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

Considerations for choosing the right gazebo for your hot tub

Posted on 2 March 2018 - 16:13 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

You’ve made the decision to get a hot tub – perhaps you already have one at home – but how do you ensure you can use it whenever you want? The answer for many people is a gazebo. This elegant and practical addition to any outside space provides shade on hot sunny days and shelter from the elements in the winter months. Either way, you get much more from your hot tub when you have a gazebo too. So, how do you find the right one for you?

Choose your texture

Gazebos tend to come either in wood or vinyl. There are pros and cons to both and you may decide to make the decision on the basis of aesthetics. In general, many people prefer a wood gazebo for the natural look and finish but others choose a vinyl gazebo because it’s much easier to clean and maintain.

Pick your spot

If you already have a hot tub installed then you know where the gazebo is going to stand. If not, you need to consider where you want both to be. Either way, now is the time to look at how you’re going to install the gazebo for optimal use. It’s important to remember with a hot tub gazebo that you’ll still need to be able to get water lines to the hot tub and don’t forget to check that the dimensions work with the outside space. It’s a good idea to consult the professionals when it comes to gazebo surface installation – do you want to install decking for the gazebo or work with a concrete surface, for example?

Think about the design

Not all gazebos are made the same and you’ll have considerable choice for yours, even if it needs to fulfill the design brief of fitting around the hot tub. For example, will you want to have a gazebo that is square, octagonal, rectangular, dodecagon or oval in shape? And when it comes to the roof will you be looking for a standard roof or something more artistic, such as tiered roofing or a pagoda roof. Sides and railings, screens and doors, as well as the material that you want to use for the decking are all decisions that also need to be made.

Look into the size and dimensions

It really is worth thinking carefully about the size of the gazebo you’re considering. If you’re looking for something large bear in mind that it could overshadow the entire outside space if you choose a design that is too big. If your gazebo is specifically for your hot tub then make sure it is wide enough to cover the tub you have installed (or are planning to install).

Who will build it?

The final consideration is whether you build the gazebo yourself or ask the professionals to do it for you. A simple gazebo can be easy to assemble but if you’re looking for something more decorative it might be worth seeking professional help.

A gazebo and a hot tub is a great combination for any outside space. If you’d like more information on the right styles for you then contact a member of our team.

Can hot tubs help and promote wellness and recovery for athletes?

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

Hot tubs might seem to be about pure indulgence and luxury. However, they are part of the tradition of hydrotherapy, which has long played an important role in wellness and recovery for athletes. Whether you’re a pro looking for some home therapy, or you’re an amateur athlete seeking to improve performance with better recovery, a hot tub might be the ideal solution.

How does a hot tub help?

Hot tubs provide heat therapy

Soaking in your hot tub after a workout or training session will help to boost blood flow and improve circulation thanks to the heat in the water and the steam. Your muscles will be able to relax to a much deeper level and you’ll find it much easier to wind down and ease out any tensions.

Hot tubs can be part of your warm up

If you’re looking to better prepare your body for training or exercise then a 10-20 minute soak before you begin activity can also have huge wellness benefits. Sitting in the hot tub will get your blood flowing and warm up and loosen all your muscles. Follow the hot tub soak with 10 minutes of stretching and your body will be ready to work at its optimum level.

Hot tubs help to optimise recovery

According to research published in the New York Times, muscles can often recover better from training or an intense workout when they are warmed up, rather than quickly subjected to colder temperatures. So, by using your hot tub after a workout session you could optimise the speed and quality of your recovery.

Hot tubs don’t have to be hot

If you’re looking to incorporate both heat and cold therapy into your post workout recovery then you can adjust the temperature settings on your hot tub to provide the right level of variety. You’ll still get the same benefits of the hydrotherapy but at a cooler temperature.

The jets provide essential massage

A soak in a hot tub after a workout also means that you’re subjecting your muscles to the massaging effect of the jets, which can help to ease out tension and aid recovery. Choose the setting that works best for you depending on how your body feels, from powerful jets that deliver an intense experience, to something a little more soothing instead.

