Better You. Better Life.

Our 8^th annual Founder’s Event benefits the Seattle Men’s Chorus & Seattle Women’s Chorus I can’t believe we’re already a week into October! Time has been flying by so quickly that I haven’t had a chance to share about our 8^th annual Founder’s Event. I created the Founder’s Event when I purchased Olympic from its co-owners, Alice Cunningham and Blair Osborn. Alice and Blair were passionate about a lot of causes. Three areas they gave special attention to were working to help fight hunger, end homelessness and support for the arts. Our past events have benefited multiple food banks, Path with Art, Artist Trust, and Plymouth Housing. This year, I’ve selected the Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus as our beneficiary. This organization is near and dear to me, as I’ve been a singing member of the Men’s Chorus since 1987. January will mark my 38^th anniversary on the risers! We also have two other Olympic employees who sing with the Men’s Chorus. I can tell you as someone who sings with the Chorus and also serves on its board, these are challenging times for arts organizations in our region. The world changed during the pandemic, and one result has been that attendance at the many concerts, plays, musicals, and other artistic events in our city and the region have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. If you’re reading this and you’ve ever attended one of our concerts in the past, I hope you’ll consider attending our shows this season! You’ll have a terrific time. So, for me, after eight years, I thought it was time to raise funds for the Choruses with our Founder’s Event. During October, we’ll donate a portion of the sale of every Hot Spring Spa, Endless Pools swim spa, Freeflow Spa, and Covana Automated Gazebo to our beneficiary. A daily soak in a hot tub or a daily swim in a swim spa are both outstanding ways to positively impact your own personal health and wellness. And this month, your purchase will also have a positive impact on the well-being of this wonderful arts organization. I hope a hot tub or swim spa is in your future and this is the month you decide to buy! If you’d prefer to instead directly donate to the Choruses, you can do so at www.seattlechoruses.org.

August 19th promises a rare celestial spectacle that Seattle locals, nature enthusiasts, and hot tub owners won't want to miss. The Blue Moon is set to grace the night sky, offering a mesmerizing view that pairs perfectly with the warm, bubbling comfort of your hot tub. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or simply looking for an unforgettable evening, this is an event that deserves a spot on your summer calendar. What is a Blue Moon? A Blue Moon isn't actually blue; it's a term used to describe the rare occurrence of a second full moon within a single calendar month. (Now you know the origins of the phrase “Once in a blue moon”!) This event happens once every two to three years, making it a special treat for stargazers and sky enthusiasts. It won’t occur again until May 2026. If our weather cooperates, the Blue Moon can be particularly captivating, especially this time around, as it’s also a supermoon. This means the moon will be slightly closer to Earth than an average full moon, making it appear larger and brighter. (This fall will see supermoons in October and November as well.) For me, viewing the magic of the Blue Moon or any other celestial event is amplified enjoying it from my hot tub. Experiencing the buoyancy when I immerse myself in that hot body of water, letting jets soothe away the stress of the day, and reflecting on my place in the world while witnessing a special sky show is something I love to do. Preparing your hot tub to view the Blue Moon You’ll want to make sure your tub is ready for the show! Set the perfect temperature. I enjoy my hot tub set at 102 degrees, but I know friends who will drop the temperature a degree or two so they can comfortably soak for longer periods when stargazing or taking in a special event like a Bluet Moon. If you have a Hot Spring Spa, because they’re so well insulated, you may want to top off your tub with an inch of cold water to help the temperature quickly drop a degree or two. Set the stage. I love the lighting in my tub, but this is an occasion where you want to get your environment as dark as possible. Turn off hot tub lighting as well as any exterior lighting. Just make sure you turn them on when leaving the tub, so you have a safe path back inside! And it’s a terrific time to add some music. If your tub has a Bluetooth music system, great! If not, a portable speaker will do the trick. Stay hydrated and take breaks. If you plan on hanging out for an extended period in the tub, be sure to drink plenty of liquids. If I spend more than twenty minutes soaking, I also periodically move to the bar top of my tub or the cool down seat, so my body gets a mini cool down session to avoid overheating. Add some aromatherapy. We sell Spazazz, a wonderful line of aromatherapy designed specifically for use in hot tubs. A dose of that will enhance your sensory experience. Make if a friend night. Invite a few friends over to share the experience. It can be a great time to not only enjoy the sky show but also catch up or reconnect. Take some great photos! Nothing like recording a special event like this! Take some pics on your smartphone and share with your friends via social media. Don't miss out on this rare celestial event. Gather your friends, set the scene, and make the most of this magical night.  

