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

Benefits of using a hot tub before and after your workout

Posted on 4 November 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

benefits-of-using-a-hot-tub-before-and-after-a-workout

Did you know that hydrotherapy provides a host of advantages and there are some benefits specifically tied to workout recovery? Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve put together a list of some of the amazing hydrotherapy benefits you can take advantage of pre and post workout.

Increases circulation

When you spend time in a hot tub or swim spa your circulation improves. As your body is under pressure during a workout, making sure that your body is able to pump blood to your muscles to provide them with oxygen is incredibly important. Warm water dilates the blood vessels which supports your circulatory system – that’s why soaking in a hot tub before your workout is a great idea. This way you’ll be well-prepared and less likely to suffer an injury.

Helps you stretch

You lower your chance of sustaining an injury during your workout if you stretch beforehand and a hot tub session can support you in doing this. Stretching in a hot tub relieves the gravitational strain on your muscles and joint as a result of the buoyancy of the water. Additionally, the water’s warmth and pressure can assist in deepening the stretches.

Increases motivation

Relaxing in a hot tub can help you focus by allowing you to unwind. Anxiety is decreased, and focus is improved. Relaxation techniques, by eliminating distractions and focusing your attention where it’s required most, have been shown to significantly increase competitive performance.

Burn more calories

Even when you’re at rest, soaking in a hot tub can help you burn more calories. It’s the perfect complement to physical exercise. Starting a workout by jogging in the water or practicing some easy yoga poses is an amazing way to get started. The water’s buoyancy and resistance give a low-impact approach to exercise. This is perfect for those who find regular exercise taxing on their joint or who need a rest day in between strenuous exercise.

Reduces stress levels

There’s a lot of research that supports the idea that bathing in a hot tub relieves mental, emotional and physical stress. It’s a great way to get yourself in the right frame of mind before your workout. After a workout, bathing in a hot tub can help relieve the tension that exercise places on the muscles and joints.

Supports post-workout recovery

After a workout, soaking in hot tub can help decrease inflammation and swelling. The warmth of the water and the pressure from the spa jets can help to sooth your joints and muscles too. The high degree of muscular tension reduction helps the body recover faster, allowing you to be prepared for the next session.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company stocks a variety of hot tubs that are perfect for relaxing in before or after your workout. Get in contact with a member of the team today to discuss your hot tub requirements on 0208 300 4003.

How to enjoy your hot tub in Autumn

Posted on 28 October 2021 - 09:00 by Christina Mantoura

Autumn is a beautiful season and a great time to take advantage of your hot tub. With the crispness of the air and the golden leaves on the trees, it’s one of our favourite times of year to relax outside in the water. Still not convinced? We’ve put a list together of some of our favourite ways you can enjoy your hot tub this autumn.

Admire the autumnal surrounding

Admire the rainbow of colours that has descended on your garden whilst you kick back in the hot tub. As the temperature starts to drop outside, it’s also a great time to appreciate the crispness of the air, making you feel even more relaxed inside your spa.

Enjoy an autumn drink

Really get yourself into the autumn mood with a warm drink. One of our favourites is a hot apple cider. Enjoy a glass whilst admiring the autumn leaves from your hot tub.

Watch a scary film

Halloween season is upon us – what better excuse to sit back in the hot tub and put on a spooky movie? Watching it outside in the dark will make it even scarier. Our Proofvision outdoor televisions come in a variety of sizes and are designed to provide a great viewing experience even in the brightest of sunlight – bringing the big screen right to your garden!

Stargaze from your hot tub

As the nights get longer, there’s no excuse not to sit back in the hot tub and unwind under the night sky. Who knows… you might even spot a shooting star!

Read a spooky book

As autumn is the season of all things spooky, why not relax in the hot tub and delve into a classic horror novel? Some of our favourites include The Women in Black by Susan Hill or Stephen King’s The Shining – whatever you choose, we’re sure that the cool air and outdoor setting will make the story even eerier.

Birdwatch from your hot tub

As birds from across the country being to make the journey south to spend the winter in warmer climates, it’s a great time to see which ones you can spot. We recommend setting up a bird feeder within sight of your hot tub, so you can see which types of birds pass by.

