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

Our top enclosures for all seasons

Posted on 4 July 2019 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

hot tub enclosed within a Hot Tub and Swim Spa Enclosure

If you’re investing in a hot tub then the chances are that you’re likely to want to make the most of it as often as you can. The weather than be problematic when it comes to enjoying your hot tub. From burning hot sun through to freezing cold temperatures, there are lots of conditions in which you may just not be able to get in the hot tub as much as you’d like. A hot tub enclosure is a simple solution to this that can transform your hot tub space into an area for all seasons.

Temporary hot tub enclosures

If you’re looking for basic sun protection then there are plenty of temporary hot tub enclosures that will fit the bill. Most of these are lightweight structures that are easy to bolt or snap together and which have a lightweight cloth stretched over them. Although a temporary hot tub enclosure can be a good option for summer, it won’t withstand more serious weather conditions and may need to be frequently replaced.

Custom built hot tub enclosures

There are many different options when it comes to hot tub enclosures and the best are usually those that are custom designed for your space. From protective windows and screens or bolt together metal structures, to those that are constructed from bricks and mortar, you can create a hot tub enclosure that is ideal for your space. If you’re opting for a custom built hot tub enclosure then there are some key factors to bear in mind:

Ventilation will be essential. Any hot tub will create steam and humidity that will need to be dispersed in order to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere and avoid architectural damage. If your hot tub is outside and you’re planning a roof-only enclosure then ventilation is rarely an issue. However, if you’re designing an enclosure that will completely contain your hot tub it’s going to be important to bear ventilation in mind. This will be key not just to avoid damage to the structure but also to ensure your enjoyment too.
The foundation of your enclosure will be key. This is most important if you’re designing a hot tub enclosure from scratch and especially so for an enclosure in an exposed area outside. The stronger the foundations of the hot tub enclosure, the more likely it will be able to resist difficult weather conditions and the longer it will last.
What aesthetic appeals? If you’ve created an outside space that already has a certain theme then you might want to choose an enclosure that fits that. For example, a natural aesthetic often works well in outside spaces that are intricately landscaped.
Make sure you have enough space. When you’re designing the enclosure space will be key – is there enough room for people to get in and out, for any amenities you want (e.g. towel hooks or a fridge) and also to ensure you have health and safety details covered, such as those relating to wiring.

A hot tub enclosure is a great way to ensure that you can enjoy your hot tub all year round.

Can a hot tub help deal with anxiety?

Posted on 27 June 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Anxiety is very common today. Worldwide, around 40% of disability is due to anxiety and depression. It’s a condition that many of us live with day to day and it can affect everything, from work to personal relationships. There are many ways in which you can deal with anxiety – a hot tub at home can provide some essential relief.

The soothing impact of a hot tub soak

Hydrotherapy has been used as a form of stress relief for thousands of years. Stepping into the warm water of a hot tub can instantly help to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety, in particular the muscle tension that can be common. Soaking in a hot tub improves circulation by dilating blood vessels and this can provide instant relief from muscle tension and pain. There are other ways in which the physical impact of a hot tub on the body can also help to relieve anxiety, including:

Feeling supported by the buoyancy of the water, which enables the body to completely relax
Enjoying the massage effect of the hot tub jets, which are ideal for working out knots of tension and easing painful spots
Getting the body ready for sleep and combating insomnia – according to a study in the journal ‘Sleep’ a pre-bedtime hot tub soak not only makes it easier to fall asleep but also improves the quality of sleep too
Lowering blood pressure – just 15 minutes in a hot tub can bring your blood pressure down according to a study by the Mayo Clinic

Using your hot tub to help deal with anxiety

Having a hot tub at home is a great way to help reduce the anxiety that you experience on a regular basis. Many people develop coping mechanisms that involve alcohol or food, even an addiction to sport or social media, when anxiety gets really bad. Regularly soaking in your hot tub offers a way to cope without any of the negative consequences of these other options. It’s very easy to set up your hot tub as somewhere to go when you’re feeling anxious:

Create a private sanctuary that is out of bounds to other people, somewhere you can retreat to when you need to destress and unwind
Alternatively, make your hot tub a sociable place – human contact can be supportive during anxious times, especially in a hot tub which is the perfect place for real, uninterrupted conversations about difficult issues
Place your hot tub outside in nature – immersing yourself in the natural world is a great solution when things start to feel too much
Use hot tub additions to help cope with anxiety – for example, advanced entertainment systems that allow you to play music can be a great way to increase the anti-anxiety experience. You could also add lights (blue and green are meant to be particularly relaxing) as well as chill out features such as a waterfall.

