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

How to hot tubs encourage romance and relaxation?

Posted on 16 October 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

It’s not easy to be part of a couple today. Whether you’re stressed out with a hectic work life, trying to balance the demands of family – or both – making time for each other is hard. Romance and relaxation can feel like completely foreign concepts if your time is not your own and you’re just never really able to switch off. The good news is that a hot tub might be able to help with this – having a hot tub at home is not just a lifestyle luxury but can also help you to make some positive relationship changes too.

A phone free zone

You can, of course, take a smart phone into a hot tub but the conditions aren’t exactly ideal. There’s the risk of dropping the phone and the steam of the hot tub could affect the way the phone works. So, most people don’t tend to take their phones into the hot tub, which makes it the ultimate phone free zone. And what happens when you don’t have a phone in your hand? You look at the person opposite or next to you, listen to what they’re saying and you get the chance to connect without distractions.

A place to truly relax

The benefits of hydrotherapy on the human system are well known – warm water, in particular, helps to soothe aching muscles and reduce stress. When you add the comfort of massage jets to that then you have a truly relaxing experience and somewhere that you can forget about the problems and pressures of life outside the tub. Such a relaxed space creates the perfect environment for couples looking to spend quality time together. When you’re relaxed, interactions with your other half tend to be more positive and intimate and arguments far less likely to arise.

Adults-only

If you have a family then you probably feel like the entire house is theirs, from the toys that cover the lounge floor to the TV shows that are never your choice. With a hot tub you can create a space that’s only for the adults in the house. Perhaps the kids get to have fun in the hot tub at the weekends but during the week it’s an adult-only zone that you can retreat to for a break from family life. Add some candles and some soft music and you’ve got the perfect kid-free setting for some much-needed romance.

A versatile relaxation option

Sometimes, what makes a relationship better is space and giving one person who is having a tough time somewhere that they can rest and recharge alone. As much fun as a hot tub is together it also provides a great spot for alone time. Every relationship benefits when both partners get enough alone time and having a hot tub at home can encourage that.

Home hot tubs can provide a much-needed injection of romance and relaxation – contact us to discuss which model might be right for you and your partner.

10 reasons to take the plunge and have your very own swimming pool

Posted on 9 October 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

A swimming pool is a fantastic asset in any home. From providing a location for socialising to helping your family to implement genuine lifestyle change, there are lots of reasons why it makes sense to take the plunge and have your very own swimming pool.

1. You can increase the value of your home

In fact, estimates suggest that adding a swimming pool to your property can increase its value by around 15%. Buyers will pay more for a swimming pool and, for some, it’s a deal breaker.

2. Swimming at home is safer

If your kids are playing in the pool in the garden it’s much easier to keep an eye on them than if they are in a public pool or at someone else’s home. With a pool at home you can teach them how to be safe in the water from an early age.

3. Create a space for making great family memories

It can be difficult to make real family time, especially once your kids become teenagers. However, if you have a pool at home then you have a space where everyone can congregate without the distraction of a TV screen or anywhere to plug in a smart phone.

4. A great way to entertain

If you’re the neighbour with the pool then you’ll instantly find your home is popular, especially on hot summer days. Home swimming pools are great for socialising and can make any summer party extra special. Your kids will be even more popular during the summer holidays too when every child in the neighbourhood wants a pool to cool off in.

5. Hydrotherapy is great for relaxing

When you get home after a hard day, a dip in the pool can be reviving and refreshing. Water therapy is renowned for helping the body to relax and distress. Whether you swim or just soak, the luxury of a pool at home makes it much easier to wind down and chill out.

6. Save money on holidays and vacations

Although you’ll still want to go away on holiday, if there are times when you can’t then a pool at home still means the family can have a great summer. With plenty of options for pool financing, it doesn’t have to cost as much as you might think.

7. Be creative with your swimming pool

If you think your property deserves much more than a simple pool then you have plenty of options, from slides and waterfalls to fountains and sculptures.

8. Improving health and fitness

Swimming is fantastic exercise that works the whole body in a supported way. With a pool at home there’s no excuse for not sticking to your exercise schedule so you can make great progress towards your fitness goals.

9. Cool off in the summer

There is nothing – not even iced drinks or air conditioning – that beats a pool for escaping the summer heat.

10. The right pool is a great investment

Unlike an experience or a trip, a pool is permanent so your family can enjoy a pool at home for years to come.

If you’d like to discuss your options for a swimming pool at home, please contact a member of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company team today.

Have you thought about getting a swim spa for using at home?

Posted on 3 October 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Swim spas are an increasingly popular choice for those who want a fitness or relaxation option at home. Smaller than a swimming pool but larger than a hot tub they provide perfect all year round access to water, whether that’s for the purposes of fun, hydrotherapy or improving your exercise regime. If you haven’t thought about a swim spa for your home before then now might be a great time to consider it.

The benefits of choosing a swim spa for your home

A versatile choice for any space

You may not have the room for a pool on your property or you might have an awkwardly shaped patio or yard – swim spas are versatile and easy to accommodate in just about any space.

Enjoy your swim spa all year round

It can be incredibly expensive to heat a full sized swimming pool during the winter months but, at the same time, you want to ensure that you get the most from your investment. Swim spas are more economical to heat, which means that they can be used all year round even during the coldest winter months.

Simple, easy maintenance

Another key factor with a swim spa is that it’s much easier and cheaper to maintain than a full sized pool. Rather than a weekly routine of cleaning, scrubbing and skimming, it takes just a matter of minutes to complete the maintenance requirements for a swim spa.

Lower running costs

Clever, insulated design as well as a smaller size than your average swimming pool means that it costs much less to heat and run a swim spa. Lower running costs not only mean that you can keep costs down but also that you’ll be able to use your swim spa whenever you want without having to worry about the cost.

A lifestyle upgrade

Swim spas are fantastic for socialising and a great way to relax. They also have a current that you can set to your desired resistance to create the perfect conditions for swimming or training – all without leaving the house.

How to choose a swim spa for your home

Once you’ve decided to opt for a swim spa, finding the right one is simple.

Jets and currents

Different swim spas generate currents in different ways. For example, some use hot tub style jets while others have a hydraulically powered propeller. The type of mechanism you choose will have an impact on noise, performance and speed.

Energy efficiency

While all swim spas tend to be more energy efficient than a swimming pool there are still some significant differences between models. Especially if you’re planning to heat your swim spa frequently during the winter it’s important to choose a model with positive energy efficiency so that your costs are low.

Maintenance

Swim spas vary in the maintenance commitment they require. Although always easier to maintain than a pool it’s worth asking what kind of maintenance is going to be necessary for your desired model so that you can make life easy for yourself going forward.

We can help you to choose the ideal swim spa for your lifestyle needs – contact a member of our team for more information today on 0208 300 4003.

Could sauna use benefit you even in hot summer weather?

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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.

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