Hot tubs can promote injury recovery

If you do get injured while training or working out a hot tub can play a role in helping you to recover from that injury and speeding up the process of getting well. Healing heat therapy is renowned for its therapeutic properties and can help with the recovery and rehabilitation of an injured muscle.

Hot tubs help you to relax

If you’re dealing with a stressful training schedule or finding it difficult to sleep due to upcoming events, a soak in a hot tub could help you to relax. Plus, 20 minutes in the hot tub before you go to bed can actually help you get a better night’s sleep.

For more information on how a hot tub supports athletes in wellness and recovery – and which might be the right model for you – please get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.

What benefits are there to a Swim Spa over a Pool?

Posted on 15 February 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Swim spa or pool? This is often the question you’ll face if you’re looking for additional recreation or fitness amenities for your home or garden. Both can provide a fun space in which to play, as well as somewhere to cool off during the hotter months of the year. But which one is the right choice for you?

The pool

Bigger means better? Swimming pools have the advantage of being a larger size so if you have a big family and all are likely to want to use it at the same time, it might be the logical choice.

Pools may be more suited to children. Many of the benefits of a swim spa are focused on adult use, such as the opportunity to get fit and the use of the jets. So, if you’re looking for a watery space that’s specifically for the kids then the pool could be the one for you.

Maintenance and replacements. Pools are more common than swim spas so getting replacement parts tends to be cheaper and easier. You may also find that there is less maintenance to do as there are fewer moving parts when it comes to a pool.

The swim spa

Space efficiency. Swim spas require less room than a pool so if you’re short on space then the swim spa is obviously a better choice.

An intense workout. Despite the swim spa being smaller than the pool the workout you’ll get is no less intense – in fact it’s likely to be more so. The water jets in the swim spa can be set to ensure much higher resistance so that you can do shorter workouts that achieve more.

Dual purpose. If you have a swim spa at home then you also have a hot tub – which is not something that can be said of a pool. So, on the days when you just want to chill out in a cloud of bubbles, just switch on the jets and sink back into the water and relax.

Easier installation. Swim spas tend to be much easier and quicker to install than a pool thanks to the positioning and design. This is particularly so if you’re looking to have a swim spa or pool indoors – indoor pool construction can cause huge disruption. Plus, a swim spa can be cheaper too – an above ground swim spa is always a cheaper option than a pool but still offers all of these great benefits.

Great for socialising. Swim spas are just that bit more glamorous than a pool and ideal for socialising, as they are a more compact space and can be made to bubble.

Warm all year round. If you’re keen to be outside all year round then the swim spa might be the better choice, as the temperature is consistent throughout the year.

If the idea of a swim spa is appealing we have a wide range of options suitable for virtually every home. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003 to find out more.

Do more of what you love using your hot tub this year

Posted on 2 February 2018 - 15:56 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

If there’s one New Year’s resolution that is always worth making, it’s to do more of what you love in the next 12 months. A hot tub can play a big role in this and, when they are as affordable as our Serenity Hot Tubs range, you don’t have to break the bank to have one either. So, make 2018 the year that you install a hot tub at home so that you can do more of:

Taking time out for yourself

Especially during the winter months, or times of great stress, there is huge value in a few quiet moments that allow you to gather your thoughts. A hot tub is the perfect location for this with just the soothing sound of the water to help you meditate on whatever problems need solving. Enjoy the spa effect of the jets or take a glass of wine in with you for a luxurious downtime treat.

Socialising

Whether you opt for a full on party or something a little more sedate, a hot tub can be the focal point for socialising. Friends will be keen to try out your hot tub if they don’t have one and it’s the perfect place for everyone to relax and start chatting.

Time with the family

It’s often difficult to get all the family together in one place but quality family time really matters. If you don’t manage it at dinner time or on weekends then try scheduling some family time in the hot tub. You’ll be surprised how appealing this is to everyone, from the kids who want to splash around, to the teens who are keen to enjoy the health benefits. Hot tub time with the family can give everyone the chance to relax and catch up.

Looking after your physical health

When we feel good, life seems so much more enjoyable and a hot tub can play a role in helping to keep your body at its optimum level. Hydrotherapy has been a solution for soothing aches and pains – and for post-sport recovery – for centuries. With a hot tub at home you’ll get the massage benefits of the jets, the soothing effect of the warm water and the aesthetic impact of the sinus-clearing, skin brightening steam.

