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

How Do Swim Spas Work?

Posted on 7 April 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

One of the many advantages of having a swim spa installed is that it’s a great space saver without having to relinquish all of the benefits that come with a regular swimming pool. In fact, it can offer additional benefits. It is a self-contained unit that fits nicely in confined spaces, and works well with any home atmosphere.

Swim spas work with various components. These may include a powered paddlewheel as well as a propeller, or it may possess a jet propulsion system. It depends on the manufacturer of the swim spa that you are opting for. What you want to look for in a swim spa is that it is going to provide a good current that is smooth, wide, and deep enough to give you the benefits that come with swimming.

While swim spas are definitely compact, you will still have the choice of size when you are ready to buy. Your main priority is to ensure that you will be able to carry out all of the swim strokes that you would be able to in a standard pool. When you purchase a family-sized unit, it allows for the added benefit of giving the children a chance to play, while the adults may want to focus more on the exercise and relaxation benefits that the swim spa offers.

Aside from these benefits, swim spas also come with hydrotherapy jets. So you now have a combination of a wonderful place to get in shape, as well as a fun place to play for the kids. Additionally, with therapy jets, you also have all of the benefits of a hot tub!

Not only do you have the benefit of your swim spa fitting into tight quarters, but there is also the versatility of how you can have it installed. There are options to have it installed above ground, partially recessed, or totally in ground. You can also decide if you want this to be an indoor or outdoor venue.

Having the opportunity to have your swim spa installed indoors allows you to make full use of this amazing water unit all year round. You don’t have to rely on good weather to use it. It certainly is a wonderful addition to the home, and also raises the resale value if you ever do plan to sell.

Can a Hot Tub Help to Lower High Blood Pressure?

Posted on 1 April 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

There is a lot of controversy about whether hot tub use is good for individuals who suffer with high blood pressure. There are a lot of people who suffer with this medical condition that would absolutely love to enjoy a warm soak in a hot tub, but are afraid to.

Many people believe that when someone first immerses themselves in a hot tub, their heart begins to work harder and faster. This is a mechanism to get rid of the excess heat that the body is experiencing from the warmth of the water. While this is taking place, there is increased blood flow which increases the oxygen level throughout the userâ€™s body. It is during this process that the initial blood pressure may rise temporarily, but the warmth causes the cells to dilate, which in turn decreases the heart resistance and the blood pressure begins to drop.

There really haven’t been a lot of reported studies conducted on the actual effects of the hot tub in relation to blood pressure. One recent study that was conducted included a group of individuals, with some being treated for high blood pressure which was stable, and some with no hypertensive issues. Their blood pressure was monitored prior to a ten minute session in a hot tub, then at intervals while in the hot tub, and immediately after. Neither group indicated any serious adverse symptoms in respect to their time in the hot tub. It was noted that each participant displayed a drop in blood pressure and an increased heart rate during the initial entry into the hot tub, with no adverse symptoms.

In general, health experts feel that hot tubs should not create any problems provided that the user’s hypertensive condition is under control. As with any medical condition, following the advice of your health care provider is the priority.

One thing to be very cautious about however, is not to switch back and forth between a cold water venue and then to the hot tub. This can create an increase in blood pressure.

If you are given the approval by your doctor to use a hot tub, you may find that it is beneficial in reducing your stress level as you learn to relax. Stress in itself can have an adverse effect on blood pressure, so this could improve your condition over time. So, take your time and enjoy your relaxing hot tub session.

What You Need to Know about Swim Spa Enclosures

Posted on 31 March 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

When you first purchased your swim spa, you may not have given any thought to an enclosure for it, or perhaps it just wasn’t in the budget at the time. Now that you have this wonderful addition, you may feel that an enclosure could greatly enhance its usability.

Just as you had several decisions to make when you were buying your swim spa, you will also have some decisions to make when choosing your enclosure.

There are a lot of benefits to having an enclosure for your spa. It can help to make the spa more energy efficient, as it will allow the water to retain its temperature more efficiently. You also won’t have to deal with debris getting into the spa.

One of the best advantages is that you can use your swim spa anytime. You won’t have to let the weather control when you can make use of your swim spa. Some other major benefits are the privacy it provides, as well as the safety. It can help to prevent people, especially children and pets, from approaching the spa too closely.

There are a variety of enclosures available, including fixed, retractable, lean-tos, and enclosures with centre openings. It will come down to your personal preference and what works best for your particular pool.

