposite side.
Propeller Pose
Stand up straight, lifting your arms up past your sides with palms up. Jump stretch your arms wide with legs apart, sort of like a gentle jumping jack.
High Tide Pose
Stand up straight, placing your right hand on your hip and grabbing your left foot with the other hand. Extend your left leg to the side while still holding your foot. Open up your chest while glancing to the right. Repeat on the opposite side.
Crab Pose
Place your legs across the tub on the seats. With hands in Namaste, squat down while keeping your backbone straight.
Health Benefits of Hot Tubs
There are many benefits of hot tubs, ranging from relaxation to sleep improvement. Here are the top seven benefits.
- Improves sleep
You will fall asleep quickly after using the hot tub, as it deeply relaxes and calms you. When you are cold, your normal sleeping patterns are disrupted, but when you’re warm, you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep without disruption. Try using your hot tub before bed.
- Reduces stress and anxiety
The hot water, the massage of the jets, and that feeling of weightlessness can all decrease anxiety and stress levels.
- Reduces arthritis and chronic pain
If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis, you can get much-needed relief by soaking in a hot tub. You can even experience the benefits of hydrotherapy when recovering from back, knee, and joint problems.
- Lowers blood sugar
Research suggests hot tub use can lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
- Lowers blood pressure
You can also lower your blood pressure by using a hot tub. When submerged in hot water, your heart has to pump faster to disperse excess heat, which produces extra oxygen. This increased warmth causes cells to dilate, which lowers resistance against the heart and lowers your blood pressure.
- Promotes Healthier Skin
Because hot tubs lower levels of stress and anxiety, and stress and anxiety are top causes of premature aging, it stands to reason that you can get younger looking skin by spending time in a hot tub.
- Decreases Frequency of Migraines and Headaches
If you get chronic headaches and migraines, regular hot tub use may prevent them. Many people with sinus and cluster headaches get stuffed up, so the steam of the hot tub can fight congestion and prevent those headache types.
We hope you found this hot tub guide helpful! If you want to learn more about hot tubs or check out the selection we have, contact Central Jersey Pools in Freehold at 732-641-6487.