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

Can a hot tub really be self-cleaning?

Posted on 19 January 2023 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

There are so many benefits to having a hot tub and very few disadvantages. However, something that can feel like a burden is the cleaning and maintenance of a hot tub. Obviously, it’s important to make sure your hot tub is sanitary and clean so that you can enjoy it whenever you want to. And that’s much easier to achieve when you have a hot tub design that will do most of the work itself. But what does it actually mean to have a self-cleaning hot tub?

Self-cleaning systems minimise maintenance

The short answer to whether a hot tub can really self clean is: yes. Hot tub technology today has taken away a lot of the hassle when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Self-cleaning technology means that hot tubs that have this innovation are much easier to clean and maintain than those that don’t. Some systems can filter all the water in a hot tub in just 15 minutes, significantly reducing the time you need to dedicate to ensuring that your hot tub is in great condition and always ready to use. Although self-cleaning technology doesn’t mean that the hot tub will totally take care of itself, the maintenance burden is significantly reduced. So, how does this actually work?

Examples of self-cleaning technology

Optimised surface filtration. Some hot tubs come with a specifically designed shell as well as jets that will intentionally push any debris to the surface and a high flow skimmer and filter so that the water surface is always debris-free and clear.
Effective surface cleaning. Another key priority in the design of a self-cleaning hot tub is to ensure that both oils and floating debris can be removed efficiently from the surface of the water to prevent the pump and heater from being clogged. This is often achieved with a high flow skimmer and pre-filter.
Keeping the floor of the hot tub clean. It can be an arduous job to commit to repeatedly vacuuming the floor of the hot tub to keep it looking sparkling. A self-cleaning hot tub has a vacuum mechanism built in so that water care products can be effectively circulated and heavy contamination removed from the surface of the hot tub, including the floor.
Water cleaning filters. Micro-filtration systems make it simple to achieve clean water in a hot tub in a matter of minutes. These systems are ordourless and easy to use.
Water purification systems. If you’re looking for the most advanced hot tub self-cleaning technology then make sure your choice of hot tub has an advanced water purification system to remove contaminants. Look for those that use ozone and UV light, as these are highly effective and can reduce chemical dependency by 50%.
A self-clean indicator. Most self-cleaning hot tubs will have a panel where you can monitor how well the self-cleaning system is working for your peace of mind.

Hot tubs really can be self-cleaning and this type of model can save you a lot of time.

Get fitter in 2023 with a Hydropool swim spa

Posted on 12 January 2023 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

If your goal is to improve your fitness in 2023 then a hydropool swim spa is a great option to have. Not only will it give you access to hydrotherapy to help with recovery from training sessions and improving body condition but it’s also a great space to work out in. Did you know that there are a number of different ways to get fitter in a hydropool swim spa? Here are just a few of them.

Swimming. This is the most obvious way to use your hydropool swim space for getting fitter – and so many people do because it’s so effective. It’s simple to change the speed and current in a swim spa to accommodate different levels of workout and improve the intensity as you get fitter. Swimming is incredibly exercise, as it works the entire body. It’s a great cardio option and an effective way to get fit. Plus, the water can take the pressure off joints and bones so that exercise doesn’t feel so high impact.
Step-ups. Another very simple exercise, step-ups are really easy because you can just use the steps to the swim spa if you don’t have an aqua fitness step. The action of stepping up and down on the steps can be strengthening and a good cardio workout – the buoyancy of the water is supportive making this effective but not damaging for joints and muscles.
Cycling. The best thing about using a swim spa for cycling is that you don’t actually need to get a bike into the water. Instead, simply hold on to the edge of the swim spa and mimic the cycling motion with your legs. The best way to do this is with your back up against one of the walls of the swim spa. You can keep yourself supported with your arms by spreading them out along the edge of the wall. As you cycle your legs move them up and down towards the surface and then back to the bottom. If you really enjoy this then there are specialist bikes for swim spas so that you can have the full cycling experience in the water.
Jogging or running. The resistance of jogging or running in water is a really powerful way to build strength and get fit, fast. There are lots of different ways that you can do this in a swim spa. For example, you can choose to focus on jogging on the spot, bringing your knees as high up as possible. Or you can switch on the jets in the swim spa and run against the resistance of the current. Jogging or running in a swim spa is a very effective cardio workout that you can tweak depending on how hard you want to work.
Lifting weights. All you need for this is a set of water weights so that you can work out in your swim spa. Use them for strengthening, as you would in the gym, or add them into a cardio workout for increased intensity.