There are many different ways to cope with anxiety and a hot tub at home can provide simple, swift relief even on the worst of days.

Our top 3 benefits of spending time with family in a hot tub

Posted on 20 June 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Family time can be difficult to create these days with our addiction to devices and the various activities and responsibilities that everyone is involved in. However, family time is crucial to bonding, creating a sense of belonging and ensuring that everyone stays in touch. No matter how large or small your family, having a hot tub at home as somewhere to spend time in is a great way to get your loved ones together and reconnect.

A way of relieving stress for all the family

Hot tubs have proven benefits when it comes to helping people to manage stress. The soothing effects of the warm water – and the impact of the massage jets – can help you to relax physically and calm down emotionally. Hydrotherapy has been used as a way to promote healing and help to reduce stress and anxiety for thousands of years. If you have children doing a lot of sport it can help with recovery – or maybe your teenagers are doing exams and feeling totally stressed out by them. If you have a hot tub to spend time in together then you can all enjoy the stress relieving benefits – which will help to improve family relationships too.

A place where everyone can relax and open up

It’s often difficult to get kids to open up and be honest about what’s really going on in their lives but a hot tub offers the perfect environment for this. Because of the water, devices such as smart phones are left on the side and out of reach so you’ll be able to get your children’s full attention. This is a great space in which to encourage honest conversation and meaningful discussions. It could be something as simple as working out how to deal with a challenging situation by telling your son or daughter about how you managed something similar. Your children may also feel more relaxed and comfortable and so able to open up about problems or issues that they wouldn’t otherwise talk about, whether that’s fear of failure at school or being bullied. Hot tubs are fun but they also have a much more meaningful purpose.

Reconnecting with the ones you love

Finding time for each other is challenging today but if you’re regularly soaking in the hot tub together then you can create a dedicated window in any schedule that’s all about being with the ones you love. This is a great way to create memories that will last and to learn more about each other through open and honest conversation. This type of quality time strengthens relationships, as well as allowing everyone to enjoy the health benefits, such as improving quality of sleep and learning to relax. Dedicating time to relaxation in this way also helps to make it a priority and can create a learning experience for all the family when it comes to handling anxiety and promoting wellness.

If you have a hot tub at home then there are many benefits that your family can enjoy together – these are just a few of them.

6 reasons why your pool is a great calorie burner

Posted on 12 June 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Whether you’re looking to lose weight or build muscle, swimming is a very effective way to do it. You can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour in your pool (depending on your stats you have and the exercise that you do) so if you’re looking for a really effective way to shape up you don’t have to put on a pair of trainers to see great results. Below are 6 reasons why we think the pool is a great calorie burner for everyone.

1. Swimming is effective, but low impact, exercise

Exercise can often take its toll on the body, whether that’s knee pain from running or back issues as a result of cross fit. However, when you’re swimming, the buoyancy of the water provides a much more supportive environment, which means that it’s an exercise option for anyone with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, people with sensitive joints and the elderly too.

2. You can get in the pool even if you’re injured

Swimming is often used in the path to recovery from injury because the water helps to cushion the impact of the exercise. There are lots of different options for the way you can use your pool to burn calories if you’re injured, from straightforward swimming with floats or buoyancy aids to water weight training or aqua aerobics.

3. A full body workout

One of the reasons that swimming is so effective is because it works the entire body. You can burn calories, build muscle and tone your body with a swim workout that combines various different strokes. If you want to get the most out of a workout in your pool then make sure that you warm up first. After that you can switch between swim sprint strokes like butterfly or front crawl with rest periods or slower lengths of breaststroke in between.

