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SwimSpas OCT 2010 SPN
35
THIS & LEFT: Catalina’s Dual Temperature Swim Spa allows the user to set different temperatures in the pool and spa- available in 4 and 5 pump versions
Yet there still doesn’t seem to be such a thing as a typical swim spa customer. The market goes from strength to strength, sales are up and interest is high but when it comes to being able to define an average swim spa purchaser it’s not easy. “We’re doing a lot of business in swim spas,” says Tony Welsby of Spa Crest Europe. “I think there’s certainly a better awareness and knowledge about swim spas but I don’t think there’s any real definition to the market” Catalina swim spas sales have seen a 10-fold increase in the last two years due, they say, to the quality and affordability of their spas in response to the public’s desire for the beneficial effects of exercise centred on swimming and hydrotherapy. Some see the purchase of a swim spa as an alternative to a swimming pool and it is a lifestyle decision. Others see it more specifically as a fitness decision.
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Certainly many people believe that the difficult economic situation over the past three years has helped the swim spa market. Consumers who might have once been tempted with a larger investment into a swimming pool have now gone out to look for value for money and a product they can take with them if ever they move home. Whilst the technology itself is not new –
wareness of the benefits and pleasures to be had from installing a swim spa has never been higher.
counter-current systems first appeared in the 1970s – it is only in recent years that the market has experienced a boom in popularity amongst home users. These ‘water treadmills’ are the perfect blend of exercise and relaxation, and unlike large scale pools, they are suitable for smaller gardens and modest budgets. Hydropool which has four unique swim spas as part of its range, says it has noticed “much greater awareness of swim spas and what they can offer”. They are also aware that customers are doing much more research into what’s on the market. “It’s a combination of exercise/therapy and spa,” agrees Mandy Kelsey of spa specialists, Summit Leisure. “With adjustable temperatures you can use it all year round and the unit has a strong adjustable current that all age groups can enjoy, either for serious exercise or a leisurely swim. Our product is equipped with hydro massage jets placed on comfortable steps, and the intensity can be adjusted continuously by adding air into the water stream.” This flexible approach means the product appeals to a broad range of users. “Swim spas are ideal for people with small urban gardens, as well as people who don’t want the maintenance and cost that is involved in looking after a full size swimming pool,” continues Kelsey. “They also appeal to those who are looking for regular year- round exercise, and people with health problems
With an adaptable current of between 730 and 2,200 litres a minute, the PowerSwim adjusts to every style of swimming and to every exercise level
who require therapy. We have had interest from young families with small children, families with teenagers, retired couples who want to encourage the grandchildren to visit and people who are aware that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and want to keep fit.” Like hot tubs, many of today’s swim spas are becoming increasingly sophisticated in terms of design. “The ongoing development of the major manufacturers is constantly pushing the boundaries of a very competitive market,” Catalina who have for the past 12 months been at the forefront of the increased profile of swim spas sell products aggressively throughout Europe.
Catalina have produced hand-crafted swim spas for over 25 years. They say unlike a swimming pool a swim spa is easy to install (same day), a fraction of the cost, less expensive to run, safe, easy to use all year round. Also unlike a pool you can take it with you if you move house. It will never be a liability in a house sale! Catalina now offers three different size swim spa exercise systems based on 14’, 16’ and 18’ length options.
The new 18’ swim spa includes a five-person spa with full independent heating and filtration, 5 pumps to give the bather full power control. Clever cover design allows just the use of the spa allowing full all-year use flexibility.
Powerswim technology from Spa Crest Europe is the ideal marriage of pool and spa
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