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

How to enjoy your hot tub during the winter months

Posted on 19 December 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Often we tend to associate hot tubs with the summer. However, they are actually a great asset during the winter too. No matter what the weather is doing there is still a lot of pleasure to be had from sinking into a tub of warm water – and your hot tub could also make winter easier to survive. So, how can you make sure that you enjoy your hot tub in winter this year?

Use your hot tub for seasonal aches and pains

At this time of year the cold can get right into your joints – but a soak in a hot tub can heat you up from the core outward. Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries to help reduce pain from inflammation and increase circulation in the body. This can be incredibly effective when it comes to warming up stiff joints or promoting healing if you’re getting over an injury. Regular use of your hot tub in winter can help you to minimise some of the discomfort of this time of year.

Get out in your hot tub whatever the weather

If it’s blowing a gale you may not want to be outside. And, if you don’t have a covered area for your hot tub then rain may not be that appealing. However, the cold itself shouldn’t stop you from using your hot tub – in fact, it’s likely to enhance the experience. When the air is cold, and even if there is snow on the ground, you can stay toasty warm inside the hot tub and still enjoy the al fresco experience.

Make it part of your celebrations

Whether it’s a Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve event, your hot tub can be a great place to bring people together socially at a special time of the year. Just make sure that you have enough towels for everyone and that people get warm quickly when they get out.

Prepare your hot tub for winter

Instead of draining and covering over the tub until next summer get it ready for use during winter instead. That may mean cleaning and replacing the water and ensuring that you’re following the same schedule of maintenance that you would during the summer. You might also want to consider a few winter additions to the hot tub area to make the experience even more enjoyable. That could be heated towel rails, mats to stand on when you get out or somewhere to hang a cosy robe so that you can get warm as soon as you’re out of the water. You may also need to consider:

A winter cover to help preserve heat and energy
A freeze protection system to ensure the pipes stay clear
Checking the water level every day – if it gets too low the pumps and heater may stop working and the water could freeze
Turning off the air jets when you’re not in the hot tub to avoid cold air being pumped in

It’s easy to enjoy your hot tub during winter. From soothing aches and pains to hosting celebrations, hot tubs can be an essential part of the coldest season of the year.

How to use spas & hot tubs safely in the winter

Posted on 12 December 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

There are some great reasons to use a spa or hot tub during the winter months. From warming up on chilly days to providing a space for unique socialising and applying hydrotherapy to aches and pains, continuing to use your hot tub or spa all year round is definitely the right choice. But what do you need to consider when it comes to safety at this time of year?

Don’t drastically increase the temperature of the water

It can be tempting to boost the heat in a hot tub or spa at this time of year to make things extra toasty but this isn’t recommended. The temperature of the water should never be higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit and you should ensure that you don’t stay in the water for longer than usual. For a healthy adult a 15-minute soak is ideal – anything longer than that and you risk becoming light headed or could even suffer from heat stroke. It’s difficult for the human body to regulate its temperature when in water, as perspiration can’t happen. So, it’s essential that you’re attentive when it comes to water temperature and time immersed.

Take care of the cover at this time of year

Make sure you have a well fitting, high quality cover that will provide both protection and insulation. Try to regularly clear debris or snow from the top of the cover, especially if you’re about to take it off the hot tub or spa. Be careful when you’re removing the cover so that no damage is done and you don’t end up with ice and snow or dead leaves etc in the water.

Wear a hat

It may sound odd to wear a hat while the rest of your body is immersed in warm water but this will actually help you to better regulate your temperature. It’s almost impossible for the body to do this if your shoulders and neck are very cold and your lower half is warm. A hat can help to even this up and give your body more of a chance to regulate normally.

Prepare to get out before you get in

Hot tubs and spas are often outside and so there is a real need during the winter to ensure that you don’t get cold once you’re out of the water. Prepare for this exit before you even get into the water – put towels and a robe nearby or make sure that you have quick and easy access to somewhere that you can get dry and warm. You might want to wear shoes if the ground between your home and the hot tub is likely to be hard and cold – sandals or slippers are ideal. If the weather is icy make sure that whatever you opt for has decent grip so that you don’t slip.

