Christina Mantoura, Author at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company

How to Stay Active and Fit with a Swim Spa: Fun Workouts at Home

Posted on 27 December 2023 - 13:54 by Christina Mantoura

Did you know that you can use your swim spa to work out? Not only that but water-based workouts can be really effective, whether you are looking to build strength and endurance or in need of a low-impact way to get high-impact results. Staying active and fit is simple to do when you have a swim spa at home.

What’s the best way to work out in a swim spa?

Experts say that it’s highly effective to commit to short bursts of activity, especially when you first start working out. That also makes it easier to fit your workouts into your day – and the easier it is to get your workout done, the more likely you are to be consistent with it. A 15-minute workout, for example, can be incredibly effective. In fact, according to the medical journal The Lancet, 15 minutes of physical activity a day can reduce the risk of early death. So, a regular 15-minute workout is the key to preserving your physical health in the long-term – and can also have a lot of positive mental health benefits too. Whether you’re looking for weight loss, strength building or just a sociable way to get active and connect with friends or family, your swim spa is a great place to do it.

How does exercising in your swim spa work?

The swim spa generates a continuous current – if you want to swim as your form of exercise then you can use this current to swim against for as far (or as long) as you like. But that’s not all that you can do in a swim spa. You can also jog and walk against the current, as well as using it for other exercises. The water can provide excellent strength-building resistance, as well as a way to soften the impact of gravity when you’re working out.

15-minute workouts that you can do in your swim spa at home

A workout for beginners: up to 20 reps each of inner rotator cuff and outer rotator cuff exercises, followed by step downs and step-up lunges (10 each). You can then move into stretching with 15 seconds of a hip stretch, a hip flexor stretch, lumbar extension, hamstring strength and shoulder stretch.
A workout to build endurance. Start with 20 trunk twists on each side, followed by sun gods for one minute in each direction. Move on to the legs with 20 reps each of step downs and calf raises, followed by working the arms with bicep curls and band rows (20 reps each). Move onto a tricep extension for 20 reps and a band chest press for 20 reps.

If you want to stay fit and active then there are huge advantages in speed and convenience if you can do this at home. A swim spa also enables you to build endurance – and minimise the potential for injury. Plus, you only need to do 15-minutes a day to see real results. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Swim Spa vs. Traditional Pool: Which is Right for You?

Posted on 20 December 2023 - 10:46 by Christina Mantoura

If you’re looking to add value to your property – and to enhance your lifestyle – a swim spa or a pool is a great idea. Both have a wide range of benefits, look great and can be an appealing asset to any home. But which option should you go for? A swim spa and a pool will each have something different to offer so it’s important to make the choice that is right for you.

Swim spa vs traditional pool – what to think about

The space you have available. If you opt for a swimming pool then you will need to have a sizable area available for the pool. A huge water feature like this can be appealing – or it may not be something that you really have space for or want to make the focus of your outdoor area. This is where a swim spa can be an advantage. The technology in a swim spa generates a current that you can swim against and this, effectively, creates a pool of unlimited length. You can just keep swimming and swimming in the same space. So, if you don’t have that much space available – or you’re not keen for the space you do have to be taken up by a large pool – the swim spa can be the better choice.
Do you want to use it all year round? The reality is that most pools get their use in summer and then the area is covered for the winter months. This is because they don’t stand up that well to seasonal changes and heating swimming pools in the winter can be expensive and difficult to do. That’s not the case for a swim spa, however, which you will be able to use all year round. That means all the benefits of hydrotherapy, from improved wellness to better sleep, are much more accessible.
The budget that you can spend. Installing a swimming pool in any property can be expensive. Even the most modest designs can set you back around £20,000 with the top end options coming in at around £100,000. In contrast, a swim spa can be installed from anywhere between £17,000 and £40,000. It’s much cheaper to get the best model with a swim spa than a pool.
The amount of maintenance you want to do. Another key difference between a swim spa and a traditional pool is that the pool is likely to require a lot more maintenance. So, the choice between a swim spa and a pool may come down to the time – and budget – that you have available for this. Daily maintenance for a pool can cost up to £15, compared to £8 for the maintenance of a swim spa. This may not seem much but added up over the course of a year it’s a significant difference.

