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How one Co Armagh man turned pandemic experience into thriving business

'It's fantastic for families. They can all relax at the same time, and it's something for all year round'

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing soak in a hot tub or chilling out in a sauna – all in the convenient surroundings of your own back garden.

As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to think about maximising your outdoor space, with something that all the family can use and enjoy.

And that’s where Starview Hot Tubs can help.

The company was formed, almost by accident, by Co Armagh man Ray McCall in 2020.

After ordering a hot tub for the family during lockdown, he found other people approaching him to ask where he had bought it.

He ended up ordering them in bulk and selling them on, before eventually deciding to give up his job as a builder and set up Starview Hot Tubs.

The Armagh-based company sells mostly wood-fired hot tubs, ensuring there’s no nasty surprises when the electricity bill comes in.

He explained: “Because they are so cheap to run, it means more people can afford to buy one. They heat up in about two or two-and-a-half hours.

“The only time you are using electricity is when you have hydrojets, bubbles or led lights on, but that’s only a few pence.

“There are no chemicals needed either, so you can fill them up from your garden hose.”

The other most popular items are wood-fired and electric saunas, of all sizes, as well as ice baths.

“Everyone now is into their mental and physical health, so for recovery or stress, the ice baths are fantastic,” said Ray.

“Our ice baths come with a chiller connected so the temperature can be cooled to whatever temperature you want.”

Many people buy an ice bath and a sauna – with recent customers including a well-known DJ – while others opt for a sauna and a hot tub.

“It’s fantastic for families. They can all relax at the same time, and it’s something for all year round. In fact, many people love sitting in the hot tub in the frosty weather,” said Ray.

“We have one of the biggest selections of hot tubs in Ireland, with about seven or eight different options, all in their individual sizes, styles and colours.”

The company serves not just private customers but businesses such as glamping sites and has recently supplied a sauna and ice bath for actor Chris Pine after he requested them while in Northern Ireland filming Dungeons and Dragons.

The company also hires out the equipment, with some people choosing it for special occasions, while others use it as an opportunity to try before buying.

Starview deliver their products all over Ireland, the UK and the Isle of Man, and prices includes set-up and advice on operating, cleaning and running them.

And for those customers interested in enhancing their outdoor space even further, the company sells garden rooms, shepherd’s huts, dining sets, fire pits, patio heaters and much more.

For more information, contact Ray on 07801327945 or visit the website here.

You can also find Starview on Facebook and Instagram.

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