Looking for a backyard hot tub that delivers comfort, style, and energy efficiency all in one? Riptide Spas are made for every season — whether it's a frosty winter evening, a golden summer sunset, or a starry night outdoors. You can dive in and relax anytime — guilt-free.
Designed with cutting-edge insulation and energy-saving features, Riptide hot tubs offer a spa experience that rejuvenates your senses — and is as kind to your wallet as it is to the planet. That's the Riptide difference.
Welcome to sustainable relaxation — the BETA Wellness way!
Would you buy a car without a test drive? The same goes for hot tubs. Visit our showrooms in Chelmsford, Sevenoaks, and Ashford for a free test soak — the best way to find the best home luxury spa model that truly fits your lifestyle and your family’s needs.
Feel the comfort of each seat, explore different shapes and depths, and experience the soothing warmth and jet massage settings firsthand. Just bring your swimwear and a towel — we’ll take care of the rest.
Our experts will guide you through options, share real-life setups, and help you explore premium features. Your dream spa starts here — come and try it today!
Start and end your day the right way — with a relaxing soak in your very own spa. A daily hot tub routine helps ease sore muscles, melt away stress, and boost your emotional well-being. Whether it's after a long day or first thing in the morning, a few peaceful moments in warm, bubbling water can leave you feeling refreshed and ready for anything.
Looking for more quality time together? A luxury hot tub is the perfect space to switch off from the world and connect with family or friends. It's your private retreat where conversations flow easily, laughter comes naturally, and lasting memories are made — all while enjoying the soothing warmth of the water.
Why stay indoors when you can enjoy your spa all year round? On crisp autumn evenings, beneath starry night skies, or during gentle snowfalls, your garden hot tub lets you unwind in nature just steps from your back door. With every soak, you'll rediscover the beauty of the outdoors and enjoy moments of calm you never knew you needed.
Worried about high electricity bills from your hot tub? At BETA Wellness, we offer the latest energy-saving spa models from Riptide—a trusted UK brand since 2002. Featuring advanced insulation and high-efficiency circulation systems, these spas reduce operating costs without compromising comfort or massage performance.
Energy consumption & estimated monthly costs:
• Small spa: about 100 kWh/month ≈ £25/month
• Large spa: about 167 kWh/month ≈ £42/month
*Note: Estimates are based on standby mode (thermostat and circulation pump only - for heat retention and scheduled disinfection), calculated using the lowest electricity rate in the UK (£0.25/kWh). Actual usage may vary depending on use.
Stress relief Stress results in muscle tension, headaches, fatigue and soreness. Regular Hot Tub use, through a combination of buoyancy, heat and massage relieves tension and stress. Buoyancy eases pressure in joints and muscles, while heat increases blood flow to muscles and accelerates healing. Additionally, Hot tub jets provide therapeutic massage, stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkiller. Minimise the Pain of Arthritis Benefits of a soak in a hot tub can include muscle relaxation, decreased pain and joint stiffness and greater ease when performing exercise and daily activities. Lower Diabetic Blood Sugar Levels A study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that bathing in a hot tub simulates the beneficial effects of exercise. The result is that patients with type 2 diabetes who soak in a hot tub for 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week for 3 weeks, experience a reduction in blood sugar levels by an average of 13%. Promotes Weight Loss In clinical studies patients who used hot tubs lost an average of 3.5 pounds in weight without any new diet or physical exercise programmes. In short, the weight loss resulted from the hot water massage simulating the effects of exercise, on the muscles. Sleep More Soundly No more counting sheep! According to the National Sleep Foundation, 30 million Britons suffer from mild to chronic insomnia and other sleep disorders. A study in the journal ‘Sleep’ showed that soaking in a hot tub prior to bedtime will not only help you fall asleep, but will provide a deeper, more relaxing sleep as the body cools. Lower Blood Pressure A recent study for the Mayo Clinic recommended that relaxing in a hot tub can be beneficial for heart disease patients. The study showed that relaxing in a hot tub is less stressful on the heart and more beneficial than working out on an exercise bike! The study also demonstrated that soaking in the hot tub for as little as 15 minutes will lower blood pressure. Be together - Spend time together, immersed in warm water. The spa becomes a private and safe place where people can relax, let their guard down, and enjoy meaningful conversation and special moments with loved ones. Be outside - Take a pause and appreciate beautiful sunsets, starry nights, falling snow, changing leaves, and much more. With a hot tub, you have a private retreat steps away from your door. Surrounded by nature, you can take in the beauty we often take for granted. Be yourself - Be at your best every day by making a spa a part of your daily ritual. Experience relief of stress and tension from sore muscles and emotional and mental benefits. Immersed in warm water, you can disconnect and emerge renewed.
