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

5 swimming techniques to practice in your swim spa at home

Posted on 13 November 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

The size of a swim spa makes it very easy to accommodate, no matter how limited your space at home. However, while the swim spa itself may not require a large area, you can still swim considerable distance while using one. Thanks to the design of the swim spa, which uses a resistance current to give you a fantastic workout on the spot, there’s no limit to how much you can train, practice or get fit when you have a swim spa at home. This type of pool can also accommodate any stroke so, whether you’re looking to improve fitness or learn something new, you’ll have plenty of choice.

1. Butterfly technique

Let’s start with the one swimming stroke that takes the most effort and skill to perfect. If you’ve always wanted to master this one but never felt comfortable learning in public, your home swim spa is the ideal place to perfect your technique. Butterfly involves moving the arms forward, together, in a circular motion, while kicking your feet. This movement will push your chest up out of the water and power you forward in the most dramatic of ways. If you’re looking for an anaerobic element to your swim then butterfly delivers – it’s great for arms and core too.

2. Front crawl

If your target area for strengthening is your arms then perfecting your front crawl is a great goal to have. Although the legs continuously kick with front crawl, it’s the arms that do most of the work, alternately slicing forward into the water ahead to power you on. As well as strengthening the arms and back, front crawl will also improve overall fitness and swimming ability.

3. Breaststroke

If you’re doing breaststroke well then you should barely break the surface of the water. You won’t need your swim spa jets particularly high for this one, as it’s a slower stroke. However, you will still work your entire body by regularly practicing breaststroke in your swim spa. Both the arms and the legs are active, as well as the core.

4. Backstroke

If you’re looking to break between intense sessions, or keen to find a technique where your face is not in the water, backstroke is a great option. Turn the jets down lower on your swim spa for backstroke and let your arms do all the work. You’ll get a great workout for back and arm muscles and a medium one for the legs too.

5. Sidestroke

If you’re keen to ensure you’re working the muscles in the side of your body, as well as your arms and legs, sidestroke is the technique to master. When you’re practicing sidestroke, make sure that you spend an equal amount of time on both your right and left sides.

These are just some of the techniques you can learn to practice in your swim spa to get fitter, healthier and more proficient at swimming in general. Get in touch for advice from our expert team about which Swim Spa is best suited to your requirements.

What do you need to know about preparing for your Hot Tub installation?

Posted on 6 November 2018 - 16:27 by Christina Mantoura

Preparing to take delivery of your hot tub is an exciting time. You’re about to have a home feature that will give you lots of options and considerably enhance day-to-day living. However, before the hot tub arrives there are a number of preparations that need to be made.

Where are you going to put the hot tub?

This is a key question and one that you may not fully have thought through when ordering the hot tub. You’ll need to ensure that wherever the tub sits you will have easy access to it and that’s it’s close to somewhere you can get changed. You might also want to think about factors such as the view and whether or not it’s overlooked by the neighbours. You’ll need to ensure that the spot you choose is flat, level and not on soft ground.

How will you get the hot tub into position?

Work out the route that the hot tub is going to take when it arrives for installation. You may need to measure openings and doorways to ensure that the hot tub base will fit through. Are there any obstacles, such as pipes, branches or a low roof that could obstruct the hot tub on its journey? It may be necessary to crane the hot tub into position, depending on your chosen location, and it’s important to work this out in advance of the day of hot tub installation.

What kind of considerations are there once the hot tub is in place?

The right base

You’ll need to ensure that you have a good, strong and solid base for the hot tub to sit on. Concrete is ideal and grass is not. You can use existing patio slabs and block paving, as long as they are level and stable. Ideally, the base will be around 10 – 15cm thick. It’s crucial that whatever you opt for as the base for the hot tub is able to support its weight when full of water.

Cabling

The hot tub will require an electrical connection to work and there are some key features to this. For example, the cable will have to run beside the hot tub and not underneath it, and have at least a 4-metre tail from the edge of the hot tub. The hot tub will require that the hot tub will require a dedicated electrical supply and a waterproof isolator will be necessary.

Controls and access

Wherever you decide to position the hot tub it’s essential that the controls can still be accessed. It will also be important to ensure that servicing and maintenance can be carried out.

Water supply

Normally, filling a hot tub is done via a garden hose so it’s essential to have this in place so that you can get the water that you need into your hot tub.

These are the most basic considerations for anyone preparing for hot tub installation. Once these are in place then you are ready to receive that all-important delivery. Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company to place your hot tub order today.

Steam rooms: How are they different from saunas and the benefits they bring?

Posted on 23 October 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Heat can be wonderfully beneficial for the body, from improving skin aesthetics to helping to soothe aches and pains. Both saunas and steam rooms can provide a great heated environment but what’s the difference between the two and what kind of benefits can you expect from a steam room?

What is a steam room?

It’s very similar to a sauna except that the heat is not dry. Saunas are hot and dry while steam rooms tend to be hot and wet. Steam rooms normally maintain a temperature of around 110°F and, as the name suggests, are filled with steam as the temperature rises and the air is heavy with moisture produced by a generator filled with boiling water. While in a sauna you might be sitting on wooden benches in a clear room, with a steam room the surface is normally tiled or stone and the air is cloudy with mist.

What are the benefits of a steam room?

Lowering blood pressure

One of the benefits of spending time in a steam room is the release of a hormone called aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating blood pressure. The aldosterone release can help to bring blood pressure down and make the occupant of a steam room feel more relaxed.

Boosting circulation

Heat and steam have been shown in various studies to help improve circulation, which leads to better overall cardiovascular health. Moist heat is particularly helpful when it comes to boosting circulation to extremities such as hands and feet, especially in older people.

Improving immune response

When our bodies are exposed to water this stimulates the leukocytes cells, which contribute to fighting infection. Although a steam room may not provide a cure, regular use can help to boost the immune system so that you get sick less often.

Reducing painful congestion

Whether you suffer from sinus issues or you just have winter colds, steam rooms are ideal for helping to shift congestion without the scalding dangers of steam inhalation or steam therapy.

Helping to relieve stress

Spending time in a steam room regularly can help to bring down the levels of cortisol in the body, resulting in calmer feelings and better-managed stress levels.

Nurturing beautiful skin

Steam is well known for the positive cleansing and plumping impact that it can have on skin. In particular, the steam will open the pores, helping to detoxify and remove impurities that can cause issues such as blackheads and acne.

Muscle recovery

Whether you’re a professional athlete or starting a new exercise regime, you’ll need to find a way to recover from sore muscles after exercise or training. Many studies have shown that heat is a very effective way to do this and that moist heat is more effective than dry heat.

Potential for weight loss

You can actually burn calories in a steam room thanks to the increase in heart rate from the heat. That’s especially so if you enter a steam room with your heart rate already raised from an aerobic workout.

Combating joint pain and stiffness

Applying heat to joints not only helps to reduce pain but also increases flexibility and can even help to reduce injury before a workout.

These are just some of the reasons why a steam room is a fantastic investment – contact our team to find out more on 0208 309 0600.

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.

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