A hot tub is a versatile investment and can be enjoyed all year round. We are the UK’s leading wellness expert, providing exceptional self-cleaning hot tubs for over 35 years. Visit our website today to explore our extensive range, or visit us at our award-winning showroom located at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Kent.

Looking after your swim spa during the winter

Posted on 21 October 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

looking-after-your-swim-spa-during-winter

Swim spas are a great investment for your home as you’re able to use them throughout the whole year! This being said, there are a few maintenance tips that you should be aware of to ensure that your swim spa is performing with optimum efficiency.

Deep clean your swim spa

Deep cleaning your swim spa will guarantee that it runs smoothly throughout the winter months, eliminating the need to change the water during the coldest months of the year. A thorough deep clean will make sure that all pipework, filters, covers, and the swim spa shell are as clean as can be, allowing you to use your swim spa without having to worry about it throughout the winter.

Use a cover

When you’re not using your swim spa, it is advised that a quality insulating thermal cover be fitted. There are good alternatives to hard covers such as a Covana covering. When the weather becomes colder, tunnels and floating covers may not be able to keep your swim spa at the desired temperature so we’d highly recommend investing in a good, durable swim spa cover.

Maintain the right chemical balance

Maintaining the pH and sanitiser levels in your swim spa is another great way that you can help protect it during the colder months. Before you start looking at pH levels, make sure the water’s alkalinity is correctly balanced. A floating dispenser will gently release sanitising chemicals into the water to ensure the appropriate quantities of sanitiser.

Don’t allow for freezing

The best method to care for your swim spa throughout the winter is to use it frequently. If you want to drain your swim spa for the winter, you should hire a professional to do this for you. This procedure includes draining and completely removing all water from the spa, the pipes and the pumps. The engineer will also disconnect all pipes after draining. This will prevent any damage occurring to your swim spa due to freezing. Before refilling your swim spa in the spring, these pipes will need to be reconnected again by an engineer.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company is the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, providing exceptional self-cleaning hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and steam rooms, backed by 35 years of outstanding customer service. Get in touch with a member of the team today to enquire about our range of swim spas.

Health benefits of cold-water swimming

Posted on 14 October 2021 - 10:00 by Christina Mantoura

Cold water swimming often takes place during the winter in pools, lakes and ponds, in water with temperatures lower than 5 degrees Celsius. With those that practise cold-water swimming regularly experiencing an increase in their life expectancy and overall quality of life, there are some major health benefits of taking a dip in icy waters. Paired with a balanced diet, cold-water swimming has been proven to improve your overall fitness. We’ve collated six of the top health benefits that you could experience once taking up cold-water swimming.

Helps to strengthen your immune system

There has been extensive research into the immune system’s response to cold water. It’s understood that as your body reacts to a change in external stimuli (the cold water), your white blood cell count increases tenfold. Over time, this helps your body build its defence against harmful bacteria and viruses. There’s a reason why people who swim in cold water don’t get sick very often.

Releases endorphins

The brain releases endorphins, responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being, when we conduct certain activities, such as when we work out. Swimming in cold water takes us close to our bodies’ pain threshold, triggering the release of endorphins to help us deal with the pain. The release of endorphins has been proven to help those with depression or struggling with their mental health. Circulation is enhanced

Swimming on cold water has been proven to help cleanse your veins, arteries, and capillaries. In an effort to keep the body warm when exposed to the cold water, the circulatory system is forced to work harder, pushing blood to the surface, thus increasing blood flow around the body.

It improves your libido

Historically, cold water therapy was used to suppress sexual urges. In fact, it has the opposite effect, with research proving that it actually enhances your libido as it enhances oestrogen and testosterone production.

It burns more calories

Swimming in cold water requires the heart to beat faster and the body to work harder to keep itself warm, meaning that you’ll burn more calories than if you were swimming in a heated pool. It’s no surprise that most cold-water swimmers are in good shape!

