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

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

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

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-Gough

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-Gough

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-Gough

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

Turn Your Garden into a Relaxing Retreat with a Swim Spa

Posted on 18 October 2023 - 14:54 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Swim spas have become increasingly popular over the past few years. They are not only a great way to enhance your garden but also provide somewhere to exercise and relax too. If you have a swim spa in your garden – or you’re planning to install one – then here are some simple ways that you can turn the space into a relaxing retreat.

Add some decking around the swim spa

There are lots of options here, from stone and concrete to stylish wood decking. It will not only enable you to make the most of the swim spa but also enjoy the space around it – and create a stylish feature for the garden too.

Landscape the area around it

Landscaping features can really bring a garden to life and, if you tailor them to the swim spa, then you can create a wonderfully relaxing retreat around it. Fountains and ponds can be a great way to complement the water element of the swim spa and vibrant plants and flowers will really bring the area to life.

Opt for a semi-sunken swim spa

This is a great design if you’re keen on aesthetics and can create a sleek and integrated look if you’re going to install the swim spa above ground. It also makes for a much safer way to use the swim spa if you have young (or much older) family members, as it helps to put safety first.

Sink the swim spa and make it a landscape feature

For many swim spa owners the sunken look is going to be the most appealing option, especially if you have a garden with some pretty incredible views. A sunken design can give you somewhere to sit and soak and appreciate the views from – add decking or paving for an ultra sophisticated finished look.

Put your swim spa under cover

Especially if you want to be able to use the swim spa all year round then a shade or structure that provides some shelter can be a really good idea. You might want to install the swim spa completely indoors or invest in an outdoor construction that gives you shelter from the elements and also looks great.

Incorporate it into an existing outdoor building

If you’ve already got a building in your garden then it can create seamless consistency in your outside space to integrate the swim spa into that design. That could be putting the swim spa inside – or simply installing it where the two can complement each other.

Add some outdoor furniture

To create a really sociable space around your swim spa, furniture is a really good idea. That could be some luxurious sofas, chairs to recline on or tables that you can use for food and drink. Shade, lighting and sound are also worth considering.

Make a fitness space

Because swim spas are such a great place to get active you can make yours the focal point in a fitness space. Whether it’s weights, machines or just a yoga mat, it’s a great idea to dedicate an area to your physical health.

If you’re keen to turn your garden into a relaxing retreat with your swim spa these are some of the simplest ways to do it. 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.

Fall into Relaxation: Soothing Hot Tub Soaks for the Autumn Season

Posted on 11 October 2023 - 10:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

If there is one season that really works for soothing hot tub soaks it’s autumn. After the heat of summer a little cooling off can feel welcome. And it makes your hot tub experience at this time of year much cosier. Plus, this is the time of year when the weather can be pretty gorgeous, from crisp blue sky mornings through to gentle evenings with beautiful sunsets. It’s the perfect time of year to make the most of your hot tub to get outside and relax.

Why is the hot tub so great in autumn?

The air is still warm

Well, maybe not always warm but it’s not yet so cold that you have to run to and from the hot tub and the house when you’re getting in and out. This makes it the ideal season for a super relaxing time in the hot tub, enjoying the autumn air and evenings and mornings that still have some light to them.

It’s a great time to be out in nature

Autumn is a beautiful season in nature, there is no doubt about that. This is the time of year when the trees start to turn to flame and nature has its last big burst of colour before the winter kicks in. Sitting outside in your hot tub can give you the chance to be present and really enjoy everything that the season has to offer.

Relieving the stress of this time of year

You might be feeling a little burned out after the summer holidays or the back to school rush. Or maybe you struggle with the way that the seasons changing affects you. Whatever is making you feel tense in autumn, some time in your hot tub is a great way to destress. The warmth of the water will naturally relax you and the massage jets can ease away any tension.

Your hot tub can complement your exercise routine

In fact, it can be where you do your exercise routine! Hot tubs are ideal for working out as the buoyancy of the water provides much more support. You can get all the benefits of something like crunches or even walking on the spot without any negative impact on joints.

A great way to be sociable (or not)

This can be a really hectic time of year and your hot tub might be somewhere that you can go to get 5 mins away from the hustle and bustle of a busy house. Alternatively, it can be a cosy spot for socialising. Get all the family together away from devices and screens for a really good chat. Or invite your friends over for an unusual night in, whether you project a film onto the side of the house or have some seasonal food like an autumn BBQ.

Autumn is a wonderful season for anyone with a hot tub. This is a great time to use your hot tub to support wellness or just as somewhere to witness autumn in all its glory. 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 Benefits of Hot Tub Hydrotherapy: Relaxation and Beyond

Posted on 4 October 2023 - 14:54 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Having a hot tub at home gives you access to one of the most tried and tested forms of relaxation and wellness: hydrotherapy. Humans have been using hydrotherapy to enhance wellbeing for hundreds of years – because it really works. If you are keen to find new ways to relax and improve your general wellness then these are just some of the benefits of using a hot tub to do it.

An effective way to destress

A lot of what we feel stressed about tends to happen in the mind so being able to switch off a stressed brain and get into your body instead can make a big difference. With a hot tub, the warmth of the water can help you to relax and be more present while the massage jets work to physically undo any stress knots that have formed.

Improving recovery times

Whether you are an athlete recovering from a big race or you’ve taken up a new exercise regime and are looking for ways to improve how quickly you can get back and train, a hot tub can make a big difference. Sitting in the hot tub being massaged by the jets is a great way to relieve the aches and pains that can be caused by exercise. The jets help to release lactic acid, which is the principal cause of muscle soreness. Plus, you can focus the jets on an area that you’re having specific trouble with, such as your shoulders after a big weights session.

