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

Could sauna use benefit you even in hot summer weather?

Posted on 24 September 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

We tend to associate saunas with cold climates and cooler seasons. However, while people in Scandinavian countries almost always have a sauna that they use when the temperatures drop, they will also have one at a summerhouse. So, the most sauna-loving nations in the world are using theirs all year round. Why? Because Scandinavians know that sauna use can be beneficial even in hot summer weather.

Helping your body to handle the heat

If you struggle in the summer heat then the idea of getting into a sauna might seem like madness. However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that spending time in a sauna can actually help your body to acclimatize to the heat. In 2014, the Italian football team used exactly this tactic before heading to Brazil to play in The World Cup. So, if you’re looking for a way to help your body handle the higher temperatures during the summer, a sauna could be an essential tool.

Improving cardiovascular function

Whether you use your sauna in the winter or the summer months you can still enjoy the positive impact that it has on cardiovascular function. Studies have shown that time in a sauna can actually help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart function is improved, as the sauna raises your heart rate and boosts circulation so that more blood is being pumped around your body. Even during the hotter months of the year your heart can still benefit from sauna time.

Flushing out toxins

We sweat more during the summer months but never as much as when sitting in a sauna. Sweat is the body’s natural method of ridding itself of toxins, and sweating it out in a sauna can help detoxify your body and have a very positive impact on skin. This can be even more important in the summer when we might be drinking a bit more, eating foods such as ice cream more often or regularly covering skin in sunscreen.

Stress relief

Although sunshine is good for the human body, there are plenty of things about summer that can make it a stressful time. Holidays and garden parties, as well as having children at home all day, every day can send stress levels shooting up. Saunas are renowned for their stress relieving qualities, helping your body to be calm and your mind to quiet. If your sauna is a kid-free zone then it may also be a place for essential downtime during these busy months.

Soothing muscles

Summer is often the time that we undertake grueling exercise regimes to help prepare for an annual holiday or just to look better in shorts. Spending time in a sauna can help to relieve aching muscles and sooth joint pain from exercise so that you can wind down after a workout and be ready for the next one.

Come rain or shine, summer or winter, saunas are always useful – you can enjoy the benefits all year round. To find out more about how to find the perfect home sauna, get in touch today on 0208 300 4003 to speak to one of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s experts.

How do you know which hot tub enclosure is right for your garden?

Posted on 18 September 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

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A hot tub enclosure has many benefits, from being a way to personalise your outside space, to providing essential shade or shelter. If you have a hot tub and you’ve decided now is the right time to add an enclosure you’ll need to think carefully about the right option. There are a number of different factors to bear in mind when you’re trying to work out which hot tub enclosure is right for your garden – these are the key questions to ask.

Why do you want to have a hot tub enclosure?

Answering this question will help you to work out what kind of enclosure is going to work best for your space and for your hot tub. Given the unpredictable weather in the UK, you may be looking for a hot tub enclosure that will provide some protection from the elements. Your idea of a hot tub enclosure might be one that gives you more privacy when you’re using the hot tub – or enhances the experience with music or lights. Work out what you want from the hot tub enclosure before you begin looking for one, so that you know what your must-haves are.

What kind of aesthetic appeals?

If the hot tub enclosure is going to be part of a design theme then you need to ensure that it fits with the rest of your outside area. So, for example, if you have a very modern al fresco area with good looking decking and contemporary fixtures, a very traditional and ornate enclosure may not work. You might want the hot tub enclosure to effectively camouflage the hot tub so that it can’t be seen from the house – or you may be looking for an enclosure that makes the hot tub a stand out feature of your garden. All of these will be essential to determine before making your purchasing choice.

How big does the hot tub enclosure need to be?

At a minimum, it needs to be large enough to cope with the dimensions of the hot tub itself. However, you may also want to use the enclosure for more, for example to accommodate changing rooms or even a small bar. If that’s the case then the dimensions of the hot tub enclosure will need to be large enough to allow you to add in the design features you’re looking for.

What do you want the enclosure to be made of?