You will definitely want to consider relying on the experts who supply the swim spa enclosures. They can tell you what your restrictions are based on the specifications that you give them, and will even visit the home so that they can give you the best recommendations. They also may suggest other alternatives, like pavilions or gazebos, depending on the size of your swim spa and your specific wants and needs. Also, keep your budget in mind so that the provider can help to find the perfect fit.

Of course, you want your enclosure to meet your needs for the swim spa. However, you also want to take into account how it will work with your architecture and landscaping. The addition is meant to enhance the property. This means that you have to consider the style as well as the materials that will be used. Again, this is where an enclosure expert will be an additional advantage for you. Based on your requirements and their experience, they will be able to offer you some sound advice and find you something that meets both your functional and aesthetic tastes.

Having a swim spa enclosure is an investment that will not only greatly extend the enjoyment of your swim spa, but also add value to your property. Consider getting an enclosure to get the most out of your swim spa year-round!

How to Incorporate a Sauna into Your Home Entertainment

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

By the end of the day, many people are tired and simply want to head home and plop down on the couch to relax. However, those who have the advantage of having a sauna in their home usually head there first, and find some time relaxing in the sauna much more beneficial than the couch.

Television has become a favourite mode of entertainment, but a sauna can also be a wonderful form of entertainment as well.

The weekends are the perfect time for family and friends to get together. However, many people tend to forget how wonderful the sauna could be for their night of entertaining. Once they invite their friends or family in for a try, they often make it a regular event and even throw sauna parties.

Throwing a sauna party can be a lot of fun and you can actually turn it into a themed event. Don’t be surprised if you find that more people turn up for your gathering than normalâ€”you can thank the sauna! With the numerous physical and mental benefits, everyone is sure to enjoy a relaxing sauna session while socializing.

Depending on the size of your sauna and how many guests you have invited, you may decide to have groups take turns or for everyone to head in at once. Regardless, let your guests know that they are free to leave anytime so they don’t feel uncomfortable or obligated to stay. On the same token, this also means they can relax for a while longer if they choose to.

When coming out of the sauna, make sure you have plenty of water on hand so everyone can hydrate themselves, and find a nice area where everyone can sit for a period of time to cool down.

You will probably want to serve refreshments, but hold off on the alcohol beverages until the sauna sessions are over. Even better, wait until after everyone has had something to eat and some water to drink to ensure that everyone is well hydrated.

Most people like to have a shower following a sauna, so let your guests know if they are allowed to do this ahead of time.

After your sauna session, cool down, and showers, your guests are probably feeling relaxed but revitalized and ready to enjoy some food and the rest of the evening’s entertainment.

The sauna is a great atmosphere and offers a place where you can enjoy some really great conversation with no distractions, making it perfect for socializing, relaxing, and entertaining! Invite some friends over and try out the sauna party for yourself, and share the amazing benefits these units have to offer.

The Beautiful Skin Benefits of Using a Sauna

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

When it comes to what is best for the skin, there will always be varying opinions. When it comes to saunas, most people will agree that they’re good for it. Even those who didn’t anticipate this particular sauna benefit will often comment that they have found their skin to be in better condition since they started using their sauna. So, let’s look at a few reasons why a sauna can benefit your skin.

Improved Circulation

When you are increasing the blood flow to your skin, it is as if you are preparing a banquet for it. The extra blood flow nourishes the skin. Blood is the food line that provides what your skin needs, in the form of oxygen and essential nutrients. While this nourishment is a requirement for every part of the body, sometimes the skin seems to get short changed.

The blood flow also plays another important role. While it carries nutrients to the cells, it also works as a waste management system. Blood assists in carrying away waste products from the working cells. While you can’t visibly see this increased circulation, it will be evident as your heart rate increases. In some cases, heart rate increases by 30% or even more, which increases the blood circulation to the skin.

Getting Rid of Toxins

One of the first things you will notice after a short time in the sauna is that you will begin to perspire. It has always been a common thought that sweating helps to rid the body of toxins. You will often hear people with a cold say they are going to go to bed and just sweat it out. Many people believe that sweating helps to rid their body of the toxins that are making them ill.

We are focusing on the skin, and the sweating created by the sauna helps the skin to get rid of toxins that may have become trapped below the skins layers. It opens the pores of the skin, making it easier for both dirt and toxins to be released, and resulting in clearer, healthier looking skin.

Saunas for Problematic Skin

There are some acne sufferers that swear by using the sauna to help clear their skin. It makes sense why this would work. Acne is usually prominent in people where they have too much oil being produced in their skin. This overabundance of oil gets trapped in the pores, and the end result is a breakout of acne. The sauna helps to open up the pores and allows these trapped oils to drain. However, it’s best to cleanse the skin following a sauna session to help exfoliate the dead skin and remove perspiration. This ensures that all of the oil and dirt is washed away and the skin can breathe.

