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

Keeping a Good Maintenance For Your Outdoor Sauna In Winter

Posted on 8 December 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Winter is a wonderful time to have access to an outdoor sauna. Not only can your sauna be instrumental in helping to encourage relaxation during stressful times but it has some great health and wellness benefits too. At this time of year, conditions can sometimes be challenging so it’s vital that you have good maintenance habits in place when it comes to your outdoor sauna in winter.

Make sure you prepare your outdoor sauna exterior for the winter months. The exterior of the sauna provides a protective shell so it’s crucial that you look after it well. That could include treating the wood with a wood penetrating oil to sustain the natural look, pressure washing to remove dirt and debris and treating the windows and doors to avoid deformation.
Prepare your outdoor sauna for the first use in winter. When you warm up the sauna for the first time in winter it’s a good idea to treat it as a trial run and not use it. This is especially important if the sauna is brand new. Start getting used to ventilating the sauna after every use so that you don’t get mould or unpleasant odours forming.
Get into a monthly cleaning routine. You only need to spend 15 minutes a month cleaning your sauna to help extend its life. The cleaning routine should include sweeping out dirt and dust, using a fine sandpaper to tackle and scuff marks, mopping the floors and wiping the interior over with a soft cloth. It’s important to avoid any harsh, chemical cleaners as this can damage the sauna. Instead, opt for a mix of baking soda and warm water or white vinegar and water.
Take care of the wood inside the sauna. It’s the wood that has a big part to play in creating the right experience for the sauna, as well as ensuring that you get the most from it. If you live in a hard water area then you might want to avoid using water from the tap as this can create a lot of limescale build up. Don’t ever stain or treat the interior of the sauna – this is for the outside only. It’s also vital not to eat or drink in the sauna, as this can ruin your investment if it is spilled.
Create the right routine for sauna care every time you use it:
- Before getting into the sauna, wash your feet so that you don’t take dirt and debris inside with you. It can also be useful to have a quick shower.
- Keep plenty of fresh towels handy to soak up sweat and water and avoid stains. Don’t forget to remove these when you’re done.
- When you’ve finished your sauna, wipe down benches to remove moisture, drain the water bucket and leave the door open so that moisture can clear from the sauna.

It’s a real luxury to have an outdoor sauna in winter and this is the kind of maintenance that will ensure you can continue to enjoy yours.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

Why Winter is The Best Time To Enjoy Your Hot Tub

Posted on 1 December 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

We’re firmly entering the territory of winter now, with Christmas ads appearing on TV and the weather taking a serious turn. This time of year can be a challenge, physically and emotionally, whether it’s the busyness of the last few months of the year or the shorter days and longer nights. Enjoying your hot tub can not only help you to get the most out of your winter experience but is also a great way to overcome some of these seasonal challenges. These are just a few reasons why winter is the best time to enjoy your hot tub.

For physical health

Winter is the time when we tend to be most vulnerable to colds and flu and most likely to feel unwell. But did you know that regular winter dips in your hot tub can actually help you to avoid the worst of the cold and flu season? Hydrotherapy has a lot of benefits for your immune system and can help to keep you healthy at this challenging time of year. For example, the warm water in the hot tub improves circulation and stimulates the production of white blood cells that are essential tools for fighting infections. If you do come down with a cold or sinus issues then the steam from your hot tub can help to relieve it, especially if you add some sinus-clearing aromatherapy too.

Step away from the stress

There is no doubt that this time of year can feel very stressful. Christmas is just around the corner and that can generate lots of pressure, whether it relates to family arrangements, work schedules or just dealing with the financial challenges of Christmas in 2022. If you tend to get easily stressed at this time of year then enjoying your hot tub on a regular basis can help to bring those stress levels down and give you more resources to cope. Treat your hot tub like an oasis of calm, somewhere to switch off and get that all-essential downtime. Take your favourite drink or book into the tub with you or use the time to practice some meditation or deep breathing to bring your calming nervous system back online.

