www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
SwimSpas OCT 2012 SPN
53
The swim spa market shows no sign of slowing down as new products and launches are geared to the theme of working out and swimming in one single product which is now significantly being sold by more brands at below the £10,000 mark
he phrase ‘selling like hot cakes’ isn’t something heard very often these days. So when you hear it a couple of times in the hot tub trade then it’s with a certain degree of certainty that the phrase will apply to what is still a fast growing sector of the specialist market – swim spas. Yes, price is a factor with consumers but both Catalina Spas and Elite Spas amongst others, now market a swim spa for below £10,000. Seasonality is another factor and many in the trade believe the poor weather especially in early summer deterred some buyers from investing in something they might use all year round but which they wanted to enjoy most in the summer. But it’s the fitness aspects and potential of the spas which is a huge selling point plus the fact that space and upkeep is often more attractive than the option for a standard swimming pool. It’s no coincidence that new launches and developments in the second half of 2012 are geared to the theme of workout and swimming in one product.
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Whether it’s the swim spas with built in resistance jets or separately installed counter- currents, the popularity of the exercise spas may now even be damaging sales of one-piece or above-ground pools as a swim spa is a great option for people who want the ability to swim at home without losing too much garden area.
It’s also a rapidly changing market and 2012 has added to the sector with new models, new brands and a higher consumer profile as top companies take swim spas out to customers at national and county shows.
It’s not clear just how much the interest in swim spas is damaging the traditional swimming pool market but there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that consumers see swim spas as an increasingly attractive option.
The new products will it seems keep on coming. Catalina Spas made a bold move bringing in the Madi Gra swim spa to the market at the significant price of £9,995. Others, including Elite Spas, have broken the £10,000 barrier. There are new models and brands available for dealers and high profile personality endorsements of the benefits of the swim spa.
Catalina now has ten swim spas in its range and Hydropool plans to feature swim spas and their unique self cleaning system heavily as it meets consumers at shows and exhibitions all over the country.
Coast Spas has made an impact with its Wellness IV swim spa in 2012 and Riptide continues to provide high quality and impressive counter swim jets.
A swim spa provides the best of both worlds when it comes to swimming and relaxing. As in a standard hot tub, a swim spa has jets that soothe and massage away aches and pains but it is also possible to have a super swim workout by pitting your energy against the powerful swim jets that many swim spas now contain.
The Nautilus Pro from Riptide Pools
As an alternative to a full sized pool, a swim spa is a great option for people who want the ability to swim at home without losing too much garden area. A swim spa is a small pool equipped with a series of powerful jets on one end, part swimming area, and part hot tub area, depending on the model purchased.
One fast growing sector of the market is the
Wellness IV Series from Coast Spas
interest from health clubs who are keen to put them in instead of a traditional pool.
SIX SHELLS AND FOUR SYSTEMS IN RIPTIDE’S SWIM SPA LINE UP Riptide Pools are now in their sixth year of manufacturing and marketing swim spas and they continue to grow. The business has a line up of six unique shells and four swim systems to meet every customer’s swimming level, price point and size needs.
Huw Chivers, owner and designer of Riptide Pools, saw his first generation counter-current systems in 1999. They were being sold as add- ons for in-ground swimming pools.
“As a strong swimmer I was not overly impressed with the devices – there was little resistance and the swim experience was quite turbulent – but the idea that you could swim on the spot, and never have to touch and turn, was very appealing. “Having moved our production from the UK to China in 2009 we continue to see a huge price benefit and quality has remained our top priority. This year our world beating Nautilus Pro has turned out to be an award winner. This model features an ABB German made motor and variable speed drive coupled with American Aristech acrylic shell means awesome controllable power and fantastic quality.
“
...the popularity of the exercise spas may now even be damaging sales of one-piece or above- ground pools...”
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