WhatSwimSpa? Magazine - Issue 11

28 About WhatSwimSpa? Why we are the UK’s most trusted consumer swim spa guide

30

36

Swim Spa Buyer’s Guide Professional advice to help you purchase a swim spa

Swim Spa Masterclass Our jargon-busting guide to swim spa equipment 50

In-Ground v Above-Ground Choosing which type of installation suits your needs

Single v Dual-Chamber The pros and cons of each swim spa type explained

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78

Online Danger The perils of buying a swim spa from a faceless ‘webshop’

Energy Saver Reduce heating costs with the latest air source heat pumps

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22

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72

Water Wellness Dive into a world of health and wellness

Try Tri Focus on the preparation for triathlons and getting involved

Swim Spa Stars We put the spotlight on celebrity swim spa stars

Weight Loss Wave Plunge into regular swim spa use to help drop the pounds

Back Trouble How dedicated swim spa sessions can ease chronic back pain

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Grand Designs Get the taste for in-spa-rational swim spa installations

100 Under Cover How to add an automatic enclosure or a garden building

108 Pre-Delivery Guide How-to-guide to planning for delivery day

10 Hot Products The latest products to complement your new swim spa lifestyle

116 2023 Best Buy Awards Our verdicts on the 30 best swim spas in the UK market

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2023 Best Buy Heat Pumps Six of the best swim spa air source heat pumps

Letter

magazine. Our aim is to provide you with an independent and comprehensive guide to enable you to make an informed and stress-free choice while selecting your new swim spa or exercise pool.

Swim spa sales are at record highs and leading manufacturers have responded by creating a new wave of designs with advanced energy-efficiency to boost the latest showroom options. These models will provide cutting-edge swim jet technology and

Your ultimate benefit from swim spa ownership is to prevent and alleviate physical and feature explains all of the life-changing health and wellness benefits that good quality swim spas deliver from page 14. Experts have been advocating the health-boosting benefits of hydrotherapy for staying in good Weight Loss Wave on page 62 and feature on page 22. We also interview a back pain specialist to explain why regular home hydrotherapy can

Top quality swim spas have never been cheaper to run, but it is critical to use our guidance and conduct research about how adding an air source heat pump can combat rising energy bills by radically reducing heating costs, which we focus on in our Energy Saver Heat Pump Best Buy Awards on page 142.

Visiting professional showrooms to finalise your choice will provide peace of mind purchasing with face-to-face product guidance and after-care support rather than Net Dangers feature on page 68.

For total peace of mind purchasing, it is important to gain the advice and extensive (page 30). For a sound understanding of swim spa features, you should also check out our jargon-busting Swim Spa Masterclass on page 36, which will give you the knowledge and confidence to visit your local WhatSwimSpa? Approved swim spa showrooms armed with all the latest technical information.

To further enhance your research into swim spa ownership, extra practical tips are provided in our Pre-Delivery Guide on page 108, but before you start planning your garden design, see our selection of award-winning ‘in-spa-rational’ swim spa projects in the Grand Designs section from page 86.

Finally, from page 116, we reveal our coveted Best Buy Awards, which highlight the very best swim spas with independent verdicts within our dedicated price categories. Our 2023 Best Buy Awards acknowledge the swim spa models that stand out from the crowd within a range of criteria, including design, hydrotherapy, energy-efficiency, and value-for-money. So be sure to include them in your final options list.

After you have honed your swim spa knowledge and concluded your research it’s time to grab your swimming costumes and visit professional showroom dealerships for face-toface product guidance and wet testing before diving into a new wave of wellness!

Credits

Published by

WhatSpa? Media Group

Doncaster

6HT

01302 714257

Editor-in-Chief

Nick Clamp nick@whatspa.com

Editor

Andrew Slater andyslater71@gmail.com

Production Manager

Karen Clamp info@whatspa.com

Contributors

Alan Titchmarsh

Alistair Brownlee

Andrea LaCroix

Andrew Doody

Ben Hoffman

Chris Askew

Dr Aseem Malhotra

Dr Hilary Jones

Dr Joel M Stager

Gustavo Machado

Karen Middleton

Louise Baur

Manuela Ferreira

Michael Phelps

Philip Edwards

Professor Susan Jebb

Rachael Attard

Rinny Carfrae

Sally Gunnell

Sharron Davies

Tim Button

Tim Hutchful

Photography

Front Cover: iStock / Master Spas

Alan Titchmarsh / Jo Marshall

Alistair Brownlee / Endless Pools

Ben Hoffman / Master Spas

Gordon Ramsay / Steve Tucker / Alamy

Ian Wray / Alamy

Melanie Chisholm / PA Images / Alamy

Michael Phelps / Master Spas

Paul Warburton / Alamy

Rinny Carfrae / Master Spas

Sally Gunnell / Euphoria Lifestyle / Jacuzzi

Sharron Davies / New Events Ltd / Hydropool

Designer

Matt Dettmar www.magazinedesigner.co.uk

Printer

Manson Group

Advertising Sales

Karen Clamp info@whatspa.com In memoriam

In loving memory of Lawrence Slater

©WhatSwimSpa?

Hot Products

Fin-tastic

Energise your swim spa training progress with the ‘fin-tastic’ Zoggs Swim Energy Swimming Fins that are designed to develop a stronger kick for increased propulsion through water. They also help to encourage the correct swimming technique, whilst enhancing muscle development. A closed pocket design feature, meanwhile, ensures a secure and comfortable fit during swim spa or open water training sessions.

www.zoggs.com

❝They are designed to develop a stronger kick for increased propulsion through water.❞

Cut above

Pair up these Black Boxer Print Swim Trunks by adidas Performance for an athletic cut above the rest result during your energetic swim spa sessions. These swim trunks are designed for a slim fit and have an elasticated waistband; plus an internal drawstring; to ensure they are perfect for swimming against powerful swim spa jets, or conducting any strenuous aquatic fitness workouts.

www.swimwear365.co.uk

Ear max

Ensure ear protection is maximised during your swim spa sessions with reusable BOLLSEN Watersafe+ Earplugs. Not only will these transparent earplugs keep water out of your ears, but also protect against irritation. Hypo-allergenic material and 100 per cent natural silicone ensures these washable earplugs are ideal for preventing allergy reaction. They are also accompanied with a lightweight aluminium container with a key chain for safer storage and transportation.

www.bollsen-hearingprotection.com

Health watch

Train smarter in your swim spa and keep a close watch on your health and physical performance with Garmin Swim 2 technology. The underwater wrist-based heart rate and swim stroke monitoring functionality allows you to create a new wave of aquatic wellness training benefits. All water-based activities can be tracked with dedicated functions and bespoke workouts for swim spa training, or open water swimming complemented with advanced GPS tracking for accurate post-swim analysis.

www.garmin.com

Ninja warrior

Rather than battling to fix up a bite in your kitchen, become an alfresco cooking warrior with the versatile Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill, Smoker and Air Fryer technology. The integrated smoker box burns 100 per cent natural wood pellets for authentic woodfire flavours and the technology allows low and slow smoking to produce tender and juicy dishes for your ‘swim spa-rty’ crowd to get their teeth into including ribs and pulled pork. In addition you can impress guests with alfresco cooking infused with smoky BBQ flavours, from air fried corn on the cob to roasted vegetables.

www.ninjakitchen.co.uk

Eye splash

cutting-edge design and are pointed at the top to achieve faster entry into the water. An increased surface area from the paddles adds resistance to the stroke, which in time helps build upper body shoulder strength and stamina. Regular use ensures balanced body position to prevent drag by streamlining the hand entry and eliminating cross-over.

www.nolabelfitness.co.uk

Safer swim spa entry and exiting can be achieved if you invest in a ModStep option from Leisure Concepts. These ingenious steps create variable results to suit individual requirements. Simply add two or more components together to create a long run of steps or a custom swim spa step that accommodates most cabinet heights or lengths. There are six models and all have slip resistant pads for safe footing peace of mind. Handrails, highlighted on this swim spa-suitable ModStep4, and optional solar lighting help create extra safety features.

www.leisureconcepts.com

Alfresco sizzle

Sizzle up your swim spa socialising area and get cooking with this stunning Sizzler Outdoor Kitchen unit that offers a complete kitchen with everything included –even a built-in sink! Reinventing the outdoor kitchen, the Sizzler features a large BBQ grill (LPG) with a rotisserie, integral side burner, and a built-in glass-fronted fridge. The unit is over 2.7m long and is stylishly finished in a beautiful black powder coated stainless steel casing with black marble counter. Integrated castors ensure that, despite its size, the Sizzler can easily be moved when required.

www.sizzleroutdoorkitchens.co.uk

Super snorkel

Sink your money into ownership of a Finis Freestyle Snorkel and you will be floating with confidence whilst perfecting your best freestyle swim stroke. This advanced streamlined snorkel allows you to breathe easily as you focus on your competitive stroke techniques. Thanks to the curved

Arm pull

Stretch your swim spa limits by improving your arm technique with the classic Speedo Elite Pullbuoy. It is designed to isolate the upper body and add buoyancy between your legs to ensure refinement of your arm pull and improvement of your stroke technique. Without your legs to power you, your arm and shoulders take the load, which in turn increases upper body strength and endurance as you swim.

www.speedo.com

Blue waves

Make style waves in or out of your swim spa by diving into this LASCANA Blue Print Shaping Swimsuit to enhance your swim spa aquatic fitness lifestyle. Along with multiple shades of blue, the ultra-chic design features eye-catching crossed straps at the back, as well as an elasticated underbust seam and padded cups to complement the benefits from a shapewear insert for extra support.

www.swimwear365.co.uk

WATER WELLNESS

Live your best life with improved body and mental health rewards from owning a top-quality swim spa. Andy Slater investigates the latest health research.

During the past three years record numbers of swim spas have been sold since the COVID-19 pandemic focused our attention on improving and protecting our bodies. Demand is set to continue this year after experts have been advocating swim spas and healthier lifestyle choices to help boost both our physical and mental health in order to prevent chronic illnesses blighting our lives both now and in the future.

Obesity and type two diabetes are two of the rising medical issues that have been exacerbated by our sedentary lifestyles during lockdowns. When combined with the meteoric rise of alcohol and fast food

consumption, British waistlines have been bulging even further than normal, which is a worrying trend as we have now become the most obese nation in Europe.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores in spring 2020, leading medical professionals were warning that we are all at risk from our constantly ‘switched on’ culture and the fact that it is virtually impossible to escape from the daily grind of heavy workloads, electronic stimulation and the gloom across mainstream media. Add a year-long dose of lockdowns, social isolation and the unhealthy ramifications of even more sedentary lifestyles and we have the makings of a physical and mental health crisis that could last for generations to come.

Increased risks

Personal trainer Rachael Attard wanted to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on female diet and exercise routines and surveyed over 2,000 people. The survey questioned women on their diet and weight during the pandemic, their biggest lockdown exercise hurdles and their thoughts on going back to the gym.

The survey results were stark; as 32.5 per cent of British women have explained that their diet is more unhealthy than usual, with snacking due to boredom and eating more processed foods to blame. As a result 36.7 per cent have gained weight and 47.5 per cent of pre-COVID gym-goers have not returned to the gym since lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

Photo © Maax Spas

Photo © Marquis

Digital overload

Another area of biggest concern is the effect of technology and social media on children and teens, as they progressively become disconnected from their physical surroundings and family members. Since water and tech generally make unhappy bed-fellows, a regular family session in the swim spa has become the new ‘Sunday lunch’ for many families, and a welcome chance to reconnect without disruption from ‘beeping’ and ‘pinging’ smartphone alerts and story updates.

The all-year-round wellness and social benefits for families and friends to enjoy have resulted in the huge rise in the popularity of swim spas in recent years.

To meet the growing consumer demand for products that will improve wellness, sleep patterns and post exercise recovery, along with promoting natural relief from stress and pain, swim spas are now manufactured with a host of modern technology features, including advanced aquatic aerobic exercise accessories.

Professional athletes are now endorsing swim spas for their capabilities to enhance their health and recovery from the daily strain of training, which is also a blessing for millions of amateur sports enthusiasts.

Time pressure

Having to schedule time to drive to a swimming pool, then have the hassle of

using public changing cubicles, before and after a dip, plus the inconvenience of communal showers, can often diminish the desire to gain a host of health benefits from swimming regularly.

Not only is there the hectic commute in busy traffic; there is often the problem of limited free space in the swimming pool car park. So, even before making your restrictive allocated swimming time slot; you are faced with untold stress.

This is one of the key reasons why swim spas are becoming such an extremely popular addition to our homes; and a current key investment for all age groups alike to gain the best stroke advantages to improved wellness and physical fitness. ➧

Once your dream swim spa is installed it will eliminate the issue of inconvenient trips for communal swimming with complete strangers. Those wanting to increase their current levels of swim training, but have busy work schedules or lifestyle commitments that are not conducive to the opening hours of swimming pools, the current crop of advanced swim spas provides the complete hassle-free convenience of being able to have full control of when you swim and how often.

