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

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.

Our guide to buying a swim spa in 2021

Posted on 26 August 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

For generations, people have visited public pools to enjoy the health benefits that come from swimming. Today, swimming has become one of the most favoured types of workouts across the globe. Swimming is still regarded as the best sport for healthy people, due to the fact that it’s a low impact activity that engages all of the muscles. Although public pools are plentiful, having to travel to the nearest swimming centre can make it tough for people to stick to their routine. A swim spa can solve this problem, however, with so many models and different features now available, purchasing one may be daunting.

As with many large purchases, the best way to identify the right swim spa for you is to make a list of the features and specifications you desire. Being prepared can help you avoid being sucked into any deals or promotions that you’re not 100% sure about.

Fun & Fitness

One of the most undervalued aspects of a swim spa is how it is an incredibly versatile investment. A swim spa can provide endless hours of enjoyment for the entire family, whilst doubling up as your own personal fitness suite. Some exciting features to bear in mind when looking for a swim spa to entertain the family may include LED waterfall fountains for the kids to swim beneath, or adding a sound system!

Comfort, Design, & Massage

The comfort of your swim spa can ultimately be controlled by the design of the different elements. When searching for your swim spa, asses the chairs to verify if they are ergonomically created to accommodate the natural contours of the body. This is incredibly important in ensuring that you’re going to get the best soaking and massage experiences. Don’t be afraid to get in and try out the seats for yourself to see if they’re up to scratch!

Reputation

Who you end up buying your swim spa from will either make or break your buying experience. Dealing with a reputable store such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company will ensure that you are supported before, during, and after you commit to buying a swim spa. If your hot tub were to malfunction, you want to know that you’ve got a dedicated, knowledgeable team at the end of the phone who are able to support and advise you.

Insulation

Often overlooked, taking into consideration how insulated your swim spa is can pay dividends with your electricity bill. Investing in an energy efficient swim spa that is better equipped to maintain the temperature of the water all year round can dramatically reduce the long-term expenses. Investing in a decent hardcover can also help boost the energy efficiency of your swim spa.

Other features to consider when buying a swim spa include, jet options, fragrance dispenser, water features, air therapy and lights! Although purchasing a swim spa can seem like a daunting process, getting in contact with a reputable dealer like The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, who can advise and support you.

Health benefits of using a Hot Tub

Posted on 19 August 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

A hot tub doesn’t just serve as an entertainment hub, it can also introduce some amazing health benefits to your life, taking your wellness experience to a whole new level without even having to leave your house! Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve put together a list of some of the amazing hot tub health benefits that you should be aware of!

Stress relief

Stress is an overall strain on your body as a whole. It can result in muscle tension, fatigue, headaches and soreness. Often Hot tub usage has been shown to reduce stress through buoyancy, heat and massaging. Heat stimulates blood flow to the muscles and accelerates healing. Buoyancy releases pressure in joints and muscles, while hot tub jets provide massage, stimulating endorphin release from the body which acts as a painkiller.

Reduction in arthritic pain

The Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) recommends using hot tubs as an excellent way to apply warmth to stiff, arthritic joints. The benefits of a soak in a hot tub entail muscle relaxation, lessened pain and joint stiffness and lack of pain while performing everyday activities.

Reduction in diabetic blood sugar levels

A study by the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that soaking in a hot tub produces results similar to exercising. The findings showed that people who suffer from type 2 diabetes who soak in a hot tub for 30 mins a day, 6 days per week for 3 weeks, experience lower blood sugar levels by around 13%.

Supports weight loss

In medical studies, patients who used hot tubs lost around 3.5 pounds alone, without the need for a reformed diet or exercise of any form. The hot tub jets provide a similar experience on the body as exercise does which can result in weight loss.

Deeper sleep

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) states that 30 million British citizens suffer from some form of chronic insomnia or other sleep disorders. In their journal, they show that soaking in a hot tub before sleep results in a much deeper and sounder sleep.

Decreases Blood pressure

The Mayo Clinic conducted a study that recommended using a hot tub as they found it could be beneficial for people who suffer from heart disease. The study showed that relaxing in a hot tub is less stressful on the heart and more beneficial than working out on an exercise bike! They also found that it can reduce blood pressure significantly after only soaking for around 15 minutes.

Other benefits from a hot tub

You can be together with those that you love such as family or loved ones. It allows people to let their guard down and cause bonds to grow. Since you’re outside, why not take in the scenery? You could enjoy an idyllic view of the countryside with a red-hot skyline in the evening. You could even incorporate your hot tub into your daily routine making a soak in the hot tub an everyday ritual. We recommend starting or ending each day with a nice long soak to fully maximise on the benefits of a hot tub.