These tips are designed to help you enjoy your spa or hot tub safely all year round, even during the winter months.

How can a sauna help you stay healthy this winter?

Posted on 5 December 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Winter can be a challenging time for staying healthy. We’re exposed to fewer hours of sunlight and the weather is cold and often wet. It’s easy to get run down and viruses, coughs and colds can be annoyingly frequent. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a sauna then you have a very effective weapon in the battle against the health challenges of winter – there are a number of different ways in which it can help.

Reducing the impact of colds and flu

Research has found that regular use of a sauna during the winter months can actually reduce the number of coughs and colds suffered at this time of year. Regularly spending 10 – 15 minutes in the sauna at around 90 degrees C will encourage more rapid production of white blood cells in the body. These are essential for helping you to fight off infections and colds. The increase in body temperature is also thought to help reduce the impact of bugs by killing them before they can affect your body. If you do end up with a cold then using your sauna can help to alleviate some of the symptoms, especially when it comes to congestion.

No more SAD

It’s not just the physical impact of this time of year that can be challenging but the mental and emotional effects too. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common in winter and most of us will feel a little blue or sluggish at some point. When you use a sauna your body releases endorphins, which naturally flood the system with good feelings. They can help to reduce pain and also produce a feeling of wellbeing. If your winter blues are being triggered by a lack of sleep then spending time in the sauna before bed could not only help you to get to sleep more easily but also improve the quality of your sleep too.

Looking and feeling healthier

If there is one thing that your body is guaranteed to do in a sauna it’s sweat. Sweat is the most effective method that the human body has for detoxifying and regularly being in a sauna and sweating it out will help your body to process impurities and flush them out of your system. The heat of a sauna works to increase the core temperature of the body – that’s the point at which sweating starts. Blood vessels begin to dilate, flushing out impurities, and the pores on your skin open, allowing it to breathe. The overall result is that you’ll not only feel healthier but look it too. At a time of year when many of us are suffering from dry, dull skin and cold, aching limbs, the heat of the sauna can help to give you a physical boost.

These are just some of the ways in which a sauna can help you to stay healthier this winter. Regular sauna time will give you an essential boost, both in terms of body and mind.

What are the benefits of using your spa in the winter?

Posted on 28 November 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

If the arrival of winter makes you want to retreat inside and put the cover on your spa for six months then you’re not alone. Few of us enjoy being out in the colder weather – however, if you have a spa then there are actually some great benefits to continuing to use it at this time of year.

Use the spa to help fight illness

Coughs and colds are very common at this time of year and can be difficult to shift. If you have a spa then using it could actually aid your recovery thanks to the effect of the warm water on your body’s circulation. Blocked sinuses can be eased by the steamy environment, which may help to take the pressure off your chest and lungs. In fact, a dip in your spa can help you to feel a lot better generally – the only time you need to avoid it is if you have a temperature.

Aiding rest and recovery

Winter is also a time when many of us suffer from aches and pains – the cold can really get into your joints and make muscles stiff. This could be problematic just in terms of moving around on a daily basis if you have a condition such as arthritis. It may also make exercise more difficult and increase the risk of injury if your body isn’t warm when you start. Your spa has an obvious role to play here too, helping to soothe the seasonal aches in muscles and joints and providing a very effective way to warm up before exercise.

Create a space in which to switch off and relax

It’s very easy to get over stimulated at this time of year. Many of us spend a lot more time in the winter inside and tend to watch a lot more TV and be more sedentary. End of year pressures can also create stress, as can imminent seasonal celebrations. If you have a spa then you can use it to create a space where you can find some essential moments of peace and relaxation at this very busy time of the year. Added extras, such as heating lamps or a thick rug can make the experience cosier while you enjoy the fresh air and time away from screens, devices and other people.

