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

Health benefits of using a sauna

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

The benefits of relaxing in a sauna are no secret. There’s nothing more physically energising than taking time out of your day to chill out in a sauna and sweat the stresses of daily life away! Tension dissipates, muscles relax and mentally we emerge refreshed, reenergised and ready to tackle whatever is ahead of us.

It only takes a few minutes to look and feel refreshed. People all across the world experience the amazing benefits that derive as the body reacts to the gentle, persistent heat. As a result, an increasing number of medical professionals are recommending sauna use due to its purifying benefits. Let’s dive into some of the fantastic advantages that sauna use brings to both the body and mind!

Saunas improve cardiovascular performance

The skin heats up and our core body temperature rises when using a sauna. This causes the blood vessels near the skin to dilate and our cardiac output rises.

According to medical studies, the heart rate can rise from 60-70 bpm in the sauna to 110-120 bpm and then drop to below normal following the cooling off stage. Sauna use has been shown to lower the risk of all-cause mortality and fatal cardiac attacks, as well as the risk of stroke and hypertension.

Saunas help the recovery process after a workout

Saunas have been proven to help people recover quickly after exercising by reducing joint and muscle strains and lactic acid build-up. After just one sauna session, growth hormone levels rise by 200-300 percent, which aids in the reduction of muscle atrophy, a great benefit if you participate in strength training. It has also been proven to reduce fatigue in long distance runners.

Saunas flush out toxins

The core body temperature begins to rise as a result of the sauna’s heat. Sweat is primarily produced to cool the body and is made up of 99 percent water. Deep sweating in a sauna, on the other hand, can help to lower levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, and other substances in the body.

Decreases incidents of Alzheimer’s

A 20-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues revealed regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) at 80 degrees C for 19 minutes lowered the risk for both Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Saunas help to relieve stress

Saunas can help to reduce stress levels and lower instances of depression and other mental health issues. In addition to the adaption to stress, the improved cardiorespiratory fitness contributes to the therapeutic effects of sauna for depression and anxiety.

As well as these great benefits, saunas can help induce a deeper sleep, fight illness and even burn calories! Introducing sauna use to your lifestyle is a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allow 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 our expert sales team today to explore our range of saunas and steam rooms.

How to care for your hot tub

Posted on 26 May 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Every hot tub owner should adhere to three golden maintenance rules. By understanding and following these rules, you’ll be able to steer clear of having major issues with your spa.

It’s critical to know the make and type of your hot tub. It’s much easier to get parts and service when you have this information on hand. It’s also beneficial to have a copy of your spa’s “vital statistics” on hand. These factors include the hot tub’s water capacity, age, and any unique water issues (such as hard water) that you may have while maintaining it.

Let’s dive in (so to speak)! Think of your hot tub as a mini swimming pool as it requires the same basic care. Our top three hot tub maintenance rules are:

Maintaining good water circulation.
Follow a Basic Hot Tub Cleaning Routine
Balancing your water chemistry.

Maintain Good Hot Tub Circulation

Circulating the water helps keep it clean by running it through the cartridge filters in your hot tub. Your spa may include an automatic circulation cycle that guarantees it runs once or twice a day, depending on the model. These cycles circulate the water for 15 to 20 minutes (or longer) to guarantee that all of the water in your tub is filtered. If your hot tub doesn’t have an automatic cycle, make sure you run it for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day to keep the water fresh.

Follow a Basic Hot Tub Cleaning Routine

Scum can form in both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, but if yours is outside, keep an eye out for debris like leaves, wind-blown rubbish, and even a stray rodent. For a clean hot tub and to avoid potential water problems, keep the waterline and seats clear. A weekly cleaning of your spa’s shell and jets with a sponge and some white vinegar can keep things tidy. Scrub the scum line at the water’s edge with it as well.

Make sure to clean your hot tub’s inside as often as possible, and don’t forget to wipe off the shell as well. While you’re at it, wipe down the hot tub cover with a 10 percent bleach-to-water solution to prevent mildew.

