This is a precis of an article that appeared in a trade publication some time ago, but is still relevant to those looking at swim spas and exercise pools
When buyers are appraising the choice of swim spas they are left with the inevitable conclusion, they are all very similar. Most are based on a concept that has really not changed in 35 years, and consist of a rectangular tank with a large jet, or pattern of jets, at one end that produces a jet of water powered by large pumps.
There may be different configurations, spa sections and finishes, but they all amount to the much the same concept. Many see this leading to the market being reduced to common denominators over claims on “power”, number of jets or just who has the cheapest unit, rather than design and actual performance.
There has been a plethora of units appearing in the market that while claiming to be swim spas, seem little more than large jetted tanks that produce a hose stream of water, rather than a genuine swimming current. And to this is added as many jets deemed necessary to satisfy the “spa” element of the unit.
This limited performance was the very reason the swim spa market has never really taken off in the past, customers could put much the same arrangement in a small pool at a similar cost or once they actually tried a swim spa they quickly discovered its limitations.
Apart from attractive mosaic units used on prestigious projects and domestically produced units, the swim spa market was niche and unexciting. So when a fire destroyed the moulds of domestically produced units, swim spas disappeared from the mainstream industry.
So until recently swim spas have been the preserve of companies who have been cleverly marketing existing North American units as luxury items on the back of their hot tub marketing all without much competition.
Now everything has changed, there are swim spas everywhere, but they are all similar and the prices are falling with many units being offered at huge discounts on the internet. Inevitably we are hearing all the usual “mine is better than yours” claims and a whole new glossary of gushing descriptions has appeared on manufacturers brochures.
Many swim spas now meet the installation standards of leading hot tubs with foam insulation to the shell and plumbing and insulation to the panels, like hot tubs most have corona discharge ozone as standard and hot tub style full electronic controls for precise temperature control. The same folding rigid lids are used to keep heat in and debris out, rather than the old style floating covers. All these features made a big difference to running costs and many swim spas are now being sold as more cost effective alternatives than swimming pools.
Swim spas need to be robust and durable as they are far more actively used than hot tubs, especially by children. In the past thin shells combined with timber frames have led to structural movement causing plumbing leaks and in some cases cracks in the shell. Today, buyers are demanding modern shell designs that do not “settle”, and shell upgrades like Microban surface protection.
For long term structural integrity, powder coated steel frames are being adopted as the norm by the larger manufacturers. Shells that roll over the top of cabinets and the use of plastic “wood” are eliminating all the maintenance issues found with timber cabinets and rims in the past.
Flow controls and air bubbles are a hotly disputed area. Many dealers say bubbles are just for show and make swimmers sink; others question some of the valve power controls found in the market, all good reasons for buyers to try out competing units before they order.
Over the years shows have been the major showcase for companies offering swim spas, but recent high profile administrations and non delivery by companies taking deposits at shows, and then going bust, have completely discredited the credibility of companies selling at shows, and indeed many shows themselves, as they offer the consumer no protection from this activity.
Now most sales are from dedicated exhibiting swim spa specialists where you can try the units out.
The only really different unit out there is the H2X unit from Master Spa that offers a welcome alternative to the existing jet pump systems. Its contoured shell design reduces the turbulence and competing currents created in a typical swim spa tank, while a controllable current is produced by a patented propulsion system that is incorporated in a chamber at the end of the swim spa. This produces a wider deeper current that Master Spas (the maker of the H2X) claims cannot be achieved with “old fashioned pump and hose systems”. It also features a Swim Number setting system not seen elsewhere.
They say they are not trying to compete with the low basic end of the market, they say they have a quality product with unique features that customers immediately realise when comparing the H2X against other swim spas in the market, well the prices certainly reflect this with a MSRP of £27,000.
What is certain is that the major manufacturers are now looking to enhance and improve swim spa design, adding unique features and improving performance, while designing out all the drawbacks of older designs, without doubt the H2X is now setting the pace and it will be interesting seeing how the main players in this growing market respond. This piece is in response to lots of requests and serves as a quick introduction to these products, look out for more pieces.
This is a precis of an article that appeared in a trade publication some time ago, but is still relevant to those looking at swim spas and exercise pools