Enjoying the outdoors

If your hot tub is outside then this provides you with the ideal opportunity to start appreciating the nature that surrounds your home. From watching the perfect sunset from the comfort of your hot tub, to observing the birds and small animals in your garden, the hot tub is an easy way to feel at one with your immediate landscape.

Romance

Just add some music, some candles and the two of you and the hot tub can be an incredibly romantic date night. There are no distractions with a hot tub and you’ll be able to talk and re-engage with the one you love.

Our range of Serenity Hot Tubs provide the perfect balance of massage variety and hydrotherapy – and socialising, fun and romance. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find out more.

What do you need when looking for a new hot tub?

Posted on 2 February 2018 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Whether you already own a hot tub but you’re ready for an upgrade, or you don’t have one and it has been a long held dream for you, now is the ideal time to look for a new hot tub.

Why have a hot tub at home?

It’s a luxury that can bring many benefits to your life. For example, hot tubs promote wellness, helping your muscles to relax after a workout and improving circulation and blood flow. If you’ve got a January cold then the steam from the hot tub could help to clear your sinuses and the relaxing effect can aid better sleep. Hot tubs are also great for entertaining and fun for the kids. Home hydrotherapy can also help provide relief from the pain and discomfort of conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia without painkillers or expensive treatments.

Key questions when looking for a new hot tub

Where are you going to put it?

Hot tubs can be positioned indoors or outdoors. You may already have the perfect outside space for a hot tub or you might want to build a specific room indoors for it. Factors to consider include the need for ventilation indoors, the additional maintenance that might be required for a hot tub outside, as well as the design of your home.

What’s your budget?

There is a hot tub for most budgets these days but it’s important to establish initially how much you want to spend. Increasing your budget might enable you to have a bespoke design and additional features that could prove to be well worth the money.

How do you want to use the hot tub?

If you see yourself undeterred by the weather, enjoying the hot tub in both summer and winter then an outdoor hot tub with a few additional features will be ideal. If you’re looking for a private space and you plan to use the hot tub for spa style relaxation only then an indoor option might be a better choice.

Installation and running

You’ll need to have a structurally sound surface on which to install the hot tub, as well as a reliable source of electricity. Some hot tubs can simply be plugged into a traditional 110-volt electrical outlet. The higher end designs may require 220-volt or 230-volt outlet. Remember that you’ll also need a water source to fill the hot tub from.

Maintenance

Hot tubs require some maintenance – although you don’t have to do this yourself as there are packages available, as well as the option of self-cleaning hot tubs. Maintenance factors to consider include:

Cleaning filters (once a week)
Testing water quality (two or three times a week)
Cleaning the hot tub (once a month)
Draining and refilling the hot tub (once every three or four months)

Why upgrade a hot tub?

If you already have a hot tub at home then why would you want to buy a new one?

You’ve had it for a while and it’s not working as well as it used to
The model looks outdated
Your family has grown and you’re looking for something bigger
You’re keen to find a more energy efficient hot tub
You want the latest innovation in hot tubs

The right hot tub can be a great addition to your home – if you’d like help in choosing the best model for you then contact a member of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company team for more information.

What is so great about Self Cleaning Hot Tubs and Swim Spas?

Posted on 31 January 2018 - 17:42 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Having a hot tub or a swim spa at home is a real luxury. You have access to your own little slice of blissful relaxation – or somewhere to exercise and have fun – whenever you want it. Of course, the downside of having your own hot tub or swim spa is that you’re also responsible for its maintenance and that means staying on top of the cleaning. The new generation of hot tubs and swim spas have innovative self-cleaning technology, which is designed to make owning and looking after one much easier. But what’s so great about it?

You won’t get it wrong

If you’re cleaning your own swim spa, for example, then there is a mix of chemicals that need to be used and you will need to add these on a regular basis. You may not get the mix quite right or you may simply forget when other things in life take over. Regularly cleaning a hot tub or swim spa is an important part of maintaining it and you might reduce its longevity if you fail to do it. A self-cleaning model makes it much easier to protect your investment for the long-term, as well as keeping the tasks on your to do list to a minimum.