Using a sauna on a regular basis comes with a lot of benefits, and keeping the skin healthy and clear is definitely one of the favourites.

The Most Common Hot Tub Questions Answered

Posted on 17 March 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

When buying your hot tub, you may have a lot of questions. It’s important to have all of these questions answered to ensure that you make the right purchase for your lifestyle. Once you get your hot tub home and it is ready to use, you may have some additional questions. In this post, we look at some common questions that hot tub owners have.

When is the best time to use the hot tub?

The great part about owning a hot tub is that you can use it any time you want. A lot of people find it most enjoyable to use in the evening after everything is done for the day, and you are ready to relax. However, it is becoming more common for people to use it before going to work, as well. Instead of sitting at their kitchen table to have their coffee and wake up, they are taking a quick soak in the hot tub. Try it at different times and see which is your favorite – you may even decide to do both!

How long is it safe to stay in the hot tub?

Everyone reacts a little different to a soak in the hot tub. Some find that 20 minutes is long enough, while others enjoy a 30 minute soak. It all depends on what temperature you are keeping the hot tub at and how well you tolerate heat. If the temperature is too high, or you are staying in too long, you may begin to feel light headed or dizzy. In this case, it is best to give yourself a time limit to ensure that you always get out feeling your best. Or, simply lower the temperature if you prefer a longer soak.

Is there a specific temperature that is best?

The majority of hot tub users like to keep the water temperature between 100-102^oF. There are some that like to keep it at 104^oF, but not every member of the family is comfortable with this in most cases. It is personal preference and if you like the temperature lower, experiment and adjust it to your liking.

Should I shower before or after using the hot tub?

If you have any type of cream on your skin, have just worked out, or are perspiring, you definitely should shower quickly before using the hot tub. Anything you bring in with you can contaminate your water and put the chemistry of your water out of balance. For visitors using your hot tub it would be a good idea to make it mandatory to have a shower before using your hot tub. It will be up to your personal preference if you want to shower after using the hot tub, and many people do.

When can I start letting friends use my new hot tub?

Of course, it is exciting to have a new hot tub, and you probably want to start sharing the pleasure with your family or friends right away. If you have never owned a hot tub before, then it may take you a week or two to get used to keeping it maintained and making sure you are adding the right chemicals to it. Make sure you feel totally familiar with your hot tub before inviting people over to use it.

These are just some of the common questions that can arise as a new hot tub owner. You should be able to contact your hot tub provider with any questions you have, and they should be happy to answer them for you. Then, it’s time to get in a nice relaxing soak!

How Can Hot Tubs Benefit Athletes?

Posted on 17 March 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

A hot tub can provide benefits for almost anyone, and when it comes to the athlete, it can be a very powerful resource. This is not just applicable to the professional athlete, but includes anyone who participates in sports, enjoys exercise, or is perhaps just starting out!

Before Sports

The hot tub is excellent for helping you prepare for your upcoming sports activity. Of course, you want to feel energetic and warmed up for the event, but perhaps you haven’t considered using a hot tub for this purpose. Before a sports event, chances are that your adrenaline is beginning to pump up and you are full of anticipation.

You may want to give yourself some time to relax and mellow out a bit before you capitalize on your increased energy level. The warm water and the massage from the jets is going to release all of your muscle tension, allowing your muscles to feed off of the increased circulation that is taking place in your body.

By having a hot tub session, you can reduce your risk of injury due to tight muscles. This activity may also help you to perform better, because your range of motion is greatly improved by warming up first. When the muscles are loose and limber, it can help promote agility and increase your speed.

Take some time to gently move about in the water while you relax and get ready for your activities.

After Sports

While you are certainly going to enjoy a pre-sport hot tub session, you are definitely going to enjoy it afterwards. It will reduce all those aches and pains that you notice once your muscles cool down.

It is also going to help you unwind mentally, as well as physically. You may still feel wound up, but tiredness is sure to settle in shortly. You may be one of those individuals who find it hard to relax after this excitement, and this is where the hot tub can play an important role. Whether you won or lost your game, it will all seem to melt away in the soothing water of the hot tub.

Injury Reduction

If you have become injured during your sporting event, for example a sprain or pulled muscle, then you are definitely going to want to spend some time in the hot tub. It will help to reduce your discomfort and it could help to speed up the healing process by preventing further injury.

