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

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.

How to buy a hot tub: the complete guide

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

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

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

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.

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