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

Healthy Exercise Tips for Your Swim Spa

Posted on 3 February 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

One of the greatest benefits of the swim spa is its ability to allow you to complete many different levels of exercise depending on your ability. For young athletes who want to keep in shape it is an ideal venue for water workouts. For those who suffer with ailments and want to start a rehabilitative regime, the swim spa is perfect. For seniors and those who are out of shape and want to strengthen their cardio system, swim spas are also an excellent resource.

Like any exercise equipment, there are right and wrong ways to use it. Getting exercise with the swim spa is super easy because of all the options available. Even just sinking into the water encourages one to gently move about and stretch their limbs, which is beneficial in itself.

For an exercise regime based on meeting a specific goal or need, some planning never hurts to help keep you on track!

Many of the exercises that you would do on land can be modified for the swim spa. Here are a few ideas to keep your workouts interesting!

Lap Swimming

Using your swim spa for lap swimming not only brings you all of the regular benefits that a traditional swim does, it allows you to take it one step further. Not only can you increase the number of laps you are completing each day, you can increase the resistance of the water that you are swimming against.

Aqua Jogging

There are many different running exercises that you can consider for your swim spa regime, but most of them probably don’t offer the same comfort that the swim spa does with all of the same benefits! Jogging in water is low-impact, which means less wear and tear on your joints and muscles.

Rowing

Being able to complete some rowing exercises in a top-quality swim spa like the AquaTrainer iX by Hydropool is something that will scale up your exercise efforts. This form of exercise really allows you to give yourself a good workout. Again, the water will help you to avoid straining your muscles.

Treading or Wading

You may think that remaining stationary in the water is not going to do much as a workout, but being consistent with this exercise comes with many benefits. You may want to use a floatation device and work against it to increase the intensity of your workout. It is a great form of cardio as well.

Buoyancy and Resistance

You can plan to include this in your exercise regime according to what muscles you want to work on. For example, doing squats in the water is quite a bit different than doing it on land. Alternatively, jumping in the water can be great for your legs, and not to mention fun!

While you will find that planning and following through with a swim spa exercise regime to be fun and rewarding, like any form of exercise you need to include a warm up and cool down segment. You also need to build your endurance so don’t overdo it as you progress through your different levels of work outs. Get creative and try some of your own exercises in the water – you may enjoy it so much that you’ll want every workout to be in the swim spa!

Choosing Seating for Your New Sauna

Posted on 27 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Often, people want to know if there is anything special that they need to consider when choosing what they want in the interior of their sauna.

Some of the highlights of the interior include different kinds of wood, design and decor, and seating options. Let’s take a look at some of your choices.

Woods

Alder

Alder has become a good choice for saunas because of its durability. It has the ability to remain stable when wet, which makes in an ideal choice for saunas. Another great feature is that it doesn’t conduct heat.

Red Cedar

Red cedar has rot resistant capabilities and stands up nicely to moisture, and has a nice woody fragrance to it that isn’t overpowering. It is also said to be naturally bacteria-resistant.

Aspen

Many woods come with the flaw of emitting their resins, however, Aspen does not. For this reason it makes it a good choice for the interior of saunas.

Hemlock

Hemlock has become the choice of people who have allergies to specific types of woods, as they feel that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Ayous

Ayous is another type of wood that lends itself well to saunas because it doesn’t hold heat well and doesn’t bend or warp easily. It has a beautiful smooth surface which makes it ideal for sauna seating.

Most quality saunas are going to have seating that is made of one of these quality woods. Make your choice based on how much seating you are going to have and how well the appearance matches the look you’re going for. You want to make sure your sauna is serene and relaxing with your perfect decor.

The size and height of your sauna will also play a role in its seating capacity. While your original intention may be for two people, don’t forget that this is a wonderful place to spend some time entertaining and enjoying the company of friends.

If you have found a sauna model that really appeals to you but you would like to have the seating customized, you want to be sure that you are dealing with a company that can offer you various types of customization when it comes to your home sauna. Speak with a representative to choose the perfect seating for your new space!

Is a Bespoke Sauna Right for Your Business?

Posted on 27 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

In most industries, there is always a lot of competition. It has become very important for the business owner to offer additional services that will put their company ahead of the rest. Anything that is going to bring comfort and relaxation to the consumer is usually well-received, and if your business is one that you could implement a sauna, then it would be well worth looking at.

There are a lot of businesses that could offer sauna treatments. They may not realize the many benefits it can bring to both the user and the business itself. Many sectors of the hospitality industry could benefit, as well as the beauty industry, and even wellness centers that include some type of exercise.

Often what holds a business owner back is failing to realize how beneficial it could be to their clients. Or maybe they aren’t sure how to market it, or they feel that they don’t have the space or the requirements needed to have one installed.

