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

Benefits of using a steam room in hot weather

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

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-Gough

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-Gough

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.

How to buy a hot tub: the complete guide

Posted on 15 July 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

If you’ve never bought a hot tub before, the process may seem a little daunting. With so many things to bear in mind, from pumps to jets to hydrotherapy, things can get confusing. However, do not worry, the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company are here to help you navigate the process and make selecting a hot tub as simple as possible. Before you commit to a hot tub, make sure you take a minute to read over our complete guide to buying a hot tub in 2021 which highlights the main specifications and considerations.

Hot tub size

When choosing the ideal hot tub size for you, be sure to consider the hot tub’s water capacity in relation to the number of seats. Choosing a hot tub with 225-250 litres per bather seat is a reasonable rule to stick to.

Hot tub seats

It’s also worth considering whether you’d like to opt for a lounge seat hot tub or an all-seater spa. A lounge seat is shallower than a regular upright seat, allowing the bather to enjoy the hot tub in a reclined position with their legs slightly raised, not dissimilar to a garden lounger. A hot tub with an all-seater specification is one that does not feature lounger seats that come in a range of depths to meet the demands of every bather. The type of seat you choose will depend on who will be using the hot tub and for what purpose. Will you be buying a hot tub for sports recovery, to entertain the kids, or to entertain your friends in the evening?

Personal preference

The most important factor to consider when buying a hot tub is how it feels to you and those who will be using it. It’s sometimes easier to trust the feeling, rather than being too concerned with the specifications, pumps, and number of jets. What really matters is how the overall experience feels to you and the best way to understand this is through a wet test at a specialist showroom such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company based at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup. This will allow you to experience how the different models feel and the functionality and features that you are going to benefit most from.

Finally, here are some key questions that you should bear in mind when to go for your wet test:

What would it feel like when you’re surrounded by your family or friends?
Would there be enough room in the footwell for an extra pair of legs? Are there enough seats?
How high would the water raise with additional people in the hot tub?
How comfortable are the seats?
How would you rate the quality of the massage jets? Are they powerful enough?
Is the depth of the spa suitable?

To get in touch with a member of the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s team, or to book your wet test, call 0208 300 4003 or email sales@hottub-swimspa.com. We are proud to have a multi award-winning showroom, so please come down and try out our huge range of hot tubs.

How can saunas help cool you down during the summer?

Posted on 7 July 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Using a sauna in the summer may sound a little strange, but saunas can actually help the body cool down in a number of ways – even if it’s a hot day. As the summers keep on getting hotter here in the UK, most people crave a dip in the pool and totally bypass the cooling effects a sauna can provide. Saunas are designed to alter how the body recognises heat and temperature. This is how it works…

When exposed to high temperatures, your body is put under heat stress. This causes a cascade of responses in the body. You may think that as soon as you finish your summer sauna session, you’re thrown straight back into the heat. However, this is not the case. All of a sudden, the intense summer heat isn’t as ferocious. This is because the body has already acclimatised to a higher temperature. This heat stress will leave you feeling much cooler and completely revitalised!

Typically, our immune systems are weakened in winter, but it’s great to boost it in summer too. Reawaken your immune system by combining a sauna with ice right after. Simply dipping your toes in a cool pool or putting ice on your skin can provide you with health benefits. During a sauna session, your core body temperature rises by around 1.5 degrees, which stimulates your immune system. By alternating temperatures like this, you are boosting your immune system in a very natural way, helping your body to fight infections.

Aside from supporting your immune system, using a sauna in summer is great for your skin. Saunas are able to increase blood flow in a way that summer heat cannot. More nutrients and oxygen are delivered to skin cells, allowing them to regenerate faster, giving your skin that radiant glow. It has also been found that sauna use is a great way to delay the aging process of the skin, leaving it looking smooth and fresh.

You’ll quickly realise that using a sauna in the summer is a game-changer, preparing your body in a way that nothing else can. It both acclimatises your body to the heat and boosts your body’s response systems. It can be understood as your training your body to work effectively when exposed to higher temperatures.

Choosing to use your sauna in the summer can assist your body to increase strength and efficiency – however you should take precautions if you are pregnant, elderly or have cardiovascular or circulatory conditions. A quick 10–15-minute session can make all the difference and help you overcome the summer heat!

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks a variety of saunas and steam rooms for every budget and specification. Get in touch with a member of the team on 0208 300 4003 for further information.

Great benefits of owning your own sauna

Posted on 23 June 2021 - 15:48 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

For many of us Brits, we have never entertained the thought of installing a sauna in our homes (unlike in Finland where saunas outnumber vehicles). Even though a sauna can be a significant investment, once installed, it adds value to a property, involves minimal maintenance, and can bring several health benefits to your life.