July is nearly over! Can you believe it? Soon enough, it will be time for kids to head back to school. And, along with going back to school, start dealing with all the extra activity—and stress—that accompany it. I think back to the time in my life when I was a kid in middle school and high school. There was plenty to create stress, but certainly nothing like what kids today have to endure. You have the hustle and bustle of school, extracurricular activities, and social obligations. Children are increasingly exposed to stressors, from academic pressure, sports, and social dynamics. According to the American Psychological Association, school is the top source of stress for teens, followed closely by social challenges and family issues. Stress can manifest itself in various ways: headaches, stomach aches, difficulty sleeping, or behavioral issues are all signals your child may be stressed. What can easily get lost in all his? Just like adults, kids need effective methods to unwind and manage stress. As a parent, finding natural effective ways to help your children handle stress is vital to their well-being. The answer could be as close as your own backyard: regular soaks in a hot tub, or a daily swim in a swim spa. Let’s take a look at how hot tubs and swim spas can help alleviate stress for your kids! Hot Tub Soaks—There  is so much documentation about how good hot tubbing is for us! Immersion in hot water creates a calming effect. While it increases circulation, the jets and hot water team up to help reduce soreness and muscle tension brought on by stress. If you have a saltwater Hot Spring Spa, you’ll enjoy water that’s got antiseptic qualities that can help soothe skin conditions. (That pesky acne is a manifestation of stress, too!) The added buoyancy of salt water helps eliminate pressure on joints and muscles as well. When you get into a hot tub and start to relax, it will help create the ideal atmosphere for children to open up about their feelings. They will feel more readily able to express their worries and anxieties. Open communication alone is one of the most effective ways to combat stress, and soaking in a hot tub will absolutely encourage that. Daily Swims—Swimming in a swim spa is an excellent way for children to burn off excess energy and stress. The rhythmic motion of swimming can be incredibly calming, similar to the effects one would enjoy from meditation. When your child masters swimming skills, it will help boost their confidence and self-esteem. That confidence can in turn help them tackle schoolwork and social activities and challenges with more resilience. Swimming is a terrific activity you can share with your kids. It will give you all a fun, low-impact interest to enjoy, and provide opportunities to just hang out, float, and talk. It will provide a unique place to unwind and discuss the day’s events—a consistent space for emotional check-ins. (Think of how good it will be for you, too!) Incorporating Mindfulness—A hot tub or swim spa is an outstanding place to teach mindfulness, which can be a powerful tool for stress management. Having them focus on their breathing, or the sensation of the water, will help them stay present and reduce anxiety. Deep breathing and visualization are other relaxation techniques that can be easily practiced in the calming environment of a hot tub or swim spa and used in other situations as well. All of this will help your kids promote healthy habits. Taking care of their bodies and minds is critical to stress reduction and overall health and well-being. The earlier they adopt these habits, the healthier—and happier!—they’ll be. I remember years ago, when I was still on the sales floor, I had a customer who came in to shop for a hot tub. She was recently divorced and had an 11-year-old daughter. She was worried about the effect the divorce was having on her child and was hopeful that having a hot tub at home would help. She ended up buying a Hot Spring Prodigy from me. Six months later, she came in for some water care, and profusely thanked me for helping her. She told me she and her daughter had a weekly date set to hang out in the hot tub, and that they had some of the most meaningful bonding chats while they soaked. She was convinced that it helped her daughter out immensely with the stress created by the divorce and other activities in her life. I’ve never forgotten that interaction to this day! We’d love to help you explore the endless possibilities of hot tubbing and swim spas. If you’re here in greater Puget Sound, we’d love to help you create that backyard haven where your family can thrive together! Visit one of our showrooms today or reach out for us to schedule a backyard consultation today. You won’t regret it!  