A swim spa is a great option for any property, whether you’re looking to use it for fitness or fun. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Winter Wellness: How a Hot Tub Can Boost Your Immune System

Posted on 13 December 2023 - 13:54 by Christina Mantoura

Winter is here and it’s time to put the cover on the hot tub and say goodbye until next year, right? Wrong! If you are lucky enough to have a hot tub at home then the winter season is the prime time to use it. Not only can it provide for some seriously special seasonal experiences but it can also support your wellness in ways that boost your immune system too.

Get outside and enjoy the weather!

One of the challenges many of us face in winter is that we spend too long inside. Central heating, a lack of Vitamin D and no fresh air can all affect our immune systems. At the same time, no one wants to be cold or miserable in bad weather. The good news is that with a hot tub you can get outside and enjoy any weather. You’ll be toasty warm on those cold sunny days when there’s lots of Vitamin D up for grabs, able to enjoy the snow – and even the rain, especially if your hot tub is sheltered.

A genuinely positive impact on your immune health

Spending regular time in your hot tub can deliver some great benefits for your immune system. We now know that it even has the potential to help prevent seasonal colds and other health challenges thanks to the impact that the hot water has on your body.

Reliving the impact of stress

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to hurt your immune system and make you feel rubbish, it’s stress. At this time of year there can be stress to deal with everywhere, from financial pressures to the busyness of the season. It’s really important for your health to find ways to regularly release this pressure and stress, so that it doesn’t overwhelm you. Spending time in a hot tub can actually reduce blood pressure because of the impact of the hot water. It also relieves tight muscles and helps you to relax.

You can use your hot tub to work out

We all know that exercise is good for us but did you know that you can use your hot tub to do it? If you want to combine the benefits of hydrotherapy and exercise in your hot tub then try a few resistance training sessions in the water – or exercises like bicycle kicks or walking on the spot.

Easing your sore muscles

The impact of the hot water is to open up blood vessels so that your body can deliver much needed nutrients faster to the areas that need them the most. Spending time in your hot tub will help relieve the immediate impact of aching muscles and also improve recovery.

A great place for social connection

Humans are social animals and connection is good for us. Your hot tub is the perfect way to reconnect with family and friends at this time of year.

When it comes to winter wellness your hot tub is a great place to ensure that you’re getting more of it. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

The Health Benefits of Regular Hot Tub Soaking

Posted on 6 December 2023 - 13:54 by Christina Mantoura

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Anyone who has been in a hot tub knows just how relaxing it can be. However, that’s not where the benefits end. The spa experience that you get from regular hot tub soaking can also be really good for your health and wellbeing. There are physical and mental health benefits that go further than just 15 minutes of bliss. These are just a few of them.

Helping to ease feelings of stress. Research has found that spending time in hot water can calm the nervous system and boost the mood. It acts to relieve many of the symptoms of stress and can even be useful if you’re struggling with depression because it is such a mood booster. If you’re finding the changing seasons hard, or feeling overwhelmed with pressure right now, a hot tub soak can be a great way to give yourself some care and support.
Easing muscle aches and pains. If you tend to reach for some kind of pain relief when you’ve got aches and pains in muscles and joints then you might want to consider a hot tub soak instead. We now know that spending some time in a hot tub can be really beneficial if this is something you’re struggling with because the heat increases blood flow to the muscles and helps to loosen them while the buoyancy in the water takes the pressure of gravity off. Just note that if you’re going to have time in the hot tub for this specific issue, make sure you limit yourself to 15 minutes. After that you might get too much blood flow to muscles, which can result in swelling.
Getting a better night’s sleep. A hot tub soak is a great way to signal to your body that it’s time to let go of the day and prepare for sleep. The change in body temperature you’ll experience is also a useful way to get your body to adjust for rest. Ideally, you’ll have your hot tub soak 90 minutes before bed to reap all the benefits.
Helping with hypertension. Soaking in a hot tub will have the effect of widening your blood vessels, which can help to ease the experience of high blood pressure, even temporarily. It’s worth noting that people with low blood pressure should avoid hot water, as the impact will make blood pressure fall to a much lower level than it already is.
Reducing the potential for cardiovascular disease. Using a hot tub won’t exempt you from everything your cardiovascular system needs to be healthy (a good diet, regular exercise etc). However, it could be a great extra measure in addition to whatever you’re already doing for your heart health. There’s even science to back up the use of hot water for helping to minimise the potential for heart problems – one study found that people who had regular hot soaks had a lower rate of cardiovascular disease.