A sauna can take up a lot of room in your house, ranging in size from 3×4 feet to 8×10 feet. This means you’ll almost certainly need to move part of your furnishings to a storage facility. When selecting a location for your sauna, ensure that it has watertight flooring and access to a 220–240-volt electrical hook-up. Most people tend to locate their at-home sauna near a shower, purely for convenience. Saunas, unlike swimming pools and hot tubs, require very little upkeep. Saunas may be left alone, with the exception of cleaning the floor on a regular basis. Sauna heaters, whether electric, gas, or wood, have few moving components and rarely fail.

Benefits:

Assist in the removal of toxins from the body: Saunas have the superb ability to get rid of toxins from your body in a natural way. As the body sweats, harmful poisons such as nicotine, lead, and mercury are excreted.
Soothe your aching muscles: Saunas can help to alleviate arthritic pain by momentarily relaxing muscles.
Reducing stress levels: Saunas stimulate your body to produce endorphins, which help you relax and feel more energised.
Rejuvenates the skin: Saunas are great for opening pores, relieve facial tension and encourage cellular development by delivering nutrients to the epidermis.
Enhance circulation: Heat from the sauna draws blood closer to the skin and encourages blood flow to the whole body.
Boost the metabolism: Your body can burn hundreds of calories every session and even boost your overall metabolic rate with continued regular use. This doesn’t mean that saunas should be the only thing you include in your fitness programme. Virtually all weight lost in the sauna is water weight, which returns fast.
Clear your sinuses: Saunas provide a quick fix when it comes to common cold symptoms such as sinus congestion and throat irritation.

Infrared saunas compared to traditional saunas

Traditional sauna temperatures range from 65 to 90 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of heat source. Pouring water over the rocks to create steam, which raises the total temperature while reducing humidity. If you have a limited tolerance for heat, you should consider an infrared sauna. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas use radiation to create heat and can do so while keeping the temperature ambient at as low as 20 degrees. Infrared saunas create the same amount of perspiration at a faster rate and at a lower temperature.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks a wide range of saunas and steam rooms. With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you.

Is it possible to use a hot tub in the summer?

Posted on 17 June 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

is-it-possible-to-use-a-hot-tut-in-the-summer (1)

After what has felt like an extremely long wait, summer is here! The season of warm days and light nights has returned. But summer can also bring intense heat and high humidity. During summer, the hot tub that provides you with warmth during the autumn and winter can offer you a haven during the sweltering summer heat. In fact, there are loads of ways you can use your hot tub in the summer months. Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve compiled a list of a few of the best!

Finding a happy medium between morning and evening soaks

In places with low humidity levels, temperatures being to drop as the afternoon turns to evening, reaching their lowest points during the night. This means that sunset, dusk, and dawn are perfect times to soak in your hot tub and relax sore muscles. Evening hot tubbing will offer a sense of calm, similar to sitting around a campfire gazing at the stars. Alternatively, relax and take in the stillness of the morning before a long, humid summer day by using your spa in the cooler morning hours.

What about the rainy days?

A true British summer wouldn’t be complete without a spell of rain or two. A summer rainstorm has the ability to break a hot spell. The period of serenity that comes shortly after is inviting you for a dip in the spa, allowing you to melt into your own little world as the atmosphere clears. If the likelihood of thunder and lightning is low, it’s even possible to use your hot tub during the rain. Relax and feel the freshness of the rain keeping your face cool as the rest of your body wallows in the warmth of the water.

House party: Hot tub edition

Summer is definitely a party season. It’s the time of year to gather with friends and family for barbecues and relax in the garden – bliss! The only thing that can make these get-togethers even better is a hot tub session. Hot tubs and swim spas with entertainment systems that include music can help take your house parties to the next level, whilst also being the envy of all your friends! Spa waterfalls and multicoloured LED lighting will ensure that your party lasts long into the night, providing the right atmosphere for hot tub games or stargazing!

