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

Our top 10 reasons for using a sauna in the summer

Posted on 18 June 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Summer heat can already feel like a sauna so why would you then want to use your home sauna on top? Here are 10 very good reasons why we think that sauna use in summer is actually a great idea.

More endorphins. Studies have found that sauna sessions release endorphins (feel good hormones) in the same way that exercising does. Whether you have an injury that means you can’t be that active or you’re just looking for an additional endorphin release in each day, spending time in the sauna could help you to get it.
Better skin. Sweating is the primary way that the body rids itself of toxins and this is something you’ll do in abundance in a sauna. This, combined with the increase in circulation can help to detoxify, remove dead skin cells, improve skin elasticity and release any tension, leading to overall improved skin condition.
Reducing stress. Just because the sky is blue and the sun is shining that doesn’t mean that life suddenly becomes carefree. Your sauna is a calm and quiet space where you can relax into the heat and let the cares of the day simply melt away.
Managing the heat of the summer better. Spending time in the sauna can help you to adjust to hotter days – nothing outside is likely to feel as warm as the 20 minutes you spend in the sauna heat.
Better pain management. Whether you suffer from a condition such as arthritis or you have sporting aches and pains from a new workout routine a sauna is a great way to help ease this out of your body. The warm environment has been found to work wonders on aching muscles and joints.
Supporting weight loss and fitness. As your heart rate rises in a sauna this can be a very effective way for the body to burn calories as your metabolic rate gets a boost. Whether you’ve been eating too much banana bread in lockdown or you’re looking for ways to supplement weight loss routines a sauna can be a useful tool.
A boost to your immune system. Especially right now most of us are looking for any opportunity to increase internal immune support. Sauna time not only helps to clear airways thanks to the steam but also tricks your body into thinking you have a fever, which will trigger the release of white blood cells to fight off any infection.
Relaxation and pain relief. Heat can have an instant impact on any inflammation in the body that may be responsible for discomfort and pain. It also provides a boost to circulation and helps muscles that may have been rigid to relax.
Event training. If you’re planning to take part in an event in the summer – whether this year or next – a sauna could be a useful part of your training. Regular sauna use can help you to acclimatise to the heat so that your performance doesn’t dip when it’s warm.
Holiday feels. The summer can feel chaotic and uncomfortable and your sauna can be a relaxing space in which you can escape, sit back and chill out as if you were on holiday.

From a relaxing space to a healthy environment, your sauna is a great place to be this summer.

Using a sauna in the summer

Posted on 11 June 2020 - 13:41 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Of all the things on your list to do this summer, using your sauna may not be up there. However, there are lots of good reasons to suggest that continuing with sauna sessions during the summer months is a very good idea. In fact, those who stop using their saunas at this time, or don’t use them consistently, often report feeling less well. A sauna can continue to deliver all the benefits that you usually enjoy, as well as a few more, and you don’t need to do much to adjust to summer use.

The benefits of sauna use in summer

Whether you’ve been using your sauna to support a weight loss programme, to help improve the condition of your skin or to help manage chronic pain, there is no reason why you shouldn’t continue to enjoy these benefits during the summer. You might also find that sticking consistently to your sauna sessions enables you to do more in summer weather, as the sauna will help you to acclimatise to the heat more easily. If you’re training for an event or activity due to take place in the summer a sauna may be an essential tool, as it can prepare your body to perform well in hot conditions.

Switching to summer sauna use

When the warmer months of the year roll around you can still continue to enjoy your sauna – these are our tips for getting the most from it.