Helps relieve stress

Stress in something that most people experience on almost a daily basis and can be extremely damaging to your health. Reducing stress levels will help you feel healthier and happier and also more resilient when faced with stressful situations. Swimming in cold water puts physical and emotional strain on the body. The relationship between cold water and stress reduction has been proven in several studies, with swimmers who swim in cold water feeling naturally calmer and more relaxed.

As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers an extensive range of hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and steam rooms, backed by 35 years of outstanding customer service. Get in touch with a member of our friendly team on 0208 300 4003 to discuss your options.

Hot tub wellness tips

Posted on 7 October 2021 - 09:00 by Christina Mantoura

Wellness isn’t just about getting down to the gym, eating endless kale or daily meditation. Sometimes what’s best for your mind is just to do nothing. Simply relaxing through removing distractions can be liberating and significantly reduce tension – after all, the mental element of wellness is just as important as the physical.

Owning your own hot tub can considerably contribute to your overall health, allowing you to relax and refresh your mind, releasing the tension that you’ve built up during the day. But there any many more benefits of hot tub use that promotes overall health. We’ve put together some tips for using a hot tub to ensure that you’re able to achieve ultimate wellness.

Use your hot tub regularly

Making healthy habits is a great place to start your wellness journey. Something as simple as making soaking in your hot tub a part of your everyday routine will allow you to fully reap the benefits of warm water immersion. The heat and buoyancy of spa water, coupled with a jet massage, can give a variety of physical benefits from improving blood flow to helping reduce the swelling of muscles. Taking little measures to enhance your well-being on a daily basis can help ease physical discomfort, reduce worry, and prevent stress from stacking up, all of which can have severe consequences for your mental health.

Turn your phone off

Whilst technology is a great asset to our lives, it often consumes a lot of our time and attention and can have a negative impact on our mental health when used in excess. To really appreciate the wellness benefits of your hot tub, leave your phone inside whilst you relax or alternatively enable the ‘Do not disturb’ mode. Eliminating distractions from your phone will ensure you’re truly able to relax without the interference of messages, social media alerts and calls.

Focus your attention on the water

Turn your focus to the tranquillity of your hot tub. When you fire up the massaging jets of your hot tub, let the noise of the bubbles transport you and drown out any unwanted noise. Many hot tubs now include comprehensive entertainment systems such as wireless Bluetooth audio systems, perfect for allowing you to escape listening to your favourite podcast or playlist.

Soak before going to bed

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of wellness, being critical for both physical and mental recuperation. Bathing an hour before bedtime helps to relax your body and prepare your mind for a restful night’s sleep. The change in body temperature once you get out of the hot tub sends signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Whatever your specific aim may be, a hot tub can bring some amazing benefits to both your physical and mental health. To experience these benefits for yourself, get in touch with a member of the team at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company to explore our diverse range of hot tubs at our award-winning showroom in Sidcup, Kent.

What do you need to know before buying a hot tub?

Posted on 30 September 2021 - 10:00 by Christina Mantoura

Embarking on your hot tub purchasing journey can seem a little daunting at first, with so many different models and features it’s can be difficult to cut through the noise. Did you know that 58% of people indicated that they wished they bought their hot tub sooner? With this in mind, we’ve put together a simple guide that will talk you through the most important things that you should have considered before you purchase your own hot tub.

What type of hot tub am I looking for?

The market is saturated with countless different types of hot tubs that range from your entry level hot tubs to your high-end bespoke luxury spas. Your budget should be able to guide you in the right direction. Hot tubs can come in all different styles too, such as, Inflatable hot tubs, in-ground hot tubs and portable hot tubs, each with their own benefits, so take time to work out which style will work best for you.

How will you connect the hot tub to a power source?

You’ll need to make sure that you have an outlet that goes to a 15amp breaker and ensure that nothing else is plugged into that same outlet. Ideally, you’ll want the power outlet close to the hot tub, but not so close that it’ll end up getting splashed.

Will turning off the hot tub when it’s not in use reduce my electricity bill?

One thing that’s crucial to be aware of if you’re concerned about energy expenditure is that by maintaining your hot tub at a consistent temperature, you won’t be using a considerable amount of energy as if you were heating it from cold. If you’re still concerned about the extra expense, why not invest in a cover to both protect and insulate your hot tub.