Today is (no joke!) National Nude Day. The official origin of this day to celebrate being in the buff appears to hail from New Zealand. It’s rumored that, in the early 2000’s, rugby player Marc Ellis led the charge to streak in front of the country’s then Prim Minister Helen Clark. Nudists clung to the commemoration, and some still celebrate to this day. When this came across my radar, it made me smile. It caused me think back to the early days of Olympic when Alice, one of our co-founders, hit up a columnist for The Seattle Times to help her with her “research” of a very important topic connected to hot tubbing: “Nude or not Nude?” Actually, Alice had already done most of the work. She decided to pose this very question to a number of Olympic customers and find out whether hot tubbers deemed wearing a suit in the tub to be a necessity or an absurdity. She had well over 200 responses to her query. And, to her delight and surprise, some of those who answered her question did so with poetry! This is where John Hinterberger, who had a column published in Pacific Magazine in The Seattle Times, entered the picture. She reached out to ask him to judge the prose and pick a winner, and he agreed—in exchange for some chlorine for his own hot tub! The results of the poll? Only thirteen of the 200+ respondents said they wore a suit in the tub—less than 6%! I wonder if the results would be any different today. As for the winning poem selected by John, here it is from the column that was published January 10, 1982: We oldsters consider it rude To take a hot tub in the nude But those young or single Bare bodies do mingle And do not consider it lewd.   P.S. But when alone, whether In fair or foule weather We shed our suits and troubles In the hot steamy bubbles And soak in the altogether.   And so, on National Nude Day, share the bare-naked truth: Will you be in your hot tub in the buff tonight? (I in fact just might!)

So…remember how I said in my previous blog that summer in Seattle doesn’t arrive till July 4^th? Well, this past weekend certainly proves that! I’m a tried and true Pacific Northwest guy, so anytime the temps go about 75 degrees is HOT to me! But one thing that’s also true of me? I’m a hot tubber! Even when the temperature get into the 80’s and 90’s, I still try to make sure I’m getting in a daily soak. After all, there’s nothing like a soak when we are having fabulous weather and crystal clear nights in the Emerald City. Here are a few tips to use your hot tub when the heat is on. Lower the tub temp a bit. Lowering the temperature of your tub to 99 or 100 degrees makes a huge difference when the ambient temperature is that much warmer. The way Hot Spring Spas are insulated, this may require lowering the temp as well as adding an inch or two of cold water to your tub. Lowering the temperature closer to your body’s 98.6 temp will make the water feel refreshing but still feel like a hot tub soak. Try soaking at other times than you normally would. I’m not a big morning person, but when the temperature during the day is so much warmer, sometimes a soak in the morning is perfect. The outdoor temp will be cool enough to hop in the tub and get a nice soak in before starting the day. It’s also pretty terrific to hear the world waking up and enjoying the morning song of the birds. If you’re up even earlier, nothing like taking in the sunrise while in the hot tub! Consider some shade. If you have your hot tub in a spot where it’s exposed to direct sunlight, consider getting an umbrella. Shielding yourself from the sun while soaking is always a smart idea, and will help protect you from the heat as well. A ball cap can be helpful in a pinch. Take a break. One way you can extend your soaking time is to take a periodic break from your entire torso being fully submerged. If your tub has a cool down seat, move there every ten minutes or so. Getting most of your torso out of the water for a few minutes will help your body’s core temperature from elevating too quickly. It’s also a great time to perch on the bar top of the tub and use some of the jets that are normally reserved for your back on your legs and feet instead. It’s terrific!  Drink more! We all know as a general rule when it’s hot it’s important to keep hydrated. Bring something refreshing out to the tub to drink, and make sure you have plenty of it! Lemonade, iced tea, sparkling water or just plain ol’ still water will all be solid options to keep you feeling great. Drink more than you normally do during a soak to make sure your body is getting what it needs in the heat. I hope you’ll all take advantage of your hot tub as often as possible during these warmer days. If it’s part of your regular routine, don’t let the heat interrupt it! Rather, adapt your usage and make sure you’re treating yourself to the escape and therapy it provides.