As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert with 35 years of service, we’re sure that we have the perfect hot tub for you, meeting your ideal specifications and requirements. Get in touch with a member of our team today on 0208 300 4003 to discuss how we can help you find your piece of everyday happiness.

Avoid these common Hot Tub buying mistakes

Posted on 12 August 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Deciding on the right hot tub might be a difficult task for many first-time hot tub owners. Determining the correct hot tub for you can provide years of fun with minimum effort required, whereas selecting the wrong hot tub can end up being pricey, frustrating, and inconvenient. To help you out when embarking on your hot tub buying journey, we’ve put together a list of mistakes that can result in you purchasing a hot tub that isn’t quite up to scratch. Avoiding these blunders can help save you money and prevent the disappointment of discovering you’ve purchased the wrong hot tub for you.

Becoming too focused on the initial cost

The most common error we see people make when buying a hot tub is focusing too much on the initial price without considering the continuing expenditures. While the initial price is important, concentrating solely on it may end up costing you in the long run. When you commit to buying a hot tub, it’s advisable that you evaluate the hot tub’s long-term costs – this includes maintenance and repairs over the course of its lifetime. To predict that long-term costs, you should consider the production standard, quality parts, and features, and energy efficiency before you fully commit to your purchase.

Not fully considering the reasons why you’re purchasing a hot tub

Purchasing a hot tub can seem like a minefield. There is a wealth of different makes and models on the market, so you may ask, ‘how do I cut through the noise and find the perfect hot tub for me?’. The answer is determining the reasons why you’re buying a hot tub. In most cases, people tend to purchase a hot tub to relieve pain, to relax, or to entertain friends and family.

Not envisioning where the hot tub will be located

Imagine finding the perfect hot tub, only to realise that it won’t fit in your garden. It’s vital that you decide where you’re going to put the hot tub, measure the area, and then only look for hot tubs that fit this specification.

Not considering that amount of maintenance required

One of the most common criticisms among hot tub owners is that they find it difficult to maintain. The number of chemicals that must be added to the complexity of draining and refilling are common concerns. However, not all hot tubs are alike when it comes to their upkeep. If you don’t have the time or patience to keep your hot tub maintained, you’ll want to pay specific attention to the hot tub’s filtration system.

Not purchasing through a reputable dealer

Last but not least, ensuring you purchase your hot tub through a reputable dealer could be the difference between a seamless hot tub purchasing journey and a rocky one. Many people make the mistake of purchasing with dealers that are seen to be untrustworthy, ruining the experience with poor after-sales support. Important questions to consider when choosing a hot tub dealer include: How long has the company been in operation? What do previous customers have to say about their experience? & What services do they offer?

Buying a hot tub is a really exciting process, but it can quickly become arduous if you fall into any of these traps. By avoiding these mistakes, you can guarantee that you end up with the hot tub that meets your every need, whilst providing excellent value for money.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offer a wide range of hot tubs to fit every need and specification. With 5 different ranges to choose from, we can guarantee that we have the perfect hot tub for you. To discuss how we can help you achieve a piece of everyday happiness, get in touch with a member of our dedicated sales team on 0208 300 7003

Benefits of using a steam room in hot weather

Posted on 5 August 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

If you’re doubtful about the benefits that steam rooms can provide in the summer, we’re here to set the record straight. Steam rooms can be incredibly beneficial to your health, even if the weather outside is humid! When it’s stuffy outside, many people compare the humidity to being in a steam room – although when it comes to the physical characteristics of steam and humidity, what you experience outside is nothing like what you’ll find in a steam room.

Steam rooms and the respiratory system

When your body is exposed to the humidity of the air, it absorbs the toxins that are lingering in the atmosphere. These potentially hazardous pollutants are not only absorbed via your skin but also when you breathe in – this includes allergens that aggravate asthma, nasal allergies, and other respiratory problems. In stark contrast, steam therapy has been proven to aid with bronchitis, asthma, and nasal allergies. It has even been found to help in the removal of mucus and in providing relief for respiratory problems. Have you noticed that after a bath or a shower you’re breathing a little easier? This is the water vapour cleansing your respiratory system!

Steam rooms and the skin

Impurities can end up clogging your skin as a result of the pollutants in the air. Did you know that toxins that affect your epidermis don’t simply cause acne and other skin breakouts; they also permeate deeper into your skin until they reach your bloodstream. Spending time in a steam room has been proven to cleanse your skin and help prevent the conditions that lead to pores becoming blocked. According to recent studies, a steam room can also help to hydrate the “stratum corneum” layers of the skin, which function as a protective barrier against toxins and bacteria. When you sweat in a steam room, these impurities can wash away, leaving you with a healthy glow and your skin feeling rejuvenated!