Read articleRelaxing in the Riptide spa can actually help you shed pounds! Clinical studies have shown that people who regularly use hot tubs lose an average of 3.5 pounds, without changing their diet or exercise habits.
This happens because the warm water and soothing massage stimulate your muscles, mimicking the effects of light exercise and boosting your metabolism. It's an easy and enjoyable way to support your weight loss journey!
Stress can cause muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, and soreness—but the Riptide hot tub can help melt it all away. The magic happens through a powerful combination of buoyancy, soothing heat, and targeted massage jets.
Buoyancy gently lifts pressure off your joints and muscles, while warm water increases blood flow to speed up muscle recovery. Meanwhile, the therapeutic jets deliver relaxing massages that stimulate the release of endorphins—your body's natural painkillers—helping you feel calm and refreshed every time you soak.
Did you know that soaking in a hot tub can support healthier blood sugar levels? A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that relaxing in warm water mimics many of the benefits of exercise.
In fact, people with type 2 diabetes who spent 30 minutes a day, six days a week, in a hot tub for three weeks saw their blood sugar levels drop by an average of 13%. It's a simple, soothing way to help manage your health—no gym required!
For people with arthritis, soaking in a warm hot tub provides soothing relief. The Arthritis Research Campaign recommends hot tubs as an excellent way to apply gentle heat to arthritic joints, easing discomfort.
Regular soaks help relax muscles, reduce pain and joint stiffness, and improve mobility—making everyday activities and exercise more comfortable. Experience natural relief and improved well-being through the healing power of hydrotherapy.
Struggling with sleepless nights? You're not alone—around 30 million people in the UK experience mild to chronic insomnia or other sleep issues, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Research published in the journal 'Sleep' shows that taking a relaxing soak in a hot tub before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper, more restorative sleep. As your body gradually cools down after soaking, it signals the brain that it's time to rest—making it easier to drift off naturally and wake up refreshed.
According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, soaking in a hot tub can be more heart-friendly than traditional exercise like cycling—especially for those with heart conditions. Enjoy peace of mind, reduced stress, and a healthier heart—one soak at a time.
Just 15 minutes in a hot tub can help lower blood pressure by promoting circulation and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system. Unlike intense workouts, warm water immersion soothes the body while delivering real heart-health benefits.
Planning permission is generally not required for movable or temporary items such as a hot tub or swim spa. However, if your property is listed, located within a conservation area, or in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s advisable to check with your local planning authority before installing your pool or spa.
Before installing your hot tub, there are just three things to consider: a solid, level base to place it on, a suitable power supply to run it, and a hosepipe to fill it up – it really is that straightforward.
The heating time mainly depends on three factors: the amount of water, the heater's power, and the level of heat loss. With the thermal cover in place, you can use the following formula to estimate heating time:
Heating time (s) = m × c × ΔT ÷ (η × P)
m = water mass (kg)
c = specific heat capacity of water (≈ 4186 J/kg·℃)
ΔT = temperature increase (°C)
P = heater power (W)
η = heater efficiency (typically 0.8–0.95)
Example: Heating 1,500 litres of water from 20°C to 40°C with a 3 kW heater will take around 13 hours.
If you plan to use your spa regularly, it is generally more cost-effective to maintain the water at a steady temperature.
At an ambient temperature of 17 ℃, keeping the water at 38–40 ℃ uses roughly 11–13 kWh per week. By comparison, reheating the water from 17 ℃ up to 40 °C requires about 13–15 kWh.
Even if you prefer to keep the water at a lower temperature and heat it only before use, the system must still run daily circulation and filtration to maintain water quality. This means some energy consumption is unavoidable.
Please note: The water inside the spa must never drop below 4 ℃, unless the spa is completely drained. Once filled, the water must always remain in circulation.