Get warm and enjoy the season

If you find yourself feeling constantly icy during winter then immersing your body in warm water can feel like a huge relief. Enjoying your hot tub will not only warm you up but also provides a great way to get the most out of the winter months. Get out there under a full moon and do some stargazing. Or sit and watch the season change around you as nature reflects the transition from autumn to winter. Create a social environment and invite people into your hot tub to strengthen connections and engage with others. Or make it precious family time so that you have the opportunity to connect more before the end of the year.

Winter is a fantastic season to enjoy your hot tub for these reasons – and now is a great time to start. 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 is Just Around The Corner! Know the Benefits of Using a Sauna In Winter 2022

Posted on 24 November 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Even though the recent weather has been unseasonably warm, we all know that Winter is coming. The clocks have changed and we’re set for darker evenings, shorter days as well as that inevitable temperature drop. There are lots of ways to prepare yourself, physically and mentally, for this kind of change – and integrating a sauna into your routine in Winter 2022 is one of the most effective. These are some of the key benefits of doing this.

Spending time in a sauna can boost your mood. This is the time of year when it can become really challenging to stay cheerful, especially if you’re someone who struggles with the loss of natural light or something like Seasonal Affective Disorder. When you regularly schedule in some sauna time you can help to minimise the impact of this – the effect of the sauna will be to release endorphins into your system, which is the body’s happy hormone. This can boost your mood and help you to switch off and relax. If you struggle with energy at this time of year the sauna can be beneficial there too, as people who regularly use a sauna tend to notice that their energy levels are higher.
A general boost to overall wellbeing. It can feel harder to look after ourselves in the winter, as there is less motivation to go outside and exercise and plenty of temptation around when it comes to party season food and drink. Although a sauna is never going to be a replacement for a lifestyle that is built on healthy levels of activity and a varied diet, it can certainly help you to stay on track where general wellbeing is concerned. That’s because the sauna will make you sweat. Sweating will help to remove any toxins from your system and make you feel refreshed. It also boosts your circulation, which can have a very positive impact on your heart and general wellbeing. So, as part of a healthy routine, a sauna can be a great way to give your wellbeing the boost it needs in Winter 2022.
Minimising the seasonal challenges. This is the time of year when many of us suffer with colds, flu and generally feeling rundown. Regular time in a sauna has been found to strengthen the immune system so it can actually protect against getting sick in the first place. If you do find yourself unwell then a sauna can help provide some relief. The high temperature in the sauna will clear the sinuses and make it easier to breathe. Plus, the heat can also help to slow down the progression of viruses and give your body a break. So, using a sauna this winter could help you enjoy a better seasonal experience and recover more easily if you do get sick.

From improved mood to a boosted immune system, easier recovery and better overall wellbeing, using a sauna in Winter 2022 has many benefits. With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

Relax Your Mind And Body with Steam Rooms

Posted on 17 November 2022 - 15:02 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

We are entering what can be a very busy and stressful time of year for many. Whether you find your body struggles with the clocks going forward, or the run up to Christmas is especially busy for you, it’s vital to be able to find a way to relax your body and mind. Steam rooms offer a simple and effective way to do this. Spending some time in a steam room a few times a week can have a really transformative impact where relaxation is concerned. Here’s how:

A great way to release tension. The impact of being in a steam room is to soothe the body. Nerves are calmed and your muscles will naturally relax, helping to release the tension from all over your body. Spending time in a steam room can also help to reduce joint pain and has even been found to release the pressure of tension headaches.
Sweating out the toxins. When our body feels cleaner and lighter, we do too. Being in a steam room activates one of the body’s most powerful cleansing systems – sweating. Sitting in a steam room for just 20 minutes can eliminate the toxins and waste products from an entire day, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to rest.
Improving skin quality and removing impurities. Sweating also helps to deal with conditions like acne and can improve skin quality. It also gives circulation a boost and this can result in a healthy, rosy glow thanks to the steam alone.
Feel good chemicals are released. When we’re in a steam room the conditions trigger the release of the body’s endorphins, which are essentially feel good chemicals that can make it easier to deal with pressure and stress. These help us minimise the impact of stress and are the reason why you’re likely to feel calmer leaving the steam room than when you went in.
A great post-workout routine. A steam room is not only a great way to relax after you’ve completed a workout and reward yourself for that self-discipline and commitment but it will also help to aid a quicker recovery for your muscles. When muscles are relaxed like this during the recovery process they grow more quickly, which is essential for achieving those vital gains.
Helping to shift water weight. Steam rooms can even help us with weight loss, which can significantly help to reduce stress. Although it’s no substitute for exercise and a healthy diet, spending time in a steam room can minimise the water weight that you’re carrying – which makes a real difference.
Easing sinus problems. At this time of year, many of us suffer with our sinuses. Everything from central heating to colds and viruses can irritate the sensitive sinus area. Being in a steam room opens and thins the mucus membranes all around the body. This means you’ll instantly be able to breathe more easily and relax more.