A weekly clean is an important part of hot tub maintenance. However, empty your spa fully every three to four months for a deep clean, and more often if you use it frequently or have a lot of guests in it

Balance the water chemistry

Balancing the water in your hot tub is comparable to balancing the water in a pool. However, before you add anything to your spa, you’ll need to get a baseline assessment on the chemistry of the water. Once your hot tub is full, test the pH and alkalinity levels in the water.

A pH range of 7.4 to 7.6 is ideal. Below this range, the pH will be too acidic. The water will most likely eat away at your hardware and irritate your skin and eyes. Above the range, the values will be too basic. The water will degrade the effectiveness of your sanitizer and cause cloudiness.

By following these golden rules, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money. Our award-winning team of engineers are also on hand to help support you in the maintenance of your spa. Explore our stunning range of hot tubs on our website or enquire via telephone on 0208 300 4003.

What temperature should my sauna be?

Posted on 19 May 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

The short answer is, it depends. The temperature of your sauna will be determined by the type of sauna you choose and its features and amenities. In this article we’ve broken down the recommended temperatures for each sauna type and some of the great features that come with them.

Traditional Saunas

When we talk about traditional saunas, we’re usually referring to Finnish or smoke saunas which use wood, gas or electricity to power them. Most commercial saunas use electricity to heat them, making them quite powerful. Originally, a wood-burning furnace was used to heat the rocks in this sort of sauna. They work on the premise of producing steam after pouring water over the stones & is believed to have great benefits for your lungs, sinuses and skin. The Finnish Sauna Society recommends that sauna temperatures range from 80-90 degrees Celsius.

Infrared Saunas

Unlike some traditional saunas, infrared saunas are completely powered by electricity and use infrared heating panels to generate radiant heat. Infrared saunas do not heat the space around you; therefore, the required temperature can be lower, often between 38-65 degrees Celsius, with most experts recommending a temperature towards the higher end of this range. Since the temperature in an infrared sauna is more tolerable, your sauna sessions can last longer than in a traditional sauna.

Portable Saunas

The portable sauna is one of the most advanced forms now available on the market. It warms the surface of your skin with infrared heating panels and radiant heat. Because most versions are basically portable infrared saunas, the required interior temperatures are between 38 and 65.5 degrees Celsius. This option is worth considering if you want to buy your own sauna, especially if you enjoy travelling. You can take it with you everywhere you go and enjoy from the sauna’s benefits.

Steam Saunas

In comparison to the traditional or infrared sauna, the steam sauna operates in a completely different way. They feature a steam generator, which boils water instead of using dry heat to warm you. Because this sort of sauna is completely airtight, the humidity level can hit 100%, but the temperatures are lower than in a traditional sauna. The steam sauna’s usual temperature ranges from 32 to 49 degrees C, but the humidity may make it feel warmer.

Each type of sauna has great benefits for the body. Depending on the level of heat and moisture you prefer will have an effect on the type of sauna you choose to purchase. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company ensures the process for you designing and customising your sauna remains hassle-free, leaving you with peace of mind throughout the process. We remain completely flexible regarding all elements of the design from size, to shape to positionings, making your dream sauna come to life. Get in touch today to explore our range of saunas.

How to use your sauna properly

Posted on 12 May 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Using a sauna is easy, but are you truly making the most out of the possible health benefits that relaxing in a sauna can provide? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will detail how you can best benefit from sauna use and answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we get from our clients.

The correct way to use a sauna

Shower and dry yourself before entering the sauna. This is because dry skin sweats more quickly than moist skin.
If this is your first time using a sauna, we’d recommend spending roughly 8 to 10 minutes relaxing
Once you’re in the sauna, use an underlay towel to keep your body from touching the wood. The higher you sit in the sauna, the hotter it becomes, so if it’s your first time using a sauna, you might want to start with a middle or lower bench.
Each heating session in the sauna is followed by a cooling session. The best way to improve circulation is to gently lead the cold castings from the ankles upwards towards the heart. Make sure you use cold water to make the most of the Kneipp effect, helping to support your circulation.
You should wait rest for around 30-45 minutes between sauna sessions.

Why should you take a cold shower after using a sauna?

When the skin is cooled by a cold stimulus such as a shower, your blood pressure rises causing your body to work harder and training your cardiovascular system. This is a great exercise for those with naturally low blood pressure, however you need to ensure that the cooling is severe enough to make the most out of the effect.