Owners are now discovering the fact that swim spas, or exercise pools as they are often termed, can help to ease joint and back pain and unlock a totally new healthy lifestyle right on their very own doorsteps (See Back Trouble on page 72). They are also easy to install, compared to traditional swimming pools, and have the additional benefit of being heated for wellness use all-year-round.

Control benefits

A significant advantage of owning your own swim spa is the fact that you immediately have total control of when and how often you use it. Morning, noon or night, you can have the convenient capability of jumping in your swim spa whenever your time schedule suits you best, and the welcoming warm water will be waiting for you to take a relaxing and stress-busting swim or a more vigorous and energetic workout if you are so inclined.

This flexibility will encourage many more regular opportunities for swimming and thus enable you to gain greater results with sustained exercise, rather than the limited impact of ‘fair weather’ and sporadic trips to leisure pools.

Advanced swim spa designs ensure you can gain the swimming equivalent of a running machine in your back garden, where you can swim continuously against the smooth or vigorous current for ‘miles’ and clock up as many equivalent pool lengths as you wish; without ever leaving the comfort of your home surroundings. What has become the case for many owners is that they also have a hot tub installed for additional post or pre-swim therapy, which then provides the best of both worlds of wellness.

For a fraction of the cost of a conventional domestic swimming pool, the swim spa and hot tub investment makes sound financial sense; especially when you take into consideration the amount of regular warm water use

❝ Some swim spas are designed with a dedicated section that is specific for swimming routines.❞

they both can provide throughout the year without the hassle or worries of pool installation, regular cleaning and refurbishment work. Their diminutive cost of these two ‘hot packages’ is also mirrored in their space-saving size as they can be as small as 12 feet-long; so are not likely to have a negative impact on your BBQ space and alfresco dining areas!

Taking the plunge to purchase your own swim spa is a decision that appeals to both head and heart, without having a major impact on your finances that a swimming pool would impose on your bank balance. With the dual benefit of enhancing your outdoor lifestyle and keeping fit, the installation of a swim spa is unrivalled. And when you consider the amount of money lavished on health clubs and gyms, a swim spa really does make sound financial sense. The icing on the cake is that a swim spa can generate an enormous amount of positive health effects and improved wellness, besides being great fun for all the family.

Maximised investment

Adding a swim spa to your home also makes great financial sense. Along with cutting up your gym and leisure centre membership cards and saving hundreds,

or potentially thousands, of pounds in subscriptions and radically reducing the impact on your car fuel consumption and travelling time every year, as well as increasing the value of your home.

For most people, buying a house is the largest outlay they will ever make – but we often don’t protect and develop this investment to the maximum potential. Many homeowners naturally place great importance on purchasing a new kitchen, renovating bathrooms, or installing double glazing to ensure a home is more saleable, but hot tubs and swim spas are growing in stature as providing ‘musthave’ considerable value to homes; while creating the extra ‘wow factor’.

Installing a well-landscaped swim spa is seen in the same light as adding an in-ground pool by prospective buyers and estate agents who realise properties with this investment are highly sought after. As such they can add more than double their initial price to a property’s value, which makes for a great investment decision.

Because swim spas are designed and manufactured to be self-contained, and therefore portable, even if you do decide to relocate you also have the choice and flexibility to transfer your swim spa to another property. Unlike a domestic

Photo © Endless Pools

swimming pool that would have to be left behind and negotiated in the price; your beloved swim spa can subsequently be lifted out and transported to your new home, if you so wish.

Dedicated zone

According to regular reports in the media, our modern hectic lifestyles can have a major impact on our health, especially if we are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out by heavy workloads, domestic duties and the impact of our 24/7 ‘switched on’ culture. The leisure time we have left during the day or at weekends has become ever more precious and requires a strong commitment to prevent it being eroded as we try to juggle work and home life with other demands.

Often, we are so exhausted that we are simply slumped in front of the TV, following another busy day. As a result, it is all too easy to become physically, mentally and emotionally rundown. In turn this can have a serious impact on your general health, which if not redressed quickly can lead to the vicious cycle of long-term illnesses and regular trips to the doctor’s surgery that prevent the wellness benefits of regular physical activity.

Those visits to the local health club or pool still involve time and forward planning, which often must be accommodated into our daily schedules. The problem is that we still must work around the opening hours of these leisure and health establishments – so it certainly rules out a midnight swim!

That is why swim spas are booming in popularity. Having one installed in your home provides a dedicated zone where you can achieve a healthy pick-me-up and/or an invigorating workout whenever you desire. This could be before your children wake up or you head off to work; following completion of your domestic chores in the evening, or simply as a relaxing prelude to ensuring a restful sleep throughout the night.

Some swim spas are designed with a dedicated section that is specific for swimming routines, as well as a section that is similar to a conventional hot tub. These generally have cutting-edge ergonomic jetted seating for advanced hydrotherapy, which provides you with the best of both worlds. Soothing massaging action of the jets and warmth of the hot tub water, which is usually hotter than the swimming area, not only feel fantastic, they also provide your body with a physical and mental boost to ensure increased health and fitness. ➧

Swim spa health benefits

Get in shape

Even a gentle swim can burn-up over 200 Kcal in 30 minutes, and a vigorous front crawl can burn as many calories as an 8mph run. If you’re looking to lose weight, swimming provides an excellent aid to a sensible and controlled diet in burning fat.

Improved mental health

Studies have shown that besides improving physical health, swimming improves psychological well being, reduces stress and improves your sleep quality. Female swimmers in particular have been shown to experience significantly less tension, depression and anger after exercising in the pool.

It can save your life!

Over 400 people drown in open water in the UK every year and it is the third most common cause of accidental death in children. So regular swimming in a safe and controlled environment will make your children in particular more competent swimmers with better stamina – which could be vital if they should ever find themselves in difficulty in water.

Swimming is for everyone

No matter what your age, weight and physical ability, swimming and water-based activities can provide you with a really beneficial low impact workout.

Great if you’re pregnant or disabled

Swimming is particularly good for pregnant women or those with disabilities, injuries or illnesses like arthritis because swimming supports up to 90 per cent of the body’s weight in the water. Research indicates that pregnant women benefit the most from swimming as it strengthens abdominal and back muscles – essential when carrying a baby. According to experts, exercising in water can considerably reduce the joint stiffness, high blood pressure, and discomfort, which is often associated with pregnancy.

Other health benefits

Exercising in water can help people with some chronic diseases. In arthritis sufferers, it improves use of affected joints without worsening symptoms. Those with rheumatoid arthritis have more health improvements after participating in hydrotherapy than with other activities, and water-based exercise also improves the use of affected joints and decreases pain from osteoarthritis.

It’s great fun!

Especially when done with family or close friends. With fuel prices at record highs, throw the car keys in the drawer, bring the fun home and get splashing around in your new swim spa with your loved ones. You won’t regret it!

Photo © Master Spas

So, just picture the thought of coming home after a hard day at the office and then swimming off the stresses of the rat-race, or relaxing with family, friends or simply taking advantage of your solitary enjoyment of your fitness oasis that has the dual benefit of also providing some ‘tub time’ to reconnect with loved ones without the energy-sapping intrusions that we have to cope with on a daily basis.

Healthier lifestyle

Swimming regularly, and the many health benefits this provides to our bodies, is one of the commonly documented major health and exercise suggestions from medical and fitness experts. From a young age we are imparted with the knowledge that swimming is an essential life lesson that can then be transformed into a healthy and relaxing activity to improve physical and mental fitness in later years. The American ‘Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’ governmental body note a 2008 study, which highlighted that swimmers have about half the risk of early death compared to those with lifestyles that are predominantly sedentary or inactive. As well as toning the body, swimming provides a supported cardiovascular workout that not only strengthens the heart muscles but also increases the delivery of oxygen to the various body parts. What sets swimming apart from other forms of cardiovascular exercise, though, is the fact that it works on more of the body’s muscles at the same time during the activity; and due to the buoyancy effect of the water, in which the body weighs 90 per cent less than it does on dry land, there

is not the impact on joints that walking or jogging would create.

Also, a link between swimming and significantly slowing the ageing process has been proclaimed by Dr Joel M. Stager, a researcher at the University of Indiana

“When you look at all the standard physiological markers associated with the ageing process, we see that every one of them is slowed dramatically in people who swim regularly,” revealed Dr Stager.

Dr Hilary

Our very own Dr Hilary Jones, who found fame on our TV screens while providing breakfast time health advice, is also a keen swimming advocate. He has participated in the Great North Swim and has extolled the benefits of swimming to his patients.

“Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and all-round therapy for body and soul,” enthuses Dr Hilary; “It exercises all the major muscle groups, including the shoulders, neck, back, arms, legs and abdomen.

“Just look at the physiques of our Olympic swimmers – you know it has to be good for you! More importantly, the heart and lungs get a workout too –and it is a great way to burn calories.”

Dr Hilary also highlighted that swimming can provide the extra benefits of providing life-saving capabilities as well as additional socialising benefits.

“Swimming is a wonderful social activity,” he declared; “Great for all ages, anyone able-bodied or otherwise can enjoy it and just learning to swim could one day even save your life.”

Complementary technology

An explosion in the UK of participation in triathlon events for professionals and amateurs alike has resulted in a phenomenal rise in the popularity of swim spas, to complement and improve training schedules for the swimming element of this thriving test of endurance (see our Try Tri feature on page 22).

Professional triathletes and sports people are now spearheading the use of swim spas as a way of enhancing their training regimes with the flexibility of balancing their ability to train with other work and life commitments. They are helping to gain a competitive edge for their owners in their respective disciplines as they are designed to closely replicate the ‘open-water’ swimming experience, by providing the various levels of swim jet resistance, rather than doing laps in the calm water of leisure pools.

Advanced swim spas have also been designed with the invaluable professional advice from high-profile Olympic swimmers and athletes that have been sought out by leading manufacturers, who have then introduced state-of-theart swim jet technology, for amateur to advanced users, into their models that are now available in showrooms across the UK.

Once owners experience the many benefits of their swim spas they become hooked and rarely turn their backs on the joy of immersing themselves in one of nature’s natural resources, which has been encapsulated within a product that provides proven stress-busting and health boosting capabilities right on their own doorstep. ❚

Photo © Master Spas / Mirinda Carfrae

Photo © Wellis

Relaxing with a Create a

Retreat SWIM SPA

Your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home, with areas for relaxing and entertaining. If your garden feels bland or boring, there’s no better time than to transform it into an oasis.

But it’s not just about giving your garden the wow factor. It’s about creating a space that enhances your lifestyle and sense of well-being.

A Master Spas swim spa allows you to enjoy better daily living from the comfort of your own home. The year-round alternative to a garden pool provides a place for exercise, hydrotherapy, and family time.

You might have some questions, though, about finding the best swim spa for your garden.

What is a swim spa?

A swim spa is a garden pool alternative, combining the benefits of water exercise and the therapy of a hot tub. Models feature a continuous water current that can be adjusted based on your fitness and comfort levels. With the option to adjust the temperature, you can relax in warm water when lounging or lower it for exercising. Swim spas, which are fully insulated, are built for year-round use.

How much space do I need?

Master Spas swim spas come in a range of sizes to fit nearly any outdoor space. Each has a spacious swim area and spa seating. All Master Spas swim spas are 239 cm wide, and the length of a swim spa can range anywhere from 336 cm to 587 cm.

Is a swim spa easy to take care of?

Yes! Master Spas swim spas feature the EcoPur Charge filtration system, which uses natural elements like copper and zinc to keep your water clear and clean. The inclusive ozone and UV-C light elements provide additional extra safe water functionality. With the EcoPur Charge system, you will use less chemicals than other systems and enjoy easier water care.

Are they expensive to operate?

Master Spas swim spas are built to exceed even the most stringent energy efficiency standards. The spas feature a foam insulation, which helps maintain water temperature and protect the plumbing. Plus, the insulation makes the spas a year-round retreat no matter where you live.

What features are available?

From built-in luxuries to optional packages, a swim spa from Master Spas has a lot of features. Therapy jets offer a custom massage — just like a hot tub. LED lighting, waterfalls, and other water features add to the ambiance.

Your future swim spa from Master Spas will have a continuous water current. However, you can choose to have flow jets, an airless jet system, or a propulsion system. The best choice will depend on how you will use the swim spa. Do you want to be able to swim at home?

Consider a Michael Phelps or H2X Challenger swim spa. Do you want space for aqua therapy or general recreation?

An H2X Trainer or Therapool model will provide space for fitness and fun.

What about delivery and installation?

Wherever you choose to put your swim spa, you will need a solid, level foundation that can support the weight of the spa. The best foundation is a concrete pad, but you can also put your spa on a paved patio or reinforced deck – please just ask if you have any concerns in your planning.

