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

Why we choose only the best Hydropool Swim Spas

Posted on 15 May 2018 - 11:23 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

The range of swim spas on the market today is very broad. However, there are some fairly significant differences between many of the different models and brands, some of which are not that easy to spot to the untrained eye. We make a point of only choosing the very best Hydropool Swim Spas because we believe that doing this ensures our customers enjoy a number of benefits.

Swim spas offer versatility

The best swim spas have many more uses than just one, from resistance workouts to post-exercise massage and as a place for fun activities with the family. So, whether you’re looking for an efficient way to exercise or you have blissful relaxation in mind, the right model will give you opportunities to enjoy both.

Energy efficiency

Investment in a swim spa doesn’t stop with the cost of buying your own pool for your home. The way that the swim spa consumes energy will have a big impact on how much it costs to enjoy this at-home luxury on an ongoing basis. Hydropool swim spas have a significant advantage over competitors when it comes to energy efficiency – the insulated design means the swim spa can reuse its own waste heat and its system is more efficient. For example, whereas some swim spa models take 6-8 hours to filter all the water, Hydropool swim spas take just 40 minutes.

Speed and resistance swim spa options

Those using a swim spa to meet fitness goals will find the Hydropool speed and resistance options incredibly useful. Aquaflex technology means that two wide stream jets release water at the same time – other models require each jet to be individually adjusted and this can create turbulence. The range of speed and resistance options is incredibly broad, whether you’re looking to teach your children how to swim or training yourself to compete.

Cleaning and maintenance

The process of cleaning is one of the less glamorous aspects of owning a swim spa. However, it’s necessary both to ensure a long life for the spa and also to make sure it’s clean and hygienic. The self-cleaning technology in Hydropool swim spas makes this process simple and fast, using up minimal energy, both yours and the energy that powers your home. There is no need to skim or vacuum when you have this type of swim spa and because Hydropool swim spas push water and debris, as opposed to pulling it, filtration is much faster.

Exceptionally designed swim spas

Many of the benefits of owning Hydropool swim spas come from the exceptional design that contributes to everything, from performance to energy efficiency. The shell has been designed to eliminate splash back, for example, while cutting edge insulation makes these models cheaper to run. Advanced pump design ensures the smoothest possible swim and a high quality jet system keeps turbulence to a minimum and creates the perfect conditions for enjoyable swimming.

If you’d like to find out more about why we choose Hydropool swim spas – and why you should too – contact a member of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s team today.

What are some of our newest featured Hot Tubs?

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

Hot tubs are an evolving and exciting technology that deliver a wealth of blissful benefits for a home spa environment. You might be looking for hydrotherapy to help with aches and pains, or a way to help you relax and wind down after a tough day at work. With the right hot tub you can access all these benefits and more. The Hydropool 790 Self Cleaning Hot Tub and the 10 Person Self Cleaning 970 are two of our newest hot tubs and well worth investigating if you’re ready to have a hot tub at home – or upgrade an older model.

10 Person Self Cleaning 970

Space is the primary feature of the Self Cleaning 970 that sets it apart from many other models on the market. This hot tub has genuinely sizeable dimensions, which makes it the perfect choice if you have a large family or you’re looking to enjoy your hot tub at home with friends and guests. It has also been luxuriously designed to ensure that you get all the relaxation benefits of having a hot tub, including a unique volcano-style jetting system for the feet and fully adjustable high-volume jets that you can fine-tune to suit your own needs. The hot tub design features a never-float lounger, as well as a Muskoka-style chair and there are also eight additional seats, creating room for up to 10 people in total.

The self cleaning technology is key to the appeal of the 970, as it makes life so much easier for a hot tub owner. This hot tub has some of the most advanced self cleaning technology in the world, which means that 100% of the water is cleaned every 15 minutes. Debris is cleaned away from both the water surface and also from the bottom of the hot tub. With a range of different colours available, the 970 hot tub wins both in terms of customisable design and spa experience for up to 10 people.

