A distinctive trend
The swim spa combines swimming in a very small space with the varied technology of underwater massage. The idea originally came from portable whirlpools and aims to combine the relaxing effect of a hot tub with the fitness benefits of swimming. The result is a distinctive trend that only a swim spa can deliver. Strictly speaking, it is a compact swimming pool with an integrated whirlpool, and there are two systems:
- Single chamber system
- Twin chamber system
What the new swim spas offer
In the single chamber system, the whirlpool area is located directly within the swimming area. Active training and passive relaxation therefore take place in a single shell. Accordingly, the water is the same temperature in both areas, and depending on the model the jets are either distributed over the whole pool or concentrated in one corner.
The twin chamber system separates the active swimming area from the relaxing wellness area. This has several advantages over the single shell system. On the one hand, both areas can be operated and heated independently of each other; on the other hand, this version needs less maintenance because it has two independent filter systems (at least as a rule). Being able to set different temperatures is of course better for the environment, but it is also good for the body if the water is cooler for swimming training than in the whirlpool.
The highlight: both systems are available with a counter-current system, which makes swimming training more intensive, as up to 6 outlet jets allow you to swim on the spot.
How are swim spas constructed?
The shells are usually made of fibreglass-reinforced acrylic, with PU foam for thermal and sound insulation. Depending on the model, a swim spa is roughly between 4 and 6 metres long. The width is between 2 and 2.5 metres. The depth is around one metre less and averages 1.2 to 1.5 metres. All in all, a practical compact swimming pool with a volume of 6,000 to 10,000 litres.
The systems are usually self-contained, which means the technology is mounted directly on the pool and controlled via a display on the edge of the pool. The equipment usually also includes a heating system, underwater lights and a warm air blower for hydromassage. A swim spa is normally a self-supporting system, but it can also be sunk into the ground. They are basically skimmer pools, so the effective water depth is around 10 cm less than the height of the pool edge.
The ideal home swimming pool
With a swim spa, you can easily combine wellness and training at home. The systems can be used outdoors as well as indoors and are increasingly replacing the swimming pool. The purchase price, in the five-figure range, is of course higher than that of a low-cost swimming pool, but it is worthwhile for anyone who wants to do effective swimming training at home without a separate wellness system.
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