The materials you choose for your hot tub enclosure will have an impact on aesthetics – high quality wood, for example, will look more natural than a painted enclosure. However, there is also the issue of maintenance and durability. How often are you willing to clean and maintain the enclosure and how long do you want it to last before it needs to be replaced?

These are just a few of the key questions to consider when choosing a hot tub enclosure for your property. For help with all the key decisions involving hot tubs, contact a member of our team today on 0208 300 4003.

How could an outdoor TV transform your outdoor hot tub experience?

Posted on 11 September 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

When the weather is warm, the temptation is to spend as much time as possible outside. However, bringing the inside of your home outside is not always that easy, especially when it comes to electronics. Today, technology innovation has solved that particular problem with an outdoor TV that you can watch from the comfort of your hot tub. An outdoor TV could be what you need to completely transform your outdoor hot tub experience.

How does it work?

Outdoor TVs are designed to function without the protection of four walls so you won’t have to worry about damage or poor performance as a result of the weather. These flat panel TVs have been specifically designed to cope with all the potential obstacles of being outside, from humidity and fluctuating temperatures, through to the issues that insects and animals can present. An outdoor TV can even withstand extreme heat, as well as snow and ice, so you can use it all year round.

The features of a purpose built outdoor TV

Resistance to heat and cold. A purpose built outdoor TV could withstand temperatures as cold as -30° F and as high as 140° F.
Essential weatherproofing. For example, an outdoor TV will be designed so that the control buttons are weatherproof and won’t be affected by rain. Most outdoor TVs will also come with a remote control that has similar weatherproofing protection.
An in-built cooling system. Given that the purpose of the TV is to function even when the mercury rises, an outdoor TV will have a multi-fan airflow system to ensure that it stays cool no matter how fierce the sun.
An anti-reflective screen. This enables uninterrupted watching of the TV even in bright sunlight. You can also find models with an in-built ambient light sensor so that screen brightness is automatically adjusted depending on the light around the TV.
Durability and resistance. Most outdoor TVs will have a tempered-glass screen/cover to ensure that the model is hardier and able to resist the outdoor elements without damage.

Why an outdoor TV could transform your hot tub experience

It’s super social. If you love to use your hot tub socially then having an outdoor TV means you can invite people over for hot tub cinema, watching sports matches or catching up on shared favourite TV shows, such as Love Island.
You can make the most of your hot tub. With an outdoor TV you don’t have to leave the hot tub to watch your favourite show, catch up with the news or listen to music.
Your tech is likely to experience less damage. An outdoor TV is a far safer alternative than trying to watch on your phone, for example, which could easily slip into the water.
Your hot tub is elevated to a whole new level. From more satisfying alone time to epic parties, the addition of an outdoor TV will give your hot tub a new lease of life.

If you’d like to find out more about hot tubs and essential accessories, contact a member of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s team today.

5 considerations when choosing where to put your new hot tub

Posted on 3 September 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Hot tubs are an enviable luxury and a great asset to any property. However, whether you get the most from your hot tub depends on where you position it. In fact, location has a huge impact over how much you get to enjoy the tub and whether it feels like a good investment. When you’re deciding where to put your new hot tub there are some key considerations to bear in mind.

1. Convenience is key

It’s all very well positioning your hot tub in an aesthetically pleasing spot miles away from the back door but have you considered how inconvenient that’s going to be in the colder months? If you want to make sure that you have use of the hot tub all year round then it will be essential to position it somewhere that is convenient. Convenience means a short dash to get to the warm water or being positioned close to towels, drinks, music – whatever is going to make your hot tub experience more enjoyable.

2. The foundations will be essential

The right location for your hot tub will also be a spot that enables the hot tub to be easily installed and function correctly. Hot tubs can be heavy and may require significant support so soft ground could mean installing a cement pad or concrete pavers. If you’re looking to add a hot tub to decking then consider integrating it into the design when the decking is being built.

3. Aesthetics have a role to play

A hot tub can be a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing addition to your property or grounds, as long as it’s in the right spot. A horizon with a view and a hot tub bubbling and sparkling in the foreground is perfect. However, if it’s blocking the driveway or restricting a view then the location may not be right. When choosing the best aesthetic location for your hot tub you might also want to consider the additions that you can make, such as stringing fairy lights into a nearby tree or adding mood lights or plants for greater ambiance.

