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

Why should I get a swim spa?

Posted on 18 March 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Swim spas have become a game changer when it comes to the opportunities that are available for people who want to swim at home. If you’re looking for a more compact and economic option than a full size swimming pool – with all of the advantages of a pool at home – then a swim spa could fit the bill precisely. Whether you’re keen to find a new way to exercise or looking to enjoy all the other benefits of hydrotherapy there are some very good reasons to consider getting a swim spa for your home.

Easy to use in most spaces. Swim spas don’t require a huge property with extensive room to build a pool and they are much easier to install too. Plus, a swim spa is very simple to use – when you’re in the water you start swimming against the current system at a resistance that works for you.
Swim spas are designed with exercise in mind. If fitness is your goal then a swim spa is a great idea because these are pools that are designed to help you achieve all your objectives. You can have a great workout in a swim spa whatever level you’re at and it’s simple to adjust the way that you use it so that you can set goals, improve, recover and achieve.
Versatility is built in. You can choose to simply swim against the current in your swim spa, varying it depending on the workout you want that day or the training programme you’re working to. There are also many other ways to use your swim spa, including using the acqua fitness step that most models have built in or using accessories such as resistance bands or dumbbells to help optimise your workout.
Enjoy the relaxing benefits of hydrotherapy too. Whether you’ve been exercising in the swim spa or elsewhere you can soothe tired muscles and relieve aches and pains by spending time in hot water. Many swim spa models also have a hot tub built in so you can get some massage jet action too.
Supporting stronger immunity. Sweating and exercise – as well as the use of massage jets – can all combine to have a really positive impact where your immune system is concerned. Staying healthy is crucial for all of us right now and a swim spa can play a part in this, as exercise activates antibodies and white blood cells and can help your body to fight infections.
Helping to manage stress. Whether you are struggling with work and homeschooling or just generally feeling the pressure of national restrictions and a lack of freedom, a burst of exercise in the swim spa could be just what you need to release that negative energy. Swimming is a full body exercise that requires concentration and activates all your muscles. It can relieve tension, physical and emotional, and help you feel refreshed and ready to take life on again.

Whether you’re keen to get fit – or looking for ways to wind down – having a swim spa at home can enhance your life experience in many ways.

Our guide to hot tubs for beginners

Posted on 11 March 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

There are lots of different elements to consider when it comes to getting a hot tub, including where you’re going to place it to enjoy the best views and what kind of accessories you need to really get the most from it. Care and maintenance of your hot tub are topics that tend to get less attention but which are equally important. This is our basic guide to care and maintenance of hot tubs for beginners.

Choose your sanitiser

Any hot tub owner knows that it’s essential to treat a hot tub regularly with a sanitiser so that it’s a healthy environment, free from bacteria. Any warm place can be a hotbed of bacteria so it’s essential that you treat your hot tub with sanitiser to keep it clean, fresh and bacteria-free. You can choose from a number of different sanitisers, the main two being bromine or chlorine. If you’re looking for a faster acting sanitiser that leaves the water clear then chlorine tablets or granules are the best choice. For a sanitiser with a slightly softer smell, opt for bromine. You’ll need to regularly test the levels of sanitiser in your hot tub – you can do this every few days if the hot tub is getting frequent use.

Check the PH regularly

PH testing will show you whether the water in the hot tub is alkaline or acidic. If the PH is too low you may find you have problems with corrosion and the water could irritate your eyes and skin. If it’s too high then you may get cloudy water, irritation issues and a scale build up. PH levels should ideally be kept within 7.2 and 7.4.

Weekly shock treatments

Use a non-chlorine treatment in your hot tub once a week to “shock” clean it. This will remove the organic compounds that can be left in the water by humans, such as dead skin cells and oils. It will also break down chloramines and help to kill bacteria.

Change the water frequently

You will need to completely change the water in your hot tub from time to time to keep it fresh. How often you need to do this will depend on how much use the hot tub is getting but for most people it’s every three or four months. Before you refill the tub it’s a good idea to clean down the surfaces to remove any substances that might be lurking there.