This really depends on the time of year and the season. During the summer, most people set their spa to around 37°C – roughly body temperature – as anything much lower tends to feel chilly. In the depths of winter, it's quite normal to increase the temperature to 40°C, or even 41–42°C. Any setting above 37.5°C will feel pleasantly warm, but when the weather drops to –5°C or –6°C, you'll want the extra heat to balance out the cold. Just remember, when soaking in hotter water, it's important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
The ideal length of a hot tub session depends on factors such as water temperature, individual constitution, health, and the purpose of bathing. As a general rule, each session should last around 15–20 minutes, and should not exceed 35 minutes.
• Moderate heat (37–40 °C): 20–30 minutes is suitable, perfect for relaxation and supporting better sleep.
• Higher heat (40–45 °C): Best limited to 10–15 minutes to avoid discomfort from vasodilation (such as dizziness or chest tightness).
• Healthy adults: 15–20 minutes is usually enough to ease fatigue without risking dehydration.
• Those with weaker constitutions or chronic conditions (e.g. cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure): Limit sessions to a maximum of 10 minutes, and avoid very hot water.
• Muscle recovery: At least 15 minutes at 39 °C or above may help with lactic acid metabolism.
• Emotional balance: Up to 20 minutes at 40 °C or below can help calm the nervous system.
• After 15 minutes, take a 10-minute break and drink 200–300 ml of warm water to stay hydrated.
• Total time in the hot tub should not exceed 60 minutes per day.
• Avoid bathing straight after meals (wait 1–2 hours), on an empty stomach, or after consuming alcohol.
• If you have a fever, keep the water between 37–39 °C and limit time to 10–15 minutes.
• Afternoon (2–5 p.m.): Ideal for relieving fatigue.
• About 1.5 hours before bedtime: Supports better sleep.
• Seasonal note: Winter bathing offers the greatest benefits; in summer, avoid the midday heat.
Shorter, more frequent sessions are safer than staying in too long. Always listen to your body—if you feel dizzy, weak, or unwell, stop immediately and seek medical advice.
Soaking in water can be beneficial for your skin, but spending too long in hot water may lead to dryness. It's important to keep the pH and sanitiser levels properly balanced to minimise the risk of irritation. If you have sensitive skin, applying a gentle moisturiser after using the hot tub can help maintain hydration.
It's important to drink plenty of water if you spend a long time in your hot tub at higher temperatures. Failing to stay hydrated can lead to headaches, and in some cases may cause dizziness or even faintness if you’re not careful.
Many hot tubs are fitted with bottom drains, which can be connected to a hosepipe and run off to a suitable drain. If your hot tub doesn't have a bottom drain, it's not a problem – you can use a submersible pump with a lay-flat hose to empty the spa just as easily.
An air lock occurs when air becomes trapped inside the circulation pump or plumbing system. This stops the pump from working properly, even when it’s switched on, as the trapped air blocks the normal flow of water.
How to prevent it:
Before running the system, fill the plumbing via the skimmer connection that leads to the circulation pump. This ensures water, rather than air, enters the pump.
How to fix it if it happens:
• Insert a hose into the skimmer connection linked to the circulation pump and add water until the air has been flushed out.
• Alternatively, switch the power off and on a few times to allow the pump to cycle and release the trapped air.
1. Daily circulation
Run the water pump and air blower for at least a short period each day to help reduce build-up.
2. Regular deep cleaning
Carry out a deep clean of the pipework every six months using a specialist pipe cleaner. Suitable products include HTH Pipe Cleaner, ClearWater Spa Pipe Cleaner, or other reputable brands.
3. Cleaning procedure
* Add the recommended amount of cleaner to the spa, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
* Run the water pump, circulation pump and air blower for 5–10 minutes.
* Leave the water to stand for 60 minutes.
* Restart the water and circulation pumps for 2–4 hours.
* Drain the dirty water completely and refill with fresh water.
* Run the water and circulation pumps for 20 minutes, then drain again.
* Finally, refill with clean water ready for normal use.
The lifespan of a Riptide ozone generator is around 3,500 hours. Based on average daily use of about four hours, this works out at roughly 875 days. If your usage goes beyond this period, the ozone generator should be replaced. As a general guideline, we recommend replacing it every two years.
How to check if it's working:
The simplest way is by smell. When running, ozone gives off a distinctive scent, often described as slightly fishy or herbal (similar to purslane).
• By Smell
Low concentration (trace levels): A fresh scent, similar to cut grass or the air after a thunderstorm.