Once your space is ready, installation takes less than a day. A skilled team will be able to move your spa into place so you can sit back and relax.

As America’s largest swim spa manufacturer, 100 per cent of Master Spas’ production process is conducted entirely within the USA. It has a state-of-the-art 50acre production facility in Indiana, which has been featured in the ‘How It’s Made’ documentary on the Discovery Channel ❚

Tel: 01253 599330

Email:

TRYTRI

TRI TRI

Swim spas are helping professional and amateur triathletes to enhance their training and recovery process at home. Here WhatSwimSpa? helps readers gain an insight into getting involved as an age-group triathlon competitor.

Professional and keen amateur ‘age-group’ triathletes have been discovering the benefits of having a swim spa at home for training and

aquatic sports recovery at any time of day or evening, without having to fit into inflexible lane swimming schedules at swimming pools or trekking to their nearest open water swimming lake.

Unlike conventional swimming pools, swim spas can crucially replicate the experience of open water swimming, as

they effectively function like the swimming version of a running treadmill, so you never have to stop and make flip or tumble turns. Triathletes are natural proponents of this new swimming technology as it really plays into their training regime, enabling them to build up endurance and intensity workouts without having the distraction of counting swimming lengths at indoor pools or relying on GPS triathlon watches that often don’t perform as well indoors.

As a result, many have enhanced their physical fitness levels and swimming ability and have also introduced specialist low impact cross training with aquatic bikes or treadmills for their swim spas to gain an extra edge over their rivals by ensuring improved performance levels.

Rising stars

One of the main factors in the triathlon boom has been the remarkable success of British Olympic and Commonwealth Games medal-winning brothers Alistair

and Jonny Brownlee, who have been inspiring amateur and professional triathletes, such as rising star World Triathlon Championship leader Alex Yee. Even professional triathletes are now utilising the latest swim spa technology to optimise their swim training to gain an extra competitive edge, by providing a valuable training resource at any time of day or night in the convenient surroundings of their own homes.

Competition time

Alistair and Jonny are Endless Pools users and advocates who have achieved unprecedented triathlon success for Team GB, with back-to-back Olympic Games medals.

This has coincided with increased sales of top-quality swim spas as an aid to enhanced training for the rigours of the triathlon events; with the convenience of being able to use them at all times in the comfort of home surroundings.

A growing number of swim spa owners, many who purchased swim spas to embrace aquatic fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic, are now being inspired to join in the triathlon revolution by utilising their swim spa for training to increase their fitness levels and swimming prowess before entering their first triathlon event.

Now that you are considering purchasing a swim spa to enhance your own wellness strategies you may also want to consider the eventual possibility of participation in a local or national ‘age group’ triathlon event in the future. Adult age-group categories are divided by gender and age and are set apart by five-year age bands, from 20-24 upwards to 80+, so you’re always likely to be competing with people of similar age and ability, especially as event organisers plan start times by experience and ability levels even within each group.

Interest in this endurance sport has been booming with amateur athletes stretching their physical powers and stamina to the maximum levels within the three specific challenges of swimming, cycling, and running. This also coincided with a rapid rise in swim spa ownership to complement aquatic training routines and the requirement for high levels of full body fitness.

Unlike British amateur triathlon jetsetting superstars like Jenson Button, Gordon Ramsay and Mel C (Melanie Chisholm), you do not need to dust off your passport to participate in triathlons, as there are many events hosted here in the UK. By gaining the correct knowledge about triathlons and targeting specific events ahead of their schedule dates in the race calendar you can provide yourself with motivation and a training plan. This should be designed to ensure you are in top condition for the final preparations before a debut triathlon. ➧

Photo © Ian Wray / Alamy

Photo © Melanie Chisholm / PA Images / Alamy

The British Triathlon Federation is the national governing body for Triathlon, Aquathon and Duathlon and provides details of events at britishtriathlon.org in the ‘Find an Event’ section. The Events Team can provide details if you email them at: events@britishtriathlon.org.

Junior boom

Triathlons were once considered an adult-only sport. However, in recent years, the sport has become increasingly popular with children. According to USA Triathlon, the national governing body for the sport of triathlon in the United States, participation in youth triathlons has grown by more than 300 per cent since 2007. This trend is not limited to the United States; in Australia, for example, triathlon is now the fastest-growing school sport.

Childhood obesity is a serious public health concern worldwide. In the UK, childhood obesity rates have been increasing over the past few decades. According to the latest 2023 figures gathered as part of the National Child Measurement Programme, at age 10-11 (year 6), 23.4 per cent of children were obese and 14.3 per cent were overweight. Besides posing potentially serious long-term physical side effects, children who are overweight or obese may also experience psychological effects, such as low self-esteem, bullying and body dissatisfaction. These psychological effects can have a significant impact on children’s mental health and wellbeing.

It is no wonder that junior triathlons are booming, as they offer kids a unique outdoor activity challenge that combines three different sports. This can be more interesting and exciting than just focusing on one sport. Additionally, triathlons provide kids with the opportunity to compete and challenge themselves in a supportive and fun environment.

Triathlons not only offer physical benefits but also have positive effects on children’s mental health. Participating in triathlons helps kids to develop self-confidence, self-discipline, and mental toughness. It also provides them with a sense of accomplishment and helps to build their self-esteem.

If you are a supportive parent interested in getting your child started in triathlons, it is important to choose a triathlon that is appropriate for your child’s age and skill level. Look for triathlons that offer age-appropriate distances and have a supportive and fun atmosphere. British Triathlon is now spearheading a Tristar Series from age eight upwards, and children can then progress to Youth and Junior programmes from age 15 to 19. Details can be found on British Triathlon’s website at britishtriathlon.org/juniors

Enhancing fitness

Once you purchase your dream swim spa model you and your family will be taking the first steps to improving your overall health and wellbeing, as well as providing an ideal opportunity to begin a training programme ahead of participating in triathlons. Regular daily use is important to maintain, even if it is just for 15 minutes a day, as the workout will enhance your fitness levels and improve your physical stamina, but most importantly boost your energy levels in preparation for entering your first triathlon. Within a short space of time, you are going to notice the difference that your swim spa is making to both your waistline as well as your physical powers. Taking the next steps towards

pushing your body to its limits in your swim spa in preparation for entering a triathlon, though, will require dedication, determination, and a commitment to intense and regular training sessions.

Training master

Master Spas, a leading brand of swim spas, has professional triathlete and 'Ironman' star Ben Hoffman as a brand ambassador.

Ben, who has multiple titles to his name that include a 2022 Ironman Texas victory last year after an epic running battle with Denmark’s Magnus Ditlev, has teamed up with Master Spas to help shine the spotlight on the benefits of swim spa use as the official swim spa of the Ironman World Championship. His mantra during this time has been ‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are’, when it comes to training and participation in competitive events.

In 2021, Ben upgraded his swim spa to a H2X Challenger 18D from an H2X Challenger 15D and achieved a third-place podium finish at Ironman Chattanooga, after being first out of the water of the Tennessee River and becoming race leader, following the 2.4 mile swim, for the first time in his 20-year triathlon career after enhancing his technique with the swim spa.

“When I get in the spa at home, I’m not necessarily looking to go in there and smash out the hardest session of my life,” divulged Ben; “I’m looking to really drill down on proper form and technique.

“Swimming slow allows me to focus on those things, and I don’t have the pressure of people watching me. I don’t have to feel the pressure of hitting a certain pace for a set that we’re doing as a group.

Photo © Paul Warburton / Alamy

Jenson Button

Photo © Ben Hoffman / Master Spas

Top tips

Experts advocate the following healthy eating suggestions as the basic principles to kick start your body’s metabolism and maintain superior health and fitness levels when training for a triathlon.

Healthy start

A healthy breakfast provides the best possible start to the day and wholemeal cereal with a piece of fruit will provide essential vitamins and minerals, as well as prevent midmorning snack attacks.

Famous five

Always aim to achieve the minimum ‘five-a-day’ portions of fruit and vegetables and experts even suggest where possible to up this to eight portions to gain maximum health benefits by including fruit in cereals and dried fruit as a snack.

Something fishy

Increase the consumption of healthy oily fish that is rich in omega-3 fats, along with essential minerals and vitamins. Try to include two portions of fish in your weekly diet.

Watch fats

NHS experts advise you should reduce the risk of heart disease developing in later life by avoiding dangerously high levels of saturated fats. The current guidance is that the average woman should eat no more than 20g of saturated fat and an average man should eat no more than 30g of saturated fat, which can be found in butter, hard cheese, cakes and biscuits, while instead seeking healthy options such as reduced fat spreads.

Hunger prevention

Help to banish hunger pangs by ensuring a third of your meals include starchy foods, including wholegrain cereals and baked potatoes, as well as wholemeal bread, pasta and rice.

Sugar alternatives

Take high levels of sugar out of your diet by choosing unsweetened fruit juice instead of sugar-filled fizzy drinks to help prevent the risk of diabetes. Avoid food with more than 22.5g of sugar per 100g.

Avoid salt

Read food labels to check that high levels of salt are not sneaking into your diet. Adults should not consume more than 6g of salt a day and any food with 1.5g of salt per 100g or more should ideally be avoided.

Keep hydrated

Remember to top up your fluid levels with regular healthy drinks to meet the recommended level of 1.2 litres of fluid per day. Water, fruit juices and low fat milk should replace unhealthy fizzy drinks loaded with high sugar levels.

“I do kick sets, too, with a kickboard against the current. I’ll do this a few times a week, even if I don’t have a swim. It might not be continuous, but I’ll be in there for 15 to 20 minutes total. I always feel better the next day. It makes the recovery a lot better and faster the next day.”

Medical check

While Ben has built up his physical prowess before achieving high-level professional success, if your body is not up to speed and you have not competed in any form of swimming, cycling or marathon events in recent years you should consider having a health check with your local GP ahead of diving straight into your first triathlon. These races are meant to be a physical test of how well your body has been prepared for the event and are unsuitable for unprepared novices who have not put themselves under the pressure of training thoroughly in all three disciplines before the event day like experienced triathletes.

A newly-acquired swim spa can help start the preparation by gaining the convenience of obtaining an overall workout for your entire body whenever your schedule dictates. At the same time as improving your swimming techniques you will also gradually be building up your fitness levels that will be essential to complete a triathlon.

Fuel focus

Professional athletes and especially triathletes must maintain strict diets to ensure their bodies are capable of highlevel performances in every competitive event. So, as part of your training and build up to triathlons you need to ditch the junk food and gain the best knowledge from experts on how to fuel your body for intensive workouts and being able to go the distance in the stages of swimming, cycling, and running.

As well as nutritional information from various respected sources, you need to do your homework on the diets that are suitable for triathletes and various specialist supplements and how to combine them with the perfect pre-race taper.

You do not want to have done months of training in your swim spa, improving your pedal power on your bike, and gaining essential running practice by pounding the pavements of your local streets, only for your body to break down during the actual triathlon due to low energy levels because of poor nutritional and diet preparation.

Shared experience

If you are attempting to stick to a rigid routine of training for triathlons for the first time then there are many hurdles to overcome, including the natural dips in motivation or distractions from everyday life. Professional athletes have coaches and teams of experts to ensure their workouts are geared towards participation in competitive events, but also to prevent the training from being an isolated experience.

This problem can be overcome by joining a triathlon club, or possibly just your local swimming, running, or cycling club you will immediately have others to keep you going and to stretch your body to its limits. The social element will also help to prevent training from being a chore or a boring routine. These types of clubs have many different levels of abilities and can help you on the road to triathlon participation.

British Triathlon is dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to achieve their personal triathlon challenges as part of its commitment to deliver the sport through the Home Nation Associations of Triathlon England, Welsh Triathlon and triathlonscotland

Details of dedicated triathlon clubs and coaching opportunities are provided on the British Triathlon’s website britishtriathlon.org and these include Race Skills Schools and British Triathlon Open Water Coaching Workshops that are organised during the year.

There is also information on the British Triathlon website about gaining triathlon membership. This will cover you for all your training and racing needs from providing insurance, whilst out training, to savings at events by not having to pay the day licence fee. ➧

Photo © Gordon Ramsay / Steve Tucker / Alamy

Group support

While you are seeking out fellow triathletes, don’t forget to use the support of your own family members and friends as well. Our very own editor-in-chief Nick Clamp was inspired to participate in triathlons by a friend that had experience and who helped him with advice and inspiration before his first event that helped to raise money for a water aid charity in the process.

“I certainly know from my own experience how important it is to train properly for the swimming, cycling and running elements of a triathlon and increase your fitness levels before taking part in your first event,” said Nick.

“The last thing you want to do is to go into a triathlon totally unprepared. Not only is it a major risk to your health, but it could also result in serious injuries that may take months, if not years, to overcome.

“My advice would be to gain as much knowledge about preparing for triathlons as possible from people who have already competed in them and try to build up your physical endurance levels before even contemplating your first triathlon event.