Steam rooms and exercise

The steam room really is the optimal post-workout recovery! It has been scientifically proven that steam rooms can help in the recovery of fatigued muscles following strength-based exercises by removing lactic acid – no wonder all the best gyms often have their own steam room! Steam therapy can also assist with joint pain and muscle flexibility, making it a great option to consider if you suffer from chronic conditions such as Arthritis.

Steam rooms and stress

Steam rooms don’t just greatly benefit your physical health, they can really help support your mental wellbeing. Steam rooms sessions have been proven to assist in relieving tension and promoting relaxation. This happens due to the influence the steam has on neurochemicals and hormones in the body, helping produce serotonin and endorphins – both of which have significant benefits on mood. Steam therapy also has the ability to help in the regulation of cortisol levels (the stress hormone, that has been found to harm the body when it’s experiencing high levels of stress).

In summary, steam rooms are able to provide a holistic wellness experience that can help improve your body and mind – what’s not to love!

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company provide an extensive range of steam rooms and saunas that can cater to every specification and price range! Get in touch with a member of our friendly team today to discuss further!

How much do hot tubs cost to run?

Posted on 29 July 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

One thing that many people worry about when considering purchasing a hot tub is how much your electricity will increase. These types of concerns are quite common, after all, maintaining a continuous high temperature in a hot tub used to take a lot of energy. However, there’s good news if you’re in the position to buy a hot tub. Hot tub manufacturers have vastly improved the energy efficiency of home spas in recent years, this means that the difference in your monthly electric bill is unlikely to be as significant as you expect.

What is the energy consumption of a hot tub?

The amount of energy a hot tub consumes differs from model to model and usually depends upon the following:

The general costs of energy per kilowatt in your area
The climate in your area
The size of a hot tub
Whether or not the hot tub is insulated
If you have a fitted well-made hot tub cover

What can affect how much energy a hot tub uses?

The cost of running a hot tub is determined by how often it is used. The more you use a hot tub, the more electricity it consumes. More use equates to more heat loss, making the hot tub system work harder, as it requires more energy.
The amount of energy consumed by your hot tub may be reduced by installing a high-quality, insulated cover and cleaning the filters on a regular basis.
Heating your water up will end up costing more than keeping it at a consistently high temperature. If you maintain the temperature of your hot tub then your first electricity bill will be slightly higher than normal, but subsequent months would not be as high.
The replenishment of hot tub water is part of routine maintenance. Some systems require draining and refilling the hot tub a couple of times a year.

How can I keep my hot tub’s energy costs to a minimum?

To a certain extent, each hot tub owner is responsible for their own energy conservation. A great way to keep your energy expenses to a minimum is by following all of your manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Always leave your hot tub running with the water set at a consistent temperature, clean your filters on a regular basis, and keep your hot tub covered with an insulating cover when now in use to maximise energy efficiency.

At the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we offer an extensive range of hot tubs designed to meet each and every specification. To discuss your perfect hot tub with a member of our team call us on 0208 300 4003.

Finding the perfect spot in your garden for a swim spa

Posted on 26 July 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Are you considering purchasing a swim spa? If that’s the case, you’ve probably already envisioned where it will be in your garden. If not, don’t fret! We’ve put together some useful points to consider to ensure that your swim spa ends up in the perfect spot in your garden.

In-ground vs Above-ground

There are so many important things to consider when deciding where your swim spa is going. One of these is whether you want to position your swim spa in-ground or above-ground. If you have trouble with steps you may choose to install the swim spa in-ground. Alternatively, you could opt for a half-sunk tub.

A solid foundation

Whether you install your swim spa in-ground or above-ground, you’ll need to ensure you lay a concrete foundation to support the weight of the spa and the water it holds. This is incredibly important as when fully loaded Hydropool swim spas can weigh over 10 tonnes.

Logistics

Another important factor to think about when choosing where to install your swim spa is the access to electricity outputs, ensuring an outdoor plug with sufficient amperage is installed by a trained electrician.

Indoor or Outdoor?

If you’re planning on using your swim spa all year round, you might want to consider installing it indoors. The great British weather is unpredictable, so unless you don’t mind swimming in the rain, then installing your swim spa inside might be the best option for you. Alternatively, you could invest in a swim spa enclosure or gazebo to protect it throughout the year.

A stunning view

One of the most important things to consider is what you’ll be looking at when you’re swimming or bathing. If you’ve got a great view from your garden, you need to make the most of it! Also, consider whether the swim spa will be in line with the view from the neighbours’ house, as you’ll want to preserve as much privacy as possible. To this end, you could install a screen, fence, or pergola to maximise privacy.

The Hot Tub & Swim Spa Installation and Engineering team are able to fit your swim spa to pretty much any specification! With over 30 years of expertise, there is yet to be an installation that we haven’t been able to deliver! Explore our extensive range of swim spas on our website or contact a member of our team on 0208 300 4003.

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