From relieving high blood pressure to helping you sleep better, these are just some of the benefits of regular hot tub soaking. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space for Your Hot Tub or Swim Spa

Posted on 29 November 2023 - 13:54 by Christina Mantoura

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When you’ve invested in a hot tub or swim spa you want to get the most out of it. Often, that means creating the perfect outdoor space so that you want to be in your swim spa – and around it too. This is a great opportunity to put your aesthetic stamp on this part of your home, to create some luxury or add some great convenience and comfort to the area where your swim spa, or hot tub, sits. Here are a few tips on how to create an outdoor space that is perfect for you.

Surround your hot tub or swim spa with beautiful, tactile plants

Adding greenery is an instant way to refresh an outdoor area – and also to create a really relaxing vibe. Ornamental grasses, for example, can really soften an area that is heavy with concrete. If you opt to plant in a shape that mimics the hot tub or swim spa then the area will feel very minimal, calm and expertly put together.

Add a deck and/or pergola

This will not only make a real feature from the hot tub or swim spa but also provide an aesthetically pleasing setting too. Plus you can add seats and steps and anything else that will make it more enjoyable – and easy – to use the hot tub or swim spa.

Make the most of a view

If you’ve positioned your swim spa or hot tub in front of a stunning view then make sure that the space around it really compliments this. That could mean framing the view with a shading structure or recessing the hot tub or swim spa into decking or into the ground, depending on the terrain.

Add some hard landscaping

This is, essentially, using materials like rock to create something valuable in your outdoor space. That could be providing structure for the pool itself or it might be adding something like an outdoor fire or pizza oven to make the area feel fun, cosy and really unique.

Opt for some natural privacy

If your swim spa or hot tub is exposed then you might want to think about using something like a hedge to create some privacy. The benefits of hydrotherapy are considerably enhanced when you’re relaxed so it can be really important to make sure your outdoor space feels calm and private if that’s what matters to you.

Built-in designs can deliver a high end feel

If you’re considering a hot tub or swim spa as a value-enhancing asset, or you just want to create an outdoor space that feels really high end, then look for a built-in design. It’s a great alternative to a prefab option and can mean that the swim spa or hot tub blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

From aesthetic landscaping to decks, pergolas and stone features, there are so many exciting options for creating the perfect outdoor space for your swim spa or hot tub. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Why Invest in a Swim Spa? Fitness, Fun, and Family Time

Posted on 22 November 2023 - 13:54 by Christina Mantoura

When it comes to the way that you set up your home, family, fitness and fun are all likely to be priorities that you want to accommodate. But did you know that investing in a swim spa can help with all of these? If you’re keen to find ways to improve your family’s activity levels, as well as together time – and how much fun you have – then a swim spa could be the answer. Here’s why:

It’s a lot more convenient

One of the main reasons many of us fail to commit to fitness goals and stick to them is simply because of a lack of time. A swim spa can have a big impact on the overall fitness of your entire family. And sticking to activity or fitness sessions in the swim spa is easy because it’s only a few steps from the house. It’s also a great way to get everyone exercising and staying active without the pressure of a gym or space where there are a lot of other people around.

There’s so much you can do in a swim spa

Obviously, you can use your swim spa for swimming – which is one of the most effective full body exercises around – but there are lots of other ways to stay active in the water too. Whether your family love aqua aerobics, strength training or you’re looking to improve mobility there are so many ways in which a swim spa can help with this.

