Are you getting ready to invest in your backyard upgrades? Then consider a hot tub & cold plunge combo setup to support your health and give you a private spa experience from the comfort of your own home.
The evidence is undeniable: there are many health benefits available from contrast therapy, which is why people of all ages are looking for ways to incorporate hot tubs and cold plunging into their daily routines. If you are thinking about an investment in these backyard tubs, then our team at Mid City Custom Pools is here to help you find the perfect layout for your unique needs.
Hot and Cold Plunging: How Contrast Therapy Affects Your Health
Hot and cold water immersion therapy is more than just a trend. There is documented evidence showing how these temperature exposures can have a positive impact on overall health.
- Heat Therapy: When the human body is exposed to warm water, it helps to increase circulation through vasodilation (the blood vessels open).
- Cold Plunging: Immersion in cold water has the opposite effect and triggers vasoconstriction, which tightens the blood vessels and engages the nervous system.
The point of contrast therapy with a hot tub and cold plunge combo is the ability to alternate between the hot and cold temperatures. While benefits are available from soaking in either one alone, the real health benefits come through the contrast therapy of combining these methods.
Some of the documented benefits include circulation changes, but more research is needed to verify the other types of recovery claims that people have been making. Many people who use hot and cold contrast therapy find that they can recover faster after an intense workout, and some people believe that they have a strong immune function as well. At this point, there is enough information to prove that the cold plunge and hot tub combination can be a wellness practice, but keep in mind that it is not a guaranteed medical treatment.
Who Tends to Get the Most Out of Contrast Therapy
Some of the people who benefit most from a hot tub & cold plunge setup include:
- Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts to support their post-training recovery.
- Active adults who are dealing with sore muscles or aches and pains.
- People who want to improve their sleep quality and stress management.
As with any other wellness practice or lifestyle change, it’s essential to consult with a doctor first. For example, contrast therapy may not be appropriate for certain health conditions, such as people with heart problems, who are currently pregnant, or taking certain medications that affect circulation.
Planning the Space for Your Hot Tub & Cold Plunge Setup
Our team at Mid City Custom Pools is here to help with the design of your custom backyard space. Not only will we assist with the aesthetics and layout, but there are other technical requirements that need to be addressed.
We’ll make sure that you have a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit, which sometimes requires a panel upgrade (but it depends on the current capacity for your home). Additionally, we can map out the water supply and drainage requirements to avoid the need to retrofit the plumbing after the tubs are already installed.
We have years of experience with swimming pool and tub installation and understand the best practices to ensure success with your installation. One other detail that will be incorporated into your design is a short, non-slip path between the hot and cold tubs. You’ll need a transition zone to ensure safety when you are moving between the two tubs.
Choosing Your Hot and Cold Tubs for Installation
At Mid City Custom Pools, we offer a variety of options to suit every budget. Here are some of the most common things to consider when choosing your hot tub & cold plunge combo setup:
- Hot Tubs: Most people go with a traditional jetted hot tub. But you also might consider an infrared sauna if you prefer a different experience.
- Cold Plunge: While there is the option to install a budget-friendly stock tank, it requires a lot of maintenance because you will need to manually cool the water with ice. The simplest and most effective solution is to have a temperature-controlled tub with a built-in chiller system. These cooling features are especially beneficial in the heat of Texas summers.
FAQs
What resources are available to learn how to build a contrast therapy setup in your backyard?
While there is a lot of information available online, the most effective solution to ensure success with your installation is to talk to an experienced pool and tub installation contractor. There are many technical details that need to be addressed (both electrical and plumbing capacity), which is why this type of installation is usually best handled by an expert team instead of attempting a DIY project.
How close do the hot and cold tubs need to be?
We recommend that both tubs be located in close proximity, with a safe, non-slip surface installed in the transition zone.
Can I start with one tub and add the other tub later?
Yes, you might start with a hot tub and then decide to install a cold plunge later. But if your intention is to have both a hot tub & cold plunge combo setup in the future, then it is usually more cost-effective to install both tubs at the same time.
Your Customized Recommendations for a Cold Plunge & Hot Tub Combination Installation
If you are looking for more information about your backyard installation, then it’s time to reach out to our team at Mid City Custom Pools for a no-obligation consultation. Every yard is different, with different space requirements and electrical/drainage constraints. We’ll evaluate your yard, discuss your goals, and help you find the best solutions that actually make sense for your installation.
Our goal is to help you find the best hot tub & cold plunge combo setup that matches both your budget and wellness routines. For more information about professional design and installation services, contact Mid City Custom Pools today.