Across Greater Manchester, our gardens are more than just outdoor spaces; they are extensions of our homes. Especially so for large families who have members who need an escape! When we can actually get outside on account of the weather, we want to have a welcoming space to disappear to. At Hydropool North West, our hot tubs can be enjoyed by all ages, making the home spa a worthwhile investment for multi-generational households. But designing a hot tub area that caters to everyone, from the tiniest of splashers to the wisest heads of the family, requires a thoughtful balance of safety and comfort.
At Hydropool North West, we find that the Hydropool Serenity collection is the perfect starting point for families. It serves as an excellent entry-level hot tub that doesn't compromise on our signature premium quality. It’s designed to be an energy-efficient hot tub that is remarkably easy to maintain, leaving you more time to focus on what matters: your family. Let’s explore how a Serenity hot tub can impact your family’s life positively while explaining how to best set it up for each family member’s maximum enjoyment and safety.
While we always recommend consulting a pediatrician before introducing toddlers to a hot tub (and keeping temperatures much lower and sessions very short), the foundation of water confidence starts early.
Introducing toddlers to a calm, temperature-controlled aquatic environment encourages physical development and builds a lifelong love for swimming. The buoyancy of the water allows toddlers to move their limbs freely, supporting muscle tone and coordination. A family hot tub that has a shallow "cool-down" seat or step is best for this age group. A dedicated safe entry point allows parents to sit comfortably with their little ones, turning a simple soak into a vital bonding and sensory experience. Reminder, never leave your children unattended in a hot tub!
According to safety experts and the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA), children under the age of 5 should not use a hot tub. There are a couple reasons for this "five-year rule":
Temperature Regulation: Young children have thinner skin and smaller bodies, which means they absorb heat much faster than adults and cannot regulate their body temperature effectively. This puts them at a significantly higher risk of overheating and dehydration. If you would like to introduce your toddler to the warm water of a hot tub, consult your doctor for the best advice. We have seen that the temperature of 36°C is safest, but with the caveat that the duration of dip time is low.
Water Chemistry: While our Hydropool Serenity models are designed for easy maintenance, the chemicals required to keep water pristine can sometimes be a bit harsh on the ultra-sensitive skin of toddlers. Consider using bromine as a sanitiser, as it is gentler for sensitive skin.
If you would like to introduce your toddler to hot tubs, consult your doctor first. It is possible to safely use a hot tub but you should follow strict guidelines!
For the hardworking parents of Greater Manchester, the hot tub is your reset button. After a long day of commuting or school runs, the targeted pressure of a Serenity’s hydrotherapy jets works to knead away tension in the shoulders and lower back.
By creating a dedicated "zone" in your garden—perhaps framed by one of our gazebos—you create a psychological boundary between the stresses of work and the peace of home. It’s a place to talk without the distraction of screens, we know some are waterproof but come on! Kindle relationships by talking out the day with your partner or kids, or just sit back and relax in the meditative hum of bubbles.
These days life for teenagers is like a pressure cooker filled to the brim with exams, social media noise, and other societal pressures. A hot tub at home can be the perfect escape from all that pressure. It can also be a place for your teens and their friends to hang out, rather than loitering at the local Maccies. Having a wall-mounted waterproof tv or portable waterproof speakers in your hot tub area immediately upgrades your house to the best place to hang out. You can keep a subtle eye out as well, if the tub is within view from your house windows. Just don’t be caught snooping!
From a health perspective, the heat helps soothe muscles after sports practice or long hours hunched over a desk studying. More importantly, it provides a neutral ground for open conversation. When the water is warm and the bubbles are fizzing, the barriers come down, making it the perfect spot for teens to decompress and chat with the family. Make a hot tubbing habit and everyone’s mental health may improve.
Although a great bragging point to talk about over bowls on the green, a hot tub can also be a powerful tool for geriatric wellness. Hydrotherapy is widely recognized for its ability to aid in rehabilitation and manage the symptoms of arthritis or joint stiffness. We see this stage of life as the "Golden Era"—a time to focus on longevity, mobility, and enjoying the fruits of your hard work. In fact, many of our customers in Greater Manchester who fall into this age bracket find that they feel years younger simply by incorporating a daily soak into their routine.
As we reach 65 and beyond, our bodies begin to communicate with us a little more loudly. This is where a family hot tub transforms from a luxury into a vital wellness tool. For those managing health concerns like osteoarthritis or general joint stiffness, the buoyancy of water supports up to 90% of body weight, allowing for gentle movement and stretching that might be painful on dry land. The gentle warmth of the water helps to dilate blood vessels, which can improve circulation—something that becomes increasingly important as we age.
Many of our local customers find that a 20-minute soak before bed helps regulate body temperature and calm the nervous system, leading to a much deeper, more restorative night's sleep.
To make the area a safe hot tub for families of all mobilities, we recommend several key enhancements:
Non-slip steps with sturdy handrails for confident entry and exit.
Internal booster seats to ensure shorter family members or children stay at a comfortable depth.
High-quality lighting to ensure the path and the water are clearly visible during those early winter sunsets.
When designing your hot tub layout for easy access, also consider the following:
1. Position your tub on a level, solid foundation close enough to the house to make the "dash" in winter easy, but far enough away to feel like a getaway. You can upgrade your access with wall mounted heaters, or install a heated towel cabinet.
2. Incorporate non-slip decking or textured stone to ensure that wet feet stay firmly on the ground. Supportive rails may be installed for those that need a little extra stability.
If you have a family member with more specific mobility needs, we want to ensure they never miss out on the fun. We offer a variety of high-quality hoists designed to make entering and exiting the water smooth, dignified, and effortless for everyone. It’s all about making sure the incredible benefits of water can be enjoyed by every single member of the family, regardless of their physical requirements.The beauty of a family hot tub is that it brings the generations together. There is nothing quite like seeing grandparents sharing a soak with their adult children while the younger ones play nearby. It’s a place where age labels disappear and everyone just enjoys the water.
Our Hydropool Serenity collection offers a beautiful, high-end gateway into the world of hydrotherapy. It’s a versatile, safe hot tub for families that grows with you, providing a sanctuary for every generation to enjoy the legendary Hydropool experience. For more information on Serenity tubs give us a call. To see our tubs in person visit our showroom.