It doesn’t have to be all about intense activity

A swim spa can be somewhere that you have fun with the family and improve fitness at the same time simply by throwing a ball around. Maybe it’s a place for racing games or trying out a bit of water-based jumping around. The great thing about a swim spa is that there is no hard ground when you fall and kids can be supervised by you at all times.

Working out in a swim spa is low impact

The water reduces the impact of gravity on the body while also providing some serious resistance for those who are focused on training. So, a swim spa will give you a great space in which to jump around and get active with much less wear and tear on joints and muscles than you’d get from doing this on concrete – that’s good for all the family.

You can use it all year round

Many of us assume that a swim spa is for summer but heating the water means you can actually use it all year round. And if you’re looking to access some of the benefits of cold water therapy then don’t heat your swim spa and get into the habit of immune-boosting cold plunges instead (not advisable for the very young or old).

From keeping the family healthy to providing a space for some serious fun, these are some of the reasons to invest in a swim spa. As a family-operated business encompassing two generations, we have over 50 years of combined experience selling and servicing hot tubs, swim spas, pools, saunas, gazebos and steam rooms. We love what we do because we love the lifestyle that comes with owning a luxurious hot tub or swim spa. Get in contact with a member of the team today to explore our range of fantastic products.

The Ultimate Guide to Hot Tub Accessories: Enhancing Your Experience

Posted on 15 November 2023 - 13:54 by Christina Mantoura

If you’ve invested in a hot tub then no doubt you want to get the best out of the experience of owning one. Hot tub accessories offer lots of great ways to do this. There are a wide range to choose from and each one will give you a better experience of owning, and using, your hot tub at home. If you’re keen to accessorise your hot tub then here are a few of our suggestions.

A hot tub cover – and cover lift

It may sound strange to describe the cover as an accessory but it can have a big impact on how you experience your hot tub. For example, a well fitting, well insulated hot tub cover can help to ensure that the hot tub is always ready for your use and that you’re not wasting energy either. A hot tub cover lift means you don’t have to deal with the heavy cover yourself, as the lift simply removes it for you when it’s time to get into the water.

Hot tub steps

Having to clamber in, or out, of a hot tub can kind of ruin the experience. You might be worried about slipping or falling – or just not have the mobility to do this easily. With some hot tub steps you can get in and out of the hot tub much more easily and effortlessly. There are lots of different models available to suit the kind of step up that you need. They also come in a variety of different designs and finishes so you can achieve the right aesthetic too.

A hot tub enclosure

This is any structure that surrounds your hot tub and provides protection from the elements, as well as some privacy. This can make all the difference to how you use your hot tub, as well as whether you continue to use it all year round. A hot tub enclosure can be a very practical space or it can be designed to make the area feel luxurious and ultra comfortable.

Hot tub decking

This is one way to considerably enhance your experience because hot tub decking can turn your home hot tub into a real feature of the property. It is both functional and aesthetic, looking great and also providing safety and stability when you’re using the hot tub. There are lots of different options to choose from when it comes to hot tub decking, including wood, composite and concrete.

Hot tub filters

These are an essential part of the way that your hot tub works, removing debris and ensuring that conditions are healthy and safe. There are lots of different types of hot tub filters, including cartridge filters and sand filters, and they come in many sizes and types. The right filters can make looking after your hot tub easier and ensure that the experience is always a positive one.

When it comes to hot tub accessories, there are lots to consider, from steps and decking to cover and filters. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Maximising Your Wellness with Hot Tub Aromatherapy

Posted on 8 November 2023 - 13:54 by Christina Mantoura

Did you know that humans have been using hot tubs to maximise wellness for hundreds of years? If you go back to Greek and Roman times you’ll find people thermal bathing for a whole range of health reasons, as well as just to socialise and relax. This kind of hydrotherapy is really good for body and soul – and adding aromatherapy into the mix can considerably enhance the experience that you have and also give your wellness a boost.

How does a hot tub enhance your wellness?