Have you considered sauna infusions?

During infusion, the levels of humidity quickly rise and for a few minutes the heat becomes even more intense. The infusion should be started after the second sauna session. Essential oils should only be used sparingly and should be diluted to prevent a causing a fire hazard. The soothing effects are intensified by the fragrances.

With a range of traditional and soft sauna options available, such as a modular sauna that allow 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 contact with a member of the team today to explore our range of products

How a swim spa can affect your health?

Posted on 5 May 2022 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Blog - 19fX swim sppa wooden decking and outdoor seating

Why own a swim spa? The benefits of your own personal swimming pool and home spa go beyond relaxation but complement an exercise regime in ways you might not have thought.

Why is swimming so popular?

Firstly, unlike other forms of exercise, swimming is a good choice for people regardless of their age and physical ability because of the low impact it has on muscles and joints. However, this doesn’t come at the detriment of the results you can expect, swimming has a host of benefits for muscular endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.

The immediate advantage of having your own swim spa is the convenience. Making it much easier to swim regularly because your private swimming area is at the back door. This means you don’t have to commute to a leisure centre and use communal changing areas and showers which has its’ obvious downsides.

Swimming is a full-body workout

For this reason, swimming is one of the best forms of cardio exercise that exists. Swimming is one of the only workouts that engage every major muscle group in your body, whilst keeping the risk of injury very low. But you can still target certain muscle groups depending on the stroke that is used. Swimming also improves posture because it strengthens core stability, especially in the back and shoulders. This is a benefit for many as desk work is incredibly common and it is a cause of postural problems and back pain.

Improved mental health

The benefits of swimming go beyond physical health it has shown to have a positive effect on mental health too. By releasing endorphins, the natural feel-good hormone swimming lowers both
anxiety and depression. Just half an hour is enough to feel a greater sense of happiness and well-being.

A swim spa or hot tub is also a great way to socialise with friends and family. It can be used at any time or as the perfect occasion for people to gather. Socialising also improves mental health, drastically. A strong social life has been shown to go as far as increasing life expectancy and reducing overall health problems.

Greatly improved overall health

Swimming can reduce a whole host of diseases. When you swim regularly the chance of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and strokes are all reduced according to the NHS.

People with pre-existing health conditions can swim regularly due to its low impact nature. Helping people manage their sugar and insulin levels, reducing joint pain, and improving symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis. These benefits are particularly useful for people in their older years who might be limited to what exercise they can take part in.

Why choose a swim spa in a snapshot

By using a hot tub, you can boost both your health and mental health dramatically. By soaking in a hot tub, you can feel the benefits of hydrotherapy. Swimming gives you an emotional boost, reducing stress and improving sleep quality. Allowing you to have a deeper, more restful, and continuous sleep.

Using a hot tub for an hour can burn a similar number of calories as a 30-minute walk. Whilst boosting recovery rates after exercise and reducing fatigue. Also, in as little as 10 minutes blood pressure is lowered, resulting in better cardiovascular health.
Hydrotherapy reduces pain, tension, and joint tenderness. Which of course can benefit most people, but in particular people with arthritis and Fibromyalgia.

In short, apart from being a pleasurable pastime, swim spa has therapeutic and physical benefits, particularly for those who have existing health conditions.

As a family operated business encompassing two generations, we have over 50 years 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.

What’s the optimal temperature for a hot tub?

Posted on 28 April 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

When our customers visit us in our award-winning showroom at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, we often get asked what is the optimal temperature for a hot tub? The answer can be pretty straightforward, however there are other elements to consider, including the hot tub temperature range, body temperature, weather conditions and health risks.

Hot tub temperature range

Most hot tubs have a minimum temperature of 26°C and a maximum temperature of 40°C for safety reasons. The only time you might contemplate going as low as 26 degrees is if you want to chill off in the hot tub during the summer. On the other hand, 40 degrees is quite hot and uncomfortable for some individuals. The short answer to the question “How hot should my hot tub be?” is between 37°C and 40°C to get the most out of the benefits of hot water.

