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

How You Can Keep up with Your Hot Tub Treatments

Posted on 22 June 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Owning a hot tub is something that is going to bring you a lot of satisfaction for many years to come. Some people feel that there is so much work to maintain a hot tub that they don’t see the value of investing in one. Fortunately, this is not true as there is very little maintenance required. If the minor maintenance that is required is performed, it does not take very much to keep up your hot tub.

Those that have purchased a hot tub will often buy a cover, which cuts down on the work even more. Here are some quick maintenance tips.

Skimming

For hot tubs that are located outdoors, the wind and outside environment causes debris to fall into the water. Having a skimmer on hand to remove this makes it easy. If debris is not removed, it eventually floats to the bottom of the hot tub and starts to contaminate the water. Get a skimmer with a long handle, so you can use it to remove anything that may be at the bottom of the hot tub.

Vacuum

Some particles are too small to be retrieved by the skimmer, so a special pool vacuum will do the job. Actually, some vacuums actually attach to the skimmer, so you can do both jobs at the same time.

Brushing

You want to buy a special brush to make sure you are not getting one that is too harsh for your hot tub. Brush the sides and bottom of the hot tub to remove any debris that is beginning to build up. If you find that a lot of residue is coming off the sides as a result of the brushing, you should vacuum the hot tub again once completed.

Water line mark

You may be seeing a line running around the hot tub where the water line is. This often is from the body oils or those who have used the hot tub without taking a quick shower first to remove any sunscreen or body creams from their skin. When you are cleaning with a brush, focus on removing this line.

Check the water quality a couple of times a week to make sure it is properly balanced and add what is necessary. Be sure to follow the hot tub guide that came with your hot tub for the specific cleaning regime applicable to your hot tub.

Also, if you are just about to buy your hot tub, consider one of the self-cleaning units and you will have even less cleaning to do.

The Little Things that Count in a Hot Tub

Posted on 17 June 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Most people that are looking to buy a hot tub have had the wonderful experience of using one. It may have been at a friend’s or family member’s house or even in a hotel when away on vacation. They know it was a very pleasant experience and that is why they want one for themselves. What they may not have given much thought to, however, is all the additions that can come with a hot tub that contribute to this amazing experience.

The seats play an important role in the comfort of the hot tub. Most people want to stay in the tub as long as possible, and when doing so it is the comfort of the seats that make this possible. Seats that are ergonomically shaped like the body are excellent for this. Reclining comfort loungers really allow the user to stretch out and immerse their body in the warm water. Added to the seating choices, you may want to be sure that the hot tub you are choosing includes a cool off seat. This way, just prior to getting out of the hot tub, you can allow your body to cool down, which is a pleasant experience in itself.

If you are going for one of the larger hot tubs like a six person tub, you want plenty of room for socializing. You don’t want to feel cramped. You also want entry steps to make it easy to get in and out of the hot tub.

Having a variation in the seating sizes means that you can accommodate people of different heights, which is a real bonus.

While there is a lot to consider with the various types and styles of seating, the massaging jets are a huge factor and have a significant impact on your hot tub pleasure. The jets provide the hydrotherapy that is highly therapeutic and soothing.

Cleaning your hot tub is another important consideration. A self-cleaning hot tub allows you to enjoy the benefits of the hot tub instead of wasting time cleaning and maintaining it.

You may be tempted at first to buy the smallest hot tub available if there are only two of you. Keep in mind, however, that the hot tub is a wonderful entertainment venue. When you have company, you may want to spend time in it. To avoid disappointment, consider going with a slightly larger unit, such as a four or five person hot tub.

Tips to Buy the Right Swim Spa or Hot Tub

Posted on 16 June 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

One of the greatest things about buying a swim spa is that you have the option of buying one that is also a hot tub. Having this amazing two in one water feature has the capability of meeting all of the needs of the entire family when it comes to enjoying the many benefits of spas.

Naturally, you are going to have a budget that you want to stick to. Don’t make price the main priority when deciding which type of swim spa to select. You definitely want quality otherwise you could be compromising the functionality and life of your spa.

