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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

How to enjoy your hot tub during the summer months

Posted on 16 April 2020 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura

As the seasons change we all tend to fall into different habits and shift to lifestyles that embrace the change in temperature and weather. When you have a hot tub at home the summer can be a great time to get the most out of it. Even when the mercury rises there are still lots of ways to enjoy your hot tub during the summer months as much as you do in the winter. No matter where you are your hot tub can still support fun and fitness right through the hottest part of the year.

Get in when it rains

If you’re not that keen on using your hot tub when the temperatures are high then take advantage of rainier days. When rain falls the temperature drops and you might find that the hot tub is a more comfortable experience for you. It can also be incredibly romantic sitting outside and listening to the rain fall – ideally you’ll have a fairly robust cover over your hot tub so you can do this without the raindrops falling into the hot tub itself.

Make your hot tub a truly sociable space

Summer is a great time for being sociable and if you have a hot tub you can make it a focal point for this. A few changes in the area where your hot tub sits could turn it into the perfect spot for an al fresco movie night for example or somewhere to enjoy a few cocktails with friends. Some models have technology that will enable you to connect a home entertainment system to your hot tub controls (e.g. via Bluetooth) so that you can change volume etc without getting out. Add fun extras like spa pillows and lights to create atmosphere or a sense of occasion for a party.

Opt for a soak early or late

Early mornings and late evenings are the ideal time to enjoy your hot tub in the summer, as the temperatures tend to be lower. It can be incredibly refreshing to start the day in your hot tub, finding a moment of calm before work and responsibilities begin. Equally, the warmth of the water is ideal for winding down at the end of a busy day, especially if you have a good view of the sunset.

Supporting your workout

If you’re looking to maintain your beach body throughout the summer months – or you’re just keen to get fitter – a hot tub can be very useful. The warmth of the water, combined with well placed jets, can help to ease the tension in muscles and get you ready for your next workout session. Warm water also helps to improve circulation, which can be essential for speeding up recovery.

If you want to enjoy your hot tub during the summer months then a few changes to the way that you use it can introduce a whole new range of lifestyle benefits. From hot tub parties to somewhere to relax after a hard day at work, your hot tub in summer is a great place to be.

How can you use your hot tub this summer

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

Hot tubs have a whole range of health and lifestyle benefits. However, it’s easy to forget that these exist when the temperatures outside are rising – in fact many people waste their hot tubs during the summer by simply putting the cover on. The reality is that if you have a hot tub at home there’s a lot that it can add to your day-to-day experience all year round. So, how can you make a few changes to use your hot tub this summer?

Hot tubs don’t have to be hot

In the winter there is nothing better than getting into a toasty warm hot tub and allowing the heat to soothe and relax your body. In the summer you might already be warm enough and wondering how to use your hot tub when the temperatures are high. The answer is simple enough – just turn it down. Most hot tubs have more than one temperature setting and if you reduce yours to 85F then the water can be a much more pleasant experience. There are other ways to make your hot tub cooler too. For example you can run the hot tub with the cover off and the air jets on – or you could even add ice. Thanks to the insulation in most hot tubs once the water is cool it will stay that way until you turn the temperature back up.

Using your ‘cool tub’ in summer

Once you’ve found the right way to reduce the temperature in your hot tub to make it cooler there are lots of great options for enjoying it throughout the summer.

Start your day with a dip. Summer days are always cooler first thing in the morning and your hot tub is the ideal place in which to make the most of this. Grab a coffee and enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet before the day begins.
Use your hot tub to recover. Both heat and cold have been shown to have a positive impact on the body, especially when it comes to supporting recovery, whether that’s from a heavy session in the gym or an injury. Many of us ramp up our activities and exercise in spring and summer – the muscle relaxing, circulation boosting impact of your hot tub could be a great way to help ensure that you’re ready for each new session.
Essential family time. Even during the summer holidays it can still be difficult to get everyone together and share some quality time. A hot tub is the ideal space for this as it’s convenient, fun and the water means that phones and devices have to be left at a distance. Arrange regular hot tub time with your family to share some quality moments – allow everyone to invite some friends if you want to make it super sociable.

A hot tub has many uses during the summer. Simply turn the water temperature down to accommodate the change in atmosphere and adapt the way you enjoy your hot tub to take into account the weather outside.

How to use your hot tub in the summer

Posted on 2 April 2020 - 16:55 by Christina Mantoura

Your hot tub is a great way to relax and enjoy a range of lifestyle benefits at any time of year. Many people assume that the summer months are too warm to get the most out of a hot tub but that’s not the case. In fact, it’s at this time of year that there are even more opportunities to use a home spa for social or spontaneous fun. These are our tips on how to make sure that you get the most from your hot tub during the summer months too.

Enjoy a cooler experience

During the winter most hot tubs tends to be set to a minimum of 98 degrees but you don’t have to maintain this temperature during the summer months as well. Your hot tub will have a lower temperature setting and turning this down to around 80 degrees will mean that the water is cooler. Your hot tub might even allow you to turn the heater off completely and just make the most of the water jets in the hot tub instead.

Set up your space for summer

If your hot tub is outside then you might want to make a few changes for the warmer months. For example, investing in a large shade or canopy will ensure that you can enjoy the water without the risk of getting sunburned. There are also lots of accessories available that can help you make the most of your hot tub in summer, whether that’s a pack of water proof playing cards, a music system or spa pillows.

Keep everything clean and well maintained

It’s important to stick to your cleaning and maintenance schedule throughout the summer and to ensure that you take into account the additional challenges at this time of year. For example, try to ensure that anyone using the hot tub rinses off suntan lotion or oil before getting into the water. This isn’t always possible so it’s important to keep treating the water in your hot tub with the right chemicals, such as chlorine or bromine so that your filters don’t get clogged. Regularly change the water in your spa and if you’ve had the filter for some time it might be worth getting this changed before the summer starts.

Look into a better cover

Especially at the end of the summer falling leaves can be a real issue, not just in terms of clogging up mechanisms but also when it comes to keeping the water in your hot tub clean and clear. Investing in a new cover is a great way to ensure that your hot tub is as energy efficient as possible (it will preserve heat) and also stays clear of floating debris. Check that the cover itself remains in good condition and isn’t getting waterlogged – if that’s the case then you can flip it over and leave it to dry out in the sun.

Summer is a fantastic time to have a hot tub. With a few changes to the way that you use your hot tub you can enjoy it all year round.

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