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

Is it actually possible to swim in a swim spa?

Posted on 7 July 2022 - 16:37 by Christina Mantoura

Although it may seem absurd to swim in place while remaining stationary, we have done it for years on a treadmill, so why not apply the same principle but in water? Say goodbye to travelling down to the local leisure centre. Imagine how convenient it would be to be able to swim at any time of day or night in the privacy, comfort, and safety of your own home.

How do swim spas actually work?

Swim spas are integrated with a current system that enables continuous, on-the-spot swimming. The current is produced by jets that steadily pump water towards the swimming. These units tend to be self-contained, however it is possible to install a swim spa on the side of a swimming pool. Swim spas work comparably to hot tubs as water travels through filtration and suction inlets before returning through the swim jet system. One key difference, however, is that the flow rate of water is higher in a swim spa due to the more advanced swim jet technology.

How well can you swim in a swim spa?

Many people compare swimming in a swim spa to open water swimming. The Hydropool Executive Trainer Swim Spas come with a patented V-Twin jet system, self-clean function & turbulence-free ergonomically designed shell, allowing for an unobstructed swim.

There are numerous varieties of swim spas available. It is crucial to select the appropriate kind for your demands in terms of wellness, family, and exercise. For example, the Hydropool AquaSport comes equipped with Self-Clean mode, HydroClean floor vacuum, programable filtration cycles, underwater LED lighting for safety (also providing a wonderful light show), an Aquacord Swim Tether for exercise assistance and 15 therapy jets all within the one Swim Spa. This swim spa provides you more room for swimming, exercising, playing or even rehabilitation and delivers the most fun! Enjoy indoor or back garden living at its finest with a great sized pool and spa.

You can control how fast you swim with a touch of a button, and an adjustable current speed. This is beneficial, as some days you will be feeling more energetic than others, and it ensures the whole family can enjoy the swim spa. For those wanting to train in a swim spa, or swim at higher speeds, we would recommend the Trainer models. These have a digital in water control screen, which allows you to track time, distance travelled, calories burnt, etc.

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.

Can hot tubs be used in the summer?

Posted on 29 June 2022 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Hot tubs can typically be used all year round, including in the summer. But if you drop the heat to 35 degrees, a hot tub will be more enjoyable. No matter the weather outside, having access to your hot tub throughout the year, particularly in the summer, can help you stay relaxed and rejuvenated.

What temperature should a hot tub be set at in the summer?

Generally speaking, many people set their hot tubs to 35° during the summer months in warmer climates. Although it can be set lower than that, the water is unlikely to drop below 35° if the ambient temperature is above 32°.

You may prefer your water hot, even during the summer months. But you need to bear in mind that the temperature of the water will have an effect on the amount of time you’re able to bathe. Naturally, the soak period needs to be shortened as the temperature increases. As the summer months approach, we recommend a temperature of 36° or lower, as the sunlight will start to warm the water.

How can I get my hot tub to cool down?

While you could just turn off the electricity and let the water cool, that’s not a very safe option. The cause is the same as when you observe a lake or pond that appears to be stagnant. Pumps, jets, and circulation cannot function without power.

The best way to reduce the temperature is to select the desired setting from the control panel. Often an economy mode or a sleep mode will reduce the temperature of the hot tub as they’re designed to save on electricity costs.

Is a hot tub therapeutic for sore muscles in the summer?

Nothing soothes achy muscles in the sweltering summer heat like a heated soak in a hot tub. Let your body relax after mowing the grass, gardening, or other vigorous activities this summer. Make sure you turn on the jets for the complete hydrotherapy massage experience – a great way to wind down after a workout.

It‘s crucial that you follow the recommended soak times to prevent dehydration.

36.6°C/30 mins
37.2°C/28 mins
37.7°C/25 mins
38.8°C/20 mins
40°C/ 15 mins

You can still enjoy your hot tub even though the weather has become a little warmer. In fact, it can give you the opportunity to enhance your quality of life and control issues like pain, muscular aches, allergies, and stress.

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.

Benefits of swimming this summer

Posted on 23 June 2022 - 09:27 by Christina Mantoura

As the weather gets warmer – with the odd UK heat wave thrown in for good measure – many more of us start to head towards the water to cool off. While the local pool, rivers and the sea can be a great place to stay comfortable when it gets hot there are also lots of health benefits to swimming too. In fact, deciding to start swimming this summer could be one of the best ways to make the most of the weather and the positive potential for your health too.

A supported, strengthening exercise

The buoyancy of the water means that swimming is an exercise that you can do even if you suffer with back or neck pain or issues with joints. When you’re swimming, the support of the water means that there is no strain on the connective tissue in your body, which means that it’s a sport you can do even if you suffer with back pain etc. Plus, regular swimming can actually help to alleviate some of these symptoms and will strengthen your body so that you feel better out of the water too.

A great way to get fit

If you’re regularly swimming throughout the summer then you’re going to burn calories and improve your fitness too. Swimming doesn’t have the same negative effect on the body as many high impact activities, such as running, but can be a very effective way to help lose weight and improve overall fitness. It’s also fun, especially if you’re swimming with friends, which can make it a much easier commitment to stick to.

Give your muscles the attention they deserve

Swimming is a repetitive motion and will build muscle over time – which is why you see many professional and regular swimmers with very defined muscles all over. The water also offers resistance when you’re swimming and this can help to build up your muscles more quickly. If you start swimming on a regular basis over the summer this year then you’re going to develop positive muscle stamina and this kind of activity can also help with healing any problems with your muscles that already exist.

Helping to relieve stress

We are all under pressure but while some stress can be healthy, excessive stress never is. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to help lower your stress levels. Swimming, like many other types of exercise, will help to bring stress levels down and deliver an overall boost to your immune system as a result. If you’re swimming on a regular basis then you’re going to feel much better, physically and emotionally. Plus, many people who swim in a river or the sea say that they find natural water like this – and regularly being outside in a pool or natural water – has an instantly calming effect. Plus, it’s fun and fun, laughter and joy can be great antidotes to stressful situations.

If you’re looking for an effective way to get fit and stay cool this summer then swimming is the ideal activity to invest your time in.

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.

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.

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