You can use the hot tub whenever you want

If you have a standard swim spa or hot tub then you have to factor in the cleaning to the process of using it. That might mean delays on the day that you want to use it or having to plan ahead. If you have a self-cleaning model then this just isn’t necessary. The water automatically replaces itself in a self-cleaning model so you can be completely spontaneous – if you want to jump in at 6am or midnight then there’s absolutely nothing to stop you doing it.

A clean hot tub is a healthy hot tub

There are all sorts of health risks that you may expose yourself and/or your family to if the water in your hot tub or swim spa isn’t clean. It’s a risk that’s just not worth taking, which is why investing in a self-cleaning model makes so much sense. If your hot tub or swim spa cleans itself then you completely minimise any potential for unhealthy mistakes and ensure that you always have the best hot tub or swim spa experience.

Saving time and money

A self-cleaning hot tub or swim spa is a real time saver, especially if you’re a frequent user. It also means you save money on maintenance costs as you don’t have to pay for the cleaning chemicals – or cover the expense of bringing in anyone else to do your maintenance for you. The swim spa or hot tub takes care of everything itself leaving you free to do other things. There’s an enormous range of choice when it comes to self-cleaning hot tubs and swim spas. If you’d like to find out more then contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company on 0208 300 4003.

How to look after your swim spa – the basics

Posted on 23 January 2018 - 09:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Your swim spa will last a lot longer – and provide a fantastic experience every time you use it – if you look after it properly. If you haven’t owned a swim spa before then there is some cleaning and maintenance involved. Of course, if you invest in a Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company swim spa you get the benefit of self-cleaning technology and you have option to let us take care of all the ongoing maintenance. However, if you decide to handle everything on your own then there are a few things to consider.

Every four months

Empty and refill the system – water needs to be emptied below the skimmer every four months and the system purged. You’ll then need to refill the swim spa with water and the correct balance of water treatment products.

Testing the water quality – it’s crucial to frequently test the quality of the water in the swim spa and add scale treatments or antibacterials.

General cleaning – to keep the swim spa looking as good as new, it’s recommended that you give everything a good clean, three or four times a year. So, wipe down the cover, the pillows and strainer baskets and give the shell a thorough clean with a specialist cleaner. You might also want to treat the neck pillows with a vinyl protector to restore shine.

Quick MOT – check the heating, as well as pumps, filtration system, lighting systems and jet function.

Once a year

Emptying the swim spa – the entire system will need to be drained, purged and then refilled with the right balance of water treatment products.

Cleaning – once a year your swim spa needs a total deep clean, which includes cleaning the shell and using a scale treatment on it, draining water and flushing the entire swim spa through with a sanitiser and descaler. The removable hydrotherapy jets will also need to be taken out and cleaned, as will the jet housings, which should also be descaled.

Testing – it’s a good idea to pressure test your swim spa annually to ensure that there are no leaks. You should also carry out a general MOT of all the essential parts, including pumps, filtration system, lighting system and jet function.

Restore and replace – you may buy a new filter to add to the filtration system of the valve and the hot tub cover may need to be restored or replaced, depending on its condition.

If this seems like a lot of work then it might be worth thinking about the swim spa that you buy. We offer a range of self-cleaning spas that do a lot of the less interesting cleaning tasks for you so that you don’t have to add those to your list. Plus the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offers routine servicing and maintenance packages that cover all of the above. And we can also deal with requirements for repairs, replacements and leak analysis – contact us for more information by calling 0208 300 4003 today.

Could your hot tub bring you hydrotherapy benefits from your home?

Posted on 16 January 2018 - 10:35 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Water has been used as a method for healing for centuries. “Hydrotherapy” is Greek and means “water healing” – if you have a hot tub at home then you could also have access to this wonderfully effective form physical therapy.

What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?

Water provides a far safer environment for therapy and exercise in many ways. Buoyancy helps to support joints and limbs while the warmth of the water and the water pressure add a lot of value when it comes to enhancing the benefits of this kind of healing. When the human body is immersed in warm water, the surface blood vessels start to expand helping muscles to relax. Skin temperature rises, which can also have a very positive effect in soothing any muscle spasm or pain. The water pressure acts to reduce swelling in the body by helping to move bodily fluid away from a swollen area. Plus, the buoyancy of the water reduces impact and means that any problems with balance don’t need to be a consideration.