No matter which issues you face, whether it’s muscle pain, insomnia, or anxiety, a relaxing hot tub session can help you unwind and reach your goals with a healthier mind and body.

Which is Right for You: Softub or Hot Tub?

Posted on 10 March 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

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When you are pondering over the idea between buying a softub or a hot tub, you are weighing out your options between either a portable or stationary unit. They both have some great and very similar benefits, so let’s take a look at each of the two.

Softub

These units are lightweight which allows them to be portable, and for this reason, installation is very easy – you can do it yourself. Ensure that you are purchasing a high-quality unit, because you want it to last for the long haul. Many people pick them up and take them to new homes if they move, which is great for people who need to move often for work or other reasons. They’re even light enough to enjoy on a balcony or boat!

With innovative technology available today like the Hydromate, softubs have a pump, motor, and heater all built into one unit. You may be surprised at how quietly they operate with our new Whisper Technology. There is also high density Polybond insulator foam to keep the heat in, making them highly energy efficient and easier on the environment!

Another enjoyable feature about the softub is its weather resistance. It may be lightweight, but it is surpisingly tough and can stand up to the elements. At the same time, the softub lives up to its name – it is extremely comfortable, flexible, and perfect for some relaxation.

Maintenance is a breeze, and you will never have to be concerned about how hygienic it is, because it has an automatic cleaning function built right in.

Not all softubs are composed of these amazing components, so these are things you need to consider when buying a soft tub.

They are most ideal for those who are not remaining in stationery living quarters, like for those who rent, for example. Or who are on the go and want a portable hot tub unit they can take with them.

Standard Hot Tub

For those who have settled down in their home, the better choices may be the stationary hot tub. A great choice is the Hydropool, which many people prefer because of its self-cleaning capabilities. The quality and performance of Hydropool hot tubs is also absolutely outstanding, so it has the longevity to provide a lifetime of enjoyment.

With this type of hot tub, you want to give some serious thought to where you want it located. In time, you may want to add some additions to it like a pavilion or a gazebo, so keep this in mind when you are making your decision.

If you are plan to do a lot of hot tub entertaining, you can count on this type of hot tub to be fully accommodating. Standard hot tubs come in a very wide range of sizes to suit your lifestyle.

Another thing to consider with the stationary hot tub is that you can customize it to your exact liking by having additional features added to it. There are lots of models to choose from, so you won’t have any difficulties finding one that suits exactly what you are looking for. Pay particular attention to the comfort features that you want in your unit, like jets, seating, headrests, or even lighting.

No matter which you choose, you’ll reap the amazing health benefits of regular hot tub use. Take some time to pick the perfect model for you, and you are sure to enjoy your new home addition for years to come!

Enhance Your Outdoor Space with a Pavilion or Gazebo

Posted on 10 March 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

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A swim spa is a wonderful addition to the home and will provide many years of enjoyment for people of all ages. Depending on where it’s located on your property, you may tend to use it more or less. For this reason, it’s important to give some thought to where you have it installed.

One of the issues that may arise is walking to and from the swim spa. People will need to get changed before venturing out to the pool area, and the same when they have completed their swim. Having people trek in and out can become somewhat of an inconvenience, especially if they are trailing water through your home.

There is an easy solution to this, and it comes in the form of pavilions and gazebos. These make a wonderful addition to your pool area. There are lots of styles to choose from, and you can customize them to ensure they meet your needs. For example, you can choose a multifunctional design and use them as a combination space – as a change house, entertainment space, and as an enclosure for your swim spa or hot tub.

Consider the space around your swim spa or hot tub and decide how big you want it to be and where you want it to be located. There are a variety of decisions in terms of style to fit your needs and aesthetic tastes. Always insist upon quality when it comes to your garden buildings, as these will have to endure the elements. If you are favoring a gazebo that has a thatched roof, be sure to consider the benefits of the South African Cape Reed Thatch. This particular material is well known for its thermal capabilities and the quality of the lumber.

Consideration also has to be given to how the pavilion or gazebo will complement your outdoor architecture.

While these units can be made from many different types of materials, wood seems to be the best choice for a variety of reasons. Canadian Western Red Cedar is a great choice because of its durability and longevity, not to mention its natural beauty. Wood fits right in with the outdoor atmosphere, and pavilions and gazebos will enhance the natural beauty of your property as well as make a beautiful focal point.

A swim spa brings hours of pleasure. Imagine being able to leave the water and extend this pleasure by relaxing or entertaining inside a gorgeous high-quality pavilion or gazebo. It protects your swim spa investment, makes a great home addition, and provides an invaluable space to make memories with family and friends.

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