Take a shower before you have a sauna. Sunscreen can clog your pores and reduce the detoxifying impact of the sauna. Plus, when you start to sweat this can end up in a greasy, slippery mess on the floor.
Make sure you’re hydrated at all times. In summer we’re more likely to get dehydrated and this can be compounded by sweating in a sauna. It’s always advisable to ensure that you get enough hydration during and after a sauna session and in the summer this is even more important. Adding a little salt and honey to your water or choosing coconut water can help to ensure that you replace the electrolytes that sweating can drain from your body.
Jump into some cold water after your sauna. Whether it’s a cold shower or a chilly plunge pool this can feel really refreshing. It will also have the effect of pushing blood back to your essential organs and closing the pores on your skin.
Don’t overdo your sessions. Stick to the 20 minute limit in the summer and get out of the sauna if you feel dizzy or sick at any time. If you want to extend your sauna use in summer then wait long enough in between sessions so that you have stopped sweating and cooled down before you get back in.
Create a new experience for yourself. That might be some summery essential oils, investing in an ice room or a massage chair to follow your time in the sauna.

Using your sauna in the summer is a great way to make the most of the sauna and the season.

Can you use a hot tub in the summer?

Posted on 4 June 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

There’s no doubt that more of us want to be outside in the summer. But is your hot tub really a good idea? What many people don’t realise is that your hot tub is not only a great asset during the summer months but can also help you to get more from your experience of the seasons too. You can – and should – use your hot tub in the summer, whether you’re looking for a new exercise option or somewhere to find peace on hot and busy days.

Start by turning down the heat

One of the main reasons why many people assume you can’t use a hot tub in the summer is the heat. When it’s warm outside why would you then want to jump into a warm hot tub? There are lots of different ways that you can cool down a hot tub, from simply turning down the temperature to filling it with ice. Once the temperature is lower the hot tub will be much more pleasurable to enjoy in the summer.

Choose a different time of day to use it

If you don’t want to turn down the heat – or you still find it uncomfortable –try shifting the pattern of your hot tub use instead. For example, a hot tub can be a great way to enjoy a rainy summer day when temperatures are lower and you’re looking for warmer water. You can also avoid your hot tub when the sun is at its highest and instead jump in first thing in the morning or last thing at night when the outside air is much cooler. Either can provide a great experience and help you to make the most of the longer summer days.

Seek shelter

You may be put off from using your hot tub in the summer because it’s sitting in a position of direct sunlight. Putting up some shelter around the hot tub will not only create privacy but also a much more pleasant experience, as you don’t have to deal directly with the sun. There are plenty of options for permanent shelter – such as a gazebo – that could be useful in winter too or you could opt for temporary shading that you take down when the summer ends.

Remember all the benefits

Hot tubs have a lot of benefits all year round, from helping to ease aching muscles to reducing stress levels and providing somewhere alternative to exercise in a supported environment. All of the benefits of hydrotherapy remain accessible during the summer too.

Make your hot tub a sociable space

Whether it’s a tea party with your family or drinks and a BBQ with the neighbours, your hot tub can provide a focal point for socialising. Especially when the weather is warm we all love to be around water and you can kit your hot tub out with accessories to make the experience extra fun, from drinks floats to music.

These are just some of the reasons why you can – and should – use your hot tub this summer.

Hydropool Inc® Collaborate To Keep GB Olympic Swimmers Swimming

Posted on 1 June 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Hydropool Inc have announced a collaboration to allow our GB Olympic Swimmers to continue to train at home for Tokyo 2021 during the current UK lock down.

The exciting new partnerships sees that GB Swimmers James Guy, Ben Proud, Anna Hopkins, Luke Greenbank, Tom Dean, Adam Peaty MBE, Sarah Vasey and Jack Burnell have been provided with our popular Reverse Current Swimming Pools, also known as Swim Spa units for their home gardens.

Fans will have already noticed GB swimmers posting videos of their training social media account and updates will continue to be shared in the coming weeks. through their social media account and updates will continue to be shared in the coming weeks.

James Guy who is now using one of Hydropool’s flagship 16ft Executive Trainer swim spas added:

“It feels unreal to be back in the water again, a massive thank you to Bedfordshire Hot Tubs and Hydropool. The support that I have had from them has been second to none and the way they have conducted themselves around me and provided me a pool is unbelievable. To actually be in the water every single day is amazing, you don’t actually realise you miss it until it’s gone. I am doing real sessions in there and its definitely going to give me an advantage for next year leading into the Olympic games.”