Using your spa in winter – top tips

Make sure you can get dry quickly after you’ve been in the spa. Retain the benefits of the experience by ensuring you’re not going to be sitting around in swimwear afterwards.
Clean and service the spa regularly. Keep up the cleaning schedule as you would during the summer months and change the water before temperatures really start to plummet.
Reduce jet pressure. Sometimes the air from jets can lower water temperature so it’s a good idea to turn them down.
Be sensible. Limit your soak to 20 minutes maximum and don’t be tempted to stay in even if the air outside is cold. Always remember to hydrate afterwards.

There are some fantastic benefits to using your spa in winter. From helping to alleviate the symptoms of a cold to providing somewhere to relax, this is a season in which your spa can be incredibly useful.

The 5 healing benefits of hydrotherapy

Posted on 21 November 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Water has long been viewed as a way to heal and soothe, as well as to hydrate. The concept of hydrotherapy is essentially using water to support recovery and promote physical wellbeing and today it’s often most accessible via a home hot tub, sauna or swim spa. If you’re keen to find out more about how hydrotherapy might contribute to your lifestyle then there are five healing benefits to note.

1. Providing immune support

Especially during the winter months our immune systems can take quite a battering. Hydrotherapy works to increase the flow of blood around the body and boost white blood cells. Lymph, which is an essential bodily fluid for the immune system that effectively removes unwanted materials, is then able to move more freely through the body, boosting the immune system so that you’re less susceptible to colds etc.

2. Getting rid of toxins

Whether you’ve had a stressful few weeks and been eating and drinking badly as a result or you’re just keen to get ready for the party season, hydrotherapy can help where detoxification is concerned. Heated hydrotherapy, such as a sauna or a steam room, makes the body sweat, triggering its most effective mechanism for removing toxins from the system. This can help with everything, from clearer skin to reducing headaches.

3. Effective pain relief

One of the biggest benefits of hydrotherapy is the fact that it triggers the release of endorphins, which have a crucial role to play in relieving pain. The weightlessness of the body in water can also take stress off tired and aching joints and muscles, reducing inflammation so that it’s much less painful to move, both in and out of the water. Hydrotherapy can be a particularly effective option if you’re recovering after a workout or looking for a way to help manage chronic pain.

4. Dealing with stress and tension

Stress is a major cause of many of the problems that we struggle with today and can have a range of uncomfortable effects that are both emotional and physical. Hydrotherapy is a great way to start managing stress differently. Regular sessions can help to reduce blood pressure and the endorphin release provided by the water can also work to reduce anxiety. Plus, warm water tends to relax us physically, which can slow down both a racing heart and a racing mind.

5. Support for injury

Hydrotherapy is commonly used by athletes and professional sports people who deal with injuries on a regular basis. It can also help to provide progress and relief for every day issues where joints or muscles have become damaged. This is because warm water will boost blood flow around the body, which will reduce pain. An increase in circulation works to rehabilitate and heal injured muscles, tissues and joints.

Especially at this time of year when wellness moves to the top of everyone’s agenda, hydrotherapy has a lot to offer. These key healing benefits are just some of the ways in which this type of physical therapy can be beneficial.

How can using a hot tub help you in the winter months?

Posted on 7 November 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

When winter arrives priorities shift and we tend to spend much more time inside. The focus moves to staying healthy and warm, boosting the immune system and surviving the colder months without getting sick or suffering from SAD. If you have a hot tub at home then it can help to support you during the winter in many different ways.

A much needed immune boost

According to some research, elevating the body’s core temperature can help to provide a serious boost to the immune system. So, regularly soaking in your hot tub can actually give your body more resources to fight the seasonal coughs and colds that tend to plague us all at this time of year. The temperature should be 100 degrees or lower if you want to enjoy the immune boosting benefits of your hot tub.

Relieving uncomfortable symptoms

If you do get sick then that’s no reason to avoid using your hot tub – it can actually help to relieve some of the most uncomfortable symptoms. For example, if you’re spending time in a hot tub you’ll get a boost to your circulation and the steamy conditions can help to relieve congestion and ease the pressure on your sinuses.