Comfort is going to be a big item on your list of must haves for your swim spa. Comfort can be built into these spas through their seating if they have been ergonomically designed. Having built in pillows is an added bonus and additional consideration.

When it comes to the jet pressure, everyone has their own likes and dislikes. You want a swim spa that allows you to adjust the jets according to what brings you the most comfort.

One of the important factors about a swim spa is insulation. A high quality spa will maximize energy efficiency and reduce the cost of heating. Most swim spas are insulated with foam, but a better choice is a swim spa that has the double thermal shield insulation system.

Once you have your swim spa installed and it is ready to go, you want to spend your time enjoying it, while minimizing the amount of time maintaining and cleaning it. This won’t be a problem if you purchase one of the self-cleaning models that are available. With these hot tubs and swim spas, the water is changed every fifteen minutes.

You also want a swim spa that is easy to service if the need arises. However, when you purchase a top quality swim spa, there rarely is a need for this.

The decision you are about to make with the purchase of your swim spa is a big and important one. It is exciting and you should be able to enjoy a pleasant buying experience from beginning to end. You want to deal with a swim spa provider that is experienced not only with spas but other related pools and spas as well. This way they can help you make comparisons between the swim spa and pools or strictly hot tubs, for example.

You also want to do business with a pool and spa company that has experience and are willing to take the time needed to help you with your decision-making.

You want to take the time to learn about the various features of the swim spa you are considering. You want it to meet the needs of your entire family. Some members of the family may want a spa for water exercise. Others are interested in its hot tub capabilities. Your decision to purchase a swim spa is one that you won’t regret and one that will bring you a lot of great benefits for many years to come.

It may seem like a lot of work the first time you open your pool in the spring, but after you have done it once, you will see that it really isn’t that difficult. You will soon be ready to enjoy another season of swimming and fun in the water.

Tips for the Spring Opening of Your Pool

Posted on 10 June 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

If this is your first year of owning your pool, perhaps this may be your first experience opening the pool in spring. As soon as there is a hint of warm weather, the kids want to be able to use the pool.

If you are not comfortable with the task of opening your pool, you can always hire the pool and spa professionals in your area to do this for you.

The first thing to determine is if the pool uses chlorine or bromine. If it’s chlorine that you use for the maintenance of the water, you are going to want to shock the pool. This means adding a large amount of the chlorine to the water, so it can kill any bacteria or algae that is present. Read the instructions on the brand of chlorine that you are using to see how much is needed to shock the pool and how long it takes to dissipate.

If you are using bromine, you will want to follow the specific instructions on the label. Pools vary in their size, so it’s important to follow the instructions for any chemicals that are being added to the water.

You will also need other chemicals such as algaecide, water clarifier, and stain and scale inhibitors.

All of these chemicals are the same as what you used in the previous season to keep the pool water fully optimized.

Be sure to remove any water that is sitting on your pool cover before removing it. You donâ€™t want this water running into the pool.

You can use a net to remove any large debris from the water.

You probably disconnected your pump in the fall and stored it away, so now you will want to hook it back up. You will need to prime your pump.

Check that the valves below the water line are flowing properly. You will also want to top up the water.

Be sure that the filters, skimmers and drains are all in good condition and working correctly as well.

Depending on the condition of the water, you may want to run the filter for a few hours to make sure the water is clear.

Don’t forget to check the levels of the various chemicals that were added to the water prior to using the pool.

Simple Tips to Keep Your Swim Spa Clean

Posted on 9 June 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

All of the pleasure and benefits that your swim spa is going to bring you will far out weigh any of the maintenance and upkeep that you will need to do. One thing is for sure and that is you want to be able to enjoy the pristine and crystal clear water that your swim spa should possess at any time you wish. There are a few things that you will need to do to make sure this is the case.

In the warmer weather, you want to check the pool chemistry a few times a week. In the cooler months you can probably reduce this to once a week.

On a weekly basis it is important that you clean out the skimmer baskets. If the swim spa is used a great deal, you may even need to do this more often.