How long will my hot tub last?

Most portable hot tubs survive about 15 years on average. However, if you keep the water chemistry and filters in good shape, yours might last much longer. It’s essential that you get your hot tub regularly serviced by a certified engineer to ensure the longevity of your purchase.

How do I treat the water in my hot tub?

Ensuring the water is safe and free from bacteria is incredibly important. You’ll need to regularly sanitise the water in the hot tub to clear away any impurities. You’ll also need to check that the pH level is optimal and change the water every 3-4 months to ensure the water is as safe as possible.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company delivers, installs and services an extensive range of hot tubs, from our affordable luxury range to the high-end bespoke hot tub options. As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, with over 35 years of experience, we’re sure that we’ll be able to find you the perfect hot tub for you. Get in contact with a member of our friendly sales team today on 0208 300 4003.

How to improve your swimming technique

Posted on 23 September 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Did you know that swimming for exercise is one the most effective ways to work out? It’s great for those who want to become more active, regardless of age or ability. Swimming on a regular basis can help to lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It can also improve your mood and help you maintain a healthy weight. But how good is your swimming technique? Ensuring your form is spot on will help you move faster through the water and prevent you from injuring yourself when in the pool. Here are our top tips on how to improve your swimming technique.

Don’t swim with your hands

When swimming, grab the water with your entire forearm and hand, keeping your forearm at a right angle to your upper arm, and dig the water as if you were gathering sand. Maintain a broad, flat, strong grip with your hands. You’re anchoring your arm in the water and dragging your body over it rather than pushing it through.

Heavy rotations

Each stroke should start with your leading arm entering the water with the low side of your body effectively pointing to the bottom of the pool. The high side of your body should be lifted, and the arm that just ended its stroke should be getting ready to come back to the water.

Keep your head down

Ensure you keep your head down when swimming to keep your torso high, reducing the strain on your neck and lower back, whilst cutting drag.

Find your path

Fewer strokes are preferable in the pool. Your objective should be to cover a lot of ground with each stroke. Continue to glide forward with one arm forward and the other back as your pull yourself towards the other end of the pool.

Allow your feet to drag

Transforming your feet into fins is key to a good swimming technique. Momentum is key, your legs should be tense and scissor you through the water, while your feet remain supple. This will help them flex on the downstroke of each kick, giving them more power and assisting you in twisting your body along the centre axis.

Make every breath count

Before taking a fast, complete breath on the high side, emphatically release the air from your lungs (all of it, not just 90%). If you’re new to swimming, you should breathe after each stroke, but as your endurance increases, switch sides and breathe after three strokes.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers an extensive range of swim spas that fit all needs and specifications. From our ExecutiveTrainer Swim Spas to the AquaSport Range, we’re sure that we have a swim spa for your every training need. Get in touch with a member of our team to discuss which swim spa fits your requirements today on 0208 300 4003

Our guide to looking after your hot tub

Posted on 16 September 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

When you purchase a hot tub, keeping it clean and free of harmful bacteria is crucial for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Sanitisers, pH adjusters, and shock treatments are the essential elements that ensure your hot tub water is kept safe. This helpful article will walk you through every stage of the best way to care for your hot tub.

Sanitiser

To prevent bacteria development, your hot tub will need to be treated with a sanitiser. Germs can multiply quickly in warm climates, so ensure that the sanitiser is kept at a safe level to guarantee that any bacteria in the water is destroyed. Chlorine and bromine are the two most common sanitisers for keeping your hot tub clean. As chlorine is the most cost-effective and fast-acting sanitiser available, it is the preferred choice among hot tub users. Chlorine comes in the form of granules or pills. Alternatively, some people choose to use Bromine, however it is more costly and slower acting, which means it takes longer for a reading to appear on a test and can cause the water to become murky. You can easily determine the level of sanitiser in your hot tub by dipping in a test strip about 12 inches below the water level. The general rule of thumb is that chlorine levels should be between 3-5ppm and bromine levels between 2-5ppm.

pH Level

The pH level refers to whether or not your water is acidic or alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral value. You must ensure that the pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8, otherwise you’re likely to run into problems. When your pH levels are too low it can lead to corrosion of components, skin & eye irritation, and impede the efficacy of the sanitiser. On the other hand, high pH levels can cause a scale build up, cloudy water, and irritation to your skin & eyes.

