PRESS RELEASE
2005
GLOBETROTTING GENERATION LAUNCH INTO HOT TUBS
Affluent over 50s, who have experienced hot tubs on their travels, on returning home can’t wait to immerse themselves in their own hot tub.
Two such households are the Vickeries, of Haselmere, Surrey and the Olivers, who live in Liphook, Hampshire. Both have been inspired to owning a hot tub through contrasting travel experiences. Christine and Paul Vickery had the idea after visiting a few years ago American ski resorts, while Robin and Christine enjoyed using deck mounted hot tubs on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary II. Following enthusiastic recommendation by friends both families turned to Hindhead Hot Tubs, Hindhead, Surrey, for a solution.
Hot Tubs are one of the fastest growing domestic products and are proving particularly popular with the over 50s, attracted by their therapeutic and relaxing lifestyle benefits.
According to the trade association, the British and Irish Hot Tub Association (BISHTA), sales of hot tubs in the UK doubled during 2004. There are now more than 100,000 homes in the UK. The 50+ age group are helping to drive the market, with age concern reporting that they have a higher disposable income than those below 50.
Christine Vickery, 61, and Paul Vickery, 60, who are both retired, live in a three-bedroom detached bungalow. Their son, Jason, is abroad, but their daughter, Emma lives locally. They have been enjoying a Tango 42 Turbo hot tub, with 42 hydrotherapy jets since December last year, located on the patio outside the dining room.
Paul says: “Several year ago we regularly visited Colorado ski resorts, where almost every condominium we stayed in had a hot tub. After this we thought we had to have one.
“I use the hot tub around six time a week, while our daughter and son in law are frequent visitors and are also fans of the hot tub. It’s great to sit, relax and chat.”
Paul is keen on sports, playing squash and golf, as well as being a passionate sailor, owning and sailing regularly a Hobie 17, a 17 ft catamaran, on the Solent.
Paul adds: “I really enjoy the hot tub after exercise, particularly after sailing on a cold blustery day. The warmth and the messaging jets of water help to ease aching muscles and sore joints.
“During the summer, we’re looking forward to sitting in the hot tub and feeling really clean on a humid sticky day. However, in winter I really enjoy the contrast of relaxing in the warm waters on a freezing cold night.”
Robin Oliver, 55, who runs a local car hire business and Christine Oliver, 53, who is the village postmistress, live in a three-bedroom semi detached post war house with a quarter of acre of ground. Their son Simon, 32, lives overseas, while Peter, 31, and daughter, Helen, 27, along with their children, Lawrence, 10, Katie, 8, George, 5, and Lily, 1, live locally and are frequent visitors.
The Olivers have purchased a Platinum 60, eight-seater hot tub, fully enclosed with a sauna and bar.
Robin, says: “Christine and I enjoy going on cruises and we were so impressed with on-board hot tubs we decided to bring a taste of luxury liner living into our own home.
“I sometimes work long hours and really enjoy unwinding after a tough day. What’s more the family, including the older grandchildren, find the hot tub great fun and it becomes the focus of family get-togethers.
“The combination of the sauna and hot tub is perfect for entertaining, with guests sweating in the sauna, cooling off and then sitting in the hot tub. It even has underwater coloured lights, which really add to the atmosphere in the evening.”
Hindhead Hot Tubs provides a wide range of do it yourself cedar wood hot tubs and teak hot tubs from 4 to 6 person 5ft hot tubs from £2,990 to 6 to 8 person 6ft hot tubs from £4,990, including, ancillary equipment and VAT. All timber originates from sustainable forests. Above ground acrylic Hindhead Hot Tubs start at three-person spas in the Classic range from just under £2,990 to the eight person 60 jet Platinum 60 of the Platinum range at £5,690.
For more information on Hindhead Hot Tubs products and services contact: Steve Andrews, Managing Director, Hindhead Hot Tubs on Tel: 01428 605 894 or email: or visit