Benefits of soaking in a hot tub in summer

Alongside all the fun you can have by using your hot tub during the summer, there are great health benefits that you’ll be able to take advantage of. Your hot tub will quickly become your best friend after a home workout – providing your muscles with some relief. The buoyancy of the water and massaging action of the hot tub jets will all induce a state of total relaxation, helping you drift off to sleep on a warm summer’s night. Also, spending time in your hot tub with your nearest and dearest will help strengthen your social connections, something incredibly important following the recent restrictions on social mixing.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s ethos is built up individual customer care and attention to detail. Our bespoke products are designed around each client’s unique requirements. No two customers are the same, and neither are our installations. To discuss your perfect Hot Tub with a member of our team call us on 0208 300 4003

Our guide to buying a hot tub this summer

Posted on 10 June 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Our-Guide-To-Using-Your-Hot-Tub-This-Summer

If you’re looking to buy a new hot tub, it can be difficult to distinguish which product is going to provide you with the best value for money. Hot tub prices can vary considerably as they’re often influenced by the size and style of each model, as well as the amenities and accessories incorporated. These elements will have a large impact of the final price of your tub, so it’s best to compare the different models to make sure you’re getting the best deal for you. Here at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we’ve put together a list of the key factors that you should take into consideration when making your purchase.

Price

When it comes to hot tubs, you tend to get what you pay for. For example, you can easily purchase a hot tub online for a few hundred pounds – however, you’d most likely have to deal with the installation, maintenance, repairs, and servicing yourself. By visiting a hot tub superstore, such as The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s award-winning showroom at Ruxley Manor, you’re able to see each model for yourself and ask any questions you may have. Don’t be fooled! Just because you’re paying a cheaper upfront cost, doesn’t always translate to better value for money.

Dealer Reputation

As hot tubs have become increasingly popular, there’s been a rise in the number of untrustworthy dealers around – especially online. Those who opt to purchase a hot tub online, without seeing it first, risk receiving a defective or perhaps unsafe product that doesn’t work as described. We advocate researching the retailer you’re buying from to ensure they deliver what’s been sold. Another way to see if you’re dealing with a reputable seller is by reading their online reviews from previous customers. Even though many sellers may require a down payment, unless you’re purchasing a custom-made product, avoid paying in full before the item arrives.

Warranty

When buying a new hot tub, every respectable hot tub vendor will issue a warranty for the product. Before you buy, double-check the warranty. Some warranties may not be supplied by the store from which you are purchasing. Make sure you warranty covers the shell, plumbing, and any additional equipment. You’ll want to ensure that the interior is covered against cracking and structural damage, and that the outside is protected against cracking, delamination, blistering, and fading.

Capacity

The size of the hot tub you want will affect how much it costs and how it’s used. If the reasons you’re interested in purchasing a hot tub include exercising of entertaining a big group of guests, you’ll require a product on the larger side of the spectrum. Alternatively, if you’re looking for aiming to use your hot tub to relax with your partner after a long day at work, a smaller model would work well for you. In terms of capacity and seating, therapy seats with powerful jets will take up more space than simple bench seating. In the same way, full lounge seating will reduce the amount of space, while raising the price. Wet testing several types to see how they feel while being used is the best approach to discover the right capacity for you.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa company offers a diverse range of Hot Tubs that can fit any specification and price range. To discuss with a member of our team, contact us on 020 8300 4003

Can I use my sauna in the summer?

Posted on 4 June 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

A startingly common belief is that saunas aren’t intended to be used in the summer. This is based on the idea that saunas are fantastic for warming you up, and you’re far less likely to need warming up while it’s hot outside. Many people presume that the heated pinewood chambers in Finland, home of the sauna, provide respite from the cold Nordic winters, which they do. What they are unaware of is that most Scandinavian summer houses include a sauna.

Saunas in the Nordic regions are normally located near lakes so that they may be enjoyed in the summer, coupled with a refreshing plunge in the natural waters. Research has shown that using a sauna has benefits for your body all year round. In fact, it can make the summer heat feel a bit more bearable as it acclimatises your body to heat.

Irrespective of the time of year, a sauna can help you burn calories, lose weight, enhance your cardiovascular and respiratory health, and relax your muscles. Roman baths incorporated three different rooms of varying temperatures. These were utilised as part of the post-exercise purification ritual and were found all across the Roman empire, from chilly Britain in the north, to the scorching heat of Algeria in the south. Undoubtedly, the searing heat of the African sun did not deter Romans from using the hot rooms.

Turkish baths, which are an evolution of the Roman bath, continue to be used today, providing heated water and hot chambers to bathers in hot Middle Eastern and North African countries. Because of the multiple health benefits, the Ottomans, Norse, and Romans all used heated chambers throughout the year.

When your body temperature rises, tension is released effortlessly from your muscles and joints. Sauna bathing also opens up your pores, aiding the secretion of metabolic waste toxins. This helps to cleanse your body, inside and out, leaving you feeling truly revitalised. With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size, and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you.

If you’re interested in purchasing your very own sauna, feel free to browse our collection online. Alternatively, you can get in contact with a member of our team on 0208 300 4003 or sales@hottub-swimspa.com

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