To overcome the concern about space, there are so many choices in styles and models that this most likely would not be an issue. Bespoke saunas are the ideal solution for any type of business wanting to offer the use of a sauna. In fact, these units can be totally customized to fit the exact needs of the business having them installed.

Saunas have many benefits, and as a business owner you would need to decide if these benefits would serve your clients well and blend in nicely with the services you offer. Here are some examples.

Accommodation Services

For those in the Hotel, Motel and Bed and Breakfast industries, offering your clients the use of a sauna can certainly give you an edge over your competitors. Weary travellers can really benefit from a sauna session, and it’s also great to make use of before they set out on their journey when leaving your establishment.

Spas

If you are in the beauty industry and are offering treatments, then including a sauna as part of this can provide many benefits to your clients. Not only are saunas good for many physical ailments and for promoting relaxation, but they can also be excellent for skin health and appearance.

Gyms and Wellness Centers

Most of these businesses will have some area of their program that addresses weight loss. Incorporating the use of a sauna within that type of program can have some real benefits. There have been some indications that this type of treatment can help to burn calories.

For business owners who are thinking of including the use of a sauna as part of their offering, it doesn’t have to be an expensive investment. What is important is that you purchase a high-quality sauna that’s flexible in size and installation, has lots of customizable features, and of course, looks attractive and inviting!

How Energy Efficient is Your Hot Tub?

Posted on 20 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

There are a lot of features and benefits that you are going to want in your hot tub, and one of these should be efficiency. If you have an older model, then it may not possess all of the qualities that the newer ones on the market do.

If you are just setting out to buy a hot tub, then be sure to spend some time checking out its efficiency.

There are different components that can affect the way the hot tub uses energy. One very important factor is insulation. The insulation should be continuous, meaning that there are no gaps in it.

Modern technology has allowed some quality hot tub manufacturers to capitalize on what is often called wasted heat. Heat is generated from the water, shell, plumbing components, and motor. Rather than waste this extra heat, Hydropool hot tubs utilize it through a unique system called the hydrowise thermoshield system. This means less energy is needed to heat your hot tub, and that can mean savings for you. Those that have old hot tubs will often have to use spray-on foam insulation to fill the gaps in their current insulation.

It is well known that heat rises, and this is what happens to the heat that is being created for the water in your hot tub. It simply rises and escapes into the air. You can prevent this by using a good quality cover for the unit when not in use. Some people choose to use floating insulator covers, but many find that a rigid insulation cover is more efficient. If you have been using the same cover on your existing hot tub for a long period of time, you may be noticing that it is getting heavy. This is because it has absorbed moisture and itâ€™s time for a new one.

Maintaining a consistent temperature for the water is also a good energy saver. Ideally, keeping it at 100^oF will provide you all the comfort you are looking for, and will keep the operating costs of the unit down.

When you are shopping for a hot tub, be sure to ask the representative to fully explain the features of the hot tubs youâ€™re interested in. This way, you’ll have a wealth of information and be able to make a great choice for your new hot tub!

How Can Saunas Strengthen Your Immune System?

Posted on 20 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Many people who own a sauna can’t stop telling their friends about the amazing health benefits. Those that are health conscious are finding that saunas can be excellent for strengthening the immune system.

Our immune system is our best defence against many different ailments. Our body can build up toxins in our fat cells, and the kidneys have the job of trying to detoxify our system. Some sauna users have found that the sweating that takes place during a sauna session really helps to relieve the body of some of these toxins, helping the kidneys with their responsibilities.

There have been studies that show that there are different types of toxins that can accumulate in the body, which include residue from pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, as well as chemicals and solvents from products we use or the environment. These studies have gone on to show that saunas may be beneficial in helping the body to remove these harmful toxins.

The sauna can do even more to help by strengthening the immune system. There are indications that the white blood cells in your body can increase as a result of the heat in a sauna. White cells are very important for fighting off infections that are trying to bring harm to the body.

There are also other changes that are taking place in your body as you sit and enjoy the warmth and comfort in a sauna. These changes are in respect to your T cells and antibodies. Some people say that even when they are suffering from a cold they find some time in the sauna helps to improve their condition. This is thought to be because microbes causing the ailment don’t like the heat and tend to die off at higher temperatures.

Aside from the great potential benefits the sauna can offer the immune system, not many will deny that the feel-good benefits are valuable as well. This is because the high temperatures increase the secretion of endorphins, which make you feel happy.

There are many different ailments that people suffer from where they have been able to get some relief from pain and discomfort as a result of having a good quality sauna in their home to rely on. Anything from aches and pains to a chest cold can potentially benefit from a good sauna session!

What Are Hydropool Serenity Hot Tubs?

