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

How much water can a hot tub hold?

Posted on 9 July 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura

A hot tub has always been a sought after home feature, not just during the colder winter months but in the summer too. From a relaxing space to unwind to somewhere to socialise and have fun, hot tubs are inspiring and offer lots of lifestyle opportunities. If you’re considering a hot tub for your home then one of the key questions might be how much water the average hot tub holds. There are many reasons why you might want to know this and a simple way to find out.

Hot tubs and water

A hot tub can’t function without water. The supply of water is essential for the experience and this can have an impact in a number of different ways, including where you decide to place the hot tub. This needs to be a location where it’s simple and fast to fill the hot tub so that you can get straight in and enjoy. It’s also worth remembering that you will need to change the water in the hot tub regularly as part of a maintenance schedule. With that in mind, easy access to a water source that will provide the volume that the hot tub can hold is an essential part of the process of working out where to place yours. Level ground is another important consideration. Hot tubs that are situated at an angle can experience issues – as soon as you fill the tub with the recommended volume this can start to spill over the side if the hot tub is not straight. Finally, you need to know the volume of water in the hot tub to ensure that you get the balance of chemicals right to keep the water clean and sanitary.

How much water can a hot tub hold?

This depends on the make and model of the hot tub. The easiest way to find this out is to simply ask when you’re looking at your options for purchase. A small model may hold around 1450 gallons of water while a larger, family sized hot tub could require 2500 gallons of water. If you want to work this out yourself or you already have a hot tub and don’t have this information then there are two simple options for calculating the water volume:

Volume in gallons: Length (inches/inside) x Width (in inches/inside) x Average Water Depth (inches) X 0.00434
Volume in litres: Length (Meters) x Width (Meters) x Average Water Depth (Meters) x 1000.

The volume of water in your hot tub is an essential measurement that will not only enable you to ensure a safe and sanitary experience but also to make sure that you can get the most out of your hot tub at home. It’s pretty simple to work out how much water the hot tub that you want to buy can hold and once you have this information then you can make informed decisions about everything, from cleaning schedules to where to put the hot tub to make maintenance a breeze.

How to make the most out of your hot tub this summer

Posted on 2 July 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura

Hot tubs are becoming increasingly popular for use in the summer months. While it’s easy to see how enjoyable a hot tub could be after a day of exposure to cold temperatures or up in an Alpine environment in winter, there are also lots of benefits to using your hot tub during the summer too. If you want to make the most of it this year then here are our tips.

Turn the heat off

Your hot tub will likely have options for temperature settings and you can easily reduce this so that the water is tepid or even cool. If this is still too warm then simply turn the water heater off and enjoy the jet and spa function of the hot tub without the heat. This means you’ll get all of the hydrotherapy benefits of the hot tub just at a lower temperature. It’s essential to ensure you keep the cover on if you want to do this as when the water is exposed to the sun it will start to heat up.

Jump in when the sun is down

Switching up the times that you use your hot tub is also another simple way to get the most from it in summer. Rather than enjoying the hot tub during the day, have a morning soak instead when the air is still cool and the day has yet to begin. Many people also enjoy a cooler session in the evening when the sun has gone down – this can be a great way to relax after a hard, hot day.

Find ways to keep yourself cool

When you’re using the hot tub in summer there are lots of options for making sure that you don’t overheat. One of the simplest is just to limit the amount of time that you spend in the water to 10/15 minutes per session and then give yourself time to cool off before getting back in. You could also create a spa experience for yourself by jumping out of the hot tub and into a cold shower or paddling pool full of iced water. Something as simple as a cold washcloth on the forehead also works well.

Enjoy yourself

Set up your hot tub so that it’s a space designed for relaxation and fun. That might mean adding lights and music or a projector screen nearby so that you can have a hot tub cinema night. Accessories such as inflatable pillows and glass holders can make it even easier to sit back and relax with a cold glass of something delicious at the end of the day. Just remember to stay hydrated if you’re drinking alcohol and don’t stay too long in the heat of the day if the hot tub is unshaded, as skin can still burn through water.

Your hot tub is a great opportunity to find more ways to have fun, relax and improve your lifestyle without even leaving the house this summer.

Can you use a sauna in the summer?

Posted on 25 June 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura

If you enjoyed your sauna throughout the winter months but now you’re planning to shut it up until autumn then you may want to reconsider. In countries where saunas are popular and in regular use they are never closed for the winter. That’s because a sauna can help to improve health and lifestyle all year round and even has some summer-specific advantages that can help you to get the most from this warmer time of year.

Yes you can still use a sauna in the summer

In fact, you should. All the benefits that you enjoyed from sauna use during the winter are still there if you continue to use it during the summer. You might have seen an improvement in your cardiovascular health through regular use, for example, or have been integrating the sauna into a fitness and weight loss plan. Your sauna might have been a key component in a relaxation routine during the winter or with respect to helping to improve respiratory function or the quality of your skin. Instead of stopping sauna use when the mercury rises we highly recommend that you continue if you want to enjoy these benefits all year round.

How can a sauna be beneficial in the summer?

Other than the year round benefits already described there are some other reasons why you might want to continue to use your sauna in the summer. It may seem odd to go from hot conditions outside to a dry heat inside and it’s true that you won’t get the same ‘warming up’ effect that you do in winter. However, in the summer a sauna is a great way to help your body to acclimatise to higher temperatures. If you regularly struggle with the heat of summer and find that you’re just not able to function when it gets hot, spending time in your sauna could help your body to adjust. This is the approach that many sports teams take if they’re going to be participating in competitions in warmer locations.

How should you adjust your sauna use in summer?

The main thing to remember is that you might be stepping into the sauna already dehydrated due to higher temperatures outside. As a result, it’s important to monitor your water consumption and ensure that you remain hydrated while you’re in the sauna and in the hours afterwards. You can also opt for a cold shower after your sauna – or invest in a cold plunge pool to dip into after your sessions. This is something that is especially enjoyable when the weather is warm outside and which will feel very refreshing after the heat of the sauna.

As we move into the summer months there are plenty of reasons to make sure you’re still using your sauna on a regular basis. From general wellness to helping you cope better with the summer heat this year, using a sauna in the summer makes a lot of sense.

Our top 10 reasons for using a sauna in the summer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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