From a physical tension release to the positive impact on sinus problems and water weight, steam rooms are a great way to improve health and wellbeing, to switch off and relax.

Keeping Your Hot Tub in Clean Condition

Posted on 10 November 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

This time of year, is a great season for the hot tub. As the air starts to cool, the warm water can feel like a real luxury, especially on a clear and starry night. For those who want to continue to enjoy a hot tub throughout the cooler months it’s essential to maintain a cleaning schedule, even if you’re not using it as frequently as during the summer. Keeping your hot tub clean not only ensures that you get to enjoy it more now – but also for years to come.

How to keep your hot tub clean

When it comes to cleaning and maintenance of your hot tub there are a number of key tasks that need to be done no matter what the time of year.

Take good care of the filter

You should aim to check your hot tub filter at least once a month when the hot tub is still being used. When you check the filter, make sure you give it a thorough clean and remove anything that could stop it from working effectively, such as debris or dirt. Keep track of when the last filter was installed and make sure you have a replacement ready every 9-12 months.

Regularly drain the tub and replace the water

Before you start this process make sure you have read the owner’s manual on how often you should do this and also the best way to ensure that it’s done safely. For most people, the water should be replaced every three to six months. You’ll need to turn the hot tub off at the mains before you start this process. If you have a submersible pump this can be one of the fastest and easiest ways to empty out a hot tub. Once you’ve drained all the water then give the hot tub a good clean, including both the inner and outer shell, before you fill it back up again.

Be proactive about maintenance

The earlier you can spot cracks or leaks the easier it will be to solve the problem so it’s important to be proactive about looking out for issues like this. The cover is crucial to the cleanliness of the hot tub, so this should also be regularly maintained. A cover that functions well will not only ensure that the hot tub is secure and free from dirt and debris but it can also minimise the amount of heat that escapes too.

Regularly test the chemicals in the water

You’ll need to add chemicals to the water to ensure that it is sanitary and it’s important to monitor this over time. There is no single answer on how often you should do this but the more you’re using the hot tub the more checks it’s sensible to schedule.

A clean hot tub is an experience to be enjoyed – and an asset that will last longer too. These are some of the steps you’ll need to take to keep your hot tub clean this year. 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.

Take Advantage of your Sauna in 2022

Posted on 3 November 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

A sauna is a wonderfully relaxing experience and one that many people choose for themselves at home. However, it’s not just about self-care and home spa days, as your sauna also has a number of key health benefits that might surprise you. If you’re keen to make the most of your sauna in 2022 then there are lots of reasons to do it.