4. A genuine calorie burner

The number of calories you’ll burn while swimming will depend on your size and shape, gender, as well as a range of other factors. However, on average you can burn 300 – 444 calories an hour doing most strokes, from breaststroke to front crawl. And if you want to burn more calories? Simply swim faster and for longer.

5. Additional Resistance

Working out in water may make your body feel light but water actually adds resistance to a workout because it’s more than 700 times denser than air. That means that you’re not only able to get the benefits of a cardio workout in your pool but the strengthening and toning effect of pushing against the water too.

6. A real mood booster

Swimming has been used as a way to improve mood for thousands of years. The physical exertion can release endorphins into the body but swimming also has the potential to help calm frayed nerves and reduce anxiety as a result of the calming impact of the water.

Swimming in your pool is a great way to burn calories, shape up and improve overall wellness.

How can a daily hot tub soak help improve physical wellness?

Posted on 6 June 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Hot tubs are a luxury – they are relaxing and indulgent and a great place to socialise. But did you know that a daily hot tub soak goes much further than that? Not only does a hot tub create a blissful spa-like space at home where you can chill out but the impact of the hot tub can also help to improve physical wellness.

A cure for common sleep problems

If you suffer from insomnia, you have trouble getting to sleep or you find that the quality of your sleep is low, regularly soaking in a hot tub can help. The warmth of the water enables the body to wind down and prepare for bed, avoiding issues such as over-stimulation from phones or devices. Quality of sleep is also improved as the body cools down.

Relieving aches and pains

Soaking in a hot tub improves circulation and can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Whether you suffer from a chronic condition, such as arthritis, or you’re winding down after an intense activity or training session, spending time in a hot tub is a great way to reduce discomfort and improve the ease of performing daily activities.

Relaxing over-stressed muscles

Soaking in a hot tub helps the whole body to relax. The buoyancy of the water provides a supportive environment in which tight muscles can unwind, aided by the tension relieving effect of the massage jets. The warmth of the water helps to relax muscles and promote muscle healing.

Promoting weight loss and reducing the risk of heart disease

Studies have found that regularly spending time in a hot tub can help to support a weight loss journey. In clinical studies, people who used a hot tub lost an average of 3.5 pounds without any dieting or exercise (although the most effective weight loss approach combines healthy diet, hot tub and exercise). Regular time in a hot tub has also been found to help with heart disease by lowering blood pressure. Just 15 minutes in a hot tub can be more effective than working out on an exercise bike but puts a lot less stress on the heart.

The impact on emotional wellness

Regular use of a hot tub is important for physical wellness but also has a very positive impact on emotional wellness too. A hot tub can be somewhere to escape to and have some quiet time, to meditate or listen to music after a hard day. It can also be a sociable space in which you spend time with family or loved ones, connecting and bonding. The relaxing effect of the water provides an environment in which worry and anxiety can be left behind.

These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub at home can be beneficial for both body and mind. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to relax, recover or restore, regularly soaking in a hot tub provides the perfect place to give your body what it needs to thrive.

10 essential water workouts for any skill level

Posted on 23 May 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Exercising in water has many benefits. From supported movement that reduces impact on joints, to the increased resistance of working out in water – which is 800 times denser than air – this type of workout suits everyone, including those recovering from injuries and professional athletes. If you’re looking for inspiration for your water workout then here are 10 options to try.

1. Swimming

The simplest and easiest exercise in water is swimming. It can also burn around 500 calories an hour so is a very effective fat burner too.

2. Bicycle

With your elbows resting on the side of the pool, make sure you’re in deep enough water so that your legs are suspended. Then, begin to move your legs as if peddling a bicycle to improve muscle strength and tone.

3. Tuck jumping

This simple jumping exercise can be made more difficult by keeping your feet off the bottom of the pool between jumps. Stand in water up to your chest and jump, bringing your knees as far up as you can. Repeat in sets of 10 and do as many as you can.

4. Leg lifts

Position yourself so that your body and legs are flat out behind you while you lean on the side of the pool. Then begin lifting and lowering both legs at the same time. Keep your legs pressed together while you lift. This exercise is particularly effective thanks to the resistance of the water pressing down on your legs as you lift them towards the surface.