Mel Marshall, Head Coach for Swim England also shared her view:

“With the Olympics moved to 2021, we had a window of three weeks where no swimming was going to be ok for the athletes. However, beyond that we needed to somehow find our way to water. However, Hydropool® were able to do one better and bring water to us!!! Jim has worked tirelessly over the last week to make this possible and the team will be forever grateful for making this happen. On a personal note the current climate is incredibly hard, and it’s important that we stay safe. To now be able to do this and train at the same time is just incredible.”

Andy Bewicke, Business Development Director for Hydropool UK Ltd also added:

“This is an amazing collaboration on a number of levels. First and foremost, getting our GB Swimmers back in water and training for Tokyo was our number one concern. We are huge supporters of what these people achieve for the nation and the opportunity to help and become a small part of the journey was incredible. “

About Hydropool Inc

Headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, Hydropool Hot Tubs Inc. originated in 1970 as a commercial swimming pool company and in 1978 became one of the first hot tub retailers in North America. Our products are now sold through a 250+ retailer network in over 40 countries.

About British Swimming

British Swimming is the national governing body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Country national governing bodies of England (Swim England), Scotland (Scottish Swimming) and Wales (Swim Wales) British Swimming seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. For more information about British Swimming, visit https://www.britishswimming.org/

Is it possible to use a hot tub with cold water?

Posted on 28 May 2020 - 10:18 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

As the temperatures start to rise many of us are looking for ways to help stay cool on stifling summer days. If you have a hot tub at home – or you’re thinking of getting one – then this could provide the ideal opportunity for a more comfortable summer. What many people don’t realise is that you can use a hot tub with cold water as well as warm – this revelation could make all the difference to your experience of summer this year.

How do you cool the water in your hot tub?

Some hot tubs come with an inbuilt cooling system but for most all you really need to do is simply turn the temperature dial down. You may need to wait a while for the temperature to drop but once it has you’ll have a cooler tub in which to refresh on even the hottest of days. You can also help to speed up the cooling process by leaving the cover on the hot tub off or slightly open. Most hot tub covers are designed to trap and reuse heat so if the cover isn’t entirely sealed then the hot tub will start to cool. Just remember to ensure that the hot tub is still partly covered if you want to protect the water from falling dirt and debris.

Using the jets

One of the main reasons to continue using your hot tub during the summer is to enjoy the jets. These powerful massage systems have many benefits, including helping to relieve stress and reduce muscle ache that may be the result of a new exercise programme, for example. You can also bring the water temperature down in your hot tub simple by turning the jets on. This will cause the water to circulate and cool it down more quickly. If you’re in a real hurry to achieve cooler temperatures then can also consider adding some bags of ice.

How to enjoy your hot tub with cold water

Stick to a schedule of cleaning and maintenance. Even with cooler water you’ll still need to ensure that the hot tub is maintained regularly. For example, filters will need to be cleaned and the water in the hot tub changed at regular intervals.
Keep an eye on your energy bill. If you’re enjoying your hot tub at a lower temperature then your energy bills should come down during the summer months.
Be creative and sociable. It’s not just you who will enjoy somewhere to cool off when the mercury is rising outside. Once your hot tub is cool it can become somewhere fun to socialise or celebrate special occasions. It’s a great way to get more from your outside space and to make this summer a super sociable one too.

It’s very simple to use your hot tub with cold water this summer. There are a number of different ways to cool the hot tub down and lots of options for enjoying the cooler water right through until autumn.

Should I be using a sauna in the summer?

Posted on 21 May 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Many people believe that the Nordic countries are the experts when it comes to how to get health benefits from sauna use. These are also some of the coldest countries in winter, which has led to the common misconception that saunas aren’t used in the warmer months. However, what many people don’t realise is that in most Nordic countries people have a sauna in their summer house too. The benefits of using a sauna are there all year round so there’s no reason to lock yours up for the winter this year.