Improve the quality of your sleep. There’s no getting away from how vital sleep is, especially during the winter months. A whole body of research has found that spending time in your sauna on a regular basis can help you achieve deeper sleep and relax more. This is a combination of the body’s temperature being elevated and the fact that endorphins are being released in the hours before you sleep.
Detoxifying. You probably know that a sauna will make you sweat – and that means the opportunity to detoxify the largest organ in your body, the skin. Sweating in a sauna is more intense than anywhere else, which makes it a great opportunity to help rid your skin of toxins such as heavy metals and chemicals that have been ingested or absorbed.
Deal differently with stress. No matter what’s going on in your life you can change the way that you deal with it by regularly using your sauna. For example, regular sauna time can help to bring down levels of cortisol in your system (cortisol is like alarm bells) and increase serotonin (happy hormones). Serotonin is also responsible for bone and skin health so your sauna can not only make you feel better – and less stressed – but ensure you’re physically healthier too.
Better brain function. You’d probably expect much of the research on saunas to hail from Finland (where everyone has one). One local study there focused on men using their saunas for 20 years, 4-7 times a week. The research found that the sauna use was associated with a lower risk of dementia and alzheimers.
Enhanced blood flow helps your muscles and joints. When you’re in a sauna, blood flows better throughout the circulatory system and this is highly beneficial for reducing lactic acid build up. It can even help to reduce chronic injuries and make healing faster and more efficient.
Boosting the immune system. Exposure to the heat of a sauna can help with the creation of the white blood cells that our bodies use to fight infection and viruses. Studies have found that those who regularly use a sauna can suffer less from seasonal colds and – if they do get one it tends to be shorter and less severe.
Burning the calories. Although a sauna is not an instant weight loss cure, the heat plus the sweat can significantly increase the number of calories burned over a period of time. It’s no substitute for healthy eating and exercise but can be a great support to them.

If you’re keen to take advantage of your sauna in 2022 these are some very good reasons to make more time for it.

Accessorise Your Hot Tub for the season

Posted on 27 October 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Outdoor hot tubs are exposed to the changing seasons every year, which means they need looking after just like any outdoor equipment. As the days are cooler and the nights are longer, this is a wonderful time to enjoy your hot tub. It’s also the perfect moment to do some maintenance and to make sure you’ve got the accessories that you need to keep enjoying your hot tub into the winter and through next year.

Key hot tub accessories for Autumn

Hot tubs are not just for summer. In fact, we think that Autumn is one of the best seasons for enjoying a hot tub. Crisp mornings, colourful nature and air that isn’t too cold yet all make for the ideal environment for getting the most from some relaxing hydrotherapy. But you do need to change the way you use your hot tub at this time of year – and these accessories make all the difference.

A new filter. Ok so this isn’t, strictly speaking, an ‘accessory.’ But it’s an essential if you want to make sure that you’re getting the most from your home hot tub experience. It’s the filter that will keep the water clean and that’s especially important if your hot tub has had some heavy use over the summer. Replace the filter as part of a seasonal maintenance check so that you know you’re all set for the coming months.
A hot tub cover. You may already have a lightweight summer cover but we’d recommend ensuring that you have a fairly heavy duty hot tub cover for Autumn and Winter. This will ensure that the water in your hot tub is protected from those falling autumn leaves and also that you get fewer insects trying to get inside and make a home for the Winter. If your current hot tub cover has seen better days then it’s a really good idea to replace it now – look at whether the cover is sagging in places, how secure it is and whether it looks a bit weather beaten. It’s especially important to make sure that it’s still forming a closed seal around the edges, as this is how you can maintain heat and save on energy – as well as keeping the hot tub secure.
The fun stuff. The run up to Christmas is full of occasions for having some fun, whether that’s Halloween or the festive season itself. There are lots of great accessories that can help you keep enjoying your hot tub as the seasons change. For example, a hot tub caddy is ideal for enjoying warming drinks like spiced cider or a rich, warming hot chocolate while you’re in the water. You can also invest in extra cushions, lights and sound systems to enhance the experience, as well as accessories that improve how it feels to get in and out, from a walkway to a changing area.

Accessorising your hot tub for the Autumn and Winter season will ensure that you are able to enjoy it right through the year. We also 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.

Tips on How To Enjoy Your Hot Tub Experience this Autumn

Posted on 20 October 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

The seasons are changing and, as we move into the colder months, it’s the perfect time to get into the soothing, warm waters of your hot tub. For many people Autumn is the best time of year – the season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’ and the ideal way to ease into winter. If you are a fan of all things Autumn, from the beautiful colours in nature to the odd pumpkin spiced latte then make sure you take the time to enjoy what the season has to offer when it comes to your hot tub too – here’s how to do it.

