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

How to make your hot tub into an outdoor oasis

Posted on 16 October 2017 - 12:02 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

In the busy-ness of modern life, a lot of people would do anything to have their own luxurious space to retreat to relax in at the end of the day. This is just one reason why the ownership of hot tubs is rising, to give users their own personalised experience, tailored to their preferences. So how can you make your hot tub into an outdoor oasis?

Decide how you best relax

Different people will have different ideas about what theyâ€™d like to use their hot tub for the most, which is why itâ€™s important to visualise what you are aiming for. Both design and purpose are important â€“ what do you want it to look like when itâ€™s finished and what will you use it for? If youâ€™re aiming for a romantic feel, why not choose a smaller hot tub model?

Decking around your hot tub can provide an intimate and private feel, where you can also add candles, lighting, and enjoy drinks from the oasis of your hot tub. If youâ€™re aiming for use as a family, a larger tub may be preferable, with plenty of space around it, or for ultimate relaxation, why not create a whole â€œspaâ€ area, with a real luxurious feel?

Creating a hot tub â€œspaâ€

Many people choose to enjoy spa weekends or days away, but hot tub owners can recreate this experience from the privacy of their own home, with exclusive hot tub use! Design is at the centre of creating this relaxing feel, for example using cool, blue colours can evoke calming emotions, whilst adding palm trees and other plants around your hot tub can create additional privacy.

You can even accessorise your hot tub by using the built-in lights to select the colour you most like, whilst it is up to you to create a surrounding area that reflects the â€œspaâ€ vision that you want to recreate. For example, you could consider surrounding your hot tub with a luxurious stone pathway or creating the ultimate retreat with a pavilion or gazebo of your choice.

Energise yourself through hot tub exercise

For those of us who prefer to rejuvenate by doing some exercise, the hot tub is ideal for this too. You can either get a hot tub combined with a swim spa to swim at home, or use your hot tub as part of your exercise and recovery routine. The warm water relieves any pain from injuries, offers the ability to work out without high impact on the joints, and offers a private setting to relax following your exercise too. If this is how you energise yourself, why not combine different elements that you like by creating an outdoor gym area with hand weights, and pool-exercise accessories?

Considerations for your outdoor hot tub oasis

There are some considerations to make when creating your hot tub oasis. For example, you might prefer greater privacy from neighbours, or maybe you require a larger hot tub to seat more friends and family. Your outdoor oasis can become an extension of your home and indoor space, so think carefully about where to place your hot tub. Many users choose to have their hot tub close to their house, in order to incorporate it into a decking area, as a direct extension of their home.

Whether youâ€™re looking for a hot tub of your own, or simply looking for ideas about how to make your hot tub the centre of a new outdoor oasis, give The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003.

Why is it important to use and protect your hot tub cover?

Posted on 9 October 2017 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

There are a number of reasons why it is a good idea to have a cover for your hot tub, and one that will protect your hot tub sufficiently. So why is it important to use and protect your hot tub cover?

General protection and hygiene

The most obvious reason to use a hot tub cover is to stop debris such as leaves, dirt or insects falling into your hot tub water. Users want to enjoy soaking in their hot tub knowing that it is as clean as possible, so ensuring that it is covered when not in use is the best way to keep your hot tub hygienic.

Sunlight can be damaging

Did you know that exposure to sunlight can be detrimental to your hot tub? Long periods of exposure to sunlight can damage the hot tub and cause premature deterioration of the materials used, such as fading. Protecting your hot tub from sunlight by using a cover can prolong its lifespan and protect the interior and exterior alike.

Reducing costs

Not only does a suitable hot tub cover reduce running costs, but it can also cut the costs of maintenance. Even with self-cleaning technology, chemicals must be balanced and leaving your hot tub open to the elements can change pH levels more quickly than when a cover is used. Therefore your cover cuts these costs and makes using your hot tub easier, whilst it can also keep in the heat and reduce energy consumption for your hot tub.

Safety and aesthetics

Hot tub safety is important too, and having a cover on your hot tub when it is not in use will increase this safety. If your hot tub sits in decking, for example, it could be easy for small children or pets to fall in, but the cover acts as a barrier to ensure no accidents happen. At the same time, your hot tub cover can give a stylish aesthetic to your hot tub when it is not being used.