Shock Treatments

On top of using a sanitiser, it’s recommended to apply a non-chlorine shock treatment every week to oxidise the water. These types of shock treatments are required to break down Chloramines. The combination of sanitiser with impurities such as sweat or dead skin, chloramines forms, which must be broken down. Shock treatments are also vital to kill bacteria as some types are sanitiser-resistant. Shock treatments are the best way to remove organic compounds which can accumulate in the water, making it look murky.

Water changing

Water can only be chemically treated for so long before it becomes clogged and needs to be replaced. Depending on use, we recommend replacing your water every three to four months. To ensure that your pipes remain clean, we’d also recommend using a pipe cleaner before you empty the tub. This will remove any grime from the pipework, whilst loosening any calcium, which will then be rinsed away with the drained water.

If you’re still unsure about any aspect of the maintenance process of your hot tub, get in contact with a member of our expert team who will be able to answer any questions you may have.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks a vast range of hot tubs, from our affordable luxury range to our bespoke hot tubs. We’re sure that we can help you find your everyday piece of happiness at our award-winning showroom in Kent. Visit us in store, or contact us on 0208 300 4003 for more information.

What are the health benefits of sitting in a sauna?

Posted on 7 September 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

It may be news to you, but there are some incredible health benefits that you can enjoy from simply sitting in a sauna! Using saunas as a form of therapy has been popular for years, largely as a way to relax in a stress-free atmosphere.

After being used across Finland, you can now find saunas in spas and homes around the world. Check out these 5 surprising health benefits that you’re likely to experience next time you decide to take some me-time and relax in the sauna.

Increased Circulation

One of the best benefits you can expect from relaxing in a sauna is a dramatic improvement in your circulation. When your body is exposed to heat, your heart begins to work harder, allowing your blood vessels to expand, enabling blood to flow more freely throughout your body. This is so important as it helps promote your overall health, supporting your body when dealing with muscular pains – great for fitness fanatics and athletes! Using a sauna can also enhance joint movement, allowing you to walk about more freely. Oh… did we mention that better circulation can aid in reducing arthritic pain? All in all, using a sauna is great in promoting overall body functionality and mobility.

Reduces the risk of developing heart disease

Sauna use has been found to support a healthy heart. A 20-year study conducted in Finland monitored participants and their sauna usage. Their results showed that those who relaxed in the sauna at least once a week were much less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest. This is due to the fact that using a sauna mimics moderate exercise in most people. While a sauna should not be used in place of a regular exercise routine, it can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Support a weight loss programme

There is a myriad of weight loss fads these days – but many people overlook the positive impact sauna use can have on weight loss. Research has shown that the increase in temperature, increases your heart rate when you’re in the sauna – with some people burning up to 500 calories after 20 minutes. This is the case as your body’s metabolism increases in a similar way to when exercising. Again, it isn’t a good idea to supplement sauna use for exercise, but it can certainly support you on your weight loss journey.

Flush toxins from the body

As many jobs are sedentary and involve sitting behind a desk, most people don’t sweat on a regular basis. This means that toxins in the atmosphere such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium that your body has absorbed end up getting trapped deep in the skin. You’re able to sweat away those toxins by spending time in a sauna. It’s a simple and safe approach to reduce the harmful effects of these substances in your body.

A great reliever of stress

There are several reasons why saunas are great stress reliever. Firstly, when you choose to relax in a sauna, you are isolating yourself from the outside world. With no phones, laptops or tablets to distract you, you’re able to fully relax and unwind. Reason number 2 has to do with the release of endorphins. With an elevated heart rate, endorphins are produced at a higher rate, allowing you to feel great whilst you relax.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks an extensive range of saunas and steam rooms – from our affordable luxury range to the TylöHelo Custom Saunas, we’re sure we have the perfect sauna for you. To discuss your options, call 0208 300 4003 to speak to a member of our award-winning sales team.

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