Clearing the filters

The last key area for beginners is the filters – this is also one of the most important maintenance jobs because if filters aren’t clean they can restrict water flow and the hot tub will shut down completely. There are a number of different ways you can clean filters, from using a spray to soaking them in a bucket overnight with a cleaning solution.

Even if you’re a newbie hot tub owner there are still some basics that you need to get right. Our hot tub guide for beginners will help to ensure that you do.

Top 10 reasons to getting a swim spa

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

Whether you’re looking to increase the value of your property or improve your experience of daily life, a swim spa can make all the difference. These are the top 10 reasons to have a swim spa in your life.

The right size for any space

If you’d like to have a pool but really only have the room for a hot tub then a swim spa is the ideal compromise. You’ll be able to exercise as if you had a pool and enjoy the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy too. Swim spas are designed to fit most spaces and to be easy and quick to install.

All the benefits of a swimming pool

Although the swim spa is much smaller than a pool you’ll still be able to enjoy all the benefits. A current is created in the water by the swim spa and you can swim against this or use it to exercise in other ways, such as walking or jogging against it.

All the advantages of a hot tub

Many swim spas have the same features as a hot tub does, including massage jets and ergonomic seating, so you have the combined benefit of a pool and hot tub in one.

Access to hydrotherapy

Humans have used hydrotherapy for centuries as it’s incredibly beneficial for the body. It can be particularly useful if you’re recovering from an injury or in the treatment of chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

Soaking in a swim spa has lots of benefits

From the advantages of exercise to improving sleep and helping to ease aches and pains there are lots of very good reasons to get into your swim spa on a regular basis.

It’s just so convenient

If you’re the kind of person who struggles with exercise motivation then having a swim spa on your property could be life changing – no more excuses as all you have to do is jump out of bed and into the pool.

Improving the aesthetics of your outdoor space

Add some decking and flower beds around the swim spa, as well as loungers and even a bar space and your outside area suddenly becomes a seriously enjoyable and good looking part of the property.

Effective, low impact exercise

Thanks to the weightlessness of the human body in water, swimming is a very low impact exercise when it comes to the effect on muscles and joints. However, it’s high impact with respect to the way it can improve fitness, tone and burn calories. Plus, the water in the swim spa adds resistance so you can achieve even more from your workout than you would on land.

All year round use

You can control temperature in the swim spa so that it’s comfortable all year round – or get into cold water swimming and let the temperature drop in the winter months.

Somewhere to learn the basic skills

If you’re keen to learn to swim – or anyone in your family wants to acquire this skill – having a swim spa at home makes it easy. You don’t need to deal with open water until you’re ready or have people around you until you’ve built your confidence up.

A swim spa is a great asset to any home, adding to the aesthetics and providing a wealth of opportunities for a lifestyle upgrade.

Benefits of soaking in a hot tub

Posted on 25 February 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Soaking in a hot tub isn’t just about luxury – it can also be incredibly relaxing, the perfect way to ease away the stresses and strains of a tough day. However, that’s not all that hot tubs have to offer. If you have a hot tub at home then there are some great benefits to spending time in your hot tub that will contribute to positive mental health and physical wellbeing.

Physical relaxation

The warmth of the water and the impact of the jets can be very beneficial for overworked or tired muscles. Whether you’re recovering from new exercise commitments or just the impact of sitting at a desk all day this can considerably ease aches and pains. You can also use a hot tub for a pre-workout soak, which can ensure that your muscles are primed for exercise and the risk of injury is reduced.

Improving cardiovascular condition

Hot water immersion can have considerable benefits for cardiovascular function, including lowering blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Just 10 minutes in a hot tub can be beneficial for people who have high blood pressure.

Weight management

There is some evidence that your hot tub can help with weight management via calorie burn too. One study found that an hour in a waist high hot bath burned the same calories as a 30 minute walk. Most of us will benefit from using a hot tub as a top up to healthy exercise and eating for weight loss.

Better sleep

Whether it’s insomnia or you just struggle to sleep through the night you may find that soaking in a hot tub is beneficial for this. One study found that the heat and water combination ensures a deeper and more restful sleep and a hot tub soak can also help your body to relax in preparation for drifting off. Regularly spending time in your hot tub before bed could make you feel more ready for sleep, as well as improving sleep quality.