Hydropool 790 Self Cleaning Hot Tub

The therapeutic benefits of the 790 Self Cleaning Hot Tub are hard to beat. Designed with physiotherapists and osteopaths, it provides a blissful way to soothe away aches and pains and the cares and stresses of daily life. The fully adjustable, high-volume hydrotherapy jetting system and the therapeutic nature of the warm water have many benefits, from helping to relieve aching legs to supporting your body through a detox. Multi level seating means that the 790 hot tub is ideal for all the family and there is plenty of room, with space for up to eight people.

The 790 is another of our hot tubs that benefits from radical self cleaning technology. A Patented Self Cleaning System means that the hot tub is simple to maintain, requiring minimum effort and enabling maximum enjoyment from the first moment of installation.

These are two of our newest featured hot tubs, popular for their specifications and design – and also recently featured on ITV’s This Morning. Contact us to find out more about which model is perfect for you, on 0208 300 4003.

How can regular sauna use benefit mature users?

Posted on 23 April 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Sauna therapy has been used by humans through the generations for thousands of years. From Finnish wood-fired saunas through to Native American sweat lodges, cultures from all over the world have seen the benefit of the sauna and used it to calm and detox mind and body. For more mature users, the sauna is particularly beneficial.

Better skin, anti-aging impact through sauna use

Deep sweating is incredibly good for the skin. It helps to improve skin cell turnover and also cleanses the skin of bacteria and toxins that can causes blemishes and irritation. Near infrared saunas are also a great tool when it comes to anti-aging. The red light helps to stimulate collagen and elastin, two of the key components of the human body that are required to maintain smoothness and plumpness of skin and which can help to reduce cellulite and stretch marks.

Saunas can aid simple weight loss

Stepping into a sauna could help considerably with a weight loss plan. Far infrared radiant heat has been found to help burn 600 calories in a 30 minute session and studies have shown that it can significantly improve weight loss. This is the result of the impact of a sauna on the human body, which is remarkably similar to the effects of cardio exercise. Blood pressure drops, heart rate increases and, as a result, oxygenation and metabolic rate rise.

Improving heart health with your sauna

The reduction in blood pressure and increase in oxygenation that result from spending time in a sauna are both key components in positive heart health. While saunas can be just as effective as exercise when it comes to improving cardiac output they don’t have the same risk – saunas are much less likely to cause problems for those with underlying heart conditions so can be a good alternative to exercise.

Soothing and calming effects of saunas

Near infrared saunas have been found to have a positive impact on inflammation, which can help to reduce the impact of irritated conditions such as eczema. They can also help to reduce pain, whether it’s caused by a chronic condition such as arthritis or something like a tension headache. There have also been some studies that have shown saunas can even contribute to the treatment of, and recovery from, cancer. High temperatures can kill cancer cells without doing any damage to the human body and one study even found that this kind of heat therapy inhibited the growth of solid tumor cells.

Can saunas improve your general wellbeing?

As we grow older we can experience all kinds of feelings and moods that we may not previously have suffered from, including depression and anxiety. These can be crippling in daily life, especially if the cause is not obvious. Regular sessions in a sauna have been found to alleviate symptoms associated with depression. Plus, sauna use can also help to keep mind and brain healthy – one study found that 15 minutes a day in a sauna resulted in a 66% lower risk of developing dementia.

If you’d like to know more about sauna options and what they could add to your lifestyle contact a member of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s team on 0208 300 4003.

5 medical conditions that regular hot tub use can help to relieve

Posted on 16 April 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

We often view a hot tub as a symbol of luxury and something that’s purely about indulgence. However, that’s not the only function that hot tubs have. From providing therapeutic easing of muscle pain through to helping to improve circulation, there are many benefits to using a hot tub regularly that can help to ease certain medical complaints.

How can hot tubs assist with Parkinson’s Disease?

Hydrotherapy is increasingly being used to treat Parkinson’s Disease. The warmth of the water helps to loosen up muscles and the buoyancy of the water means that there are no balance issues to worry about. Using a hot tub at home on a regular basis can help to ease the symptoms of this progressive disease.

Hot tubs can help to reduce ongoing, chronic pain

Many people suffer from chronic pain, particularly as they get older. Chronic pain is different to acute pain, which usually eases once the cause of the pain has been dealt with. Problems with chronic pain can persist for months or years but regular use of a hot tub can help to relieve some of the symptoms. The warm water and jets in a hot tub can help to reduce inflammation and soothe painful joints.