There are lots of ways to get fit with a hydropool swim spa – these are just a few of them. 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.

How to keep hot tub running costs down

Posted on 5 January 2023 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

With the cost of living rising, it’s useful for any household to find ways to reduce everyday expenses. If you like to enjoy using your hot tub at this time of year then it doesn’t have to significantly increase your monthly budget. There are lots of ways to get the most out of your hot tub in the winter season and still keep running costs down. Here are our tips on how to do it.

How much does it cost to run a hot tub?

The answer to this question will often depend on how often you use the hot tub as well as the type of hot tub that you have. One of the simplest ways to keep hot tub running costs down is to invest in a hot tub that will run in a way that minimises the energy you consume and is designed to be efficient. Remember that, whatever model your hot tub is, you’re going to see a small rise in the costs it generates when you fill and heat it for the first time. However, after that your costs should remain fairly consistent.

What influences hot tub running costs?

How often you’re using the hot tub. It’s a pretty simple equation – the more you use the hot tub, the more it will cost in terms of energy. So, if you’re keen to keep hot tub running costs down then it’s worth picking your moments to enjoy a soak.
A well insulated design. If your hot tub has high quality insulation around the base of the shell and the plumbing system inside the hot tub then it’s going to be much easier to preserve the heat and you will require less energy to keep the hot tub at the right temperature. Some hot tubs have just a single layer of insulation, which allows the heat to escape and tends to increase hot tub costs. Look for hot tubs with two layers of insulation instead.
A good cover. Investing in a hot tub cover that fits well and is designed to keep heat in can also have a big impact on reducing the amount of energy that you need to keep the hot tub warm.
Pump efficiency. Hot tubs that need to run their pumps 24hrs a day to keep the water clean will be much more expensive than a hot tub that can do this in 6-8 hrs. It’s also worth investing in a self-cleaning hot tub, which will require less energy than a hot tub that has to be cleaned and emptied several times a year.
The volume of water in the hot tub. The more water there is, the more energy will be required to heat it up so that you can enjoy the hot tub. So, make sure that your hot tub is ideally suited to the number of people who are going to use it and that you’re not heating up a large volume of water for just a couple of bathers.
Maintenance and repairs. If your hot tub is well maintained and kept in a good state of repair then it’s much more likely to function efficiently.

From the right hot tub design to the way you maintain it, these are some of the influences on hot tub running costs. 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.

Learn How To Enjoy Christmas Saunas Like Finns

Posted on 22 December 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

The Christmas sauna is very much a Finnish tradition – and a great way to get the most out of your sauna during the festive period. This is the time of year when we all start to slow down a little, look for opportunities to relax but also when our bodies can be hit with a barrage of germs and toxins. The Christmas sauna can be a great way to enjoy the season and also navigate it healthily.