Why do we assume saunas are for winter only?

The basic function of the sauna is to increase the temperature of the human body. In the winter when we’re cold this can feel like a welcome change and many people assume that it’s only during the coldest months of the year that the benefits of regular sauna use can be felt. However, this is not the case. There’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy the feeling of warmth even more if your body is cold but when it comes to the health benefits of using a sauna these are available all year round. If you want to keep enjoying them then you absolutely should continue to use your sauna in the summer.

The health benefits of using a sauna in the summer

If you want to make like the people of the most sauna loving countries in the world then integrating your sauna into your lifestyle in the summer is an obvious step. There are a number of health benefits to doing this including:

Helping the body to adjust to the change in temperature that summer brings. Regular sauna time can make it easier to acclimatise to warmer temperatures. That’s why many sports teams, for example, often commit to a sauna schedule before a big competition in a hot climate.
General health and weight loss. Studies have identified that regular sauna use can result in calories being burned and contribute to an overall increase in weight loss. You may also find that spending time in a sauna helps to improve the condition of skin, as sweating is one of the primary ways that the body removes toxins from the system and impurities from the surface of the skin. If you’re looking for that great summer glow this year then a sauna could be the first step to getting it.
Cardiovascular health and respiratory functions. Research has found that saunas have a lot to contribute to improving overall cardiovascular health and respiratory function if used on a regular basis.
Better stress management. Heat has a positive impact on stress levels and so a sauna can provide instant relief from a bad day. It may also be a quiet environment in which you can find a few minutes of peace away from devices and other family members, which may also be crucial to stress management.

These are just some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to use your sauna all year round, including in the summer months.

How can you get more use from your hot tub during the summer

Posted on 14 May 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

If you’ve invested in a hot tub for your home then no doubt you want to ensure that you get as much use as possible from it all year round. The summer has often made this difficult as a result of warmer temperatures and the impact of sitting outside for long periods of time in the sun. If you want to make sure that you get more use from your hot tub during the summer this year then there are some simple ways to do it.

Change the time of day you use your hot tub

In the winter when it’s cold your hot tub is a warm and welcoming place all through the day. However, when the summer arrives you may find that in the heat of the day you’re not quite as keen to use it. Make the most of cool mornings to enjoy a dip in your hot tub or relax at the end of the day as the heat fades away in the evenings. Using your hot tub in this way can help you to prepare for a hectic day ahead and also give you a space in which to wind down – all of which can be useful as the temperature rises.

Drop the temperature of the water

The most obvious way to get more use from your hot tub during the summer is to reduce the temperature of the water. By converting your hot tub into a cooler tub you’ll be able to enjoy a more refreshing dip at any time of the day. There are many different ways that you can do this. For example, just turn off the heater and let the water in the hot tub slowly cool down over time. If you’re looking for a faster solution then many hot tubs come with a cooling system that works a lot like an air conditioner and can reduce the temperature of the water as low as 60 degrees.

Create a summer space

You may already have a canopy over your hot tub to allow for use in winter weather but at this time of year the priority isn’t shelter but shade. There are lots of ways to create shade for your hot tub, whether you use something as simple as a standing parasol or add a cover to the hot tub area. If you want to make the hot tub a focal point during the warmer months then there are many options for upgrading the space. Add sun loungers nearby, or a cold shower, or consider investing in fun floats for drinks or an entertainment system so that you can listen to music or watch films in the hot tub when the temperature starts to cool outside.

Your hot tub is a huge asset all year round and can make a big difference to your lifestyle in both winter and summer. If you want to ensure that you get the most from it this summer then these top tips will help.

Our top benefits for swimming in the summer

Posted on 7 May 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Swimming isn’t just a great way to cool off in the summer. It’s also an incredibly effective form of exercise and can have a lot of lifestyle benefits. If you’re keen to add a new activity to your routines this summer then swimming is a perfect choice with a lot of positive benefits to it.