“Also, any prospective swim spa owners should be seeking out a suitable model to utilise for their particular needs in the best possible way. Some models are specifically geared up for the demands of advanced professional swimmers and triathletes, while others have various levels that allow you to gradually work up your progress with control over the swim jets. So, it is important to do your research, target quality models for your wet test list, and find the best swim spa model for your particular requirements.”

Dedicated service

By gaining advice from professional swim spa dealers you can acquire a dedicated model for your swimming and training needs. Some swim spas are only designed for beginners or intermediate swimmers, so you may need to consult a respected showroom dealer who can provide guidance on more appropriate models if you are at an advanced swimming level.

New swim spa models have been designed with controls to help you to switch between multiple swimming levels. So, as you progress in your training the swim spa can cater for your capabilities.

Top quality manufacturers have responded to the demand from competitive triathletes and swimmers who want greater swim jet power by incorporating state-of-the-art swim jet systems. These are now being utilised by triathletes and professional swimmers to provide the true experience of swimming against strong currents.

Vital equipment

A quality swim spa that is suitable for your physical prowess and your body size, as well as intended training requirements, can boost your pre-race training but one of the vital elements to prepare for a triathlon is ensuring that your clothing and equipment is suitable for the purpose. You need to ensure it is not going to let you down during any of the triathlon stages at the critical moment.

Professional and experienced triathletes have specialist clothing, such as tri suits, that allow them to perform at the optimum level throughout all three elements of the race. If you do not have one then you will obviously need to purchase a bike that is matched to your height specifications and suitable for racing, plus a helmet that is compulsory for competitors. A bottle and bottle holder attached to the bike are other items for consideration ahead of your first triathlon, along with the appropriate footwear that should be purchased way ahead of the final weeks before the date of your triathlon.

You must become totally familiar with your equipment, as it will ensure your transitions from swim to bike and bike to the run go smoothly. Using swimming goggles, locking laces, number belts and not wearing socks are other considerations ahead of race day.

Transition sessions

Transition practice is important to achieve ‘personal best’ results and triathlon clubs will often run transition sessions to improve this element of triathlon participation. It can be an essential aspect of triathlon training if you want to gain good race times. If you are training solo, then it is advisable to go through the transition routines yourself before competing in a race. The golden rule, though, is to never try anything new for the first time in a triathlon event.

While planning the final element of your first triathlon, the advice from seasoned competitors is to arrive early to familiarise yourself with the race briefing and the transition areas. You should leave yourself with enough time to lay your kit out in the correct order, and to make sure you know where you have left your bike and helmet.

Recovery focus

Swim spas have become popular with triathletes for assisting with quick rehabilitation times from injuries and essential recovery following hard training schedules.

Professional and amateur triathletes are purchasing swim spas from WhatSwimSpa? Approved showrooms to provide them with dedicated training and hydrotherapy recovery benefits. While many swim spas have been designed with combined hydrotherapy seating, they may not have the full specification of advanced technology as those of leading hot tub brands. Also, a swim spa is generally set at a cooler temperature for optimum training, while the water of a hot tub is usually much warmer to help users relax muscles before and after training. That is why dual-chamber designs with dedicated aquatic training and hydrotherapy zones are increasing in popularity.

If you are looking for dedicated hydrotherapy to aid your running, cycling, or swimming exercise recovery we recommend either purchasing a dualchamber swim spa model (see the Single Chamber v Dual Chamber feature on page 56), or consider a single chamber swim spa with a separate hot tub, which gives you the ultimate choice and ‘best of both worlds’. In this case, you will need to request the latest copy of our dedicated hot tub buyer’s guide WhatSpa? magazine by visiting www.whatspa.co.uk ❚

Photo © Nick Clamp / WhatSwimSpa?

WhatSwimSpa?

The Ultimate Swim Spa Guide

WhatSwimSpa? Editor-in-Chief Nick Clamp, reveals why WhatSwimSpa? is the UK’s number one source for independent and trustworthy exercise pool and swim spa advice.

There can be no greater endorsement for a product than trying it out and being so bowled over that you commit your life to selling it. When Nick and Karen Clamp invested in a hot tub in the early noughties, little did they know the profound life-changing effect it would have. What had originally been a purchase aimed simply at enhancing their family’s leisure time and quality of life, soon turned into something a great deal more involved.

Having experienced the benefits of hot tubs for themselves, and the pitfalls and bewilderment of the purchasing process at the time, Nick and Karen made it their joint mission to spread the word about spas and help to simplify the buying process for other spa owners.

They took the plunge to assemble a team of the most respected figures in the hot tub industry to launch a one-stop information source for prospective hot tub buyers.

The result was WhatSpa? – a clear, concise and independent guiding hand for those seeking to purchase their dream hot tub.

WhatSwimSpa? is the sister publication to WhatSpa? and focuses purely on the features and merits of different types of swim spas and exercise pools.

One-stop advice

"Our mission is simple," says Nick: “We are dedicated to supporting you, not just in the research and evaluation stage of purchasing a swim spa, but also after you have chosen and installed your swim spa as well. Our aim is to make the process of buying and owning a swim spa as simple as possible.

SwımWhatSpa?

Best Buy Awards

Since their launch in 2009, WhatSwimSpa?

“The easy bit is making the decision to buy a swim spa; selecting the manufacturer, model and retailer is usually a bit more difficult, which is where we come in. There is still a lot of confusion in the market, and because many people are first-time buyers, we want to remove that confusion and put all the necessary and relevant information about buying a swim spa at your fingertips.”

Advice you can rely on

A key tenet for WhatSwimSpa? is its independence, which ensures you receive informed and impartial advice. You can be safe in the knowledge that you are receiving unbiased, clear and comprehensive information that will enable you to make the right choice when it comes to selecting your ideal swim spa. WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? has a team of respected experts – with a wealth of combined experience in the industry – who are on-hand to provide sound, independent advice and reviews of all the very best swim spas and exercise pools. We also have a team of ‘Swim Spa Doctors’ who are happy to answer any technical questions and queries that our readers may have.

❝Our aim is to make the process of buying and owning a swim spa as simple as possible.

Best Buy Awards have become the industry standard recognition for swim spa models that achieve the best scores in our rigorous tests for quality and value across all price brackets. “Our Best Buy Awards cannot be purchased or influenced by third parties, such as manufacturers and retailers, and we take great pride in their independence, which is why they are now held in such high esteem by both buyers and manufacturers,” reveals Nick.

For a full breakdown of our 2023 WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Award winners across all price brackets, go to page 116 and don’t forget to look out for these prestigious logos in showrooms as you start shopping.

Seal of approval

When making any purchase of this size, trusting the manufacturer and retailer is essential. WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? have recognised this and devised our WhatSwimSpa?

Approved scheme. This unique hallmark of quality is only awarded to manufacturers and retailers who meet our exacting high standards.

The Approval Scheme offers the customer peace of mind that comes from knowing companies are reputable, well established, have a professional infrastructure and a good track record within the industry, so it is the logo to look out for.

industry-recognised swim spa technician courses.

For more details visit the www.whatswimspa.co.uk/ logos page of our website. WhatSwimSpa? has also teamed up with regulatory BISHTA (British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association) to ensure the highest standards of hot tub and swim spa safety. BISHTA is an industry body set up to educate and protect the public against the potential hazards arising from poorly-maintained spas and swim spas, and to promote the importance of water maintenance. The role fulfilled by BISHTA is vital, and one of our criteria for WhatSwimSpa? approval is BISHTA membership or proof of attendance on a BISHTA recognised pool and spa water hygiene course.

WhatSwimSpa? online

In order to win coveted WhatSwimSpa?

Approved status, swim spa retailers must have a minimum number of display swim spas and prove that they have all of the insurance requirements and trained staff in both water safety and technical backup. WhatSwimSpa?

Professional retailers also have to pass a stringent extra set of criteria including professional training accreditation by attending

The new WhatSwimSpa? website –www.whatswimspa.co.uk – is the perfect complement to WhatSwimSpa? magazine, providing the ultimate online advice centre for swim spa owners and buyers in the UK. We completely redesigned the website last year, making it more user-friendly and easier to navigate. The site has fresher graphics and even more information about buying, installing and maintaining your swim spa or exercise pool. remains committed to supporting bona fide and professional retailers in the UK, and we have a strict Find a Retailer section, which means you can be confident that when you download the list of your local retailers you know in advance what they have to offer.

You can also save lots of time by using our site to request brochures from our list of major manufacturers at the touch of a button, rather than wading through lots of individual websites. In our Manufacturers Directory we also have links, a brief profile and UK contact details of all of the major brands currently represented in the UK.

SWIM SPA BUYER'S

Our easy three-step guide to buying the exercise pool of your dreams.

Whether you are a keen swimmer, age-group triathlete or just want the benefit of low impact exercise and fun of a counter-current swimming pool, rather than a pool that is just too small to swim in, a swim spa (also known as an exercise pool, swim trainer or Endless Pool) is definitely the answer.

Whatever your reasons for deciding on the purchase of a swim spa, this is most likely the first time you’ve gone out and shopped for one. However, fear not, the WhatSwimSpa? team of experts are here to take you through the process and make choosing your swim spa as simple and painless as possible. We have broken down our buying tips into three easy steps, each of which will become milestones on your route to choosing the perfect swim spa to suit your needs and desires.

Step 1 – Do your homework

Congratulations! You’ve already started doing your homework by the very fact that you’ve purchased this issue of WhatSwimSpa? Magazine. Welcome to the discerning swim spa buyers’ club!

Take some time to research which brands are currently available in your area before you go any further. If you have already visited our website at www.whatswimspa.co.uk, why not visit our Manufacturers Directory to see which brands are involved in this rapidly growing market.

We thoroughly recommend that you purchase your swim spa via a specialist local dealer, rather than taking your chances buying over the Internet or on online auction sites. Online suppliers can come and go

to service call-outs, both within your swim spa’s warranty period and beyond. After your swim spa is installed your retailer will be a local source of spa water care products and will be on hand to offer invaluable tips and advice every time you pop in.

Once you’ve read our Swim Spa Masterclass on page 36 it is time to dip your toe in the water and start visiting your local specialist showrooms to see for yourself what’s on offer.

Check out our Retail Directory Supplement that comes with this magazine and look for the swim spa icon to see which dealers in your local area offer swim spas. The circle above the icon denotes if they have one or more on display so look out for this if you want to try before you buy! Also visit the Find A Retailer area on the www.whatswimspa.co.uk website to get a current list of the WhatSwimSpa? Approved companies in your area.

After you’ve studied our Swim Spa Masterclass, start visiting some showrooms with your newly acquired swim spa expertise. Talk to sales staff and try and get a feel for the models and features on offer in different price brackets. If you see a model which you feel meets your needs, ask for a test swim.

A test swim is an actual trial of the swim spa in the showroom when you take your bathing costume along and try before you buy. All professional retailers will have private test swim facilities and changing rooms. The objective is to pick at least three or four of your favourite models to shortlist for a test swim – the most vital stage in the buying process.

If possible, try and arrange those allimportant test swims as close together as you can; one after the other on the same day if possible, so that the experience of previous swim spas is still fresh in your mind. Insist, if possible, on trying the actual models you’re most interested in, as they will all feel different. Allow at least two hours in each showroom to give you adequate time to try the swim spa(s) of your choice.

Something important to note with regard to planning wet tests right from the outset: due to the very large size of swim spas in relation to ‘regular’ hot tubs, and the larger capital outlay, you’ll find fewer locations immediately on your doorstep with swim spas on display compared with their hot tub cousins. However, all reputable manufacturers will have national or regional showrooms you can visit to sample the product first hand.

Some dealers may also have arrangements with their local customers who have had an installation you could pop round and see or try by appointment – these are also great opportunities to pick the customer’s brains on the quality of the dealer’s overall service.

So you need to be prepared to travel a little further afield to view and test swim spas – but, given the price of swim spas against regular hot tubs, it is an investment in time and fuel worth making to ensure you get absolutely the right product for your particular needs. However, for the

reasons already discussed of prompt, on-the-doorstep after-sales service and warranty cover, ensure you place your order with your chosen brand’s most local dealer.

Step 2 – Get wet testing

To get the most from a test swim, get the showroom staff to show you how everything works while you’re in the swim spa. After all, they know all the nuances of their swim spas better than anyone. Once they have thoroughly demonstrated all the controls and features, ask them to leave you to it so that you can play around with all the jets and controls and get a better feel for exactly what they do.

If you’re looking to buy a swim spa with a hot tub section to it, as opposed to just a training pool, bear in mind that when you wet test there will probably be fewer people in there than its maximum capacity. How would you feel if you had family and friends in there with you? Would it be roomy enough? Would it have enough seats? How comfortable are the seats? Do the jets provide a good quality of massage? Is the depth of the hot tub section right for your needs given the height and build of those who will mainly use it?