You should do a weekly inspection to ensure the filters are clean. They can become laden with hair and lint, and need to be cleaned as necessary. Even if your swim spa is not used constantly or by a lot of people, a storm can cause debris to land in the spa and clog up your filters.

You will be able to see when your water level is dropping and, if so, you need to top it up. When you do, be sure to check the chemistry of the water.

Make sure you have the proper chemicals on hand, so you can use them as needed. The water can turn quickly, so when chemicals are low, you don’t want to be waiting a few days to top them up.

Your swim spa should have come with a complete set of instructions that include the care and maintenance required. If you follow these, you should have no difficulty keeping your spa in perfect condition.

If maintenance is not something that you feel comfortable doing yourself, you can discuss having this service done by your swim spa dealer. There will most likely be a maintenance program available to meet your specific needs.

Always do a daily visual check to make sure your swim spa is fully optimized for use. If you see any debris in the water, immediately remove them. If the water looks cloudy or murky, check the chemicals.

Swim spas are actually much easier to keep in good condition when compared to pools because they are far more compact. They are the perfect alternative to a pool for people who don’t have a lot of space. They are also great for all age groups as they are perfect for relaxing in, enjoying some great water fun, or for exercise.

Will Stain and Scale Inhibitors Benefit Your Hot Tub or Pool?

Posted on 4 June 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Once you have purchased your hot tub or pool, you want to enjoy it for many years to come. If you stay on top of the small amount of maintenance that is required, you should have no trouble with them, and they’ll provide you with many years of enjoyment.

There are a few chemicals that you will want to use to keep the water in pristine condition. All water is not the same and in some parts of England the water can be extremely hard. If you aren’t sure about this just look at your washing machine or shower head and see if you can detect any white flakes forming. If so, this means you have hard water and what you are seeing is a calcium build up.

This type of water is also going to affect the performance of your hot tub or pool if you don’t add some stain and scale inhibitor to it on occasion. If you don’t do this and the hot tub begins to build up calcium, it can affect the heater and pumps, and the water flow for your hot tub or pool.

To make sure that you stay on top of this and that your water is not containing too much calcium, you can test it. This is something you should do each time you top up the hot tub or pool. There are various testing kits available for this and there are different brands of stain and scale inhibitors.

You may be thinking that you should fill your hot tub or pool with soft water, so you won’t have to deal with this problem. This is not a solution either because too low of a calcium level can lead to corrosion, which is another big problem in itself.

Ideally, the right calcium level should be between 100-200mg/l. The testing kit you are using should provide you with a chart that shows you the various readings and what they mean. If the calcium level is high, you should use a stain and scale inhibitor. On the other hand, if it is low, you will need to add a calcium hardener.

One of the signs that the calcium levels may be too high is the water has a cloudy look to it. Testing is the surest way of knowing exactly what you are dealing with when it comes to calcium.

Surprising Your Loved One for Father’s Day with a Home Sauna

Posted on 3 June 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

It can be difficult to know what to buy your husband or father for Father’s Day. They usually end up with a new shirt or something similar. If you really want to buy a gift that is significant, but one that can be used by other family members, consider a home sauna.

There are two primary reasons why you want to consider a sauna. One is that it is amazing for relaxation and the other is that it provides significant health benefits.

Many health advocates believe that a sauna is a powerful way to eliminate toxins in the body. The heat of the sauna causes one to perspire and this allows the release of these unwanted substances in our body. It isn’t something that happens with the use of the sauna once or twice. Some are saying it can take a couple of months of regular use to receive the full benefits. Another great benefit is that it is really great for the skin.

How it works is the heat of the sauna increases the heart rate, which causes you to perspire.

Many who use a sauna that suffer from sore muscles or arthritis pain say that a sauna works wonders for them in helping to reduce the pain. It is always recommended that individuals who suffer with any kind of health problem should check with their health care provider first to get permission to use a sauna.

