How Do Exercise Pools Work?
How do Exercise Pools Work?
Most enthusiastic swimmers have dreamt of owning their own pool at some point in their life. What could be better than stepping out into your backyard and hopping straight into your own swimming pool? No need to drive to the local recreation centre or worry about coordinating the entire family’s schedule. But maybe your finances aren’t quite able to match the cost of a full-sized swimming pool. Or maybe there’s not enough room to install one in your house or backyard. This is where an exercise pool can make a great alternative. Cheaper and smaller than a full-sized or lap pool but still able to provide you with exercise and relaxation, an exercise pool could make a great addition to your family. Wondering how exercise pools work? Read more to find out.
Exactly What Is an Exercise Pool?
Exercise pools also go under the name of swim spas. Basically, these pools are smaller than full-sized swimming pools and even lap pools. But they still allow you to practice your swimming stroke because they generate a strong current which allows you to swim in place. Think of it similar to a treadmill but based in the water. Because of the current, you’re not actually moving forward when swimming, so you never reach the end and you never have to turn around and swim to the other side. This allows the pool to be much smaller than regular-sized pools while still allowing you to swim as fast as you like. Another benefit of the lap pool is that it still allows for bathing and relaxing similar to that when using a hot tub. Some models actually have a separate hot tub tank that allows you to keep two different temperatures; one for swimming and one for soaking.
How Is the Current Created in An Exercise Pool?
There are a few different types of current generators in today’s exercise pools. One type features a large paddle wheel placed at one end of the tank. It spins to create the current which you swim against. Another type of current generator uses large propellers similar to those found on the back of a motorboat. And yet another type uses powerful pumps that force water through jets to cause a current to form.
How Do You Choose an Exercise Pool?
The main things to look for when buying an exercise pool is one that has an easily adjustedcurrent that’s forceful enough to support the strongest swimmer. You also want the current to be smooth and as wide and deep as possible.
If your current generator isn’t easily adjustable with a wide range of speeds it may not be useful to as many people as you had hoped. You’ll want to be able to set it low enough that the youngest in your family can still enjoy it, while still being able to set it high enough to challenge the strongest swimmer in the house.
Some water propulsion systems create a very turbulent current which can make swimming difficult and unenjoyable. You may be pushed around erratically which will make it difficult to perform a smooth and consistent stroke.
Similarly, if the current’s swim lane isn’t wide or deep enough, you may get pushed out of the current and find yourself constantly struggling to get back into the centre.
How Do You Come to A Final Decision?
To really know if a certain exercise pool is right for you it’s best to see it and try it out in person. Most dealers will be happy to let you test out an exercise pool if you’re serious about buying one. It’s a big investment, so you want to make sure it meets your needs.
To learn more about exercise pools and swimspa, download a free buyer’s guidetoday.