A natural way to access pain relief

If you’re in pain then you’re going to find it difficult to relax – and wellness levels can drop. Spending time in a hot tub acts as a natural form of pain relief, helping to ease symptoms without the need to take anything pharmaceutical. This has been found to be the case for many different types of conditions, from fibromyalgia to arthritis. Time in a hot tub can also help with something like restless leg syndrome and also with lower back pain.

Getting more sleep on a regular basis

Including your hot tub in your nighttime routine can be incredibly beneficial if you’re looking to get more sleep – and better sleep. The amount of sleep we have has a big impact on how relaxed we feel, as well as overall wellness levels. Spend just 20 minutes a night in your hot tub and you’ll feel more relaxed and less connected to the events of your day. Plus, when you get out of the hot tub and your body temperature starts to drop this signals to your body that it’s time for sleep.

Social time to boost your mood

Your hot tub is a great place to spend time with friends and family and get that all-important social connection. This not only helps to relax us but also helps us to feel more positive too.

From reducing stress to improving sleep, these are just some of the ways that hot tub hydrotherapy helps with relaxation and wellness. 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.

How to Create the Perfect at Home Spa Experience

Posted on 27 September 2023 - 14:54 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

The idea of a spa experience has always been to soothe the mind and body and help you to find some peace away from the worries of life. But there’s no reason why you need to pay for an expensive spa package when you can easily do this for yourself at home. When you have a hot tub it’s entirely possible to create the perfect at home spa experience – here’s how.

Preparing yourself and yourself for an at home spa experience

Make sure you put the time aside for this essential self-care so that you don’t have to rush or worry about being interrupted. Put your phone away so that you don’t get distracted.
Set up the environment. This will include ensuring that the hot tub is at the right settings and creating the right aesthetic, whether that’s with LED flameless candles or aromatherapy and relaxing music.
Think about what you’ll need post-spa. That could be a big fluffy dressing gown to get into, somewhere to lie down and make the most of the relaxation or even a delicious snack. Get all these ready in advance so that when it’s time for the spa experience you can just enjoy.

An at home spa experience should soothe both the body and the mind

So make sure that you take both into account when you’re planning this experience for yourself. Start with the body..

Spend some time soaking in your hot tub and enjoying the relaxing benefits of the jets.
When you’ve been in the water for a few minutes try some relaxing stretches to help ease out any tension from your muscles and joints.
Use the steam from the hot tub to help with any skin issues. It will naturally help to detoxify your skin but you can help this along with some soft facial massage.
Spend plenty of time sitting back and relaxing in between these so that you get the full experience of the warm water and the jets and the way this will help release any stress.

And then move onto the mind..

When you’re soaking in the hot tub, close your eyes and begin to focus on your breathing. You can try some breathing exercises to help increase the relaxation – ensure that your exhale is longer than your inhale to help ease you into a more relaxed state.
Try doing a body scan while you’re in the hot tub. Close your eyes and think of each part of your body, moving from your toes all the way up to the top of your head. In each area try to focus on what you’re feeling and if there’s any tension there, encourage it to release.
Use some meditation techniques. For example, you could imagine your mind is like the water in the hot tub, constantly flowing and at ease. Or you could listen to a guided meditation while you relax in the water.

If you want to create the perfect at home spa experience then your hot tub is an essential part of this. 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.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Swim Spa’s Running Costs

Posted on 20 September 2023 - 14:54 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

5-ways-to-introduce-your-swim-spas-running-costs

The rise in the cost of living is affecting everyone and energy prices are one of the biggest concerns for many people. When it comes to your swim spa’s running costs there are lots of ways that you can influence this. If you’re concerned about this type of expense as we move into the second half of the year towards the cooler months then here are 5 ways that you can easily reduce your swim spa’s running costs.

1. Lower the temperature in the swim spa

It’s the most obvious way to reduce costs and will save you a significant 5-10% on your bill for heating the water. You don’t need to reduce the temperature that significantly to see a difference either – just one degree can produce a much lower bill. If you find that lowering the temperature by one degree still feels good then try another – this is the ideal time to do this, as the air will be warm for another couple of months.

2. Review your filtration cycles

The filters in a swim spa have an important role to play – they reduce any build up of potentially harmful bacteria, for example, and ensure that dirt and debris don’t affect the system. However, they can be expensive to run if you’re doing this in the wrong way. So, switch your filtration cycles so that they are running at off peak times to use less energy. You can also lower the settings if you’re using the swim spa less – for example, a two-hour cycle twice a day if the spa is getting occasional use.

3. Get a cover that fits – and use it

Swim spa covers are filled with foam, which helps to trap heat and they are an essential part of ensuring that your swim spa isn’t leaking heat unnecessarily. So, make sure that you have a good cover with robust insulation that will help to trap heat. A reflecting cover protector can also help with this. If the foam insulation gets wet then its efficiency will fall quite significantly so it’s important to check regularly whether this is happening.

4. Look after your filtering system

It’s one of the most important parts of the swim spa – and also the component that can most affect running costs. Keeping it clean and maintained will have a big impact on running costs because if filters aren’t kept clean this can cause debris to build up and means that the pump has to work twice as hard to do its job and filter the water. Regularly cleaned and maintained filters will use minimum energy and keep costs low.

5. Fill the swim spa with warm water

This is one of the simplest ways to avoid big energy bills. Make sure you start with a small layer of cool water and then add your warm – max temperature 40 degrees – to fill the swim spa, rather than waiting for the water to be heated up.

If you want to reduce your swim spa’s running costs this year then these are some of the simplest ways to do it.

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.

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