Relieving physical and emotional stress

Warm water is very soothing for the human body, both on a physical and an emotional level. When this is combined with the massage effect of the jets it can be a very powerful way to release stress and leave the troubles of the day behind. Scheduling in some time in your hot tub at the end of the day can be a simple way to help your body and mind to switch off.

Managing diabetes

Sauna and hot tub therapy can be helpful to those with conditions such as diabetes because it can improve impaired insulin sensitivity.

Soothing joint pain

The impact of the warm water on the human body is to relax muscles, joints and tendons, which can help to soothe pain if these are tight. The buoyancy of the water helps to relieve the heaviness of gravity, which can also reduce symptoms such as pain and tightness. A hot tub can be especially helpful if you have a chronic condition such as arthritis, as it can bring inflammation down and ease stiffness.

These are just a few of the health and wellbeing benefits that spending time in a hot tub can bring.

Top tips for buying a hot tub

Posted on 18 February 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Recently, we’ve all been spending a lot more time at home – and for many of us that has meant looking at our living spaces with new eyes and finding ways to improve them. A hot tub has been an obvious choice for many people when it comes to creating a spa experience at home, somewhere to relax or a sociable space to enjoy with the rest of the household. If you’re keen to enjoy all the benefits of owning a hot tub too then these are some of our top tips for buying the right one for you.

Research your options

The range of choice that exists for hot tub buyers today is broad and so it’s a good idea to do some research before you make any commitments so that you know you’re getting the very best deal for you. The technical details of the hot tub are essential – for example, make sure you know how many jets, seats and pumps you want your hot tub to have as well as the kind of filtration system and warranty. Make sure you have a good idea of the size of hot tub you’re looking for and any additional features, such as sound or lights. A robust cover will also be essential.

Buy from the right retailer/manufacturer

Part of your research process should be finding the right company to buy your hot tub from. You can discover a lot by researching businesses online, including what kind of experience other customers have had. In particular, make sure that the hot tub you’re planning to buy comes with a warranty and that there is clear information about the company online, including the support you’ll receive during and after the purchase. Visiting a showroom can give you extra peace of mind, where possible.

Choose the right spot

The hot tub you choose should be partly based on personal preference and partly on which model is the most likely to work for the location you want to put it in. Consider how the hot tub will integrate with the overall design of the garden, whether it’s likely to be overlooked by the neighbours and how easy it will be to get from the house to the hot tub, especially on cold days. Think about whether you’d like to have any shelter for the hot tub and the views that you’re likely to have when you’re in it.

Look after your hot tub when you get it

Hot tubs need regular maintenance and you’ll need to check and clean component parts, such as filters, to ensure that your hot tub is safe and functioning optimally. Be prepared to change the water and ensure that your hot tub is being treated with the right chemicals – or to pay someone else to come in and carry out all the maintenance for you. Running costs are also important to consider in advance. The way that the hot tub is constructed, especially when it comes to insulation, can determine how much these are so make sure you factor this into your decision making process.

Buying a hot tub can bring hydrotherapy into your home with all the benefits that has, from relaxation to supporting injury recovery. These top tips will help to ensure that you get a hot tub that’s right for you. Contact our sales team today to see how we can help you find your perfect hot tub…

The benefits of swimming daily

Posted on 11 February 2021 - 09:42 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Whether you choose a pool, a home swim spa or a body of wild water, swimming is a great commitment to make to your health. There are many benefits to getting into the water, from those that affect your resilience and fitness to the mental health boost that comes from activity and cold water. Swimming daily could be the best choice that you make for yourself in 2021 – here’s why:

It’s enjoyable

For any activity to be sustainable there needs to be a reason that you return to it again and again. Swimming is not just a great way to get fit but can also be very sociable and can help you to relax even during stressful times. You’ll start to notice the impact on your body quickly if you’re keeping up your swimming every day and so the sense of achievement will be strong.