Maintaining your hot tub cover

In our opinion, vinyl is the best material for hot tub covers, as long as they are cleaned and maintained properly. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa offers a cover that is unique and protects your hot tub to the highest possible level. Other vinyl covers can use PVC and be coated in plasticisers, plus softening agents to make it easier to manage. However, over time this can become damaged due to exposure to sunlight, and some protecting agents can leave a waxy coating or contain harsh chemicals which actually damage the vinyl.

Over time, hot tub covers can become brittle and dry, which looks messy but also can lead to tears and damages, which stop it working to protect your hot tub sufficiently. Our vinyl protector and restorer helps you to maintain your hot tub cover for longer, without damaging it. This, combined with regular cleaning with your garden hose, can extend the life of your hot tub and cover alike.

Find out more about our hot tub covers and vinyl protector and restorer by getting in touch on 0208 300 4003 today.

Popular hot tub features we have seen so far in 2017

Posted on 2 October 2017 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Within the Hot Tub industry, innovation is at the centre of providing new designs and ideas at all times. Customer demands and requirements frequently change, so it is imperative that the hot tubs themselves are ready to meet these demands. So what popular hot tub features have we seen so far in 2017?

Quieter technology

Hot tubs can produce noise through the bubbling of the water, as well as general running sounds, however some hot tubs, primarily smaller, lightweight Softubs, are now being designed using Whisper Technology. This makes them the quietest spas worldwide, which has proven popular amongst hot tub owners looking for a quieter model.

Self-cleaning and easy maintenance

Hot tub owners are now looking for Hot Tubs that are easy to maintain and keep clean. This makes it more viable for people to own their own hot tub, without having to spend hours cleaning and maintaining their tub. All of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Companyâ€™s Hydropool Hot Tubs use self-cleaning technology, which is a Patented cleaning system using filtration which cleans the entire contents of your hot tub in just 15 minutes.

Energy efficiency and green technology

Self-cleaning systems are also energy efficient, reuse water and therefore cost only pennies per day to run. Covers and lids are specially designed to ensure that heat loss is minimised when the hot tub is not in use, so energy consumption is as low as possible. This adds to the convenience for users who donâ€™t have to wait for their hot tub to heat up before they are able to use it.

Elegant design

As practical requirements change, so also do designs. The aesthetic of your hot tub is important as a customer, as it needs to fit with the surroundings. All of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Companyâ€™s Hot Tubs are of a timeless design that is flexible to fit anywhere you want, as well as LED lighting on the inside being available to customise many of our models. There are also many matching accessories customers can choose from to create the style and elegance that they are looking for.

Swim spas are more popular

The swim spa is a concept that has become more popular with the hot tub industry throughout the year. They have many attractive points such as providing a safe and convenient place to swim and exercise from the comfort of your own home. They can also be incorporated within the Hot Tub design, to combine the two elements together, for example many of the AquaSport and AquaTrainer models.

Stay up to date with the latest Hot Tub trends on our blog, or get in touch by calling our team on 0208 300 4003 to discuss which Hot Tub is best for you today.

How to take your HIIT workout into the pool

Posted on 25 September 2017 - 12:10 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

HIIT workouts, or High Intensity Interval Training, is known for being a fast way to burn calories and increase heart rate. It has grown in popularity over the recent years due to the short and intense workout time being easy for more people to fit into their busy day-to-day schedule. HIIT is a great way of training that has some strong benefits to the body.

The benefits of HIIT

HIIT is an advanced training technique that focuses on a cardiovascular workout in high intensity bursts, with short rest periods. This has been shown to burn more calories than steady exercise in the same amount of time, whilst also increasing metabolism, which is why many gym classes, fitness groups and boot camps use HIIT training as part of their workout routine.

HIIT can cause stress on the body

The downside to HIIT is that the high intensity can cause greater stress on the body, which means that it is not always suitable for everyone to do. If youâ€™re injured, HIIT can be very difficult, and risk causing further injuries, or the workout itself can cause strain on your muscles and joints, even if youâ€™re healthy and strong.

Less stress with all the benefitsâ€¦ in the pool!