Remember, it is a good idea to have a variety of different seating depths, so that bathers can swap to a shallower or deeper seat, if they get too hot or too

❝Talk to sales staff and try and get a feel for the models and features on offer in different price brackets.❞

cold respectively. If someone is using the swimjets, does this take power away from the spa seats and, if so, how much?

Think about your needs regarding water temperature. In a single chamber swim spa the whole body of water can, obviously, be only at one temperature at one time. If it’s used predominantly for swimming, it may be too cool for spa bathing. Would a dual chamber swim spa with separate and independent temperature control suit your needs better?

Then move on to the swimming area itself. At this point it is very important to establish your most important needs from the swimming section. Are you going to be using it for gentle exercise, or as part of a more vigorous training regime? What are the heights of all those who’ll be using it regularly, and is the swimming area deep enough or shallow enough depending on their needs?

Does the propulsion method allow you to properly practice all the strokes you will use? It is important that the swimming area is large enough that it allows the tallest person ample enough room to swim any stroke unimpeded without striking hands or feet on any of the swim spa’s surfaces or fittings. If the swim spa is to be used to assist with the teaching of younger swimmers, does it allow enough room for an adult supervisor to stand to one side whilst they swim?

Most importantly, does the swimjet propulsion system fulfil all your needs regarding power and controllability?

Different manufacturers have different reasons as to why their particular propulsion mode offers advantages, and you need to weigh-up their relative benefits, and their importance to you. ➧

Photo © Marquis

However, don’t get bogged down too much in the technicalities of this, what’s more important is how it feels to you. Is the stream created wide enough for you to swim in? Does it allow you to maintain good, even strokes without forcing you under, or ‘rolling off’ the water stream? Can you easily maintain a steady position, like jogging on a treadmill, at the different swimming speeds you intend to exercise at? Can the power easily be adjusted to cater for the needs of the smallest and weakest swimmers all the way up to the largest and strongest and all points in between?

If you are a very strong and competent swimmer intending to use a swim spa as part of a serious training programme (many triathletes, for example, buy swim spas to practice their stroke and stamina work), does it suit your needs? Some swim spas, even on their maximum output, can be ‘out-swum’ by the very strongest swimmers, so if you have specific training needs, ensure that they’re met by your eventual choice of model.

If you are considering a swim spa which has fitness accessories (i.e. resistance tethers, paddles, rowing bars etc.) included or available as an option and you intend purchasing and using these accessories, ask if you can try out these accessories too whilst you’re in the swim spa. Ensure you ask staff to show you how to fit them and use them correctly and, again, check that they are comfortable, easy to install and use, and suit your particular needs.

If the showroom has the facility to turn the lights down or off, get the staff to do so as this will enable you to view and assess the lighting features of the swim spa. Many swim spa models are, like their hot tub counterparts, fitted with audio systems. If the swim spa is fitted with such kit, ask to see and hear a demonstration of the system. Take along your favourite playlists on your smart phone so that you can compare the same tracks in different systems.

Remember that the wet test is all about the feel, comfort and effectiveness of the swim spa. Which ones felt the best to you when you tried them? After all, this is the main reason why you are buying one (besides turning the neighbours green with envy of course!).

❝Always read the contract terms on order forms before signing and ensure that you will receive delivery in a timeframe that you’re happy with.❞

When you have tried all the swim spas on your wet test list, now comes the big one…decision time! Before you smash the piggy bank, dust off the cheque book or melt the plastic, here are some top tips to getting a great deal.

Step 3 – Close the deal

Don’t leave your purchase until the last minute. The surge in demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in swim spa lead times that are far longer than usual, with wait times for factory build orders typically now standing at anywhere between 12 and 26 weeks or even more in some cases.

Remember that many of the wellestablished manufacturers are in the United States, Canada, South America, mainland Europe and the Far East – so none are on our immediate doorstep. Coupled with the fact that UK stock has now become pretty much completely depleted means that short delivery times are almost impossible for the foreseeable future. So start shopping at least three months or more before you require delivery in order to keep your brand and model options open.

You will typically be required to pay a 25 to 30 per cent deposit when you place your order, with the balance payable either on or a few days before delivery.

If you’re also contracting the swim spa dealer to do any of the site preparation, electrical or landscaping work required, it would be usual for stage payments to be made during the course of these works ahead of the swim spa’s arrival on site.

Photo © Aqua Warehouse Group

Top Tip: It is crucial that you always pay any of the up-front costs (at least £100) by credit card as this affords you the protection of the credit card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if anything goes wrong between the point of order and delivery date (NB: ensure it is a credit card, not a debit card. You do not get the protection when using a debit card!). It is now illegal for retailers to charge a levy for credit card payment so definitely take this option for the protection that it offers.

For extra peace of mind, look for WhatSwimSpa? Approved retailers and other industry affiliations, such as BISHTA (The British and Irish Spas and Hot Tubs Association) or SPATA (The Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association) membership. If a retailer is going to the trouble of meeting the stringent requirements to comply with these standards, this is a good sign that they are professional retailers and intend to stick around for the future.

Getting the right deal

Think about the additional services and accessories that are essential to creating a practical swim spa environment, such as steps, delivery, crane-lift (swim spas, due to their size and weight, always have to be delivered into position by a mobile crane), installation and commissioning, landscaping, spare filters, cover lifters, extra supplies of chemicals, optional exercise equipment, etc. These are all bargaining points when negotiating a deal. Try to get

as many of them included in the deal as possible. If they aren’t included you will more than likely end up buying them at a later date in any case and paying full RRP, so now is the time to get the best package deal.

Good retailers may already include some of these extras at their own cost…bear this in mind before trying to beat them down even further on price. It is important that they stay in business to serve you and your warranty in the years ahead.

On the subject of warranties, ask for a written copy of the warranty certificate before you buy and make sure you read all the small print. Some suppliers may offer an extended warranty at a premium so, again, this can be used as a potential bargaining point. Make sure that the swim spa warranty covers both parts and labour and ask the retailer if warranty calls are completely free or if you will have to pay a call out charge.

If you are paying by cash, cheque or debit card, this is cheaper for the dealer than low rate finance (i.e. anything below around 10% APR), which they will probably have to still subsidise despite historically low Bank of England base rates. Try to get a discount (or free goods or services, as mentioned previously) to compensate for what they are saving by you not taking out their finance. Note that it is illegal for retailers to have different pricing policies for different methods of payment, so tread carefully. By offering free goods rather than discount, dealers can stay on the right side of the law and still reward your retailer-friendly

Top Tip: The best deals are to be had on ex-display and previous year models. Retailers will have to move on their showroom hot tubs and portable swim spas (i.e. those that are self-contained, not installed in-ground with separate equipment packs) at least once a year (typically between Christmas and April) to make way for newer models. The warranty should still start from when you take delivery (it is best to get this confirmed in writing before you buy) and ex-display swim spas are often still like new by the time you take delivery. Expect to pay at least 10 to 20 per cent lower than RRP for ex-display models that are less than a year old.

Once you have secured the deal that you’re happy with, ask for a complimentary bottle of bubbly and a rubber duck thrown in for good measure, and sign on the dotted line and get your dream swim spa on order! Always read the contract terms on order forms before signing and ensure that you will receive delivery in a timeframe that you’re happy with.

Professional retailers should issue you with a comprehensive pre-delivery guide which covers such important considerations as base and site preparation, electrical requirements, and they should also arrange for a mutually convenient site visit, so that they can survey your garden and plan for delivery day.

If you have negotiated the crane lift as part of the total package from your dealer, the crane company should also want to visit your home to confirm the size of crane required and look at any other requirements, i.e. a potential road-closure, which will become apparent. If you intend organising your own crane lift separately, it is important that the crane company conduct a pre-delivery site visit, and that you liaise closely with the dealer to provide the crane company with details of your swim spa’s delivery size and weight, as well as anticipated delivery date and time.

All you need to do now is get the base, electrics and site arranged, get the Champagne on ice, the Speedos at the ready, and count off the days to delivery day! Good luck, and happy swimming!

5-Star Advice

When it comes to choosing your ideal swim spa, multi award-winning MySpa UK have a vast array of choice, all available to view at one of three showroom sites across the Midlands and Cheshire. Only by visiting this five-star dealership and testing the extensive selection of swim spas and hot tubs will you achieve the best possible fit for you and your family.

MySpa is providing the ultimate destination for prospective swim spa owners, with a fantastic range of working display swim spas from multiple WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Award-winning American brand Master Spas. They have perfected their capability of offering an unrivalled ‘try before you buy’ service and their knowledgeable team will help to guide you through the purchase process.

The MySpa team have developed great working relationships with landscape and building contractors, allowing them to offer swim spa buyers anything from a supply and install only purchase, to a full installation design and build solution. They are also happy to work closely with your chosen garden design and build company and provide detailed information and support to ensure a smooth installation and handover process.

2020 saw MySpa expand with the successful launch of a new indoor showroom in Macclesfield, Cheshire, showcasing their top-selling own-branded Wellness Collection hot tubs in an attractive indoor setting, complete with wet test facilities and every possible seating layout on display. In 2022 MySpa partnered with Master Spas to extend their offering to the

Cheshire area. With a refurbishment of the Macclesfield showroom, including new changing facilities and more hot tubs on display, there is now an extended outdoor display area to the rear of the showroom featuring the top selling Master Spas H2X Challenger 15D Swim Spa complete with energy-saving DuraTech Pro air source heat pump, all up and running and ready to test swim.

Following the hugely successful launch of their third showroom last year in Derby, the largest indoor MySpa showroom, 2023 has kicked off with the mountainous challenge of relocating the original flagship showroom in Leicester to the newly-refurbished Dobbies Garden Centre Leicester and moving into a brand-new head office and storage facility in the heart of Leicestershire.

“This has been such a big challenge for our team to face at the start of this year, but we are all excited and immensely proud of our new homes. The new Leicester showroom has been well received by our longstanding and loyal customers, so many of whom attended our relaunch at the start of March,” explains MySpa co-founder and Managing Director Andy Wroot.

Open 7 days a week, these are ‘must-visit’ locations as part of your research. The growing team have a wealth of experience and product knowledge which is plain to see when prospective clients visit their stores for the first time. MySpa operate by pre-booked appointment where possible to allow each client to benefit from the full undivided attention of the advisor they are with. Vitally, they always have display hot tubs and swim spas filled and ready for a full product demonstration, and even encourage you to ‘try before you buy’ with a private pre-booked wet test or test swim appointment at your convenience. Showroom visits, virtual tours and wet test appointments can now be booked online via their new website booking facility

Having such a large display provides the advantage of being literally ‘spoilt for choice’. This is a good problem to have however, and one that the friendly customer service team will help you to navigate and find the perfect swim spa for you.

MySpa provides all its customers with unique knowledge and expertise that sets them apart from other dealers in the UK. Founder Andy Wroot has been working in the industry since 1998 and the length of his association with key global brands is rare, serving as testament to the company’s commitment to providing the service that their loyal clients require.

MySpa are also authorised dealers and installers of the state-of-the-art Covana automatic covers, and you will be able to view these products at each store. Providing swim spa owners with the perfect cover solution that is fully automated, safe, secure, and easy to operate with the turn of a key. Covana also allows swim spa users to benefit from a panoramic view as they exercise.

World-class products combined with vast knowledge, exemplary customer service, and professional installations from fully qualified engineers have helped to achieve glowing testimonials from customers over more than two decades. Testimony to the top-quality service that is provided to all customers is the fact that MySpa has achieved a five-star rating on Trustpilot, which independently verifies online reviews by highly satisfied customers.

The MySpa customer service team will also help to tailor the best finance package available for your needs. To take advantage of this market-leading service, book a wet test or request a free brochure pack, call the MySpa team today. ❚

✆ Contact Details

MySpa Leicester

Phone: 01164 645 870

Email: sales@myspashop.co.uk

MySpa Cheshire

Phone: 01625 919 150

Email: cheshire@myspashop.co.uk

MySpa Derbyshire

Phone: 01332 389 810

Email: derbyshire@myspashop.co.uk

www.myspashop.co.uk

SWIM

Masterclass

SPA

Don’t be daunted by the prospect of buying a new swim spa. Here is everything you should know before you take the plunge.

Before you head off shopping with your bathing costumes at the ready, take a little time to educate yourself so that you can talk to the staff in swim spa retail showrooms with more confidence.

Our Swim Spa Masterclass will arm you with the information needed to view and wet test swim spas and confidently understand their features and some of the terms used by retailers when they are demonstrating swim spas to you.

Wet Test, Wet Test, Wet Test

By anybody’s measure, a swim spa represents a significant investment, so we cannot stress enough, it is absolutely vital to ‘wet test’ or ‘test swim’ any and every swim spa you are considering spending your hard-earned cash on. Never, ever consider buying one without doing so. It is reasonable to say that there are fewer locations in the country with operating swim spas on display than there are hot tubs, so it may mean racking up a few more miles visiting each dealership on your shopping list, but it will be money well spent to ensure you are 100 per cent happy with your dealership and the product which will be making its way into your garden.