4. Hot tub use is a factor

If you’re planning to use the hot tub as an escape from family life then positioning it far away from the buzz of the family home will be essential. If the purpose of having the hot tub is to bring people together then you’ll get more from it if it’s in a sociable and accessible spot.

5. The importance of privacy

If privacy is important to you then where you position your hot tub will have a big impact. You’ll need to test out the location you’re considering in terms of who has a view of it and from how far away it’s visible. However, even if you don’t have a totally secluded spot there’s still a lot you can do to achieve some privacy, for example, with a hot tub gazebo, screens or flowering plants and vines.

For help finding the perfect hot tub and the ideal location to position it in, contact a member of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s expert team today on 0208 300 4003.

10 benefits your steam room can bring to you

Posted on 28 August 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Your steam room can do a lot more for you than just relaxation. Having a steam room at home is a fantastic luxury, not just from the point of view of life experience but wellness and winding down too. These are just a few of the benefits that your steam room can deliver, whether you’re using it first thing in the morning, post-workout or just before you go to sleep.

1. A steam clean for the skin

The clean, damp heat of steam has long been used by beauty experts as a way to improve skin quality and cleanliness. Spending time in your steam room opens the pores so you can sweat out any dirt, oil or bacteria. The result of regular use is cleaner skin, fewer blackheads and spots, and skin that looks better thanks to the increased blood flow in your body due to the heat.

2. An aid to weight loss

The heat of the steam room causes your body to sweat and your heartbeat to rise as your body works to handle the increased heat. This higher heart rate boosts the metabolism and leads the body to burn more calories even though you’re sitting still.

3. A few moments of calm

A steam room is a very peaceful experience and the mental benefits of taking time out to really relax should not be underestimated. Whether you’re gathering your thoughts before a key meeting or preparing for the day ahead, a steam can give you a much needed quiet moment.

4. Detoxifying from head to toe

It’s not just the skin that benefits from the cleansing effect of sweating but your entire body. Sweating is one of the main ways that we rid ourselves of toxins and regular sessions in a steam room are the perfect way to give your body the chance to refresh and renew.

5. Joint management

The impact of spending time in a steam room is very positive for your joints, helping to ease the pain of conditions such as arthritis and improve joint mobility.

6. Getting your blood pumping

When you’re sitting in the heat of a steam room your cardiovascular system gets a serious boost, as the body responds by increasing the blood flow around the body. There are many benefits to this improvement in circulation, from heart health through to waking you up in the mornings.

7. A great partner to a workout

The steam room is the ideal place to wind down after a gym session, helping to soothe any flaring nerve endings and aid recovery. It has also been found to help improve gym gains – the heat reduces oxidative stress on the body, improving muscle growth and recovery.

8. Hydration station

Take a large bottle of water into the steam room with you and you’ll come out fresh and hydrated, as the heat will encourage you to drink more.

9. Clear your head

If you have sinus issues, or just a seasonal cold, a session in the steam room will open mucous membranes and help to clear your sinuses.

10. Nowhere to plug in your phone

Steam rooms are a technology free zone – if you’re struggling with tech addiction and looking for a way to reduce screen time, the steam room is the perfect place.

These are just some of the fantastic benefits of a steam room at home. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find out more.

How to choose between an indoor and an outdoor sauna

Posted on 21 August 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Saunas are a fantastic facility to have at home. They have a very wide range of benefits, from helping the body to detox through to being a great way to wind down and relax after a tough day. Saunas are also incredibly versatile and can be installed in virtually any home and a variety of different types of spaces. You also have the option of an indoor sauna or an outdoor sauna – so which one is likely to be the right choice for your home?

The benefits of a home sauna

It’s worth remembering that wherever you install the sauna you’re still going to get the same fantastic health and lifestyle benefits from it. Your home sauna could help you to:

Flush toxins

Sweating is the body’s natural way of ridding itself of toxins and regular sauna sessions provide a very effective way to do that.