One fantastic way to incorporate HIIT into your fitness routine, without the additional stress and strain on your body, is to take your workout to the pool! This works by giving support to your body through the buoyancy of the water, whilst the added resistance of the water can even make the workout a higher calorie burn.

Preparing for your HIIT workout

If youâ€™ve never done it before, a HIIT workout in the pool is easy! You should stand in the pool with your feet flat, and have the water at a comfortable chest level. Warm up your body by jogging in the pool, and speeding up gradually. You may wish to run widths, or on the spot.

Some easy HIIT pool moves to try

In the pool, the simple moves are often the most effective. Start with doing tuck jumps forwards and backwards in the water, using your arms for stability if needed. The resistance of the water may take some getting used to in the pool, but should also support your knees upon landing. Exercise for 45 seconds, and rest of 15 each time.

Next, side to side jumping can get your heart rate up â€“ and you can make this as hard as you like by trying to jump further and higher each time. Jump in and out, with your legs apart and then together. Trying to do this move quickly will get your heart pumping and the water resistance is great for muscle development. You can then build this into a star jump once you are confident with your balance.

HIIT workouts in the pool help your body

HIIT workouts in the pool offer the same cardiovascular benefits as on dry ground, but reduce the risk of injury, either through the strain on your joints, or reducing the impact if you were to fall. This makes it easier for older participants, as well as those concerned about protecting their joints, or recovering from injury. And you can enjoy the same workout benefits, without noticing all the sweating that youâ€™re doing!

Why not give it a try in your pool today, or if youâ€™re looking for a pool of your own, get in touch today on 0208 300 4003 or take a look at our indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Could frequent sauna use help with Dementia?

Posted on 18 September 2017 - 12:04 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia can be truly heart-breaking for the families and friends of those who are suffering. Although there is no exact known cause, research suggests that sauna use could actually decrease the likelihood of developing Dementia later on in life.

An introduction to Dementia

Many people will know someone who has suffered with Dementia, and it is much more common in elderly people, however it is important to recognise that not everyone develops Dementia with age. It is a disease, not just a part of aging. Worldwide, over 47.5 million people were suffering from dementia in 2015, meaning that it is a disease that sadly a lot of people do suffer with.

Caring for Dementia patients

Care for those with Dementia can be challenging since patients need increasing care over time, and caregivers may be relatives or close friends who have to make sacrifices to give this care. They may give up work to give time to the person, or fit caring for them around work, which can also be draining and difficult. Sadly Dementia has no cure, and it progresses slowly over time. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty communicating, limited judgement and reasoning abilities â€“ all of which often happen gradually over years or months.

Preventing Dementia & through Sauna use?

Dementia is an extremely sad condition, and although there is nothing specifically known to cause it, research suggests that there are some things that each of us can do to reduce the chance of developing the disease later on in life. One of these is to use a sauna regularly.

Research into saunas and Dementia

A Finnish team of researchers carried out a study of 2,300 men within their 40s, 50s and 60s, and studied them between 1984 and 1989. Follow up examinations were carried out 20 years later to see what the impact of each group was. The groups were as follows: those who used a sauna once weekly, those who used it 2-3 times weekly and those who visited the sauna 4-7 times per week.

The study concluded that those who visited the sauna more frequently were less likely to develop Dementia. Although this is not a direct causation, there was a correlation to suggest that the sauna use did in fact have some impact on the development of Dementia later on in life.

Health benefits of saunas

Whether or not this research is indicative of a strong pattern generally, or simply representative of the small study group, the correlation was there, and evidence demonstrated just another great benefit of regular sauna use! There are undoubtedly also many health benefits of regular sauna use, such as aiding breathing, relieving pain and de-stressing relaxation time.

If youâ€™re interested in owning your own sauna, take a look at our wide range of designs today or give our team a call on 0208 300 4003.

How to enhance your sauna bathing experience

Posted on 11 September 2017 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

The health and relaxation benefits of saunas are widely known to some level, for example the cleansing through sweating, and improved circulation, reduced heart rate and even pain relief that the heat and steam can bring. So how users take this experience and enhance it even further? Here are some ways to enhance your sauna bathing experience.