Medium concentration: A noticeable fishy or herbal odour (similar to purslane).
High concentration (industrial disinfection levels): A strong, pungent smell, sharp and irritating, much like chlorine.
• With Potassium Iodide (KI) Solution
Prepare a 1–2% KI solution in distilled water.
Expose the solution to the ozone source (e.g. at the generator outlet or in a sampling container) for 1–5 minutes.
Observe any colour change:
Positive result: The solution changes from colourless to light yellow or deep brown, indicating the presence of ozone.
Negative result: No colour change, meaning ozone is absent or below detectable levels.
• Check the Indicator Light
If the ozone indicator light on the generator is illuminated, the unit is operating.
If the light does not come on, the generator may be faulty and require replacement.
1. Heater malfunction – The heating element may be damaged or not working correctly.
2. Circulation issues – A faulty circulation pump or blocked pipework can stop water flowing past the heater probe, triggering the heater's safety cut-out.
3. Extreme weather – Very cold conditions increase heat loss, particularly if the spa is poorly insulated.
4. Cover not in place – A poorly fitted or open cover allows heat to escape.
5. Temperature setting too low – The control panel may simply be set below your preferred temperature.
Prevention is key:
• If you do not plan to use your hot tub for an extended period, always drain all the water completely, including from the pipework.
• If you prefer not to drain it, keep the spa powered on and maintain the water temperature above 4 °C.
If freezing occurs despite taking precautions, and the spa shell and pipework are undamaged:
• Add warm water (up to 45 °C) into the tub, ensuring the water level remains at least 50 mm below the rim.
• Alternatively, raise the temperature of the surrounding environment to gradually thaw the pipes and components.
A waterlogged cover usually indicates that the foam core or seals have been compromised, allowing water to seep inside. Common causes include:
1. Foam core damage or ageing – Prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can degrade the foam, causing it to absorb water and become heavier.
2. Tears or punctures – Wear and tear, UV exposure, or accidental damage can create holes or cracks in the vinyl surface, allowing rainwater or condensation to penetrate.
3. Seal failure – The edge seals may have deteriorated, warped, or broken, reducing their ability to keep water out.
An ozone generator produces ozone (O₃), a powerful oxidiser that effectively kills bacteria, disinfects, breaks down organic matter (such as COD or pigments), removes odours, and purifies the environment—all without leaving chemical residues. Ozone's third oxygen atom makes it highly unstable and gives it strong oxidative potential, allowing it to destroy microbial cell structures (DNA/RNA) and rapidly neutralise odour molecules and pollutants.
Adding soap or shower gel to a hot tub can seriously upset the water balance and damage the equipment, and is strictly prohibited.
Key Reasons:
Disrupts water chemistry – Surfactants in soaps react with disinfectants (such as chlorine), reducing their effectiveness and encouraging rapid growth of bacteria (including Legionella) and algae.
Damages equipment – Foam can block filter pores and restrict water flow, potentially causing pumps to overheat over time. Hot tub manuals clearly state: “Do not use soap in the tub.”
Health risks – Soap residues can cause skin irritation or folliculitis. Certain chemicals in foam stabilisers may also irritate the respiratory system.
Recommended Practices:
Shower before use – Rinse with clean water to remove body oils and sweat.
Accidental soap use – Drain the tub immediately. Circulate a 1:10 vinegar solution through the pipes for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before refilling.
You can increase your total alkalinity (TA) using a good-quality alkalinity increaser, such as Hot Tub Barn Alkalinity Increaser, which is available in 1 kg child-proof pots.
If you do not treat your hot tub water with the appropriate chemicals, water quality will deteriorate rapidly and health risks will increase. Possible consequences include:
• Bacterial and pathogen growth: Disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Without them, the warm water becomes an ideal breeding ground, increasing the risk of skin irritation, folliculitis, or more serious infections.
• Poor water quality: The water may become cloudy, green, or develop unpleasant odours as algae and organic matter build up, making the hot tub unsafe to use.
• Increased health risks: For sensitive groups, including pregnant women, children, or those with weakened immune systems, untreated hot tub water can cause respiratory problems or skin issues.
To ensure a safe and comfortable hot tub experience, regular use of chemicals—such as disinfectants and oxidisers—is essential.
Regular Cleaning
1. Remove the filter
Switch off the power, unlock the filter cover by turning it, and lift the filter vertically to avoid damaging the pleats.