5. Water weights

You can use weights on arms and legs to help strengthen and tone, as well as building muscle. Make sure you’re using pool weights and add them into a workout that features moves such as a butterfly or bar lift.

6. Water planking

Everyone knows how tough planking is but how beneficial it can be for building strength, especially in the core. Use a pool noodle for purchase and, pressing down on the noodle with your hands, lift your body into plank position. The resistance you’ll feel from the water will make this twice as effective an exercise.

7. Speed swimming

If you’re looking for a workout that will send your heart rate up then pick a speed stroke like front crawl and do as many laps as you can. A high intensity cardio option like this can burn up to 700 calories an hour.

8. Pile jumps and squats

With your feet together and knees bent out, jump as high as you can for multiple reps. This is a great exercise for toning legs and glutes, especially with the added water resistance.

9. Jog on the spot

Great for burning calories and building stamina, jogging on the spot is incredibly effective with the added resistance of the water. Make sure you keep your knees high.

10. Scissor lunges

Lunge forward with one foot then jump and scissor the legs so that you end up with the opposite foot in front. You can build strength and tone muscle with this exercise without putting pressure on the knees as you would on dry land.

These are just some of the water workouts you can use to get fitter and build strength, no matter what your skill level. Get in touch to find the perfect swim spa for you today.

How to find your perfect hot tub

Posted on 16 May 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

There are many benefits of a hot tub, from beauty to wellness and recovery, mean that they are becoming an increasingly popular home purchase. Whether you’re looking for a hot tub as somewhere to socialise or to enjoy the physical benefits of hydrotherapy, finding the right hot tub is key. When you start looking for your dream hot tub these are the key questions that you need to ask.

When do you want to use it?

Hot tubs are ideal for cooling off in the summer and warming up in winter. Even if there’s snow on the ground you can still enjoy all the benefits of your hot tub. Think about when you’re planning to use the hot tub so that you can find the right model – all year round or just when the weather is warm or cool?

Where will the hot tub be?

One of the benefits of a hot tub is that even the smallest spaces can accommodate one. Think about whether you’re planning to put the hot tub indoors or outside and where you want to position it. If it’s indoors then you may need to allow room for ventilation. For an outdoor hot tub you might want to consider creating decking or a gazebo to take advantage of a view or create privacy.

How much do you want to spend?

There is a hot tub for every budget, from those that deliver the perfect hydrotherapy experience to models that have all the added extras. It’s always worth looking at what the next price up will buy you in terms of design and extras, just in case a little more spend could mean you get a lot more added value for your money.

How much maintenance are you prepared to do?

Hot tubs do need some maintenance, especially if they are in regular use. This isn’t something that you have to manage if you don’t want to – you can opt for a cleaning and maintenance package or choose a self-cleaning hot tub that will do most of the work for you. Most hot tubs will require you to test the water quality a couple of times a week and clean the filters at least once. The hot tub should be cleaned at least once a month and will need draining and refilling three or four times a year.

Is your set up practical?

In particular, you’ll need to consider:

Hot tubs need a strong and structurally supportive surface on which to stand, whether that’s inside or out.
To fill the hot tub you’ll need an easily accessible water source nearby
Electricity supply is key – most hot tubs are fine with a 110-volt electrical outlet but if you’re planning to buy a higher end design this may need a more powerful supply.

Finding the right hot tub for you is all about asking the important questions. From hot tubs for relaxation to larger models for family fun there are lots of great options to choose from.

Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.

Get your home summer ready with a new hot tub!

Posted on 9 May 2019 - 09:49 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Serenity HT Photo - 6 Masefield Ave-197 (1)-min

The daffodils are out, the days are getting longer and the seasons are beginning to shift towards the warmer months of the year. Spring and summer are the ideal time to get outside after the cold and grey of winter. If you’ve been hibernating from the weather since last autumn it’s time to start thinking about how to get your home – and yourself – summer ready. A new hot tub is the perfect way to do both.