Aromatherapy in the sauna

The steamy environment of a sauna lends itself to the use of aromatherapy. Aromatic oils are a great addition to any sauna bathing experience as they produce relaxing aromas with physical benefits, such as pine and eucalyptus which can also ease breathing at the same time as producing a fresh smell.

Colour therapy

Did you know that colours can have a profound impact on our mood? One way to enhance your sauna is to use visual aids, in the form of painting the inside, or decorative items, to stimulate different emotions. For example, blues and greens trigger a relaxation and soothing effect, which can aid the overall experience for those using the sauna.

Salt inhalation

This may sound unusual, but inhalation of salt can help to cleanse the airways whilst also revitalising the skin. This is done using technology that generates an extremely fine salt aerosol, which is pumped into the cabin with the heat of the sauna and inhaled through the steam. This can boost the immune system, and relieve symptoms of hay fever, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory conditions.

It can also benefit those who experience sleep problems, depression and skin problems, as the dry salts clear the airways, act as a disinfectant and reduce inflammation, and gently exfoliates the skin. Adding salt to your sauna using a specialised system can therefore significantly enhance your sauna use.

Increased oxygen

You can also get specialised oxygen systems which allow you to breathe in additional oxygen using a mouthpiece whilst using your sauna. In combination with the natural decrease in heart rate and ease of breathing from the steam your sauna produces, this can increase oxygen levels to enhance concentration and relaxation, leaving you feeling energised.

Take a look at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Companyâ€™s full range of saunas on our website today, or give us a call on 0208 300 4003 to find out more about how you can customise and enhance your own sauna.

Some Sauna and Steam room Science…

Posted on 4 September 2017 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

If you’re a proud sauna or steam room owner, or are considering buying one for your home, the relaxation benefits are clear. If you’ve ever enjoyed a spa experience with a sauna or steam room, the appeal is obvious for enjoyment and relaxation, but does it actually do your body any good? Here is some of the science behind the way that saunas and steam rooms benefit our bodies:

Science #1 – Sweating out impurities

The obvious effect of the heat of both a sauna and steam room is that it causes your body to sweat. This has multiple physical benefits including opening the skinâ€™s pores. This allows salts to be sweated out and remove impurities from your body.

Science #2 – Heat and blood pressure

Heat from steam rooms and sauna use also improves circulation within the body, which allows greater oxygen flow around the body, which aids relaxation. It also causes your blood vessels to dilate. This affects the body by lowering your pulse and blood pressure, which is not only relaxing, but also can relieve certain conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure or post-myocardial infraction.

Science #3 – Pain relief

Steam rooms and saunas can also act as a form of natural pain relief. The heat and steam can ease pain in joints, including increased mobility for those with rheumatic disease or arthritis. Although it is not a cure, regular therapy can reduce joint pain significantly by triggering an adrenaline release in the body, as well as cortisol and growth hormones. These act as anti-inflammatories, whilst the heat also triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s form of natural pain relief.

Science #4 – Steam as a decongestant

As well as raising body temperature, steam rooms and saunas can also improve your breathing, since breathing in the steam acts as a decongestant. This is especially beneficial for those suffering with asthma or bronchitis, who may find it gives temporary relief from breathing difficulties, however research also suggests that using a steam room or sauna on a regular basis, such as twice per week, can actually halve the risk of catching a cold.

Science behind the benefits of saunas and steam rooms

The science behind the effects of saunas and steam rooms on the body clearly demonstrate why it is that we find them so relaxing. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company has a wide range of saunas and steam rooms to suit a variety of requirements so why not get in touch today on 0208 300 4003 to find out which would be the best fit for you.

Did you know that regular hot tub use can aid weight loss?

Posted on 25 August 2017 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Losing weight and then going on to maintain it can be hard work, and require lifestyle changes in order to make it an achievable goal. But did you know that regular hot tub use is something that could help to aid you in your weight loss journey?

Stress causes weight gain

Of course, healthy eating, exercising and cutting out sugars and alcohol make the biggest difference, but there are other factors that come into play when youâ€™re trying to lose weight. One of the biggest of these is stress, which can often cause weight gain. This happens because cortisol (which is the stress hormone) triggers a fight or flight response in our bodies when faced with stress, not just in immediate situations but in the stresses we face in everyday life.