❝It is equally important to take the whole family along with you on these wet tests.❞

Photo © Marquis

We cannot stress this point enough – swim spas nearly always have to be delivered by crane due to their size and weight, so you can’t take them out easily if you’ve decided you’ve changed your mind later! Some swim spas, of all counter-current propulsion types, are endorsed by high-profile international swimmers, but don’t take a goldmedallist’s word for it – pack up your swimming costumes and head on out.

If the swim spa is going to be used regularly by the whole family, it is equally important to take the whole family along with you on these wet tests, to ensure that each member who’ll be swimming on a regular basis feels comfortable using the swim spa and are able to get the most out of it.

Important things to check for when swimming are that there is sufficient

buoyancy control. In other words, when you are swimming in the moving stream of water, do you feel supported in position? If not, are the controls easy to adjust so that you are? This is important because in nearly all swim spas there is a ‘sweet-spot’ where counter-current effect is at its most effective, and where the swimmer can maintain their position in this ‘sweet-spot’ without rolling off either side of the stream or sinking below it.

Above ground or In-ground?

Whilst swimming pools can be fitted with optional counter-current propulsion units mounted at one end of the pool, WhatSwimSpa? is dedicated to what are technically termed ‘portable swim spas’, which are products that come in one complete, ready-assembled, pre-plumbed self-contained unit, and which looks like

a very large domestic hot tub, with a similar looking acrylic shell, supported on a frame and protected by a wooden or synthetic cabinet.

Portable swim spas require no additional assembly, just the connection of a properly rated and protected electricity supply and can be sited on a suitably prepared base above ground level or sunk into a tanked and drained pit with a concrete floor to give a lower profile and easier bather access.

In the latter case, this would be categorised as an ‘in-ground’ project, even though the actual swim spa itself is probably the same model, it is just that some of the cabinetry is hidden below ground within the pit. Note that some manufacturers make dedicated in-ground models that are specifically designed for this type of installation where pumps and electronics are mounted roughly halfway up the cabinet area to make serviceability easier (see page 50).

The term ‘portable’ is a somewhat misleading one however, as, given a swim spa’s huge relative size and weight, it can’t be moved around easily. However, should you decide to move house, you could take it with you to your new home by having the unit craned out and transported on a suitable vehicle.

Types of swim spas

The swim spa shell is the coloured visible moulded interior (typically made of vacuum-formed acrylic with additional strengthening layers sprayed to the underside) that contains the swimming area and spa seating, where applicable. Swim spa shells come essentially in two moulded styles: ➧

Semi-recessed portable swim spa Photo © Aquavia Spa

Single chamber: In single-chamber swim spas, both the swimming area and any moulded cool-down hydrotherapy seats are contained in the same single body of water. This has the cost advantage of allowing one single set of circulation, filtration, heating and treatment equipment to service the entire product, with power and flow being able to be diverted between the hydrotherapy seats and the swimjets and combinations of the two.

The downside is that with one body of water it can only be maintained at one uniform temperature at any time. A temperature cool enough to swim in may feel too chilly to many for hot tub bathing; and, conversely, temperatures warm enough for hot tub bathing may feel uncomfortably hot when swimming.

Dual chamber: In dual-chamber swim spas, the swimming area and hot tub are two separate and self-contained bodies of water, with their own separate sets of equipment and heating. This offers the advantage of being able to maintain both bodies of water at the ideal temperatures for swimming and hot tub bathing respectively, and for power to go to the hot tub seats without compromising the power at the swimjets.

The downside with dual-chamber swim spas is that you can expect to pay considerably more than an equivalent sized single-chamber product due to the extra tooling, equipment, plumbing, controls and labour entailed.

Due to the nature of the electrical setup, a larger electrical supply will also be required to cater for the demands of two sets of pumps and heaters.

Swim spa shell & seating

The shell is usually vacuum formed from acrylic plus other invisible strengthening layers such as fibreglass, and should be moulded with comfort, ergonomics and durability in mind.

Shells are available in various colours and finishes, though usually a narrower range than generally available for hot tubs due to the higher costs of larger acrylic sheets.

The main factors to consider when buying a swim spa concern the size and depth of the swim chamber area itself plus the shape, size and feel of any moulded post-workout hydrotherapy seats. Is the swim chamber long enough, deep enough and wide enough to accommodate your swimming stroke plus any other hydrotherapy exercises that you want to participate in? Since swim spas come in many different sizes this can vary enormously from model to model, and is especially important if the main users are very tall. On the other hand, is it too deep for smaller adults and children to feel safe in when they are standing up?

Besides the swim chamber, there are likely to be some moulded and jetted hydrotherapy seats, even in single chamber models. Are the hydrotherapy seats at the right depths for the main bathers and are they providing a good quality massage experience where you feel relaxed and supported in the seat without the feeling of floating out of them? If the swim spa has a lounge seat (a full body-length seat where the bather is positioned in a more reclined position – like sitting on a garden lounger), check that it conforms to your body without the feeling of floating out of the seat.

A well-designed lounge seat that suits your height and build can counteract this. This can only be checked by wet testing as the buoyancy of the water dictates whether you feel this ‘floating’ sensation or not.

Finally check how easy and safe it is to enter and exit the swim spa. Are there defined steps moulded into the interior shell so that you safely step down to the deepest area of the swim chamber? Some models are now also coming equipped with soft tread inserts for extra grip on these step areas of the swim spa for extra safety and reassurance underfoot.

Swim spa construction

The inner frame of a portable swim spa supports the shell and is most commonly made of box-section galvanised or stainless steel to protect against corrosion. A heavyduty frame is required due to the very heavy stresses imposed on it by the huge weight of the shell, water and bathers it will have to support; typically 10 to 15 tonnes depending on the size of the swim spa.

Needless to say, it is vitally important for the long-term integrity of the swim spa structure. The framework on some cheap ‘grey imports’ can be constructed from inferior and untreated metalwork, which will corrode within the first few years of a swim spa’s life, so be sure to check this out before you buy.

The floor of the swim spa is integral to its frame and is important as this is where the swim spa will come into contact with the base which you have prepared. Ask your retailer how the base of the swim spa is constructed; it should be protected by some kind of waterproof membrane or material to prevent any dampness from permeating up inside the cabinet.

The swim spa cabinet is the outer cladding that protects the inside of the swim spa from the elements and provides the aesthetic finish to the area below the shell. Cabinets are most commonly made from synthetic materials that replicate the look of wood but some manufacturers still offer hardwood cabinets made of cedar.

Avoid cheap imports that use softwood cabinets, as these will rot quickly. Hardwood timber cabinets may weather and require some regular treatment to keep them looking good. Synthetic cabinets are maintenance-free and can be cleaned by hosing or wiping down with a damp cloth.

Top tip: Ask showroom staff to remove a cabinet side panel so that you can inspect the interior.

Dual chamber and Single chamber (inset) Photos © Wellis / Vortex Spas (inset)

Swim spa insulation

Most swim spas have some form of insulation inside the cabinet to retain water temperature and reduce the amount of time that the heater is activated each day. Different levels of insulation are generally available ranging from none at all to ‘fully-foamed’ swim spas. An added benefit of fully foaming swim spas is that the insulation supports flexible pipework and prevents movement in pipes as pumps are activated. This will help to minimise the chances of leaks occurring inside the swim spa over time.

All things being equal, swim spas with a good combination of shell, cabinet and cover insulation will minimise heat loss and therefore have lower electrical running costs than a similar model with poor insulation. So, like your home, the more insulation the better.

Swim spa cover

Portable swim spas are usually supplied with an insulated hard cover that is filled with either high-density foam or polystyrene. This is then vacuumwrapped in a sealed waterproof plastic and the final covering is made of vinyl or marine-grade polyester on the outside to protect the cover from the elements.

Given their extremely large size (at least twice as long as a regular hot tub cover), they are usually supplied in three or four detachable sections, to enable easier and less cumbersome removal and refitting.

When planning your installation, thought will need to be given to where these sections will be stored when the swim spa is in use and the cover sections removed. The cover should have lockable clips to secure it to the cabinet to prevent unauthorised access (particularly unsupervised access by children). These clips will also prevent the cover from being blown off and damaged by high winds and also ensure a tight seal when the swim spa is not in use, in order to minimise heat loss and reduce running costs.

To make life easier for swim spa owners, new covers have recently been developed such as rolling End2End covers which simply roll up and can be stowed at one end of the swim spa. For the

ultimate in high-tech gadgetry, Covana Legend automatic swim spa covers double up as a cover when the roof section isn't elevated, then when the owner wants to use their swim spa, the roof section elevates at the turn of a key and the cover becomes a gazebo (see our Under Cover feature on page 100).

Swim spa propulsion systems

At the heart of any swim spa is the counter-current propulsion system, which generates the current that the swimmers swim against. Essentially, the types of system available broadly fall into two categories, pressure, or jet-driven systems and volume or flow driven systems.

There are various schools of thought as to which system delivers the best experience. This is largely subjective and, of course, each manufacturer will tell you theirs is the best. This is why the wet test is so important, as what actually matters most is how it ‘feels’ to you, and whether it best meets your needs.

As you go up the budget ladder, the technology behind propulsion systems tends to go from the ‘on-off’ versions where pumps are either on or off and more power is generated by adding air to the water flow via topside air controls; to a more ‘variable flow’ experience using pumps and propulsion systems that are capable of increasing flow in a more systematic and incremental way to cater for a more diverse range of strokes and swimming ability.

Pressure-driven or jet-driven systems: These systems depend on one or more high-output pumps, usually rated 2HP or greater, to generate the swim current. Developed originally from single jet systems designed to sit over the sides of pool walls back in the 1970s, the water is usually drawn from suctions in the footwell of the swim spa to avoid the drop in pressure normally experienced by drawing the water through the filters. It is then pumped under pressure through a jet or jets installed in one end wall of the swim chamber.

In multi jet systems the jets are normally arranged in patterns or arrays, which can be controlled to deliver differing widths and depths of moving water streams. Some jet manufacturers produce slot-like or oval ‘river jets’ that mimic the wider flow widths associated with turbinedriven systems.

Respective swim spa manufacturers will tell you about the various advantages to the way in which their jet arrays are laid out, but again, see how it feels to you and how easy it is to operate during the wet test. Air can also be induced into the jet streams to increase the power of the flow, and the jets themselves are very often directional, offering a myriad of different combinations. Adding air into the water flow can also make for more turbulent water, which can reduce visibility underwater and make the water flow choppier, which some open water triathletes find useful to mimic the effect of racing in choppy water conditions around other race competitors.

Some swim spas also have a jet low down in the swim chamber, which is angled upwards which, manufacturers say, is there to aid buoyancy and assist in maintaining the swimmer in the ‘sweet-spot’. ➧

Flow-driven system

River jets

Swim spa covers

Flow-driven or volume-driven systems: Whereas a jet-driven system utilises pumps that move relatively low volumes of water, but under high-pressure, a turbine or flow-driven system moves larger volumes of water but under relatively low pressures. Manufacturers of this type of system say it’s better as it offers a wider and deeper flow pattern which is more akin to the real experience of swimming against a flow in open water, and the ‘sweet-spot’ is available to the swimmer over a wider area in the swim chamber.

In this type of system, the countercurrent is provided by something that looks like a large outboard motor propeller, which is attached to a powerful electric motor. The propeller is encased in a chamber which then channels the flow down through a wide slot or channel protected by a grille. Because of the vast volumes of water needed to feed the system, suction grilles are also placed over a much wider area of the swim chamber to ensure the flow needs can be fulfilled, and to avoid any risk of entrapment.

As with the jet-drive systems, the same rules apply regarding the things to look out for when you wet test. Are the controls easy to reach and user-friendly to use? Does the flow rate and adjustability suit the needs of all who will be using it? Is the ‘sweet-spot’ easy to find and maintain after just a few minutes of using the swim spa?

By following these rules and objectively judging each product within your budget will ensure many years of enjoyment and benefit and none of regret.

Top tip: The only way to assess the relative swimming performance provided by different swim spas is to wet test all of the models on your shortlist.