You only have to spend a few minutes soaking in the warm bubbles of a hot tub to feel the soothing benefits and know that it’s already doing you some good. However, there are also lots of studies now that have established how hydrotherapy can be beneficial for both the body and the mind. For example, one recent study found that spending 30 minutes in a hot tub helps with both mental and cardiovascular health. Regular use of a hot tub can provide relief from painful conditions like arthritis and ease stiff and sore muscles from activity and exercise. It can also provide a blissful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the world and practice being more present and calm.

Using a hot tub to relax your mind

It’s difficult to take your phone into a hot tub, it’s a space that you can use alone if you choose and all you’ll hear in the hot tub is the soothing sound of the water – and possibly the bubbles being created by the jets. These are some of the reasons why a hot tub is such a great way to help relax your mind if you’re finding life a bit stressful at the moment. There have been scientific studies that have established hot tub use is beneficial for those who struggle with stress and anxiety. The experience itself is calming and rejuvenating – and simply adding a few drops of aromatherapy in a calming scent like lavender can increase the impact this has.

Spending time in a hot tub to calm your body

The buoyancy and warmth of the water in a hot tub can send signals to your body that it’s time to release tension and relax. That makes a hot tub a great way to soothe a tense nervous system, especially when it comes to getting ready to go to sleep at night. Whether you struggle from an aching back, sore feet or tired arms, being in a hot tub can help to ease all of these physical niggles. The jets can be used to target problematic areas of the body and release any tension you might be feeling – plus the use of aromatherapy can help with this calming process, or provide some uplifting rejuvenation instead.

If you’re looking to maximise your wellness then hot tub aromatherapy is a great way to calm the body and soothe the mind. We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

Hot Tub Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Investment in Top Shape

Posted on 25 October 2023 - 14:54 by Christina Mantoura

Investing in a hot tub is a great idea for any home. But if you’re going to do this then you want to make sure that you can sustain your investment. The key to this is going to be maintenance. Not only will maintaining your hot tub ensure that it stays in top shape into the long-term but it will also help you to minimise costs too. Here are our top maintenance tips.

Pick the most up to date sanitation technology

The best modern technology makes home maintenance much easier. So, make sure you know what the hot tub you’re looking at offers on this front before you buy. For example, you should be able to run daily tests on pH and sanitiser levels in the water so that you know what you need to do to keep the water at the right level.

Check your filters regularly

Most good quality filters will last from 12 to 18 months. Make sure you’re checking them regularly to look for signs of damage and remove any contamination that could stop them from working well. Removing and hosing the filters down will clear them of debris and mean they can continue to work optimally.

Look for signs of wear and tear on the outer shell

A high quality hot tub should withstand wear and tear well – but it depends on how you’re using it. That’s why it’s so important to keep checking for any damage – and to repair quickly if you find any.

Buy a good quality cover

It’s important to make sure that your hot tub is covered when it’s not in use. This will help avoid water loss through evaporation and save on bills. It is also essential to stop anything falling into the hot tub, whether that is leaves or insects. Debris like this could cause problems for the internal workings of the hot tub so a good cover is necessary to keep it out.

Keep an eye on the jets

You want to make sure that the nozzles are pointed below the water line. If they’re not then you might be wasting water through it splashing out of the hot tub because the jets are pointing too high.

Shower before you use the hot tub

If you don’t then your hot tub water will end up being full of ‘biofilm’ – this is a collection of all the things that wash off our bodies and into the hot tub, from sunscreen to sweat. Showering before you get into the hot tub will keep the water cleaner for longer.

Use the right cleaning agents

There are specific cleaning agents that you’ll need to use for the hot tub to ensure that it stays in top shape – and which won’t damage it. These pH neutral solutions are vital for consistent maintenance and extending the life of the hot tub. Cheaper products might appeal initially but could damage your investment in the long run.

If you want to keep your hot tub in great shape then maintenance is going to be a key part of this.We offer servicing and post-sales care for all of our customers to make sure that our customers get the best out of their hot tub. We are proud to have a multi-award-winning showroom located in Kent, so please come down and try out our huge range

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