Ongoing stress and weight gain

In fact, ongoing stresses can cause constant stress, and if cortisol is being triggered on a regular basis then this can lead to weight gain. This can be made worse by the way that many of us choose to eat unhealthy foods to deal with stress, such as increased consumption of chocolate, salty foods or alcohol. At the same time, cortisol has been known to block testosterone, the muscle-building hormone, which the body uses to burn calories in a more efficient way. With this reduced, fewer calories are able to be burned during the day, and therefore this can also lead to weight gain.

Coping with stress

Relaxation can be one of the most effective ways to deal with stress. Using your hot tub regularly is the perfect way to give this relaxation time, where you can physically as well as mentally relax for a period of time. This gives your body a break from constant stress, and also improves mental wellbeing. Lowered stress levels can leave us less likely to eat badly to relieve stress, and make us feel energised and therefore encouraged to exercise more when we feel we can.

Hot Tub use is perfect to de-stress

Hot tub use is ideal for de-stressing since the warm water and jets have a therapeutic effect on the muscles to relieve any pain and reduce tension. Raised body temperature increases blood flow and heart rate can lower, whilst circulation improves and allows more oxygen to flow to the different parts of the body. At the same time, toxins are sweated out of the body which can improve skin and overall self-worth, and breathing slows as heart rate decreases, which in itself is calming. This can make sleep easier, which can also give the body proper rest which in turn aids weight loss.

Reduction of cortisol through Hot Tub use

Whatâ€™s more is that using your hot tub over time can have an extremely calming effect and gives your body a rest from the constant stress you may feel throughout the day. This also reduces the production of cortisol by the body, which reduces cravings for sweet, salty and fat-rich foods and increases metabolism. All of these effects of hot tub use are beneficial for aiding weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Find out more about the benefits of using a hot tub regularly by getting in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003.

How your hot tub could help to improve your social life

Posted on 22 August 2017 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

The health and wellness benefits of owning a hot tub are often discussed, but something that is not often mentioned is that your hot tub could actually help to improve your social life. Your hot tub is not just a personal oasis, but a fantastic place for friends and family to relax together and socialise. Here are just a few ways that your hot tub could help to improve your social life:

Chatting whilst relaxing

The first simple way you can enjoy your hot tub socially is by using your hot tub when friends and family come to visit you. A hot tub makes the perfect relaxing and quiet place to catch up and talk in peace, whilst all enjoying the warmth and relaxation of the hot tub jets.

An alternative to going out

If you enjoy music and having a few drinks when you go out, your hot tub can also serve as an alternative to going out. Instead of leaving your home to celebrate that special birthday or occasion, your hot tub can double as a party environment where you can socialise and enjoy drinks and music in the luxury of your own hot tub. You can customise the use of the surrounding area to make it more of a party environment where you have the space.

Spa days at home

No longer will you need to make that trip to the spa with a friend â€“ your hot tub means you can re-energise with the invigorating bubble of the hot tub and relax and unwind in the warmth, even with a glass of champagne if you wish! This is where you can also ease any joint or muscle pain at home, in your hot tub, rather than going to a specific rehabilitation centre.

Watch a movie together

Why not set up your own home movie system â€“ either go all out and set up a projector and do a complete screening for friends and family to enjoy from your tub, or for a smaller setting you can bring your tablet to the hot tub and watch something more intimate.

Enjoy being outside

Using your hot tub is a great opportunity to enjoy being outdoors and enjoy natural surroundings and fresh air. Whether you love making the most of the sunshine during the day or stargazing at night, your hot tub is the perfect place to do both. And why not invite your friends or family to join you?

From evenings celebrating to quieter film evenings, and enjoying the spa benefits of your hot tub, there are many ways that your hot tub can become central to your social life. Why not enjoy a romantic evening for two, or invite a whole group of friends to catch up together whilst unwinding in the luxury of your hot tub.

Take a look at our full range of Hot Tubs or give The Hot Tub Swim Spa Company a call today on 0208 300 4003 to arrange to come and take a guided tour of our Hot Tubs.

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