Warming up in winter

The heat of your hot tub is an easy way to flood the body with warmth if you’re struggling to find any during the really cold months. Even if your hot tub is outside you can still benefit from the warmth of the water and the wealth of wellbeing you’ll feel from taking a quick dip. Plus, with an outdoor hot tub you’ll get the benefits of being away from the drying effects of the central heating and still be able to stay warm while enjoying some fresh air.

Protecting and easing muscles and joints

If you regularly suffer with stiff muscles and joints as a result of the colder weather, spending time in a hot tub can help to provide essential discomfort relief. The warm water boosts circulation, allowing blood to flow more easily around the body and encouraging muscles to relax and heal. Your hot tub can also be incredibly useful if you’re regularly working out at this time of year, both in terms of preparing your body for a session and helping to aid recovery afterwards.

Reduce stress and feel better

A hot tub is a great form of hydrotherapy, which has been proven to have a positive impact when it comes to stress. From helping your body to wind down at the end of the day so that you can enjoy a better night’s sleep, to boosting endorphins to help combat seasonal anxiety and depression, there are many ways in which a hot tub can help. You can also work out in your hot tub – light aerobics or calisthenics against the resistance of the water can be incredibly effective.

Your hot tub has a lot to offer during the winter months. From a way to beat stress to a useful workout tool, there are many ways to use your hot tub at this time of year to enjoy better living.

Our top 5 benefits of winter hot tub use

Posted on 24 October 2019 - 13:00 by Christina Mantoura

When the seasons change it can be a challenging time. Whether you suffer from SAD or you’re just someone who doesn’t appreciate the UK’s winter weather, it’s important to find new ways to cope. Small lifestyle adjustments, such as the use of a hot tub, can make a big difference to life for many people. If you’re considering a hot tub for your home there are 5 good reasons to use it this winter.

1. Getting some relief from the cold

If you’re the kind of person who just can’t get warm during the winter then regular dips in a hot tub could help. Hot tub use can boost circulation and ensure that your blood is pumping healthily around the body, even to your extremities. If you’re not well then a hot tub can provide relief there too – a quick soak may clear your sinuses and help to encourage better breathing.

2. A winter skin workout

Dry, dull skin is something that many people suffer from during the winter months. If you have access to a hot tub then the experience can upgrade the way your skin looks and feels. The heat and steam from the hot tub will open pores and make you sweat, helping to detoxify your skin and leave it looking healthy and plump.

3. Essential recovery

It’s at this time of year that many of us are prone to strains and sprains, overdoing it in the gym or just not being warm enough to work out in the first place. A hot tub can be a great way to aid recovery from injury, especially given the weightlessness of the water which can take the pressure of gravity off. Plus, even a short half an hour soak in your hot tub can help to relieve aching muscles. And if you want to ensure that you’re fully warmed up before you start any activity, schedule in a quick soak prior to each workout too.

4. Managing stress

From end of year deadlines to coping with an influx of family for seasonal celebrations there are plenty of reasons why your stress levels might start to shoot up during the winter months. Taking half an hour out each day to relax in your hot tub can be essential when it comes to better stress management. Not only is this a space that you can reserve for your own peace and quiet but, thanks to the water, it also has to be phone and device free – giving you valuable time away from screen glare.

5. Winter celebrations

The winter season is full of opportunities for exciting celebrations. If you want to mark those moments with a memorable experience this year then use your hot tub. From Christmas parties to New Year’s Eve moments, the hot tub can provide a great space for them all.

A hot tub is a fantastic option to have in the winter months and offers a lot of benefits, both health and lifestyle related.

Our top tips for swimming in colder months

Posted on 17 October 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Many people are increasingly beginning to appreciate the benefits of cold water swimming during the autumn and winter months. From the boost that this can provide to the immune system to the mental and physical sense of wellbeing that can result from a chilly dip, there are many good reasons why you might want to consider venturing into the water in the colder months. If you’re going to do that then these are our top tips for making sure you get the most from the experience.