2. Rinse the pleats
Use a garden hose or pressure washer to rinse the pleats from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the inner folds to remove hair, debris, and dirt.
3. Soak and disinfect
If oil or stubborn dirt remains, soak the filter in a dedicated cleaning solution (e.g. SpaGuard Filter Cleaner) for 15–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Deep Cleaning
1. Baking soda & vinegar solution
Prepare a 1:1 mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Soak the filter for 1 hour to dissolve limescale and calcium deposits (safe for metal components).
2. Thorough rinse
Rinse with a hose until all foam has disappeared. Gently squeeze the pleats to release any trapped dirt.
Air dry
Leave the filter to dry naturally in a shaded, well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours. Avoid direct sunlight or artificial heat.
When treating your hot tub with a chlorine-based shock, it’s important to wait until the chlorine level has returned to a safe range (typically 1–3 ppm) before entering. High residual chlorine can cause skin irritation or health issues such as folliculitis.
The waiting time depends on factors such as the dose used, water circulation, and temperature. In most cases, it takes around 4–8 hours for the oxidation process to complete and for chlorine levels to stabilise.
For best results, always follow the instructions provided with your shock product and confirm safe chlorine levels using a chemical test strip before using the hot tub.
1. Stop use immediately
Open the cover, leave the hot tub, and allow the area to ventilate. Avoid exposure to water vapour with excessive chlorine.
2. Adjust the chlorine level
Dilution: Drain one-third to one-half of the water and refill with fresh water (RO or filtered water is recommended to reduce impurities).
Aeration: Run the circulation pump and air blower for 4–6 hours to help the chlorine off-gas.
Chemical neutralisation: Add a dedicated chlorine neutraliser following the manufacturer’s instructions.
As a general rule, hot tub water should be replaced every 3–4 months.
The exact timing depends on usage: if the hot tub is used frequently or by multiple people, you may need to change the water more often, typically every 2–3 months.
Regular maintenance is essential: clean or replace filter cartridges, ensure the filtration and disinfection systems (such as ozone, silver ion, or circulation filters) are working correctly, and keep up with daily sanitising routines.
For hot tubs in very frequent use, increasing the frequency of water changes is recommended. The key factor is the level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Think of it like adding sugar to tea – over time, the concentration builds up. Similarly, continual addition of chemicals eventually makes it difficult to maintain water balance. When this happens, the best solution is simply to replace the water.
If the soap problem is minor, a few drops of Hot Tub Barn Foam Reducer will help remove the bubbles. However, if the issue persists or there is a large amount of soap in the spa, the only solution is to drain and refill it with fresh water.
Cloudy spa water is a common issue for hot tub owners. It usually indicates an underlying problem and should be addressed promptly to restore clarity and hygiene.
Steps to resolve cloudy water:
1. Check and balance pH
Test the water with a reliable kit. The ideal pH range is 7.2–7.8. If it falls outside this range, use a pH increaser or reducer. An imbalanced pH can cause cloudiness and reduce the effectiveness of your sanitiser.
2. Shock the water
Apply a chlorine or bromine shock treatment to eliminate bacteria, organic contaminants, and algae. This oxidation process helps clear impurities. Always follow the dosage instructions for your spa size.
3. Use a water clarifier
Add a clarifier designed for hot tubs to bind fine particles together, making them easier for the filter to remove. Use weekly or as needed, ensuring it is compatible with your sanitising system.
4. Clean and maintain the filter
Check the filter for debris or blockages and clean it thoroughly. A properly working filter is essential for removing suspended particles. If cloudiness persists, run the filtration system for extended periods.
5. Address persistent problems
If the issue continues, test for other factors such as high calcium hardness, dead algae, or inconsistent sanitiser levels. In some cases, partial water replacement or professional advice may be necessary.
Green water is a clear sign that your spa is experiencing bacterial or algae growth and should not be used until the problem is resolved.
Steps to fix green water:
1. Do not use the hot tub until the issue is fully addressed.
2. Empty the water and scrub all surfaces with a chlorine solution.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. Refill with fresh water.
5. Shock dose the spa using a combination of chlorine and non-chlorine shock. The exact amount will depend on your spa's water volume. As a guide, for a 300-gallon hot tub, add approximately 6 teaspoons of chlorine and 6 tablespoons of non-chlorine shock.
