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

Hot Tub Massage Tips

Posted on 22 January 2016 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Using a hot tub allows you to relax and enjoy the many comforts that warm circulating water can bring. Many individuals enjoy using their hot tub with their partner. This is a golden opportunity to be able to incorporate some massage to enhance the benefits that the warm water is going to bring you. Massage has many benefits. It helps one to relax, reduces stress and anxiety, and it can even improve sleep.

There are specific types of massages that work really well in the hot tub setting. It can begin with a gentle back scratching to help increase the circulation and stimulate the skin. One area of the body that receives a lot of tension throughout the day is the neck. This can affect the upper back and shoulders. To massage your upper back and neck, you can either do this alone or have someone that has joined you in the hot tub do it for you. What you want to do is interlock your hands and use the palms of your hand in the heel area to gently squeeze the neck and pulsate it. You don’t want to apply too much pressure, but just enough that you can feel some firm pressure.

One of the best massages for relaxing and allowing the muscles to unwind is the shoulder massage. When you are enjoying a muscle massage of the shoulders, if you tip your head to one side this helps to stretch the muscles of the shoulders and neck area. A gentle massage using the knuckles should bring some wonderful relief from the tension that is found in the shoulder area. Even a massage of the head does wonders to create a relaxed state.

Arms and hands are important to massage as well. Raising your arm and having your partner gently massage the arm starting at the wrist and working down to the forearm with a gentle squeezing motion feels fantastic. This encourages the immune system to function properly and helps to increase lymphatic flow.

At the end of the entire massage session, there is no doubt that you are going to feel totally relaxed and have enjoyed a great experience that massage brings, especially when it is combined with a hot tub session.

Athletes find a massage to be excellent following a sports activity as it helps to stretch their muscles and reduce soreness. For older people that have irritation from stiff joints and tight muscles, this is a great treatment. Hot tub massage is something that anyone can enjoy, while helping to reduce stress.

Choosing the Right Hot Tub Accessories

Posted on 19 January 2016 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

A hot tub provides a great deal of fun, relaxation and enjoyment. But, when you add some of the various hot tub accessories, you can really enhance your hot tub experience and customize it to your specific needs. There are many hot tub accessories to choose from and some are designed for convenience, while others enhance your pleasure. Let’s take a look at some of the options that are available.

Cover removers

You will want to keep your hot tub protected when not in use and you can do this with a quality hot tub cover. To make it convenient to easily remove your cover, you have a variety of cover removers that you can buy. You can get a standard cover remover or you can get the type that is mounted to your deck. Some even come with hydraulics for easy removal.

Spa steps

For an easy way to get in and out of your hot tub, spa steps are a great solution. There are many different types of steps that you can purchase that come in a variety of shapes and styles, as well as materials and colors. It’s just a matter of choosing the set of spa steps that goes best with your particular hot tub.

Pillows

Aside from convenience, there are many accessories that are going to add to your pleasure and enjoyment. One of the greatest benefits that a hot tub affords is the ability to be able to relax in the warm soothing circulating water. You will want to sink down and enjoy every moment of this and to add to your comfort there is a selection of pillows that you can choose from. These will give you the support that you need and add to your relaxation.

Ice buckets

When relaxing in your hot tub, many people like to enjoy some refreshments. To keep these cool and enjoyable, an ice bucket with a cover is ideal. There are many different types to choose from. You can even get a hot tub spa caddy, which sits on the side of the hot top and swivels in and out, so you can reach your refreshments easily.

Aromatherapy oils

Another great accessory for your hot tub is aromatherapy. There are specially designed oils that are compatible with the hot tub. It’s a matter of choosing those scents that appeal to you most as the aromatherapy oils each have the ability to create a specific sensation. You also want to use the proper diffuser.

These are just a few of the very common accessories that can really make your hot tub experience all the more enjoyable.

Preparing your Hot Tub for the Cold Weather

Posted on 14 January 2016 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

The great thing about preparing your hot tub for the cold weather is that it doesn’t mean that you have to close it up for the winter. Instead, you simply have to take some simple steps to protect it so you can utilize it during all seasons.