Follow the Finnish routine. Around Christmas itself the Finns tend to use the sauna twice a day. A morning session is a lovely way to find some peace at the start of what can often be an incredibly busy day. Using the sauna in the evening can help to cleanse the system and increase the appetite ready to go back and enjoy more food. The Finns traditionally have a cooling off in between sauna sessions, turning this into a whole experience. If you don’t have snow to roll in like the Finns do between their sauna sessions then you can have a cold shower or take a dip in a cold pool instead. This is a great opportunity to bring some festive food into the routine too (outside the sauna), from hot chocolate and gingerbread to cold roast potatoes.
Make your sauna a festive space. The Finns tend to decorate their saunas around this time of year, filling the space in and around it with festive cheer. That could be seasonal flowers and leaves, candles and anything soft that will create a lovely soothing experience. Don’t forget to make sure that you’ve got everything ready for when you get out of the sauna, whether that’s festive robes and slippers or party hats.
The Finns use the sauna for quietness and also for connection. A sauna can be a really sociable space where you catch up with family and friends over the Christmas period. Everyone loves to come together and chat and this is a healthy activity that everyone can enjoy while engaging with each other. However, a sauna can also be a profound place of solitude – and this is something the Finns recognise too. So, don’t be afraid to spend some time alone contemplating the year that has just gone and detoxifying all the indulgences from the month you’ve just had.
Enjoy all the benefits. Spending some time in your sauna over Christmas can help give your body a boost in terms of detoxifying and improving immune defence. To get the most out of all the benefits make sure you drink plenty of water before and after you’ve been in the sauna. The Finns never take alcohol into the sauna for obvious reasons – bear in mind the dehydrating effect of the sauna if your day also involves alcohol. If you tend to have trouble sleeping during the Christmas period then try a sauna before bed for a really restful night.

These are just some of the ways that you can enjoy Christmas saunas like the Finns this year. 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.

Make Your Hot Tub Party The Highlight of Your Christmas

Posted on 15 December 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

It’s the first Christmas in a while that hasn’t had the shadow of COVID looming over it and that makes this a great time to really celebrate the holiday season this year. A hot tub party is a unique experience and can be a really festive occasion for you and your family and friends. So, how do you make sure that your hot tub party is the highlight of your 2022 Christmas?

Start with the basics. If you’re planning a hot tub party then the first task is the most basic: cleaning. The hot tub will need to have a thorough deep clean before you use it at the party so that it’s sparkling and appealing for your guests. Remember to clean the filter and test and balance the water so that it’s just right. Clear the path to your hot tub and make sure that you’ve got contingencies for all weathers, from robes to a shelter for people getting changed.
Heat the area. If it’s going to be cold and you want to ensure that no one gets too chilly then turn on your patio heaters to keep things cosy.
Put up some Christmas sparkle. Decorations really emphasise the Christmas message so make sure you’ve made your hot tub space extra sparkly with tinsel, hanging decorations and even a big tree. Just make sure that everything is far enough from the water that it won’t fall in. Don’t forget to use the coloured lights in your hot tub if you have them – setting these to change from green to red is ideal.
Give guests a festive costume. You can ask people to get creative by coming in a festive swim fancy dress costume or simply hand out hats to create a more festive feel.
Christmas music always creates a great atmosphere. Depending on the feel you’re looking to create for the party you could opt for classic choral music, the soundtrack to The Snowman or a playlist of classic Christmas party tunes.
Serve plenty of festive fare (but hold the alcohol). There’s nothing better than a soak in a hot tub, listening to festive music and then enjoying hot chocolate, spiced teas, mince pies, turley, gingerbread and cinnamon-infused anything. This is a great opportunity to make your hot tub party stand out as the food and drink is a key part of Christmas. Alcohol in hot tubs is never a good idea, as it can lead to dizziness, dehydration and heat exhaustion – so save that for later. Just remember to ask guests to keep plates, glasses and food and drink out of the hot tub itself.
Christmas outfits for everyone. If you’re planning a small gathering then why not invest in post-soak Christmas outfits for everyone that are super festive. From snowman robes to antler beanie hats there’s no better way to sit around and enjoy that post-soak glow than in a cosy, festive outfit.

Make your hot tub Christmas party the highlight of the season this year with these fun tips. 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.

Keeping a Good Maintenance For Your Outdoor Sauna In Winter

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

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

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

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

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.

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