Don’t stop swimming – just reduce time and distance. It’s not feasible to swim the same distances, or to stay in the water for the same length of time, once October has ended. But you can still enjoy a swim, just for shorter times and distances.
Cold water acclimatisation is simple. All you need to do is take regular dips in cold water, starting off with a very short period of time and then building up as your body allows. A water temperature of less than 10 degrees C will feel cold and as it drops by each 1C after that the reduction in temperature will be more noticeable. Remember to factor in the outside environment and wind temperature when deciding how long to stay in.
You don’t need to get a wetsuit. In fact, most cold water swimmers don’t wear a wetsuit just conventional swimming attire. If you think you’re likely to suffer from the cold then you might want to consider investing in neoprene socks and gloves for the hands and feet.
Safety is essential. That means ensuring that you can get in and out of the water easily and that there are facilities within easy reach where you can warm up afterwards.
Cold water swimmers have each other’s backs. So, if possible, it’s a good idea to go swimming with a group.
Make sure you can be seen. It’s important to ensure that you can be seen by boats and other vehicles, as those driving them may not expect anyone to be in the water swimming during the colder months. Brightly coloured swim hats or tow floats can be a good idea to make sure you’re visible.
Learn your limits. It can be useful to take a thermometer into the water with you and to keep a log of all your swims so that you have a record of how each one felt. This will enable you to understand your body’s limits and safely build up resistance.
Warm up quickly when you get out. Get dressed as soon as you can and make sure that you have a warm drink on hand to help bring your temperature back up once you’re out of the water. Avoid a sudden increase in temperature, such as a hot shower, and opt for gradually adding layers and drinking something hot instead.

Swimming in colder months offers a lot of benefits and you don’t have to have a lot of kit to enjoy them.

Health benefits of using a spa

Posted on 7 October 2019 - 15:49 by Christina Mantoura

From adding a bit of luxury into your life to creating more space for health and fitness, a spa can make a big difference to your lifestyle. Spas can be somewhere that all the family can engage with each other and also provide an ideal space in which you can relax alone and have some precious quiet time. There is a therapy aspect to spa use too, helping to calm frayed nerves and make it easier to wind down after a hard day. And, in addition to all of that, there are also a number of great health benefits that can result from using a spa.

Helping with stress management

Consider the impact of a massage on the areas of the body that tend to carry a lot of tension, such as the neck and shoulders. And then add in the feel of warm water. That’s the experience you’ll get with a hot tub spa thanks to the combination of hydrotherapy and the soothing impact of the massage jets. The hydrotherapy jets in a spa can be used to target a number of specific areas where tension is likely to build, including neck, shoulder, mid-back, lower back, thighs and feet. Just 20 minutes is very effective at helping to relieve muscular pain and curb the consequences of stress, such as tension headaches and high blood pressure.

Healing health benefits

What many people don’t realise is that a spa does feel like a luxurious experience but it also has a lot to offer in helping to manage various conditions. For example:

Arthritis. Soaking in a spa can deliver relief from the pain and restricted movement of arthritis. The muscles relax in the warmth of the water so that moving becomes easier and less painful.
Type 2 diabetes. The heat from a spa dilates the blood vessels in the body, increasing blood flow and enabling the body to better use its insulin. One study found that regular soaking helped patients to reduce blood sugar levels by up to 13%.
Healing from injuries. From inflamed joints to strains and sprains, the impact of soaking in a spa can have a very positive effect. Increased circulation carries more oxygen around the body helping to promote healing where it is needed the most.

Sleep and skin

The stress relieving impact of a hot tub can help improve sleep, as well as the way that the body heats up in a spa and then cools once you get out. In fact spending half an hour in a spa 90 minutes before you want to sleep can promote better, higher quality sleep. A spa will also encourage your body to sweat, opening up pores and activating the natural systems of detoxification that help to give skin a cleaner, bright finish and keep it healthy.

Regular spa use has a lot to offer everyone, young or older, both in terms of lifestyle benefits and helping you to better manage and optimise your health.

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