Posted on 13 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

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A well-branded product will usually give you a good idea of what the product is all about. You can put the name Hydropool Serenity Hot Tubs into this category. When you think of Hydropool, it usually brings the word hydrotherapy to mind. This term means using water to help treat medical ailments or to enhance one’s overall health. Serenity is a perfect word to partner up with hydrotherapy. Serenity is a state of calm, relaxation, and wellness.

As you can see, the meaning of the name Hydropool Serenity makes it a little more interesting for all of us in need of a little relaxation in our lives!

Once people start thinking about buying a hot tub, they often start out with one main reason in mind. Some want a hot tub to use as a source of relaxation; others want it to enhance their overall health. Then there are some that have specific health issues that they feel a hot tub would be beneficial for treating. Others want to have a hot tub installed in their home to finish off its decor, while others like it for entertainment purposes.

No matter what the main reason is, most people find all of the added benefits of owning a hot tub to become equally important.

Not all hot tubs are equal, and this is why beginning your research into which hot tub is best for you should start with the Hydropool Serenity hot tubs. Once you have seen its quality and variety of features, you will have a good idea of what a hot tub can do when you are comparing it to others. If you have never had a hot tub experience, it can be easy to miss out on some of the key features to look for.

Buying the hot tub from a reliable and experienced dealer is a part of what will make this a positive experience. Knowledgeable dealers will take the time to cover all of the features and benefits for you. This way, you will be sure to get the perfect hot tub you’ve been dreaming of!

What Therapeutic Benefits Do You Need to Consider for Your Hot Tub?

Posted on 8 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

Everyone has their own reasons for why they want to purchase a hot tub. Some want it to enhance their home, while using it for relaxation and socializing. Others want it for therapeutic purposes. No matter what the reason, when you purchase a hot tub you are going to receive all of these great benefits.

Many people will use a warm bath to gain some relief from stress while soothing some of the ailments they may suffer from. The hot tub far supersedes the comfort that the warm bath brings. Hot tubs allow for a form of hydrotherapy. This type of treatment can be beneficial for many different types of problems like fibromyalgia, arthritis, sports injuries and it has even been reported to help with high blood pressure.

Many people believe that regular use of their hot tub acts as a preventative solution. For those that play sports, some use the hot tub pre-game to help limber up their muscles. Others use it to help strengthen their immune system. The warm water of the hot stimulates the blood circulation and especially the white cells of the blood that make up part of the body’s immune system. It also helps to increase the production of endorphins. These are often called the “feel good” hormones. This is most likely what causes so many people to state how good they feel after a hot tub experience.

In any event, the increased blood circulation and the increase of the endorphins help to make the immune system stronger. In turn, problems such as inflammation and the healing of injuries tend to heal faster.

Some people say they just don’t have time to soak in a hot tub even though they wish they did. It has been shown that all it takes is a 20 minute session to reap the many therapeutic benefits it has to offer.

Keeping in mind the hydrotherapy treatment that your hot tub can offer, there are a few things to consider when choosing your hot tub. The jets are important and you can buy hot tubs where you can select the type of jets you want based on their performance. You can purchase a unit that allows you to interchange the jets. You can also configure the jets according to your desire by monitoring the air flow they produce to get a specific action.

Once you have invested in your hot tub, be sure to experiment with the many features that it has to offer and make the most of its relaxation, therapeutic and social benefits.

Adding a Swim Spa to Your Sun Room

Posted on 6 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

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There are not many people that complain about having too much room in their homes, and many look forward to being able to put an addition when possible. It may just be a want for some extra space that can be used as a getaway from the rest of the house. You may be considering a sun room and even expanding its use by having a swim spa built into it.

There is no doubt that this is an exciting combination, and provides a lot of advantages by making good use of the extra space as well as increasing healthy activity for the entire family.

If you have decided that this duo may be a great addition to your lifestyle, then it means you now have lots of decisions ahead of you. Before making any major decisions about your sun room, you may want to focus on the swim spa first. Here are a few things to consider for adding a swim spa.

Demand Quality

The priority will be making sure that you are going to invest in a quality unit that is from a known and trusted brand name, such as Hydropool.

Choose According to Purpose

Most quality swim spas come with multiple features that meet many uses. Some want to use a swim spa for light exercise and just enjoy relaxing in a body of water. Others are intent on using water as their main means of exercise, while others want it mainly for frolicking around in the water and having fun. There is no reason why you can’t enjoy all of these activities with any swim spa, but some are better suited for specific needs than others.

Size and Shape

You are going to want to consider two aspects here. What size would best fit the main purpose of why you are buying the unit? And what is an appropriate size that would work well with the sun room you are considering?

These water units come in many sizes and shapes. The AquaSport or AquaTrainer brands are available in sizes ranging from 14 ft to 19ft. When it comes to shapes, there are plenty to choose from in the Bespoke line of swim spas.