Energy-efficiency

Energy-efficiency is extremely high on the agenda for the market-leading brands and their latest models are designed and built to provide the very lowest running

costs via smart equipment packs and compatibility with air source heat pumps and heat exchangers that can reduce swim spa heating costs by up to 80 per cent. Whilst an air source heat pump will cost a little more up front (around £2,000 – £3,000 fitted for a good quality version), you can typically recoup this investment in less than two years, but note that not all swim spa models are heat pump compatible yet. Consult local specialist swim spa dealers for advice on which of their models are compatible and whether your spa location is suitable for heat pump installation. For more details on swim spa heat pumps visit www.whatswimspa.co.uk/heat-pumps

Control panels

The other feature to pay careful attention to whilst you have your clan with you in their swim attire is the controls, particularly the controls which adjust the swim current. Controls can take the form of electronic panels and/or manual flow control knobs, in order to turn on the swim-jet system and control the amounts of flow and power. Are they easy to reach and user-friendly? What degree of control do they actually afford? Can you adjust the flow from a slow trickle for the smallest weakest swimmer, whilst still ensuring they can maintain that ‘sweet-spot’ previously described? At the other end of the scale, can strong

In order to accommodate all abilities, the very latest models have indicators to show what level of flow rates you are swimming at which is really useful in setting up the swim spa for different levels of swimming ability in the family. When you wet test, have staff show you how the different functions work to see how simple and user-friendly they are.

New technologies

Besides automatic water quality monitoring and dosing systems that hit the market a few years ago, the latest models from some manufacturers are now coming equipped with remote management software to allow you to programme settings and set water temperature from your iPod or smartphone via their latest apps.

Water treatment system

Filtration: Filtration is very important in swim spas as the filter performance will dictate how well the spa filters out undissolved wastes without the intervention of surplus chemicals or having to fully drain down the swim spa too regularly.

Cartridge filters comprise a bay or chamber which is fitted either downstream or upstream of the filter pump with, usually, several removable cylindrical cartridges. These cartridges feature a very finemeshed synthetic pleated material, through which the water passes, depositing suspended solid particles as it does so. The filtered water is then returned to the main body of the swim spa via the heater and, in most cases, ozone generator (more on this shortly).

Waterfall

Control panel

Remote control

Heat Pump

Photo © Cleanheat Leisure Ltd

Top tip: Look for swim spas with larger filters or more of them (at the very least 100 sq ft of filter area) as this will keep the water cleaner and will require much less maintenance and filter cleaning. Built in water treatment devices: Ozone (O3) is a gas produced artificially within an ozone generator inside hot tubs and swim spas that kills bacteria and also breaks down (or ‘oxidises’) other biological wastes in the water (i.e. the stuff that forms scum lines and tide marks!). That’s the science bit over...is ozone a good thing? The answer is yes! A good ozone system will improve water quality and cleanliness without your intervention, making for easier water management. Ultraviolet (UV) systems are also available that perform a similar ‘mechanical oxidisation’ function to break down the cell walls of bacteria.

Many swim spas also include builtin devices to steadily dispense small amounts of chlorine or bromine, which are widely available through your local supplier, and used to assist in sanitising the water. If a swim spa does not come equipped with such a device built-in, floating dispensers are equally freely available at a very low cost.

Fitness equipment accessories

Some swim spas also offer optional equipment to allow a greater range of resistance exercises to be carried out in the swim spa, such as bicep and leg curls, rowing, and paddle resistance. Such equipment, depending on what’s offered by individual manufacturers, offers varying combinations of waistbands, elastic cords, metal bars (simulating oars) and large paddles fitted to the hands.

The swim spa shell comes fitted with installation points in the shell to allow the addition of these extra pieces of equipment. They allow a greater range of resistance exercises in addition to swimming to be carried out, and give you a full workout in what becomes, effectively, an aquatic multi-gym; with the additional benefit of the water’s buoyancy taking impact pressure off the joints. The new generation of underwater bicycles and treadmills also offer a great low-impact hydrotherapy workout.

Top tip: If this type of equipment appeals to you, ensure you ask to try it out.

Lighting & waterfalls

Swim spa lighting is important for both safety after-dark and also to add ambience and mood to the experience. Most swim spas now have LED multicoloured lighting of some kind inside the shell, which can randomly scroll through the colour spectrum or be set to your favourite colour.

Backlit pillows, topside controls and jets are also now available. Exterior cabinet

lighting is a new feature on portable swim spas that adds extra ambience to the swim spa environment and also provides an after-dark safety benefit to prevent tripping or falling on swim spa entry or exit.

Waterfalls are also a great way of adding ambience, and some swim spas have backlit waterfalls for that extra special after-dark effect. Make sure that waterfalls can be manually turned off for those times when you want a quieter environment and when the swim spa is not in use.

Multimedia options

Latest generation hot tubs and swim spas are increasingly becoming available with IP – rated waterproof stereo systems and Bluetooth® compatibility either built in or available as add-on optional extras. The sound quality and water resistance of these audio systems varies enormously between manufacturers depending on the type and quality of the speakers and whether a subwoofer is built into the equipment bay. Be sure to take your smartphone when you visit showrooms so that you can compare the sound quality of your favourite Spotify tracks if sound quality is important to you.

Such extras will inevitably increase in popularity but don’t forfeit hydrotherapeutic and swimjet performance or general build quality for the latest tech gadgets and gizmos. Hot tubbing is about all-year-round relaxation, escapism and the uninterrupted chance to spend real quality time with your loved ones for at least half-an-hour every day; and the regular continuous swimming exercise a swim spa gives you in your own back garden is the best low-impact all-over body exercise workout you can get.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to ditch the TV remote and actually talk to each other in your new swim spa instead... you won’t regret a minute of it!

Rowing cords Lighting

Photo © Marquis

Photo © Catalina Spas

LONG LIFE Solutions

Vortex Spas is one of the rising stars in the British swim spa market and is ensuring ‘built to last a lifetime’ build quality combined with advanced technology to harness ultra energyefficient swimming and hydrotherapy functionality, all endorsed by an Olympic swimming legend.

When you purchase a Vortex Spas swim spa you are guaranteed a lifetime of production benefits due to the exemplary manufacturing standards, which are endorsed by brand ambassador and Olympic Gold Medal-winning swimming icon Ian Thorpe.

Vortex Leisure is already leading the southern hemisphere market with the highest level of environmentallyfriendly swim spas that incorporate state-of-the-art swim jet technology, tailor-made hydrotherapy, and cuttingedge functionality to guarantee lower running costs. The Australian manufacturer is now building on its success in the British market in partnership with experienced distributor Spa Solutions and a thriving nationwide dealer network.

Exemplary production

Incorporating ‘in house’ capability that reduces third-party component requirements, Vortex Spas is famed for its exemplary production process that is providing long life ownership guarantees for British customers. Like the swimming impact of five-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe, who also achieved 11 World Championship titles during his illustrious swimming career, a Vortex Spas swim spa will provide you with many years of aquatic wellness and family fun enjoyment.

There is extra peace of mind purchasing with a lifetime ‘no rot’ warranty from the Permaframe structure and industry-leading Aristech acrylic that prevents outdoor weather deterioration. Combined with a woodfree Permaframe, this ensures a long swim spa life without rotten wood and pest problems. Another key element

of the manufacturing process is the Thermoclad construction design, which is wood-free and so eliminates structural damage risks and maintenance worries.

By pairing a Vortex Spas swim spa with an advanced energy-efficient SV Heat Pump by SpaNET from Spa Solutions it also ensures the benefit of your swim spa always being primed for aquatic fitness and wellness benefits without busting your electricity budget.

SpaNet was the first spa control manufacturer to develop an interface to offer true heat pump integration to a hot tub, and now your swim spa can be heated rapidly with this corrosionresistant technology to help save you up to 75 per cent of heating costs.

Award-winning splash

Testimony to the Vortex Spas production process is the awardwinning achievements in the international market with multiple WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Award accolades now complementing an Australian Good Design Gold Award. As we know, German acclaim is special, and Vortex Spas also received top ‘innovative interior’ recognition in the German Iconic World 2020 design awards.

Award-winning Vortex Spas designs include the AquaGym Max Pro Plus that has been proclaimed for its deep and spacious design, feature-rich technology, and powerful counter-current swim experience, which has been providing an ‘aquatic exercise’ alternative for fitness enthusiasts who have been impressed by the energy-efficient functionality.

Acclaim has also been bestowed on the Aqua Lap design, which is the largest single zone swim spa from Vortex Spas and comes in four variations, being the standard model, ‘Pro’, ‘Pro Plus’ and ‘Extreme’ with additional swim jet capabilities for amateur to advanced level swimming and aquatic exercising.

The award-winning Aqualap Pro Plus model has been praised for packing in ‘tonnes of tech’ and providing plenty of space for all-year-round family enjoyment.

Additional success is being achieved with the latest energy-efficient swim spas being supplied to British dealerships. They provide user-friendly design features to meet individual aquatic fitness requirements and lifestyles and, along with Aqua Gym and Aqua Lounge models, there is a ‘best of both worlds’ dual-chamber Hydrozone design with dedicated swimming and hydrotherapy zones.

Delivery solutions

With over two decades of experience in the hot tub and swim spa market, Spa Solutions provides exclusive distributor support to ensure quick supply for professional dealerships and their customers.

Prompt UK-wide access to stock now includes Vortex Saunas and Vortex Pergolas and to build on the Vortex Spas hot tub reputation, its sister brand Fisher Spas from Australia has been successfully introduced to these shores. Like their swim spa counterparts, both brands have hot tubs compatible with SpaNet Heat Pumps.

“Long life guarantees from exemplary manufacturing reliability and ultra energy-efficiency are key success elements of Vortex Spas in the British market,” explained Spa Solutions Managing Director Anthony Schneikert;

“Another element is our experienced and professional support with speedy delivery solutions for our dealers and their customers.” ❚

✆ Contact Details

Tel: 01536 540122

Email:

Photo: Ian Thorpe, gold medallist and IKON ambassador

Swim

SPA STARS

A rising number of athletic celebrities and top sport stars are praising the physical fitness and hydrotherapy health benefits of owning a swim spa.

WhatSwimSpa?

editor Andy Slater investigates.

The most prominent swim spa advocate is none other than Michael Phelps, the swimming legend who has won an astounding 23 Olympic Gold Medals. In addition to his extraordinary accomplishments in the pool, Michael has played a significant role in creating his own signature range of swim spas and has actively participated in campaigns to promote the Master Spas technology, which has brought physical and mental well-being to himself and his family.

Michael’s relationship with Master Spas has blossomed since the launch of the advanced technology within the industry-first Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas. Michael collaborated with his coach, Bob Bowman, to create this innovative product line after he won eight Olympic Gold Medals at the 2008 Beijing Games in China. This achievement surpassed fellow Team USA swimmer Mark Spitz's record of seven Gold Medals at any single Olympic Games, which had stood since 1972.

He then continued to increase a recordbreaking haul of gold medals on the way to becoming the most decorated and successful Olympian of all time. He holds the record of most Olympic Gold Medals, with 23; the most Olympic Gold Medals in individual events, with 13; and most Olympic medals in individual events, with a total of 16.

Golden benefits

One of the ‘golden’ benefits of having his own swim spa technology to utilise when he was a competitive swimmer challenging for Olympic Gold Medals was the ability to immediately have an impact during training sessions. His coach Bob Bowman could view the stroke close at hand and provide vital feedback on Michael’s technique as part of their famous partnership and winning formula.

“The Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa helped me when I was in serious training

mode,” reported Michael; “It allowed my coach to see and advise me on how to perfect my stroke.

“I believe training in the swim spa helped me develop the best freestyle stroke I’ve had in my career.

“A large pool can be intimidating to children and parents when little ones are learning to swim. The swim spa offers a perfect environment for children, or anyone, to learn how to swim.”

Michael also believes that a swim spa is not just a product for swimming, which

is a major claim from someone who has gained legendary status in the pool. His own dual-temperature swim spa MP Momentum Deep, which has an adjoining hot tub area for extra hydrotherapy treatment, provides his family with the ‘best of both world’s’ benefits from a dedicated section for swimming and aquatic exercising and a separate area for convenient hydrotherapy before or after a strenuous workout.

During recent years Michael has not only helped to showcase his booming signature

swim spa range and his personal choice of the dual-chamber model but he has also highlighted the importance of how it helps him to remain physically active in the water and combat difficult mental health issues. These were revealed after he took part in a HBO documentary, ‘The Weight of Gold’, to highlight the level of depression competitors often suffer once their Olympic Games exploits are consigned to the history books.

Swim spas have become a popular product for both physical and mental

wellness with record-breaking sales success and Michael has divulged that his own dual-chamber swim spa is an essential tool to help him relax and clear everything in his head in the peaceful water-based environment.

“It’s always nice to be able to take a deep breath and just relax,” reported Michael; “I like getting in the water because it’s peaceful for me to swim. I enjoy just being in the water, being by myself. It gives me time to clear my head.” ➧

Photos © Master Spas / Michael Phelps

“Swimming is a great way to manage your health, mentally and physically,” declared Michael; “I know first-hand the benefits of exercise and how it affects my mental health.

“Swimming offers various benefits beyond competition, from everyday wellness to recreational activities. But we know the skills we gain transcend swimming and provide a platform to overcome fears, face adversity, and develop and achieve goals. And it’s worth noting, learning how to swim can save a life – your own, or another.”