Enjoy the beauty of your surroundings while you soak

If your hot tub is outside then it’s going to be hard not to notice the changes that are taking place in nature right now. Give yourself the time to be mindful while you soak, taking in the changing colours of the leaves, the smoky air and the cooler feel. This is a great way to help ease the transition from the summer – which many people find tough – and also to give yourself a few mindful moments each day before the busy winter season begins.

Set up a bird feeder nearby

The bird world gets busy in Autumn and it can be incredibly relaxing to sit and watch the comings and goings as you enjoy a soak. Set up a bird feeder close to the hot tub so you can sit and observe – you’ll get some moments of peaceful contemplation and the birds of your garden will appreciate the food as the winter draws in.

Take a drink into your hot tub with you

For some people, Autumn is the season when it comes to beverages. It’s not just about the pumpkin spiced lattes but warm apple cider, fruity spiced teas and anything that feels rich and indulgent – even a delicious hot chocolate. As the temperatures drop it’s the ideal time to sit and soak and sip on your favourite warm drink to enhance the experience even more.

Get settled into darker, longer nights

As the nights draw in it can feel tempting to stay inside during the Autumn. However, if you’re lucky enough to have a hot tub at home this is the ideal time to get out and enjoy a soak under the stars. The temperature is perfect for this right now, not too cold, and the clear skies will give you plenty to gaze at while you enjoy the water therapy.

Indulge in the Halloween spirit

Halloween is another reason why so many people love Autumn. This spooky time of year is a real favourite for many, and whether you love dressing up or not, your hot tub can be a great way to explore something different this year. Plan a hot tub Halloween party or set up a projector to watch scary films from the comfort of your tub, for example. If you’re not a fan of Halloween then use the hot tub as an escape from the madness.

Autumn is a great time to own a hot tub and these are some of the ways that you can enhance your experience. We also 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 Get Your Garden Prepared For October

Posted on 13 October 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

At this time of year we’re still enjoying the last rays of summer sun. Yes, there might be a chill in the air but it’s still very enjoyable to be outside. That’s why it’s such an important time to ensure that your outside spaces are a great place to be and that you can enjoy them right up to the moment when the winter really kicks in. With that in mind here are a few tips on how to get your garden ready for October.

Look for ways to add warmth

During the summer months it’s fine to recline on chairs or sun loungers and simply bake in the warmth. But, if you’re outside at this time of year, then you might need a little help. Look for ways to bring warmth to your outside space for Autumn, whether that is investing in a patio heater or simply adding some cosy throws and blankets to seating areas so that you can sit outside and enjoy the season more.

Stock up on fire

You might have a firepit or space for a bonfire – this is a great time of year to bring fire to your outside space, both for warmth and aesthetics. It can also be a very useful way to dispose of fallen branches etc in the garden. So, make sure that you’ve got all the fuel and equipment you need to do that, whether it’s firelighters or kindling and wood.

Prep your hot tub

A crisp autumn day can be the ideal time to really make the most of having a hot tub at home so make sure that you’ve carried out some seasonal maintenance and ensured that your tub is ready to be enjoyed. For example, you can use a garden hose to spray down the outside and make sure that you’re regularly cleaning and changing filters and water purifying systems. If you’ve committed to a regular maintenance programme throughout the year then your hot tub will already be a great asset in October. That’s because the hot tub is already insulated and designed to keep heat in so, as long as you’ve kept it in great condition, it will already be primed and ready for use.

Plant for next year

October is a perfect time to start preparing your garden for spring – and this can be a cheering thought if you don’t particularly look forward to the darker days of winter. Plant some bright spring flowers, whether that’s tulip bulbs or daisies, so that you know your outside space is going to be ready to bloom when the spring comes again.

Take care of the basics

In October the leaves start to fall and that can mean your outside spaces require more attention before they can be enjoyed. Clear wet or slippery leaves from stairs and patios and don’t forget to give the gutters some attention too so that they don’t cause problems later in the year.

Enjoying your garden – and hot tub – into the autumn is simple when you know how to prepare at this time of year. We also 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.

Older posts

Newer posts