Can you believe it’s already time for the 4th of July? We in the Northwest know that this is truly the official start of summer in Seattle.  It’s a great time to get together with family and friends and celebrate. In Seattle, the festivities are marked by spectacular fireworks (when the weather cooperates!), family gatherings, and a chance to finally get in the backyard for some barbeque. One way to elevate your Independence Day celebration this year is by incorporating your hot tub into the mix. Here’s how to make your hot tub the centerpiece of your 4th of July party. Set the scene! If you’re going to celebrate the holiday, make sure the hot tub gets some 4^th of July love! Decorate the area with red, white, and blue accents—think streamers, balloons, and red and blue towels. If you have outdoor lighting, consider mixing in red and blue with white bulbs. Add some music from your tub’s Bluetooth music system if you have one or add music via a portable speaker. As the day transitions into night, these small touches will help illuminate the space and keep the vibe lively. Fireworks, anyone? Consider timing your hot tub session to align with the fireworks display. As Seattle's sky lights up with dazzling bursts of color, your guests can enjoy a front-row seat to the spectacle from the soothing warmth of the hot tub. Just remember! Everyone needs to hydrate regularly, especially if they have been consuming alcohol. Yummy eats and drinks! Food and drink are essential for any 4^th of July celebration! so create a spread of portable, easily consumable snacks that guests can enjoy between dips. Think finger foods like sliders, mini hot dogs, and fruit skewers. (I like combining bananas, blueberries and strawberries to keep with the red/white/blue theme.) Opt for drinks that are refreshing yet patriotic; perhaps a red, white, and blue layered cocktail or mocktail. Safety first! Safety is always important during Independence Day. Make sure to have a clear set of rules posted around the hot tub. Use shatterproof drinkware and melamine or other suitable outdoor plates for drinking and eating.  Keep a small first aid kit nearby in case of any minor mishaps. By thoughtfully integrating your hot tub into your 4th of July celebration, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for all your guests. Here's to a happy and safe Independence Day!

Have you heard of National Meteor Watch Day? It's a special event on June 30th that celebrates the beauty of meteors streaking across the night sky. Imagine soaking in your hot tub while observing this terrific celestial sky show! Whether you’re here in Seattle or elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, this is a terrific way to kick off summer soaking in your hot tub. Meteors are fascinating objects. They are small pieces of rock or metal that enter Earth's atmosphere at high speeds. The friction between the meteors and the air creates intense heat, causing them to glow and sometimes disintegrate. Understanding this process adds a layer of appreciation for the beauty you're witnessing. Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through a trail of debris left by a comet. These small particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light. National Meteor Watch Day usually coincides with the Delta Aquariids meteor shower, which is known for producing many meteors. So, if the conditions are right, you could be in for some exciting meteor viewing. National Meteor Watch Day is a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the universe. Watching meteors can be calming and awe-inspiring, providing a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For Seattle residents, where the sky often hides behind clouds, this day is even more special. June 30th often brings clearer skies, perfect for stargazing. And what could be better than watching meteors while lounging in your hot tub? Immersing yourself in hot bubbly water and letting the jets help you relax while you take in the show? Sounds good to me! The design of most hot tub seating naturally reclines your body, giving you an unobstructed view of the sky. To optimize your viewing potential, do your best to get rid of any light pollution! Turning off any exterior lights, as well as your hot tub lighting, will afford you the best chance to spot and enjoy any meteors that might fly across in the night sky. If you’re like me (bad eyes!), you could consider some red lighting if you don’t want total darkness for some reason. Red light is less disruptive to your night vision vs. white or blue light. It will also help you safely move around when you enter and exit the tub. When to meteor watch? Late evening and early morning hours are the best times. On June 30th, try to be outside between 11 PM and 4 AM. During these hours, the sky is darkest, making meteors easier to spot. Seattle's summer nights are relatively short, so you have a smaller window of prime viewing time. Plan your stargazing session accordingly. Bring a few essentials to make your stargazing session more enjoyable. A pair of binoculars can help you see meteors more clearly. A star map or a stargazing app can guide you on where to look. Snacks and drinks are also a good idea, as you might be outside for a while. Just remember to keep them within easy reach, so you don't have to get out of the hot tub. Why not share your meteor-watching experience with friends and family? While you could invite a friend or family member to join you in the soak and take in the show, you can also share via social media. Take selfies and, if you’re successful, any pics of the night sky if you actually spot a meteor. Post and use the hashtag #NationalMeteorWatchDay to connect with others who are also celebrating. You might even inspire someone else to look up at the sky and enjoy the show. Since I installed my hot tub on my rooftop deck, it’s inspired me over the past couple of years to really give the sky my attention. Not only does it enhance my nighttime soaks, it also reminds me of how small we humans are compared to the vastness of the universe. It’s a terrific time to meditate and self-reflect while looking for those meteors. Here’s hoping that the weather cooperates in Seattle, and we’ll all be able to spot a meteor or two. Happy Meteor Watch Day!