If you have decided that you don’t want to use your hot tub during the cold weather, you will need to winterize it. You have a couple of choices here. You can have your hot tub dealer perform this service for you or you can do it yourself.

If you are doing it yourself, you will need to begin by draining your hot tub entirely. Then, you want to take out the filter and clean the filter element. It is important that you have removed all of the water, which includes the water in the jet openings, the housing for the filter cartridge, and the foot well. You can do this by using a wet dry vacuum.

You are then going to want to add some antifreeze to the pump well, jet channels, the housing for the filter and the blower channels. Try to ensure that you are using antifreeze for RVs and that you do not use the automotive antifreeze. Also, when adding the antifreeze, add some to the bottom section drain, which will ensure that any water that may be trapped there in the false floor of the hot tub will not freeze.

Once you have added the antifreeze, you want to turn on the pump to circulate this. It only takes a few seconds. You want to make sure that you disconnect all the unions that are in the support equipment area.

When looking at your pump, you will see that there are some winter drain pump plugs. You will need to remove all of these plugs. The next thing you will need to do is look at the plumbing connections that are exposed. You want to protect these using plastic bags secured with duct tape. If it’s possible, you really should disconnect your hot tub support equipment and store this indoors.

Once you’ve completed all of the steps you can cover your hot tub with its safety hardcover and can even place a tarp to protect the hardcover itself. If you are in an area that receives snow throughout the winter months, make sure that you do not allow the snow to build up on the hot tub.

There are a lot of very important steps to winterizing your hot tub and you really should follow the specific manufacturer’s directions for doing this. You can also have professionals perform this service for you as you don’t want to miss a step or do it incorrectly, which could lead to some type of damage to your hot tub.

Lighting Your Swim Spa

Posted on 11 January 2016 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Once you have your swim spa installed, you are not going to want to be restricted regarding when you can use it. You want to make good use of it any time, day or night. When using it at night, you want to be cautious about your safety and you may want some lighting in the area to provide you with good visibility.

When you buy a quality swim spa, you should find that it does come with some lighting that is built into the unit. These are normally LED lights and will be installed properly by the professionals that are doing your installation. This may not be enough lighting for you, however, and you may like to have some exterior lighting installed around the swim spa area, not only for your enjoyment, but for guests that may want to sit around this area.

Having lighting near any form of water can be potentially dangerous and it is important that you follow all of the safety regulations for your outdoor lighting. There are in pool lights that you can buy, but these must be installed by professionals.

Many people are turning to the LED systems because of their safety and performance, but these lights must be made of quality components. It is tempting to go to your local store and buy some of the outdoor lighting packages that are available there. This is usually landscape lighting and is not the best choice for lighting in your swim spa area.

When looking at your lighting fixtures, you may want to focus on those that are made with non-rusting materials, such as non-ferrous metal alloy fixtures, which include copper or stainless steel. It is always recommended that any wiring that is going to be near any body of water should be installed in conduit. The goal here is to make sure that no part of the lighting system, which includes the fixtures, transformers, or wiring can come into contact with the water in any way, shape, or form.

When using any type of transformers, it is important to follow all of the manufacturer recommendations and that they are grounded. There are pool and spa rated transformers that can be purchased and it is highly recommended that the proper equipment is utilized.

When installing any of the fixtures they should be well back from the water’s edge. There may be bylaws in your area, but in general they should be at least six feet back from the water’s edge. The purpose here is that you don’t want anybody that is in the water to be able to touch any part of the lighting fixture. You may want to discuss your lighting for your swim spa area with your swim spa provider who are the experts in this area.

Outdoor Additions to Enhance Your Swim Spa

Posted on 8 January 2016 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

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After your swim spa is installed, you will be spending a lot more time outdoors. That is, of course, if your swim spa was installed outdoors versus inside. If you spa is installed outside, you may become interested in expanding your outdoor living space. You can do this with some outdoor additions, and you have a lot of options to choose from.

It can be a real hassle having to walk back and forth to the house for entertaining. The best solution here is a pool house or enclosure. You can keep it as small or large as you like, which will depend on your space and budget.

If you are looking for just a small enclosure that can be used as a change room, a cabana may work for you. If you are looking for space just for relaxing and entertaining, a deck may be what you need.