Getting your home summer ready

A hot tub is the ideal summer accessory for your home – and with the hottest time of the year a few months away you still have time to find the perfect model for your property. Hot tubs have a lot of benefits in the summer, including:

A great alternative to a pool for properties with limited space
The ideal way to host summer parties with a difference
All the benefits of hydrotherapy – e.g. reducing anxiety and soothing tired muscles – all year round
Al fresco entertainment – getting everyone outside and into the fresh air when the weather is good
Somewhere to connect with family and friends – no phones allowed!

Getting yourself summer ready

Of course it’s not just your home that may need a bit of a reboot before the summer gets here. If you’ve spent the winter feeling sluggish and tired, wrapping up in big jumpers and generally preferring the sofa to getting out and being active then summer could be an intimidating prospect. A hot tub can help with this too, providing a very effective way to detox before it’s time to bare all in shorts and start revealing pale winter skin to the summer sun. Hot tubs can make you sweat, and sweating is the most powerful tool that our bodies have when it comes to removing toxins from the system. If you’re looking for an effective way to use your hot tub to get summer ready this is what we’d recommend:

Start with a scrub

Use a loofah or a body scrub – you can even make your own from brown sugar, olive oil and honey. The scrub will slough off any dead skin cells, allowing your skin to breathe and get the full benefits of a hot tub soak.

Jump in the tub

As you sit, your body temperature will start to rise and you’ll begin to sweat out all the winter toxins, renewing and refreshing your system and skin as you do so. Remember to drink plenty of water while you’re in the hot tub so that you stay hydrated.

Cool down

When you get out of the hot tub have a cool – or cold – shower to remove anything you’ve sweated out during your detox.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your home for summer – or start getting yourself ready for the warmer months of the year – a hot tub is a great option to help you do it. We can help you find the perfect tub now so that you’re summer-ready in plenty of time.

Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find your perfect hot tub.

Can you use your sauna even when it’s hot outside?

Posted on 2 May 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

When it’s cold and dark and you want to warm up, a sauna seems like the ideal choice. However, during the summer when the mercury is rising a home sauna can easily get forgotten about. The benefits of a sauna are just as relevant when it’s warm outside than when it’s cold – in Scandinavia, arguably the spiritual (and physical) home of the sauna, you’ll find saunas at local summer homes, as well as winter residences. That’s because you absolutely should use your sauna even when it’s hot outside. Here’s why.

Use your sauna to help your body adjust to the heat

If you struggle with the heat – or just with the transition from one seasonal temperature range to another – a sauna can help you to adjust. Saunas are so effective at this that they are even used by professional athletes and sports teams who are training to compete in hotter climates. So, if you want to get more from your summer this year and not suffer with the heat, your sauna will be key to helping you to adjust.

Enjoy the beauty benefits

Whether your skin has become dull and problematic due to constant use of sunscreen, or you’re worried about getting into swimwear for the first time, a sauna is an effective way to tackle these issues. Sauna sessions in the summer can help you to get beach ready – an infrared sauna session can burn 600+ calories in a single sitting. You’ll also see all the benefits of a sweaty sauna session straight away in your skin. Sweating cleanses your system and helps to remove all the impurities sitting on the surface of the skin that might cause problem areas and breakouts.

You still need downtime in the summer

Saunas have an instantly relaxing effect on the body and can be a great place to enjoy some alone time and relax. If you’re suffering from physical aches and pains – maybe a new exercise regime or a sport you’ve taken up for summer – the heat of the sauna will soothe sore muscles and help relieve any pain. Recovery is much quicker with the aid of a sauna, whether that’s recovery from physical activity or from having a few too many drinks at a summer party the night before.

Improve your wellbeing this summer

There are many wellness benefits to using a sauna, whether during the summer or the winter months. For example, regular use can help to improve your heart function and respiratory system. It can assist with salt elimination, enabling your body to sweat out the after effects of summer BBQs to detoxify and reduce water weight. Plus, a sauna provides instant stress relief and help with anxiety issues, whether that’s as a result of an upcoming summer event or seasonal stress at work.
Saunas aren’t just for the winter months they have many benefits all year round. And in the summer in particular they can be ideal for helping you get the most from the time of year, physically and mentally too.

Take a look at our range of saunas and get in touch to find which would be the best suited to you today.

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