A Swim Spa is the name given to a large self contained unit that has a counter current built in to one end, which allows people to swim against the current whilst staying in one position. A swim spa to swimmers is what a treadmill is to runners, they are designed to deliver a powerful current to swim against, creating water resistance for an all over full body workout. Cooldown massage seats are often positioned at the downstream end to provide a soothing post workout massage.
In recent years, swim spas have become an increasingly popular alternative to a traditional home swimming pool, which provide relaxation benefits as well as swimming and other forms of aquatic exercise. They are a hybrid of swimming pool and spa which allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds in the comfort of your own back garden.
They are usually built in a similar way to a hot tub with an acrylic shell surface, built in filtration and purification systems and generally have optional lighting, fountains and different aquatic exercise equipment such as resistance bands, rowing arms and water weights etc.
The swim current can be adjusted in speed and intensity to match a swimmers own power and pace, and also to encourage more intense workout sessions.
A swim spa can be used for swim training, learning to swim or even to improve overall fitness and strength. Swimming teachers or swimming coaches often use swim spas to analyse swim stroke rhythm and look for technique improvements to aid swimmers reach optimum performance levels. They allow the swim coach to be close to the swimmer at all times so that they have the perfect view from all angles.
What is the difference between an endless pool and a swim spa?
‘Endless pool’ is actually a brand name! Endless Pool manufacture a propeller propulsion system that can be added to domestic home swimming pools to provide a string and very smooth counter current to swim against whilst staying in one position. Their product is certainly one of the market leaders worldwide in swim current propulsion systems that can be installed at the time of build or even added as a retro fit to existing swimming pools. Endless Pools also provide a modular in-ground swimming pool with their unique propulsion system incorporated into an end wall.
A ‘swim spa’ is the generic term for large hot tub like vessels that also incorporate a swim chamber complete with a counter current system for swimming. Many large hot tub manufacturers such as Hydropool, Jacuzzi, Artesian Spas, Marquis Spas, Catalina Spas, Coast Spas, Dimension One, Arctic Spas, Vortex Spas etc, also manufacture ranges of swim spas from their factories around the world. Endless Pools also manufacture a range of Endless Pools Swim Spas.
Can a swim spa be installed in the ground?
Yes, a swim spa can be installed in the ground, as well as above ground or, more popularly, semi-recessed into the ground. When installing a swim spa in the ground, a pit must be created, approximately 75cm larger than the dimensions the swim spa on all four sides to allow access to the equipment and plumbing throughout the swim spa for servicing and repairs. The pit must be water proof and also drained so that it can not fill up with water.
Where possible, connections to the mains drainage is advised. Where this is not possible, separate sumps within the pit must be installed with submersible pumps that are float switch operated. These would fill up first, activating the float switch and pump water away from the pit to the nearest drain. The base floor of the pit must be at least a 6 inch reinforced concrete slab, suitable to fully support the weight of the swim spa when filled with water.
For more information on our swim spas, email MySpa on info@myspashop.co.uk, call us 0116 4645 870 or visit one of our showrooms!
View our Swimspa Pre-buyer's Guide
MySpa Leicester, Dobbies Garden Centre, Loughborough Road, Leicestershire, LE7 7NL
MySpa Derbyshire, 37 Chequers Lane, Chaddesden, Derbyshire, DE21 6AW
MySpa Cheshire, Units 2&3, Old Mill Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 7PA