What can hydrotherapy help with?

Hydrotherapy is incredibly soothing for a tired body and can work to make you feel better, to reduce the swelling in ankles or legs after a busy day and generally to help with relaxation. It’s also a very effective option for tackling other conditions and general wellness too. For example:

Post-operative rehabilitation. Recovery from any number of conditions can be optimised with hydrotherapy, including elbow dysplasia or a hip replacement.
Stress. Hydrotherapy may help to slow down the body’s reaction to stress. It can also be used to lower blood pressure and improve relaxation to relieve anxiety.
Injured muscles. When the body is immersed in warm water, circulation is improved and this can help to get the blood flowing to the parts of the body that need it the most. Improved circulation can have a positive impact on injured or damaged muscles and joints.
Detoxification. The heat of hydrotherapy is ideal for detoxifying. Sweating is the primary way that the body eliminates toxins so hydrotherapy can help to cleanse and detoxify.
Boosting the immune system. The positive effects of hydrotherapy include the increased blood flow and circulation of white blood cells. This allows a fluid called lymph to be more effectively transported around the body – lymph contains infection-fighting white blood cells.

Hot tubs and hydrotherapy

Having a hot tub at home is a great way to bring the benefits of hydrotherapy into your house. Hot tubs are widely recognised as, not just a great way to wind down and relax, but also an effective option for home physical therapy. In fact, many models – such as our Serenity hot tubs – have been designed in conjunction with physiotherapists and osteopaths to give you a perfect balance of massage variety and hydrotherapy. Natural buoyancy and invigorating and pulsating jet streams provide support and relaxation with all the benefits of hydrotherapy.

If you’d like to find out more about which of our hot tubs is the most suitable for you, please get in touch today on 0208 300 4003.

Get fit with FastLane technology for your pool

Posted on 3 January 2018 - 14:55 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Swimming is one of the most popular sporting activities for many good reasons. Just two and a half hours of regular aerobic physical activity per week – such as swimming – can reduce the risk of chronic illness and make you fitter. And when it comes to fitness, swimming is one of the most effective sports for everyone, whether you’re already super fit or you have a few health issues. FastLane technology means that anyone can enjoy the benefits of swimming at home to get fitter and enjoy a healthier life.

FastLane works in most pool sizes

You don’t need an Olympic sized pool to get the fitness benefits of swimming with FastLane. The technology is designed to produce a current that you can adjust to the speed at which you want to swim. The current provides resistance to swim against that means you don’t need a large area to swim a long distance. The different settings allow anyone to get a great workout from FastLane, whether you’re an athlete in training or a complete beginner.

A more economical way to enjoy the fitness benefits of swimming

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in America, those who swim regularly can cut the risk of death and disease by up to half. But you don’t need to spend your life savings installing a full size pool to get these fantastic health and fitness benefits. FastLane is both space saving and cost effective – a Hydraulic Power Unit and submerged hydraulic motor are the two main additions to your pool to turn it into a serious fitness asset. There is no construction required and FastLane can be installed in water as shallow as 99cm.

Supported fitness for everyone

The FastLane poolside Swim Unit provides a calm current against which to move, using innovative technology to provide a smoother swim. It allows anyone to get into the pool and start getting fit, whether you’re learning or you’re confident in the water. One of the major benefits of swimming is that it’s supported exercise so there is less physical impact on the body than running or aerobics. So, if you’re nervous about getting fit and looking for a low impact but aerobic way to do it, swimming is the ideal option.

The benefits of swimming at home

Installing FastLane at home turns your pool into an opportunity to lose weight and get fit whenever you have the time. You’ll be able to teach your kids to swim and to learn how to be safe in the water – and get them started on a path to fitness too. Plus, swimming has many therapeutic benefits and can help to provide relief from pain caused by chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. If 2018 is the year that you want to start taking fitness seriously then FastLane offers a budget-friendly and simple way to make the most of a home pool, whatever size. Contact one of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa team to find out how we can help.

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