Arthritis and fibromyalgia pain can be reduced through hot tub use

Both arthritis and fibromyalgia involve problems with the joints and soft tissue in the body and can cause chronic pain that can’t be cured. However, this can be reduced when joints, muscles and tendons are relaxed. Spending regular time in a hot tub – with its warm bubbles and soothing jets – is a great way to help bring more relaxation to the body. The effect of this is to make it much easier to manage the pain that can come with these two conditions.

Neuromuscular conditions that can he helped through regular hot tub use

Neuromuscular conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, often involve problems with muscle condition and mobility. Hydrotherapy is increasingly being used as a treatment for this category of conditions because the buoyancy of the water provides a low impact way to exercise and the body is supported. Regular use of a hot tub can help to relieve some of the symptoms of neuromuscular conditions, including pain and muscle spasms.

Hot tubs can help to relieve the aches and pains of getting older

Regularly spending time in a hot tub can do a lot to help relieve the aches and pains of getting older. Problems with senior health can arise in any number of different ways, from conditions that cause chronic pain through to the emotional and mental issues that result from a loss of confidence. If you have a hot tub at home then this can be a huge benefit when it comes to senior health. The heat of the water helps to open blood vessels and improve circulation and the jets in the hot tub are designed to help soothe aching muscles. Plus, confidence can be improved by regular hot tub use – as it’s one more activity seniors know they can still do.

If you’d like to find the perfect hot tub for your home, whether it’s for therapeutic or relaxation purposes, we can help. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find out more.

An introduction to Swim Spas and why they’re becoming more popular

Posted on 9 April 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

The swim spa is a relatively new option in the home pool market but its popularity is starting to peak. Compact, convenient and often offering a better workout than swimming in a full sized pool, the swim spa has lots of plus points for many people, from cost effectiveness through to being a luxury feature. So, what is a swim spa and why is it becoming such a popular choice?

What is a swim spa?

This type of pool was originally created for fitness. The most fundamental part of its design is the current mechanism that creates resistance against which to swim and offers the ideal way to get a customisable workout without leaving home. Swim spas vary in size and dimensions but most are around 12-19 feet long and 7-9 feet wide – this puts them somewhere in between the swimming pool and the hot tub in terms of size. When it comes to construction, a swim spa is much more like a hot tub in the interior, as it has hot tub style jets that are fitted into an acrylic shell. Water pumps and an electric heater complete the swim spa design.

Why are swim spas becoming so popular?

Swim spas are a better option for swimmers

With a traditional pool, a swimmer has to turn at the end of each length and this is often an uncomfortable moment that can slow down an exercise session. With a swim spa, there is a continuous current to swim against that doesn’t require any stops or turns.

Swim spas are a versatile choice for any space

The main issue for many people when it comes to somewhere to swim at home is often space. Few have room for a full sized swimming pool, especially one that will enable some serious training. Swim spas are much more compact and much smaller, meaning that they can be positioned just about anywhere – and are available as above ground or in-ground too.

Maintenance for swim spas is simpler and cheaper

The cleaning and maintenance on a home swim spa can be completed in a mater of minutes whereas a pool could take hours and may require a professional to do it. For those with busy lifestyles, the swim spa is by far the better choice.

Swim spas are more cost effective

Given their smaller dimensions and the insulated design of the swim spa they tend to be cost effective to run. Most operate at a fraction of the cost of a full sized swimming pool. They also tend to be more energy efficient, as the insulation in the shell is designed to trap the heat generated by the pumps and heater.

Your swim spa is a year-round asset

Whereas swimming pools are often out of action during the winter months, the swim spa is not. As the swim spa is so much smaller and easier to heat it can be used all year round, even when there is snow on the ground.

If you’d like to find the perfect swim spa for your home there are many models to choose from – contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003 and we can help you to find the right one for you.

What are the health benefits of regular swim spa use?

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

A swim spa at home is certainly a luxury, however, that’s not the only reason to consider investing in one. If you’re looking to live a better lifestyle this year, or to improve your personal wellbeing, then a swim spa could be a great tool. Thanks to the opportunities a swim spa offers for getting fit and the positive effective of the water on joints and muscles there are lots of health benefits that are associated with regular swim spa use.