Swimming has many physical benefits

When you’re swimming you’re getting a serious workout, often using all the muscle groups in the body but without the high impact you’d get if you were running or lifting weights. While your body doesn’t feel this impact stress swimming is an activity that increases your heart rate, burning calories and increasing fitness. It can improve your physical endurance and cardiovascular fitness and also tone and build strength in your muscles. Swimming is a great way to maintain your health not just in terms of weight and strength but also the function of your lungs and heart.

But that isn’t where the benefits stop

Yes you’ll get fitter and healthier if you’re swimming on a daily basis but that’s not the only way that you’ll benefit from committing to this activity. Swimming can help you to better manage stress, providing a time out from your daily life and making you feel more relaxed as it’s often a very peaceful activity. Swimming can also improve your physical condition and flexibility, as well as balance and posture. And if you’re swimming every day then you’re also likely to be able to use it as therapy for any injuries or existing conditions.

Swimming tips for 2021

Decide where you want to swim and then look into what you need to swim there. This is especially important if you’re going to swim outside – for example, if you’re river swimming then you may need a tow float and river shoes.
Be safe. If you’re not a confident swimmer then it makes sense to choose to swim in a lifeguarded pool.
Take some lessons. Swim teachers are available for swimmers of any age – learn for the first time or get some tips to brush up on your technique.
Build up gradually. Like any exercise you can over exert yourself if you go for it too hard initially so build up your strength gradually and set realistic targets for progress.
Remember to rehydrate. You may not notice how hard you’re working as you can’t see sweat in water but you should always refuel and rehydrate after a swimming session.

These are just some of the benefits that you’ll see from swimming daily. Contact our sales team today to see how we can assist you with finding the perfect swim spa for your home…

Our top 7 health benefits of using your hot tub

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

Health and wellbeing are top of the list for many of us right now, not just because it’s the start of a new year but also as the pandemic has made looking after ourselves even more important. A hot tub is not just a luxury but also offers a wealth of health benefits that can enhance your wellbeing this year.

Maintaining flexibility and range of motion

Weather, ageing and injury are just some of the reasons why our bodies can start to feel stuck and inflexible. A hot tub provides a simple way to improve mobility and range of motion, helping to reduce inflammation thanks to the pressure of the water and relieve muscle tension due to the buoyancy of the body in water.

Easing the pain of sore muscles

Maybe you’re sitting for much longer than you’re used to – or perhaps new activities and exercise have left you with some discomfort. The combination of warm water, buoyancy and the massage jets can relieve this pain, release knots and help you to recover more quickly.

Improving sleep

Multiple studies have found that spending time in a hot tub before bed can improve sleep, not just in terms of being able to get to sleep but the quality of sleep too. Muscles and nerves become more relaxed in the hot tub, making it easier to let go of the day and the train of thought that might potentially keep you awake. A hot tub is also a great place to spend time with the loved ones in your household – this kind of connection can help to make you feel safe and calm, which sets you up for a better night’s sleep.

A way to deal with lower back pain

Many of us will suffer from back pain at some point and this can be incredibly uncomfortable, making every day activities such as exercise and shopping feel almost impossible. A number of studies have now established that hydrotherapy – such as in a hot tub – can help to improve back pain, triggering a significant reduction in symptoms, either when used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.

Relieving chronic conditions

Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be very painful conditions that cause joint swelling and pain as well as limited range of motion. Spending time in a hot tub can reduce pain – one study involving osteoarthritis patients found this took just two weeks – and help to relieve tension and joint tenderness.

Coping with fibromyalgia

Hydrotherapy can also be very beneficial for a condition like fibromyalgia, which causes sufferers to feel chronic pain and fatigue and often endure disrupted sleep. A hot tub can help in many ways, from improving sleep quality to helping to encourage focus and concentration and reducing pain.

Dealing with stress and anxiety

Especially at the moment stress and anxiety levels can be high. You may be adjusting to working from home, coping with homeschooling or the after effects of illness. A hot tub can be very beneficial here – the warm water is soothing and the massage effect of the jets can help to ease out tension in muscles. Because the water creates buoyancy your body will literally feel supported and this can provide the space you need to let go of whatever may be causing you stress and find a moment of calm.

