Swim
Spas Make a Big Splash with Baby Boomers
If
you are an aging baby boomer like I am, you may be looking for
a fun form of water recreation where you can get some relief from
aching muscles and joints, be able to exercise or just relax,
have a place for the grand kids to play and better yet, all of
this occurs in one place from the comfort and convenience of your
own home.
Many
of the potential swimming pool buyers are looking into swim
spas as an alternative to installing a fiberglass swimming pool
or above ground pool. Many homeowners don’t have the space
in the backyard or the budget to maintain a full size pool.
Now
you can get the benefits of water therapy for the mature family
members as well fun for the family in one small package.
Swim
spas have been around for a long time but they weren’t
very popular until recently. Now retailers are claiming a distinct
increase in sales and the benefits of owning a swim spa are
highly touted by the public.
Recreational
swimmers like them especially if they don’t care about
using a full size pool. They will easily fit on a deck or small
backyard, but can also be installed indoors. If you really are
limited in space in the backyard consider a home remodel and
include the swim spa in those plans. Basements and garages are
a popular place to install the spa but look for models that
come in pieces so they will easily fit through a 30 inch doorway.
You
might be building a dream home so why not create a complete
swim spa room by including an infrared sauna, wet bar, fireplace,
dining table, television and more? This could be your new workout
room or part of the family room for entertaining. Many like
to put them in a glassed wing of the home so they can look up
at the stars while relaxing or working out. If you live on a
lake in the North woods enjoying the water in the summer, install
the swim spa indoors so you can have aquatic benefits in the
winter months. Those long cold Wisconsin winters will be tolerable
when you are working out or relaxing in the nice warm water
from your very own swim spa.
The
swim spa was invented to give the capability of swimming in
place and typically uses a 4-horsepower jet system that moves
water as fast as 400 mph, creating a strong resistance while
swimming “up stream”. Most models allow you to control
the intensity of the workout and speed of the water so you can
get in a vigorous swim or just a slow walk. Another spa might
have a small propeller that drives a current naturally for the
swimmer. The most popular material is a gel-coated fiberglass,
but you will also find a vacuum-formed acrylic and vinyl liner
as well. They are extremely low maintenance and uncomplicated.
They vary in size, but a usual spa will be 14 feet by 6 feet
and vary from 3 – 6 feet deep. They come with thick padded
covers for child safety. Many models have seating around it
just as a hot tub would have.
A
typical swim spa is easy to clean, doesn’t require dehumidification
indoors that larger pools need and the circulation quickly keeps
your water quality at a high level. You use a lot less chemicals
and less heat is required making them very economical to use.
You
can also add surround sound music and lighting just as in other
hot tubs for a complete experience. These pint size pools can
give you the best of many worlds. The exercise therapy and rehabilitation
are well documented for everything from sports injuries to the
typical arthritic aches and pains. You have hydrotherapy and
relaxation from the spa jets, exercise and low impact aerobics
from water resistance, injury rehabilitation from the isometric
therapy and water fun for everyone. There are many aquatic pieces
of exercise equipment such as a treadmill or stationary bike
that work great when added to the spa as well.
Where
else can you find all of these things in one compact product
and all at your convenience while staying at home? They range
in price from about $14,000 to $32,000 plus monthly maintenance,
but with all of the benefits they are well worth the investment
for your home and your health.
Beverly
Hlavka is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and
suggestions for consumers buying hot tubs, pool supplies, saunas,
above ground pools and more. Her many articles can be found
at http://www.sauna-4u.com
She gives information and tips on http://www.sauna-4u.com/above_ground_pools.htm
to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.
