SWIM SPAS
I
f you are looking for something not as grand as a swimming pool with its associated expenses or as small as a hot tub, then you need to look at swim spas. This is something that is increasingly ideal for all kinds of people given the fact that swim spas or exercise spas as they are sometimes referred to are easy to install, maintain and gives you the advantages of a pool and a health spa all in one. In terms of space they only need only about 19 to 24 feet in length and 8 to 10 feet wide. Since they are made of acrylic, they are very light and can be easily installed. It is only the fibreglass ones that are heavier.
Swim spas help you move against a continuous stream of water current. It’s basically a swimming treadmill .You do not have to complete laps or turn around like in a normal pool, but just have to keep exercising within the space provided to ensure you get the swimming exercise you need. It provides the whole range of aqua
aerobics activities, from swimming to weight resistance training, to water jogging, making it the ideal therapeutic tool for tired bodies. It has also been found to be effective for those recuperating from any sports injuries. The reason is that these units have been designed so that you can indulge in aqua jogging as well as other hectic water based activities. The depth is adjustable and the flow of the water jets can also be fine tuned to deliver just the right force and direction. In terms of maintenance, the automatic version is ideal since the water accumulating at the surface is continuously pulled in by the skimmer that purifies it. Moreover any debris is also trapped by the pre-filter and is prevented from getting inside the unit.
WWW.WHATPOOLANDHOTTUBMAG.CO.UK
You
can also get split model units
which combine the utilities of a hot tub as well as a small pool in which you can laze around. Approximately 14 feet long, 7.5 feet wide and 52 inches deep, the typical swim spa is much larger than a hot tub, but much smaller than either an above- ground or in-ground swimming pool. It works by using high-powered jets and water heaters. The jets create a current against which you can swim, as if you were in a swimming pool, while the heaters warm the water, as if you were in a hot tub. Swim spas’ potential health benefits
are especially appealing, particularly to consumers who are generally unable to exercise, due either to age or injury. There’s no doubt that the health benefits of swimming are making the swim spa increasingly popular. According to the British Heart Foundation, just 30-60 minutes of physical activity three days a week can help reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. As a regular physical activity, swimming can also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol “People are beginning to realise the necessity and the benefits of daily exercise,” says heart foundation advisor Dr Amelia Gray. “Exercise in a warm water
environment is a lot more friendly to the body than going into a gym. Swim spas can work wonders.
WHAT DO YOU GET WITH A SWIM SPA?
When you buy a swim spa you will have lots of options in terms of size, jets, water current and extras but all should include:
n A dedicated swimming against the current area with front and side option jets. The jets should be adjustable depending on how rigorous a session you want
n A hot tub or relaxing area. Some swim spas come with a sectioned off area – others have removable barriers. The idea is you should be able to prepare water with two different temperatures – one 25 to 27 degrees to swim in – the other up to 35 degrees to relax in
n Some have dedicated hydro massage jets in the relaxing area and here it’s a question of what suits your tastes
n Underwater lighting n A insulated heavy duty lid
n An access stepped area to enter the pool
n Extras include music, DVD players etc
Swim spas' potential health benefits are especially appealing, particularly to consumers who are generally unable to exercise, due either to age or injury
WHAT POOL & HOT TUB 47
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104