April is one of my favorite months at Olympic. The air is charged with the spirit of giving, thanks to our 8^th annual Honoring Heroes Event. This year’s event is dedicated to those who serve and protect—the silent heroes behind the badge. With every purchase of a hot tub or swim spa, a portion of the sale is contributed to an incredible cause, and this year it is our honor to support the Behind the Badge Foundation.

The Behind the Badge Foundation stands as a beacon of support and remembrance. Their noble mission is to remember the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers who have suffered injuries or lost their lives on duty. Supporting families in these critical moments, the foundation is a stabilizing force amidst the turbulence of loss and recovery.

The foundation doesn't stop there; they also diligently maintain the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial. It is a sacred space that commemorates the sacrifices made by officers and serves as a perpetual reminder of their unyielding courage and public service. By choosing to participate in our Honoring Heroes Event, you become part of a community that upholds the legacy of those who serve.

Throughout April, Olympic Hot Tub aims to give back to those who have given their all. The event isn't just about finding your sanctuary in the comfort of a hot tub or swim spa—it's about creating a ripple effect of goodwill that reaches the lives of law enforcement officers and their families.

Here's how you can participate in our Honoring Heroes Event:

• Stop by any of our locations during April, purchase a Hot Spring Spa, Freeflow Spa or Endless Pool, and know that your investment means so much more!
• Share the event with friends and family who may be considering a hot tub or swim spa.
• Visit Behind the Badge Foundation’s website to learn more about their vital work, and spread awareness in your community.

We invite you to be a part of our 8th Annual Honoring Heroes Event. It's an opportunity for us to pay tribute to the valor of our officers and ensure their memories and the well-being of their loved ones are always held in the highest honor.

Did you know? There are about fifty-four million adults in the U.S. suffering from some type of arthritis. There are over 100 variations of the condition that have been identified. Arthritis, which affects our joints, can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and make doing some very basic tasks sometimes daunting. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are definitely ways to manage it and improve day to day life: exercise, weight management and medication. But, if you want to integrate a tried and true natural method, a hot tub could be the perfect answer.

There is a terrific array of real benefits that soaking will provide to those living with arthritis. Consider these:

 

• The pain experienced from arthritis can be eased with soaking in 102-104 degree water. As you soak, your blood vessels will dilate as your body heats, improving blood flow and helping ease pain and stiffness.
• Immersion in hot water provides instant aid, thanks to the buoyancy you experience. It relieves pressure on your joints, providing relief.
• Let’s talk about jets! Adjustable jets in a hot tub that combine the power of air and hot water can help massage away muscle tenderness and facilitate flexibility.
• The buoyancy and heat experienced during a hot tub soak make it the perfect place to do some stretches that can increase your range of movement and help eliminate stiffness.
• Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis. It’s been well documented that regular hot tub soaks greatly alleviate stress, thanks to the increased production of dopamine and endorphins. You’ll emerge feeling better physically, mentally and emotionally!

 

The key to maximizing the benefits of hot water for arthritis is consistent soaks. You should consult with your doctor to determine the right regimen for you to follow. In general, regular hot tub sessions that last anywhere from 15-30 minutes at least 3-4 times per week should help you realize the cumulative effects. It should help improve your range of motion as well as help reduce pain associated with arthritis.

The line of Hot Spring Spas we carry at Olympic have the added benefit of saltwater soaking! Not only will you be immersing yourself in healthier water, but you’ll also be using fewer bottled water care products, limiting exposure to any harsh chemicals. You’d love the way it makes you feel!