In Ground, Above Ground, or Semi

If you are in the situation where you are having your swim spa installed first, you are going to have to consider your sun room construction. Then, you have the choice of whether you want to have this water unit installed in ground, above ground, or partially sunken.

There will be many additional decisions to be made, but these are the major ones that have to be made first so that you can make proper considerations for your sun room.

Your Sun Room Decisions

While you may be thinking about utilizing your sun room as your pool enclosure, do take some time to give this some extra thought. You may not be aware that there are some additional and equally good choices for other types of pool enclosures. The advantage of using a sun room may be that you don’t have to step out of your home to get access to your swim spa. The disadvantage is if you were planning on using your sun room for other uses like extra seating for entertaining, or for green housing, then you are dedicating some of the space that may have been used for this towards your water unit. There are some big decisions to be made for the housing of your swim spa, but the great news is there are lots of options ahead of you, and you are sure to find the perfect solution for you.

Start the New Year Off With the Right Swim Spa, Hot Tub, or Sauna

Posted on 6 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura

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Now that the holidays are over, a lot of people are going to focus on putting their New Year’s resolutions into action. For many, this includes a new commitment to becoming fit and feeling healthy. There is no better way to do this than with the use of a swim spa, hot tub or sauna.

Each of these forms of water entertainment have distinct benefits and features, and which you choose will depend on your specific needs and lifestyle.

Choosing a Swim Spa

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that you can’t have an indoor swim spa installed. If it isn’t an option right now, then you may want to start planning for one as soon as spring hits. In the meantime, you have a few months to do some research and planning, as well as take some time to check out dealers who are offering quality units and options.

You can begin this wonderful adventure by picking out some ideal locations where you think your swim spa will fit nicely. It is always good to have a few choices, because once you start talking to your swim spa provider, you may discover that some of your choices are better than others. Chances are you are new to swim spas and aren’t familiar with the way they work.

Your representative can give you suggestions based on your particular circumstances and needs. With this type of pre-planning, you are not going to be rushing into any hasty decisions. You still have some time ahead of you while waiting for spring to arrive so the swim spa installation can begin.

You also need to think about who in the family is going to be using the swim spa on a regular basis. This will help you make some important decisions as to which type of swim spa you want.

Reasons why you may make the swim spa your first choice:

Perfect for small spaces where having a standard pool is not an option.
Ideal for any sized family as there are different size options.
Great for all family members, because of its versatility.
A super good choice for those who want to enjoy what water has to offer in regards to promoting fitness and good health.
The right choice for reducing stress and to promote relaxation.
For entertaining it is an ideal addition to the home.

Choosing a Hot Tub

Again, if you decide that you want to have a hot tub installed indoors, then you can start in the winter months to make this happen. If it is going to be an outdoors installation, then start your planning now. Visit your dealer and discuss your needs and wants to find the hot tub that is going to be best for you. There are several steps that you are going to need to take to be ready for the delivery, and your representative can go over these with you. By following these preparations, your installation is going to go quickly and easily.

You are going to have some decisions to make in regards to which hot tub you choose, and one of the important ones will be its size. There may be only two of you that will be using it on a regular basis, but if you entertain a lot then you may want to go for the bigger models so you can include this as part of your home entertainment options.

Reasons for choosing the hot tub as your first choice:

Takes up very little room.
You can use it all year round.
It enhances the atmosphere of your living atmosphere.
It is an ideal getaway without having to leave home.
It offers many types of health benefits, including stress reduction.
It is a great entertainment option.

The Two-in-One Option

Perhaps you are having difficulty deciding between a swim spa and a hot tub. No need to agonize over which to choose, because you do have the option of purchasing a swim spa that has the hot tub features built in. Now you can have the best of both worlds, and the solution that meets all of your family’s needs!

Choosing a Sauna

Saunas are just one more warm and inviting option for those who are looking for a way to relax. If you are an individual that doesnâ€™t have much interest in water units, then the sauna is a great choice. If heat is to your liking, then you are not going to be disappointed. You don’t have to wait until winter passes to start enjoying your new sauna. You have equal options of having it installed within your home or in another location outdoors, perhaps in your yard. For those that are looking for a quick and easy way to improve their health both mentally and physically, then the sauna is an ideal choice.

You are going to have an exciting journey when you go to choose your sauna. There are many different styles and models. Having a few location ideas in mind will be your starting point.

Reasons for choosing the sauna:

You don’t have a want or need for other water units such as swim spas or hot tubs.
You are looking for a way to enjoy some private down time so you can unwind and relax.
You are looking for a healthy and natural approach to address those aches and pains.
You want to enhance your health by ridding your body of toxins.

These are just some of the highlights of three very important water venues that can make a dramatic change to your overall health and home enjoyment. No matter which of these you choose, you are not going to regret your decision to use the power of water to enhance your life!

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