These are just some of the many benefits that regular use of your hot tub can bring. Contact our sales team today to see how we can assist you with finding the perfect hot tub for your home…

Making swimming part of your new year resolution

Posted on 25 January 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

It’s the time of year to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions again. If you always find that your resolutions tend not to stick then maybe it’s time for a rethink. Focusing on positive activities that are enjoyable as well as purpose-driven could be the secret to making sure that your resolutions last beyond the first week of the new year. Swimming is one of those activities that has a lot to give. It’s not only a great way to get fit, build muscle and stamina and reach personal fitness goals but there is also a strong social and wellbeing element too. So, how can you make swimming part of your new year resolution for 2021?

Work out where you want to swim

The simplest way to make swimming part of your daily routine might be to have a swim spa at home so that you can build fitness and enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy without leaving your property.

Put together a training plan

You don’t have to be a professional athlete or an experienced swimmer to benefit from having a training plan. All that a training plan provides is a structure that you can use to gradually improve how you swim so that you can get more from the experience. There are plenty of swimming training plans available online, whether you find them via Swim England or from professional swimming coaches. You can also create your own training plan based on what you think you can do each week, working towards your own personal goals over a set period, such as six months.

Fuel your body

Nutrition is a big part of any exercise plan as it will provide your body with the fuel that it needs to reach the goals that you’ve set. Depending on your tastes and body requirements there are plenty of different options out there for ensuring that you’re fueling your body in the right way. Breakfast is often particularly important, especially if you’re planning to do your swimming training in the mornings, and it will be essential to ensure that you’ve got a plan in place to replace energy and nutrients when every session finishes.

Set yourself some goals

If you need some extra motivation to stick to your training plan – and new year’s resolutions – then how about setting some specific goals. These could be to sign up for a 2021 swimming event, take part in a triathlon or gain a professional swimming qualification.

Swimming is a fantastic way to fulfil fitness resolutions for 2021 and has a whole range of broader wellbeing benefits too. Find out how we can help you reach your fitness resolution with our self-cleaning swim spas…

Our top health benefits of using a hot tub

Posted on 21 January 2021 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

A hot tub is a great experience but has a lot more to offer than just recreation. There are also some key health and wellness benefits of using a hot tub that make it a useful way to enhance your experience of day-to-day life. These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub can bring more into your life, now and into 2021.

Stress management

If you’re feeling under pressure, exhausted, tense and this is being reflected in your body then spending some time in a hot tub can help. The buoyancy of the water takes the pressure off muscles and joints and can help to relieve tension and soreness. This is combined with the heat of the water, which helps to increase the blood flow to muscles and promote healing. The hot tub jets provide massage, easing out tension throughout the body and triggering the release of endorphins, which have a pain killing effect.

Chronic health conditions

Arthritis is one of the most widespread chronic health conditions and can be incredibly painful, especially during the winter. Regular use of a hot tub can have a very positive impact on arthritic joints, helping to reduce stiffness and minimise pain. This improvement is something experienced not just when in the hot tub but also when it comes to daily activities and exercises out of the water. Diabetes is another condition where people have been found to see an improvement in wellbeing as a result of hot tub use. One study found that patients with Type 2 diabetes who spent 30 minutes in a hot tub for six days a week over three weeks experienced an average 13% reduction in blood sugar. For those patients who have heart disease there are benefits too – a short soak in a hot tub can bring blood pressure down.

Better sleep

Sleep is something that we all need to get more of but it can be difficult to get to sleep – or stay asleep – and many of us suffer from sleep related issues. A hot tub can positively influence both the quality of your sleep and how easy you find it to get to sleep. Half an hour in a hot tub before bed relaxes the body and prepares it for a night of rest. It will also improve sleep quality, as sleep tends to be deeper and more relaxing as the temperature of the body gradually drops after a hot tub soak.

How you feel

A hot tub has some clear health benefits but can also influence how you feel and the way that you enjoy your life on a daily basis. If your hot tub is outside it’s a great way to get out in nature, enjoy some fresh air or time away from the house. Your hot tub can be a sociable space where members of your household come together without the distraction of devices or somewhere you use to be alone and have downtime.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your health and wellness there are plenty of opportunities to do this in your hot tub.

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