Lose weight

Studies have found that we burn calories in a sauna as the heart rate increases.

Be healthier

Sauna sessions boost white blood cells, which are essential for immune health.

Improve performance

Whether you’re training for The FIFA World Cup or just looking to improve, saunas increase heat tolerance threshold, which can help to reduce fatigue and sustain energy.

Enjoy healthier skin and hair

Regularly sweating in a sauna removes bacteria and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and also activates the sebaceous gland on the scalp for healthier, glossier hair.

Indoor vs. outdoor sauna

Once your sauna is installed you’ll be able to enjoy all of the benefits above, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. So, the key questions when deciding whether to opt for indoor installation or an outdoor sauna are often related to the space you have available and how you want to use the sauna.

Outdoor saunas can be more relaxing. Often, they are situated slightly away from the noise and bustle of a home and so you may get more effective chill out time in your sauna if it’s outside.
Outdoor saunas offer plenty of scope for creativity. The building in which you house the sauna can be designed to suit your tastes and as creative as you want it to be.
Outdoor saunas may require some preparation. You’ll need to ensure that you have the right surface, as well as a suitable electrical connection.
Indoor saunas are usually quicker to install, as they can use the existing electrical connections in the home.
Indoor saunas may be subject to space restrictions. If you’re going to have a sauna indoors then the size and shape of it will be dictated by the space that you have, such as a large bathroom. You’ll also need to consider how to blend the sauna aesthetics with your interiors.
Indoor saunas are protected by the existing structure of your home and you don’t have to create any new buildings to protect them from the elements.

Whether you choose an indoor sauna or an outdoor sauna, you’ll still have all the fantastic benefits of a sauna at home. We can help you to find the perfect model for whatever the space you have available. Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.

How do specially-designed covers help to protect your hot tub?

Posted on 14 August 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

A hot tub is a great investment that can bring a lot into your life. From hydrotherapy and wellness benefits through to providing a social spot for family and friends, having a hot tub at home is a great asset. If you’ve spent time choosing the right hot tub for you, and money ensuring that you have the right model, then it makes sense to protect your hot tub so that you can enjoy it in perfect condition for as long as possible.

Specially designed hot tub covers

A bespoke hot tub cover is made specially for your hot tub so you know that it will fit perfectly. Most covers are made up of two hinged sections that have been created especially for the dimensions of your hot tub and will be made up of removable, vinyl shells that can zip open or closed. A good quality hot tub cover is essential if you want to ensure that your hot tub is always an enjoyable experience.

Preserving the heat

A specially designed hot tub cover will help to preserve the heat in your tub and avoid the perils of too much water evaporation. The more heat you’re able to prevent from escaping, the more energy efficient your hot tub can be and the less expense you’ll need to incur when it comes to heating the hot tub to the optimum temperature. A well made cover will also ensure that your water levels don’t drop as a result of evaporation. Too much evaporation can mean spending more to top the tub up and require a readjustment of the chemicals you’re using in the hot tub.

Ensuring your water quality

Adding a bespoke cover to your hot tub keeps everything out that you don’t want in the water. So, bugs and leaf debris, which can block your hot tub filters and look pretty unsightly, are kept firmly out. If you’re using the hot tub indoors then a cover will ensure that you don’t get dust or pet hair in the water either. The end result is that every time you go to use the hot tub, simply pull back the cover and the water is fresh and ready to enjoy.

Supporting maintenance

Every hot tub requires some maintenance but if you leave your hot tub without a cover, or use a generic cover that is poor quality or doesn’t quite fit, then you’re likely to have even more maintenance to deal with – and on a much more regular basis. A quality cover designed especially for your hot tub protects the water and the structure of the tub so that you can enjoy it with minimum maintenance.

We can help you to find the perfect bespoke cover for your hot tub. Contact us to find out more.

4 benefits for working professionals buying a home swim spa

Posted on 7 August 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

For working professionals, fitting in the time to focus on relaxation and wellness can be a real challenge. Busy schedules and long days often mean that goals for downtime or exercise are dropped because there simply isn’t the time to go to the gym or attend a yoga class. This is where a home swim spa has a lot to offer – whether your life needs more commitment to health, or you’re keen to find time to relax, there are some key benefits to having this facility at home.