When you go to buy your sauna, you are going to be faced with a few decisions to make. One of these will be whether you want to have it installed indoors or outdoors. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to go with an outdoor sauna, you can choose one of the barrel type models that look fantastic. You can really build a terrific getaway right on your own property. Having it installed indoors means you don’t have to go outside to get to it. You are going to need some extra space to accommodate this.

No matter which style or model you choose not only is your loved one going to be enjoying his Fatherâ€™s day gift for many years to come, but you will get to benefit from it too.

Which is Better an Outdoor Sauna or an Indoor Sauna?

Posted on 29 May 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Most individuals that decide to buy a sauna do so because they have tried them and absolutely love the way they felt when using them. Others just go on what they have heard regarding how beneficial saunas are.

What many new sauna buyers don’t realize is that there are a lot of decisions that now need to be made for the new purchase. One of the biggest ones will be, should it be an outdoor or indoor sauna? One of the many great features about a sauna is that no matter which one you choose, they don’t take up much space.

If you are thinking about outdoors, you want to consider the installation. Your sauna is going to need to be connected to your electrical and water system. Also, if your indoor space is limited, choosing the outdoor option will allow you to go with a bigger sauna, which is terrific for when you have friends over.

Even if you do have extra space in the house, you want to make sure it’s in a private area. If you are thinking about having it installed right off the recreation room where the kids hang out, you aren’t going to get the privacy you may want.

A sauna has the ability to totally relax its users, and seems to melt away stress. You really don’t want to be distracted during your sauna time. This may be one of the extra benefits you will have if you go with an outdoor version.

You also have to consider if you want to go outside to use your sauna. It might be more convenient for you to have your sauna indoors. Indoor saunas are typically easier to install because access to the water and hydro may be easier.

When it comes down to which is better regarding selecting an indoor or outdoor sauna, both are equally great and it really is matter space limitations and personal preference. The great thing is that those who simply do not have any spare space in their homes, do not have to go without having a sauna. Even the outdoor saunas take up very little space, so they are perfect for small backyards.

Just be sure that if you make the decision to purchase the outdoor sauna that you buy from a reputable dealer who will ensure that you are getting the appropriate outdoor sauna that is well made.

Choosing the Right Theme to Fit in with Your Outdoor Sauna

Posted on 28 May 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

The first thing you are going to want to decide regarding your outdoor sauna is where you want to put it. Of course, the primary reason for purchasing your sauna is for its many therapeutic benefits, but you’ll also be impressed with its appearance and how it can enhance your outdoor space, if placed outside. This may even encourage you to expand your outdoor space and turn it into the ideal retreat.

There are two ideal versions of an outdoor Sauna that can act as a great starting point for building an outdoor oasis. The first is the Eclipse Garden Sauna. The second is the Traditional Swedish Barrel Sauna. While there are many other makes and models of saunas that are ideal for outdoor use, these two just have such an amazing look about them and fit into almost any type of outdoor environment.

The Eclipse Garden Sauna has the barrel shape, which automatically draws peopleâ€™s attention. The interior is large and spacious, and you have a choice of exterior finish including wood, copper or metal.

Regarding your garden, you want to think about your garden theme. Are you thinking of going contemporary or ultra-modern? The theme and style of your home has to be taken into account, as the outdoor living space flows from the house to the outside.

At the same time, try to give some thought to the primary purpose of your outdoor sauna. Is this something that you have invested in mostly for your personal use? Is it going to become your “getaway” space? Or, do you do a lot of entertaining and have decided the sauna would be something you could enjoy with your friends?

If the sauna is primarily for personal use, you want to install it in the part of your yard that is going to afford you the most privacy. You probably won’t want it really close to the patio, but depending on the size of your yard, you still want easy access to it, especially during the winter months. If this is where your new sauna is going to be, you want to include it in the overall theme of the rest of your backyard decor.

If you are thinking about using it a lot for entertaining, you may want to build your outdoor living space so it begins right from the time you step out of the exterior house door. This space becomes like an extra room, which can be wonderfully decorated around any type of theme. Adding the outdoor sauna to this space just completes the ambience, and makes the perfect spot for the outdoor sauna.

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