Body temperature and hot tub temperatures

Your body temperature is usually around 37 degrees Celsius. This can have a significant impact on your hot tub experience. You may feel a mild chill if the water temperature is below 37 degrees. When you wish to cool off in hot weather, this might be a pleasant sensation. Alternatively, if the ambient temperature is cooler in the winter, you may wish to add a few degrees above 37°C. This is because the hot tub cools slowly with the cover off, so if you plan on soaking longer, you will stay toasty for longer!

The key to finding the perfect hot tub temperature

Put it to the test! Finding the perfect hot tub temperature for you may involve some trial and error. As long as you’re aware of the health considerations, try out our range of temperatures. You may discover that different temperatures suit you better depending on the season.

Health Risks

If you’re pregnant, make sure you consult your doctor before jumping into a hot tub
Children under 5 should not be getting into a hot tub that is over 35°C and should only be in the tub for between 5-10 minutes at a time.
When enjoying a hot tub, make sure you stay hydrated.

Questions our customers ask us

How long does a hot tub take to heat?

This varies based on the heater’s capacity, flow, hot tub size, ambient temperature, and insulation quality. In general, a hot tub warms up at a rate of 1 degree each hour.

What happens to my hot tub when I go away?

It’s worth lowering the hot tub temperature to save money on heating and possibly reduce chemical usage. Because most hot tubs include freeze protection, there is a low risk of freezing in the winter.

What should I do if the temperature of my hot tub does not drop?

In the summer heat, the outdoor temperature can make it difficult to lower the hot tub temperature. To lower the temperature, either partially drain and add cool fresh water or remove the cover for a period of time.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialise in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools and gazebos and have experience of over 50 years in this industry. 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.

Top tips for buying a swim spa

Posted on 21 April 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

If you choose to invest in a swim spa, you are not only investing in an amazing place to work out, but you’re also able to reap all the same benefits as a hot tub, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind after a stressful day. When it comes to enjoying the various benefits of spas, having this excellent two-in-one water feature may suits the needs of the entire family.

The main thing to bear in mind when exploring your home spa options is the quality of the product. The best way to look at it is an investment, and to make your investment worthwhile you won’t want to compromise on the functionality or longevity of your spa.

High up on your list of requirements for your new home spa should be comfort. Opting for ergonomically designed seating will ensure the highest level of comfort. Making sure that you’re able to let your body completely relax whilst unwinding in your swim spa is so important.

When it comes to the pressure of the jets, everybody has their own preference. With this in mind, you’ll want to explore swim spas that have the ability and functionality to allow you to regulate and manipulate the jet pressure to your preferred comfort level.

Insulation is one of the most critical factors to look into when investing in a swim spa. A high-quality swim spa will be energy efficient and bring down the cost of heating. Most swim spas are insulated with foam; however, we recommend opting for a swim spa with the double thermal shield insulation system for maximum insulation.

Once your swim spa is installed and ready to go, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible enjoying it while minimising the time spent maintaining and cleaning it. If you decide to opt for a self-cleaning model, this aspect will be taken care of for you with the water being replaced every 15 minutes.

You should spend some time learning about the different features of the swim spa you’re considering. You want it to be able to cater to all of your family’s requirements. Some family members might be looking for a spa for aquatic exercise, others may be curious about the hot tub capabilities.

Investing in a swim spa will be a decision you will not come to regret, providing you with countless memories for many years to come.

Does a hot tub add value to your home?

Posted on 13 April 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Your home is your personal sanctuary. A place where you can relax and destress from the trials and tribulations of the day. If you’re looking for a new way to relax at home, investing in a hot tub is a good way to go. But, if you’re planning on selling your property, is a hot tub worth investing in?

How a hot tub can add value to a home

If you’re the type of person who plans for the future, investing in a hot tub may be an excellent way to increase the value of your home. In general, hot tubs will increase the resale value of your home when it is well-integrated within the exterior landscape. This could involve a hot tub surrounded by complementary hardscaping such as a stone pathway or gazebo.

By incorporating your hot tub into your exterior space well, you’ll be more likely to appeal to potential buyers rather than installing a freestanding hot tub that looks out of place.

Perhaps most significantly, at the time of sale, the hot tub should be in perfect working condition. Few buyers will want to take on the burden of the upkeep of a mismanaged hot tub due to the costs of repairs or removal.