1. A way to workout at home

Swimming is some of the best exercise there is, as it uses almost every part of your body – for a comprehensive workout it’s unbeatable. It’s also much easier to do whatever your current condition, as it’s low impact, and can support a dedicated training regime for athletes, from amateur to professional. A swim spa at home brings all the benefits of this excellent workout to your home so that you can schedule an exercise routine that works for you. Whether you’re starting a new exercise regime or looking to amp up current training, the convenience of a home swim spa means that you’re much more likely to reach your fitness goals.

2. Wellness on tap

Regular exercise will contribute a lot to your overall wellness but that’s not the only benefit that a swim spa has. Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries to improve health, from relieving joint pain, such as arthritis, to helping to reduce the impact of stress that might be causing insomnia or headaches. Research has also shown that spending time in warm water can help to reduce blood pressure and hydrotherapy can have a positive impact on body functions, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. The swim spa’s jets are also incredibly relaxing and can minimise muscular pain, whether it’s chronic or the result of something like strenuous exercise or sitting for too long.

3. Simple maintenance

If your schedule is already incredibly busy then the idea of adding another job to a task list can be challenging. A swim spa brings all the above benefits without also requiring a lot of maintenance that takes up time and just gives you more to do. Swim spas are smaller and simpler to maintain than a full size swimming pool and tend to require fewer chemicals too. Plus, the smaller size means there is less cleaning to schedule.

4. Easy to install

Swim spas have the benefit of being the right size for many spaces so you don’t need to go through the upheaval of lots of building work or structural change to accommodate one. Compact size and a variety of different options when it comes to design and shape mean that a swim spa is one of the simplest options if you’re looking to add exercise and wellness to your life with minimum hassle.

We can help you to find the perfect swim spa to accommodate your busy life – contact us to find out more.

How to pick a hot tub for your holiday home use

Posted on 24 July 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Hot tubs are an increasingly common asset in holiday properties. From luxurious hotels through to boutique retreats, they are a feature of a great trip for many holidaymakers. So much so that many people tend to come home and buy a hot tub for home use – or a hot tub for their own holiday home. If you feel that a hot tub could add fun, relaxation and wellness to your holiday home experience then here are some tips on how to pick the right tub.

Research portability

Most hot tubs are not portable – they are installed in a specific location and require a specific, supportive surface on which to sit. So, if portability is an important consideration for you then there is only one type of hot tub to consider: Softubs. A Softub is lightweight and designed to be low hassle in terms of installation, making it the most portable hot tub on the market.

Work out the positioning

There are many different factors to take into account when it comes to the positioning of your hot tub. For example, you’ll need to make sure that you can connect any cables safely and that you have a power source for the hot tub. It will also be important to ensure that you can gain access to the working parts of the hot tub for repairs or maintenance. And then there’s positioning in terms of the location where you’re likely to get the most benefit from a hot tub. When it comes to holiday homes this is often outside. Softubs tend to have an advantage here too, as they can be placed almost anywhere. There are no restrictions on where you can place a Softub and no concrete base is required. So, from decking and balconies to lawns and roof terraces, your hot tub can go anywhere.

Look at energy efficiency

Especially in homes that are likely to be empty for large parts of the year, energy efficiency is going to be an important feature when it comes to picking the right hot tub. Softubs score highly with respect to energy efficiency and using heat recovery technology. A single unit contains all of pump, motor and heater, and filtered water is warmed by the heat generated from the motor to make the whole system more energy efficient.

Aesthetics and extras

The look of your hot tub will contribute as much to your experience of it in your holiday home as how it performs. So, choose a hot tub that will withstand the weather if it’s placed outside and which has a range of different colours options to choose from. Softubs, for example, have an outer layer made from Leathertex, which is incredibly robust and can withstand most types of weather conditions. You might also want to consider extras for your hot tub, such as a wood surround or a partial roof for shade during hotter days.

Softubs are an obvious choice for holiday homes – contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s expert team for more advice about what is right for your requirements today.

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