Low impact exercising

Swimming is great exercise and can help to improve fitness levels, as well as the condition of your body. It’s also a low impact type of exercise, which means that you can get all the benefits of working out and avoid the strain that other high impact exercise types can cause. For example, running on tarmac can have a very negative impact on knee joints but that just doesn’t happen in water. With a swim spa you can enjoy a tough workout without compromising your body to do it.

Improving muscle strength

Working out in a swim spa provides the opportunity for flexible exercise at your own pace. Set the resistance you want to swim against at a level that works for you to enjoy the workout that you need. The resistance in the water provides an easy way to increase muscle strength and become a stronger swimmer, as well as improving overall fitness levels.

Maintaining a regular workout routine

One of the main reasons that many of us fail when it comes to a healthier lifestyle is motivation. With your own swim spa you have the option of exercise just steps away, which makes it much easier to stick to a workout schedule. Small amounts of exercise every day help to build up fitness in a manageable way and ensure that you can sustain it. So, you have a much better chance of getting healthier and sticking to a fitness plan than if you have to travel to a gym to do a big, hard workout several times a week.

Pain relief

The heat from the water in a swim spa causes blood vessels to dilate, enabling better blood flow and increased circulation. The effect of this is to reduce pain in the muscles and joints, which allows for more enjoyable exercise, as well as therapeutic treatment of conditions such as back pain. A swim spa can be particularly useful for those with arthritis, as it makes it easier to exercise and also helps to reduce the pain that the condition causes.

Relaxation and winding down

It’s not just exercise that has an impact on your health but how well you relax too. The warmth of the water and the skilful therapy of expertly crafted jets make the swim spa the perfect place to start learning to relax more often and in a much deeper way.

If you’d like to enjoy the benefits of a swim spa in your own home contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find the ideal model for you, or take a look at some of our testimonials to see what our customers think of theirs!

Which type of hot tub should you get?

Posted on 20 March 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

A hot tub at home has a lot of benefits. From somewhere to relax after a hard day, to the therapeutic effect of the water, there are lots of reasons to consider a hot tub for your home. If you’ve already made the decision to get a hot tub then what do you need to consider when it comes to choosing which hot tub to get?

Energy efficient hot tubs

Hot tubs are the perfect size and design to retain heat and consume less energy but not all hot tubs are created the same. If you’re looking to ensure that you don’t experience an increase in your energy bills as a result of the new hot tub – and you’re pursuing an environmentally friendly lifestyle – then make sure you opt for an energy efficient hot tub that traps and reuses waste heat and minimises energy consumption,

A self-cleaning hot tub

Maintenance and cleaning are the less interesting parts of owning a hot tub. However, if you choose the right model then you can minimise the time that you have to spend doing this. Self-cleaning hot tubs make it much easier to ensure your hot tub is always in great condition and if you have the right, specialist filters then you can minimise the chemicals that you need to use too.

The right construction

The way the hot tub has been built will have an impact over your experience of it. It’s a good idea to steer away from less durable materials, for example, if you’re looking for a hot tub that will still be functioning and looking great no matter what kind of use or exposure it gets. Avoid soft-sided vinyl and opt for tubs made from materials like wood, thermal plastic and stainless steel. Insulation is another key element in your hot tub – full-foam insulation (as opposed to partial coverage) will support the hot tub and protect against heat loss.

Customisable design

Not every hot tub is built the same and what works for your neighbour might not be your ideal hot tub design. Being able to customise the jets in your hot tub, for example, will give you a lot more control over your experience of it. If the hot tub has a broad selection of therapeutic massage options then you’ll be able to use it in many different ways. The cover is another key element to customisable design and crucial to ensuring the longevity of the hot tub. The cover should be designed for a perfect fit – so that the interior is protected – and lockable so that children and small animals can’t gain access.

Size and location

Hot tubs come in a very wide range of sizes, from the compact to the palatial. Choose the right dimensions for your space so that the tub doesn’t dominate but has plenty of room for everyone. If you’re planning an outside hot tub, as opposed to an inside design, then you might want to consider protection from the elements for the colder months.

If you’d like to find out more about how to choose the right hot tub for you then contact our team of specialists for help.