A supported way to exercise

The buoyancy of the water means that you can get a really good workout when you’re swimming without heavy impact on your body. Whether you suffer from back or neck pain or issues with your joints you will probably find that swimming will enable you to exercise without any of the impact injuries that can result from activities like running and aerobics. Fewer injuries mean more opportunity to be active.

A great method for weight loss

Swimming burns calories and can help you lose weight. It’s one of the few genuinely full body activities and engages a whole range of muscles, as well as getting your heart rate up. If you’re keen to lose weight this summer then regular swimming can support this alongside healthy eating and plenty of water and sleep.

Build and tone your muscles

One big advantage of swimming as exercise is the fact that the water provides a huge amount of resistance. As a result, it’s much easier to build muscle at a faster rate for swimmers than those engaged in other activities. The repetitive movements of swimming mean that you can build up specific muscles, such as those in your back or arms, and you’ll also develop good muscle stamina if you stick to a regular swimming schedule.

It’s good fun

Swimming might be very effective when it comes to improving muscle tone and helping with weight loss but it’s also a very enjoyable activity. Whether you’re swimming in a pool or outdoors in a lake or the sea it’s often viewed as a fun way to improve physique and get healthier – preferable to spending time inside in a gym when it’s warm out. It’s also something that you can do with other people, making it potentially a very sociable way to exercise too.

Swimming helps to keep you calm

Stress is a big issue for many of us today and something that a lot of people struggle to get under control. Exercise in any form has been found to have a positive impact when it comes to reducing stress and swimming is no different. Regular swim sessions can help to minimise anxiety and depression and improve positive feelings. The water can increase this positive impact, especially if you are swimming outside in nature, for example in a lake or in the sea.

Swimming is a great all year round activity that has a lot of benefits for both body and mind. If you’re looking for a way to keep fit and improve stamina, as well as losing weight, then this might be the ideal sport for you.

Our top 4 reasons why kids should be swimming this summer

Posted on 23 April 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Now that the clocks have gone forward we’re speeding towards summer and for many people that means more opportunities to get in the water. Swimming is a great activity all year round but especially when the weather is warmer. It can be a very effective way for adults to get fit and also has a lot of benefits for children too. In fact there are 4 key reasons why your kids should be in the water swimming this summer.

Swimming is an ‘active’ activity

As a parent it can feel like a constant battle to get children away from playing console games and watching TV. Swimming is a very simple way to do this – it’s an activity without screens that encourages a healthy lifestyle very early on. It’s an incredibly enjoyable activity that also helps to support better fitness and will provide the stimulation that sitting in front of the TV cannot.

The social element is a big bonus

Summer can feel endless as a kid and many children miss the sociable side of school when there is nothing to do every day. Swimming presents plenty of opportunities for kids to be sociable, from attending swimming camps to joining a swimming team. There’s also a lot of potential to start achieving, meeting new people and gaining confidence in skills and abilities, whether that’s forming friendships outside of the pool or improving technique while in the water.

Many summer parties are focused on the pool

Birthday parties, summer BBQs or bank holiday weekends – whatever the occasion there is often an opportunity to jump in the pool. In fact, while the adults might sit and have a beer in the shade the kids often head straight for ball games in the water. Children who don’t know how to swim can feel left out at this time – and if your child isn’t a confident swimmer then it can be worrying for a parent too and difficult to relax when they are around water. There are plenty of quick swimming courses available for children to ensure that they are ready to start swimming this summer.

Practice makes perfect

Especially if you have a child who is already a competent swimmer but wants to get really good the summer is a great time to start creating that competitive advantage. Spending a summer in the pool provides the opportunity to improve speed and skills, technique and timing. It can help a child to establish swimming as a sport that they are really good at and start setting goals for the following year, whether they relate to competition or fitness. The more time kids have for swimming in the summer the more potential there is for it to become an essential and useful part of future daily routines.

Swimming is great exercise and also encourages confidence and relationship building. These are just some of the reasons why kids should be spending as much time as possible in the water this summer.

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