Many hot tub models are portable and may be readily transported to a new location or residence. As a result, portable hot tubs may not increase the value of our home, particularly if potential buyers expect the homeowner to take it with them when they move. Permanent or in-ground hot tubs, as well as built-in portable types, may add significant value to your home.

To determine a ballpark estimate of the overall value a hot tub can add, we advise consulting a professional home appraiser. Estate agents have extensive knowledge of property value trends in different neighbourhoods and are likely to be aware of the local market and how your property compares to others that come with amenities such as hot tubs or swim spas.

You don’t need to use your imagination to envision how relaxing bating in your own hot tub can be. A hot tub can be used for relaxation, entertainment, and even physical therapy. When properly installed and maintained, it is an investment that will pay off for many years.

As a family-operated business encompassing two generations, we have over 50 years combined experience selling and servicing hot tubs, swim spas, pools, saunas, gazebos and steam rooms. We combine genuine creativity, planning rigour and excellence in execution. Our can-do pragmatic approach means we take all the stress out of your project. Get in touch with a member of our expert team to explore our range in more detail.

Our guide to hot tub temperatures

Posted on 7 April 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Too hot? Too cold? Or just right? No one wants to get into a hot tub that isn’t the right temperature. The majority of hot tub users will opt for a temperature of between 36°C and 38°C. However, the perfect temperature is determined by a number of factors from body temperature to weather conditions.

How to find the ideal hot tub temperature

The main factor that determines the perfect hot tub temperature – personal preference. It’s widely regarded that 40°C is the highest acceptable hot tub temperature and the industry-accepted maximum, with anything above that considered dangerous and should be avoided.

When it comes to the temperature of your hot tub, a good place to start is with your body temperature. The standard settings for most hot tubs will be around 38°C (slightly above the average body temperature). This tends to be the most comfortable temperature for users as it also allows room for the temperature to drop, which occurs naturally when individuals enter the water.

Why hot tub temperature is important

Ensuring that your hot tub is operating at an optimal temperature is crucial to avoid potential health hazards.

Safe hot tub temperatures during pregnancy

It goes without saying that you should be cautious when using your hot tub during your pregnancy. Even a 10-minute soak can raise your body temperature above 38°C. The general advice is to avoid hot tub use when pregnant, especially during the first 12 weeks, due to the risk of overheating and dehydration.

If you want to use a hot tub while pregnant, consult your doctor or midwife in advance about the safest way to do so. Some medical professionals may advise that you keep the temperature below 35°C and keep the duration under 10 minutes.

Safe hot tub temperatures for kids

Hot tubs are not recommended for children under the age of 5. If your child is over the age of 5, we recommend a slightly lower temperature of 35°C as children are less able to regulate their body temperature.

It’s incredibly important to supervise children at all times when using a hot tub & ensure that they are regularly drinking water to avoid dehydration.

Health risks associated with heat

Hot tubs are a great way to soothe aches and pains associated with arthritis, back pain and fibromyalgia. Using your hot tub when ill can lead to problems such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat rashes. Prolonged exposure to heat can aggravate pre-existing chronic conditions.

Hot tubs and the weather

Being able to alter the temperature of your hot tub is a great way to get the most out of your spa throughout the year. In the summer, lowering the temperature will provide a cool, refreshing boost, while in the winter, you can sink into the warm water while watching the steam rise into the crisp air.

Hot tub temperatures during the winter

The majority of people will use their hot tub during the winter months. We usually recommend maintaining a temperature of 38°C in your hot tub – this temperature will keep you comfortable and will assist in protecting your hot tub during the colder months.

Hot tub temperatures during the summer

Hot tubs aren’t just for the winter; they may also be used to cool off throughout the summer. We recommend experimenting with temperatures between 29 and 35°C to discover the most comfortable temperature for you, depending on how cool you want the water to be.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company specialises in providing hot tubs, swim spas, pools, and gazebos with over 50 years’ experience. Our mission is to deliver the best possible lifestyle products and services, now and in the years to come. With an extensive range of hot tubs available, we’re sure that we’ll be able to provide you with the perfect home spa for you.

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