With either one of these choices, you can have a wonderful selection of furniture. This is ideal for relaxing in between uses of the swim spa.

If you have a good weather environment or lots of space, you want to make the best use of this.

You may want to build an outdoor kitchen that is close to your pool area. You can go with something simple or elaborate. There is no shortage of selections of equipment to choose from for your outdoor kitchen.

There are many different appliances that are made for this use. If you want to keep it simple, you can simply restrict this area for your barbecue and some sitting space to enjoy meals. Conversely, you can put in a full blown kitchen with a stove, sink and fridge. It is all going to come down to your space and budget.

In terms of enclosures, you can have a fixed or retractable roof. Having an enclosed roof that is retractable, gives you the best of both worlds. In the warmer weather, you can have the roof open. In the cooler weather, you can close the roof to help retain the heat of your swim spa, increasing the amount of time that you are able to use it.

If you are limited on space that doesn’t mean you don’t have the option for an enclosure. There are many quality ones available that can be used for various swim spa shapes and sizes.

Do some research first before making your decision to see how you can make the best use of your available space.

You may only want to do a small outdoor section this year and then expand on it in the years to come. If so, you want to keep this in mind during your planning stages.

Choosing the Right Deck for Your Swim Spa

Posted on 4 January 2016 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Once you have your swim spa installed, you may consider adding a deck if you don’t have one. You will find that you are going to have lots of choices in deck materials and styles. Some people prefer to have concrete decking while others opt for the wood. Both can be good choices and have their pros and cons.

When choosing your deck there are some things that you want to keep in mind, including:

Safety factors
Ease of installation
Cost of installation
Maintenance and repair

Your first priority for your new deck is how easy it will allow you to enter and exit your swim spa. Then, you may consider how convenient it will be for entertaining and relaxing.

Whether your swim spa is above ground, partially in ground, or in ground, this is going to help determine the best deck. For above ground pools the best choice will be wood as concrete is not a good option.

Wood

Amongst the many choices of wood that you will have, there will be the choice of timber decking or hardwood. Most individuals prefer to go with the hardwood decking rather than the soft wood as it is more durable. Other material choices are vinyl, aluminum or plastic. No matter which you choose, you need to be sure it is good quality, easy to care for, and water proof.

Concrete

If you choose concrete, there is a lot more work involved compared to wood. You will have lots of choices with a concrete deck too. This is a versatile material that can be colored or you can have a pattern added to it through stamping.

If you like the colored concrete, the best choice is integral color. This is color which is mixed throughout the concrete slab. If it happens to chip then the color remains. Another choice for coloring is topical coloring. This is where the color is added to the top layer of the concrete with various types of color hardeners. These are usually applied to the wet concrete.

If you want to add some character to your concrete decking, you can have stamped or patterned concrete as well.

Choosing Between a Sauna or a Steam Room

Posted on 30 December 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

If you find that the sauna or steam room options appeal to you, your next decision is which one of these options is the right one for you. Saunas and steam rooms do have some similarities, but are not identical. Knowing the differences will help you make your decision.

Saunas:

Sauna walls are usually made of wood and you may have the option of both dry and wet sessions. In some models, the stove that is used to generate the heat is located within the sauna unit. The temperature of the sauna is usually between 70°C-100°C (158°F – 212°F). People who enjoy saunas usually find that it is most beneficial for helping to stimulate their muscles and reduce stress levels. Some have found that it helps to create better cardiovascular health and may notice a reduction in blood pressure.

The biggest difference is the sauna does not produce nearly the same humidity that a steam room does. You will also find that when you are reviewing which sauna you want to purchase that you will have to choose between the conventional models or the infrared version. The conventional saunas work through warming the air. The infrared saunas focus on heating objects like stones, for example.

Steam rooms:

A steam room creates high heat with a high level of humidity. The walls are usually made of porcelain, ceramic or granite tiles. In many cases, the steam is generated from an external steam generator. The temperature is usually around 40°C (115°F to 120°F). A lot of people enjoy steam room because they help improve their respiratory system, while relieving sinus congestion. They also find that it detoxifies their body and enhances their skin, similar to saunas.