How to prepare for the arrival of your hot tub

Posted on 16 March 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

You’ve made the decision to have a hot tub at home and now you can look forward to relaxation and fun in your own back yard. But, before the hot tub actually arrives there are a few key considerations that you need to bear in mind to prepare for it

What are the electrical needs of the hot tub?

Most models tend to run off 220 volts – some may be able to run from a regular 110 outlet but this can compromise the hot tub performance. The electrical wiring components of hot tub installation need to be handled by a professional so when you’re preparing for the arrival of your hot tub make sure you have this booked in.

How will you get the hot tub into your home or garden?

Like any large piece of equipment there are access considerations in the arrival of your hot tub. You’ll need to ensure that there is a clear delivery path from the closest road to your home – and that gates, doors and walls offer enough space for the hot tub to fit through in order to be correctly positioned. Some installers offer a crane service if the simplest option is to lift the hot tub up and over and into its correct spot.

Where exactly are you going to put the hot tub?

This is not the kind of decision to be made at the last minute. Decide where to position the hot tub well in advance so you can work through any potential problems in terms of getting the tub to that spot when it arrives. You might decide to have the hot tub right outside your home or – if you have land – a remote part of the property might appeal more for the peace and seclusion.

What are the space considerations?

When you’ve identified the potential position for the hot tub then mark it out to its exact dimensions. Is it still possible to walk around the hot tub and do you have enough space to install access steps? It’s important to have space around the hot tub so that its components can be accessed for maintenance.

Installing a hot tub on soil or lawn

Generally, this is a very bad idea. Soil or a grass lawn don’t provide the right support for your hot tub, which is heavy, weighing in at 2,000 to 8,000 pounds when filled. A hot tub could simply sink into lawn or soil and will also suffer from the potential exposure to wet grass, soil and insects.

What’s the right surface for a hot tub?

You can install a hot tub on an existing deck, for example, as long as the deck is structurally sound enough to support it. Many people construct a new deck for the purposes of a soon-to-arrive hot tub. Wherever you place the tub, the ground underneath will need to be leveled with a concrete or a gravel base to provide support.

If you’d like advice on a new hot tub for your home our experienced team can help you to choose the perfect model – and prepare for its arrival.

Could your swim spa help your on your fitness journey?

Posted on 9 March 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

We are all accustomed to the idea of a swim spa or hot tub as a luxurious indulgence and a way to relax and unwind at home. However, that’s not the only way in which a swim spa can add something to your lifestyle. If you’re keen to get fit then a swim spa at home could help you to improve fitness levels, as well as overall health and wellbeing.

Jets and currents

The jets in the swim spa can be used to create a current that is ideal for helping to improve fitness. Set the strength of the current to one that suits how hard you want to train that day, from a relaxed pace, to a current that really makes you work. You can swim against the jets or – for something different or if you prefer to be upright – you can also opt to walk against the current to get a great workout.

Resistance training

Working out in the water provides resistance that will double the effectiveness of the exercise that you do. Thanks to this resistance you can see better results from your workout, achieving more with less effort because of the resistance of the water. Working out in a swim spa can not only make you fitter but also improve cardiovascular health too.

Low impact exercise

Working out is viewed as an essential way to get fitter but the reality is that it can take quite a toll on our bodies. Running or playing field sports, for example, can put a lot of pressure on joints and bones. When you’re working out in the water this isn’t the case. The buoyancy of the water provides a supported way to get much needed exercise, helping to improve fitness without any detrimental impact on the body. Across all demographics, working out in a swim spa is the best way to improve fitness levels without doing damage to the body as a result.

All the accessories

Many swim spas come with a range of accessories that you can use to work out in the water – and these are easy to purchase yourself if not. For example, you could use resistance bands or rowing equipment to find different ways to use the water to work out. Water weights are also very popular as they take much less of a toll on the body than lifting weights on dry land.

Getting more from your workout routines

For many people exercise can be a bit of a chore. You may be dreading going for that run or anticipating the discomfort of going to the gym. That’s often not the case when it comes to a water workout. A swim spa at home helps people to get fitter because it takes the dread out of the workout process. More comfortable workouts and a wider range of things to do make it much easier to get motivated.

To find the perfect swim spa to support your fitness journey, contact a member of our specialist team.

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