Making the decision

While there are some differences in the delivery of the heat process in the sauna and steam rooms, the results they produce for the body are similar. They both assist in increasing blood flow to the skin. Each of these has the ability to dilate the blood vessels and improve circulation. They each have their own way of promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

What it really comes down to when making the final decision between the steam room or the sauna is your preference as to whether you like your heat in a dry or wet form. When it comes to the actual experience, you also have the warm cozy feeling of the sauna, which is comprised of wood, or the cool refreshing sleek look of the porcelain, ceramic or granite tiles.

Does A Sauna Help Those With RA?

Posted on 24 December 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

RA is a form of arthritis known as rheumatoid arthritis. It creates a large number of disabilities for individuals throughout many different countries. It is an affliction that can affect either gender at any age.

For those that suffer with this illness their priority becomes looking for some form of pain relief. In many cases, they have to resort to prescriptions to help with this. The problem is they are now faced with many side effects that come with the drugs used for the pain relief. More people are now looking for natural methods and alternatives to help not only reduce the pain caused from the RA but to increase their mobility.

There are a lot of people that have begun to rely on the heat therapy that a sauna can offer. They have found that there are several benefits of saunas. One of the most significant ones is they find that there is some temporary relief from their pain and as a result of this, they are becoming more mobile. They also find that the heat from the sauna allows for detoxification of some of the toxins that have built up in their body.

For those that have turned to a sauna to assist them with some relief with their rheumatoid arthritis, they are finding that by using it on a consistent and scheduled basis that their quality of life is increasing. This is because their pain is reduced and they can get around a little more than they originally could. With the relief of pain and increased mobility, it allows them to be more active which in itself may be beneficial to helping reduce the effects of the rheumatoid arthritis.

Not only does it play an important physical factor, but it plays a mental role as well. With the reduction of pain and not being so restricted, they have a better mental outlook, and get to enjoy some of the things in life that the RA was preventing them from doing.

Researchers are stating that the benefits of sauna bathing come from the temporary increase of noradrenaline, adrenaline, cortisol, as well as endorphins that take place during the sauna bathing. All of these have anti-inflammatory properties. The endorphins are the natural pain killer that the body produces.

Users of the sauna find that their mobility is better because of the beneficial effects of the warmth on the tissue. There are many others that use saunas for other ailments. These include those that have general aches and pains from sports related injuries or from the type of work that they do. Aside from the great benefits that the sauna offers to those with various medical conditions, it is a wonderful resource just for relaxation and enjoyment.

Adding Salt Water Technology to Your Hot Tub

Posted on 21 December 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

There are so many great choices when it comes to choosing a hot tub for you and your family that the purchase adventure alone is going to be interesting. Not only are there many different styles and models to choose from, but you can also choose a spa that has self-cleaning technology, so you can reduce the maintenance requirements.

You will find that it only takes a limited amount of chemicals and very little time to maintain your hot tub. Some people rely on chlorine to keep their water in prime condition, while others are now using bromine.

There is something else that is available to help with keeping your hot tub in prime condition, so your time is spent on enjoying all it has to offer you and your family. The use of a salt water bromine system replaces the need for chlorine once the system is installed. It can be used with new hot tubs or even older versions.

One of the greatest features about this is that it cuts down on the amount of maintenance for your hot tub and you don’t need to use as many chemicals. Once the system has been installed, it takes over with the production of the bromine sanitizer. Any adjustments that need to be made can be made right from the keypad.

Bromine can handle a wider range of the pH levels with temperatures that are higher. This means that your hot tub will be in pristine condition without the need of adding additional products. You no longer have to be concerned about adding chlorine or bromine to your spa by schedule. With the system releasing the bromine, it means is that it can go to work and destroy any contaminants that may be found in the water.

For those that really are not keen on using chemicals in their hot tub, this is a great alternative. One of the other great features about this system is that there are no odours associated with it like there are with some of the other chemicals, and it doesn’t cause any skin or eye irritation.

When you can combine the self-cleaning features of a hot tub with saltwater technology, it really steps up the convenience and enjoyment of the hot tub.

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