Endless legacy

While Michael was increasing his Olympic Gold Medal total at the 2012 London Games and 2016 Rio Games, British triathlon star Alistair Brownlee MBE was creating his own legacy as a double Olympic champion, but it would not have been possible without the installation of his very own Endless Pools swim spa, which helped him achieve unprecedented triathlon success.

Alistair has arguably become the most recognised face in triathlon during the past decade after enhancing his status with his top podium performances at major events of the endurance sport, including successive Olympic Gold Medals to complement a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal. He then decided to take on the Ironman ‘big guns’ during his 2019 Ironman World Championship debut in Kona, Hawaii, that he finished in 21st place after a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run.

His attempt to achieve an Olympic Gold Medal ‘hat-trick’ was cut short by an ankle injury ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games that was postponed to 2021. It was a major blow for Alistair

who had become the only triathlete to successfully defend an Olympic title. His historic double would not have been achieved, though, without the Achilles injury recovery work undertaken in an Endless Pool ahead of the London Olympic Games 11 years ago.

The enhanced recovery boost allowed Alistair to keep ahead of brother Jonny, who gained a Bronze Medal in the Olympic triathlon event. This was the first time two competing brothers had been on the same podium in 104 years. Alistair then achieved Gold at the Commonwealth Games in Strathclyde Country Park and at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“When I tore my Achilles in early 2012, I was looking at ways I could get fit,” explained Alistair; “I decided that an Endless Pool and an underwater treadmill was the best way to do it.”

Alistair continued to utilise Endless Pools technology for triathlon success ahead of attempting a special Sub-7 race in 2022 with the aim of breaking the seven hours 35 minutes and 39 seconds for the iron-distance triathlon world record. Injury ruled him out of the event, but this year he will be joining top triathlon stars, including reigning Tokyo Olympics champion Kristian Blummenfelt and legendary triathlete Jan Fodeno, taking part in the inaugural Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) European Open in Ibiza.

“My focus is on winning the biggest long-distance races around which is the Ironman World Championships and, I think now, the PTO races,” divulged Alistair.

“There are great stories to be told and great athletes to follow and there needs to be a format to do that. And I think the PTO is doing this and pushing up every other organisation’s game around it.”

Kona hat-trick

While Alistair has yet to add an Ironman World Champion title to his long list of major honours Mirinda Carfrae, known as Rinny, has achieved a 'hat-trick' of Ironman World Champion titles at Kona. The swim spa advocate has been taking advantage of Master Spas home training to achieve success ahead of announcing her retirement from professional sport after returning to elite triathlon twice after pregnancy.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic Rinny won Ironman 70.3 Victoria (British Columbia), and Ironman 70.3 Mount Tremblant (Montreal, Canada) and had taken ownership of her new H2X Swim Spa by Master Spas at her training complex in Boulder, Colorado, which she shares with her husband and fellow triathlete and Ironman event champion Timothy O’Donnell. They have a young daughter called Isabelle, known as Izzy, and two years ago she was joined by baby brother Finn.

Rinny has revealed that being able to replicate open water swimming with her Master Spas swim spa at home has been an essential element of maintaining her training and competitive edge, to ensure consistency for both event performances and quality training sessions.

“Swimming in a swim spa is much more similar to swimming in the open water, which is what we’re essentially training for as triathletes,” explained Rinny. “Having the opportunity to swim continuously is way more similar to what we would be doing in a race.”

Remarkably, just seven months after giving birth to Finn, the extra training in her swim spa paid off and Rinny achieved a competitive ‘rebirth’ by finishing in second place at the 2021 Ironman

Photo © Alistair Brownlee / Endless Pools

Alistair Brownlee

Photo © Mirinda Carfrae / Master Spas

70.3 Timberman in New Hampshire. It was also Izzy’s fourth birthday and she celebrated by standing on the runner-up podium with Rinny, who is now spending more time with her daughter and son after achieving incredible success as a professional triathlete.

“Having dedicated two decades already to triathlon and having one-year-old Finn and four-and-a-half-year-old Izzy, I just felt they were pulling me,” divulged Rinny; “My heart wanted to spend more time with them.

“I’ve had a wonderful career; I’m retiring because I want to spend more time with my family and I don’t feel I have any more to give to triathlon as a professional athlete.”

Upgraded performance

Professional triathlete and ‘Ironman star’ Ben Hoffman is also a Master Spas brand ambassador. In 2021 Ben upgraded to a H2X Challenger 18D, after previously enhancing his home training with an H2X Challenger 15D, and then achieved a third place at Ironman Chattanooga, after being first out of the water of the Tennessee River and becoming race leader following the 2.4 mile swim for the first time in his 20-year triathlon career.

Ben, who then went on to add to his multiple victories with a 2022 Ironman Texas triumph, has revealed his is able to utilise his H2X Challenger to ‘switch off’ from the competitive endurance sport and gain the benefits of relaxing in the water, before once again putting it through its paces as part of his training programme. He also believes swimming training and water safety should be provided to children at an early age.

“The nice thing about getting in the spa, whether I’m with the kids or relaxing, is that water is very relaxing,” divulged Ben.

“Just being in the water helps me relax, and I find I’m not thinking about some of the stresses of daily life. That’s the big thing – creating space. Where I’m mentally relaxed. The physical relaxation will follow that mental relaxation.

“A lot of kids don’t grow up to learn how to swim. Teaching them to be safe and comfortable around the water is critical, especially at an early age.”

Wellness optimisation

British former track and field athlete Sally Gunnell OBE DL, who remains the only woman ever to hold four major track titles concurrently, those being the Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles, is also passing on her training experience, along with wellness and nutrition optimisation, after gaining a swim spa for convenient aquatic exercise use at home for all her family.

Sally is an established keynote speaker and has been a hot tub hydrotherapy advocate for many years. She upgraded her hot tub to a Jacuzzi J-495 from WhatSpa? Professional dealership Euphoria Lifestyle and an additional Jacuzzi Swim Life swim spa also provides extra aquatic training and water wellness benefits for the whole family.

Along with her husband Jon Bigg, who is an experienced athlete and highly-qualified coach, Sally has launched an ‘Optimise your Age’ (OYA) initiative with a dedicated OYA website providing advice and guidance at www.optimiseyourage.com

“We all know keeping fit is important at any age, but it is crucial not to underestimate the importance of exercise as we age,” advises Sally; “It’s not only essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it can also literally add years to your life.”

Sally has been promoting specific ‘Bone Health’ exercises and nutrition for healthier bones after being a long term sufferer of lower back pain. She has gained benefits from Jacuzzi hydrotherapy that provides her with an intense lower back massage.

“The neck jets are also a huge benefit to relieving tension,” revealed Sally.

Unbeatable workout

Sharron Davies MBE is a ‘veteran’ swim spa advocate who has been spearheading the promotion of swim spa ownership for many years as a perfect alternative to a pool for providing an unbeatable workout capability.

For over a decade Sharron, whose swimming exploits include two Gold Medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and a Silver at the 1980 Olympics, has been a Hydropool swim spa ambassador and she believes that swim spas are unbeatable for providing a total wellness workout.

“This is the perfect alternative to a pool,” declares Sharron; “Cardiovascularly, for heart and lungs, there’s nothing to beat it.” ❚

Photo © Sharron Davies

/ Hydropool / New Events Ltd

Photo

© Sally Gunnell / Euphoria Lifestyle / Jacuzzi

Photo © Ben Hoffman / Master Spas

BEST BEST OF THE

Award Leisure is a familyrun business that has been trading for over 38 years and has become the number one retailer of swim spas, hot tubs, swimming pools and saunas, with awardwinning showrooms in Warwickshire, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire and Cheshire. With over 70 hot tubs, swim spas, and garden buildings on display it is not hard to see why Award Leisure grows from strength to strength and is considered one of the largest hot tub and swim spa retailers in the UK.

What sets Award Leisure apart from other hot tub and swim spa retailers is not only their ‘one stop shop’, but their vast experience in garden design over three decades, helping customers successfully develop their outdoor leisure projects; offering the whole package – designed to make a garden a home and social hub all-year-round.

Award Leisure selects only the best and most reliable brand partners to represent their brand; hand selecting quality, sustainable and innovative manufacturers before committing to work with them with no distribution

chain, offering a quality product at competitive pricing. At Award Leisure they believe in wellness and enjoyment, and their product range is handpicked to enable you to create inspiring outdoor havens that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

❝Every store has a wet test facility so customers can try before they buy.❞

In-store experience

Award Leisure’s dedicated and awardwinning sales and customer service team help with all your needs when it comes to finding you the best garden leisure product to suit your lifestyle, specification and budget; as well as providing you with the aftercare in order to maintain and look after it. Their outdoor leisure products ooze luxury and quality and they ensure you experience this throughout your buying journey, right through to delivery and after-care. When visiting their showrooms, you will be introduced to their large display of products and their unique selling features, making sure your needs and requirements are fully met. They also have the major advantage of being able to provide finance options from Novuna Finance for up to 15 years.

Every store has a wet test facility, so customers can try before they buy, and during your visit they offer complimentary refreshments, whether this be a tea, coffee, prosecco, or beer – they’ve got you covered. Award Leisure regularly host education events, so that you can discover how to properly maintain your purchase and water chemistry, as well as offering an optional 5-year service plan so your product is preserved for years to come.

Award Leisure was the first industry retailer to gain Which? Trusted Trader Accreditation, is consistently WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? Approved, and also recently received ‘Retailer of the Year’ and ‘Showroom of the Year’ Award at the UK Pool & Spa Awards

New products for 2023 Award Leisure continues to invest in the very best products to give customers the biggest choice. This year they have unveiled their new British Swim Spa range, which features over 25 customisable models ranging from 4m to 6m plus in length.

Customers can choose the seating arrangement inside, the strength of the swim, and add the option of a hot tub on the end, or the unique slide add-on for a Dual-Temperature option. ‘Bespoke as standard’, customers can personalise their perfect aquatic exercise experience to suit their needs, budget and specification. Exclusively designed in the UK – specifically for the British climate, the British Swim Spa range is packed with power, is energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and backed with a 10-year warranty. With the addition of their unrivalled Turbine technology, customers can benefit from a true personalised swimming experience at the touch of a button.

Furthermore, Award Leisure have partnered with Magiline Swimming Pools, one of the industry’s leading and most luxurious swimming pool manufacturers, and will be showcasing a swimming pool at one of their largest showrooms in Warwickshire. ❚

IN-GROUND ABOVE-GROUND

In-ground or semi-recessed swim spa projects are rising in popularity as UK homeowners are investing in more ambitious garden design projects. Andy Slater investigates the options for staying above-ground or breaking turf to partially or completely sink your swim spa.

When it comes to creating an at-home oasis for swimming, hydrotherapy, family fun and relaxation, swim spas have become an increasingly popular choice for many UK homeowners. These compact, versatile pools offer a range of benefits, from their space-saving design and ease of installation to their therapeutic features and all-year-round, all-weather usability.

However, when it comes to choosing between above-ground and in-ground swim spa installations, there are a few key factors to consider. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Above-ground options

As highlighted in our Swim Spa Masterclass on page 36, the vast majority of swim spas are classed as ‘portable swim spas’ that arrive at your home completely assembled in a self-contained unit that is pre-plumbed and comes with exterior weather-proof cabinetry that is designed for above-ground installations.

The term ‘portable’ can be somewhat misleading as swim spas have to be lowered into position using a crane or hiab, due to their sheer size and weight. But nevertheless, you could hire a crane to remove it and take it with you should you decide to move house, albeit this is much easier for above-ground installations than more complicated in-ground ones.

The latest luxury swim spas come with beautiful cabinetry equipped with exterior ambient lighting and styling features that are designed to be seen and enjoyed. Whilst you can in theory still semi-recess or even fully-recess portable swim spas, they are not necessarily designed for this purpose, and it seems a shame to hide their stylish cabinetry.

If you do decide to show off your swim spa in all its glory above-ground, all you need is a flat, level base that is constructed solidly enough to cater for the weight of the filled swim spa, which can be up to 10 or 12 tonnes. Once lowered into position it is simply a case of hooking up your electrical supply, filling with a standard garden hose, turning on the power and away you go.

There is no wonder that demand for swim spas has surpassed that of conventional swimming pools that can involve weeks or even months of messy groundwork, whereas a concrete base or heavy-duty deck for an above-ground swim spa can be laid in just days. This also means that above-ground swim spa projects are typically more affordable than in-ground options, as there are fewer labour and materials costs involved. ➧

❝Above-ground swim spa projects are typically more affordable than in-ground options, as there are fewer labour and materials costs involved.❞

Above-ground swim spa

Photo © Endless Pools

Semi-recessed swim spa

Photo © Wellis

There are also some potential drawbacks to above-ground swim spa installations. One of the main concerns is their visual impact. Swim spas can be very large and imposing, standing as tall as 1.65m and up to 6m in length for dual-chamber options. This can be a turn-off for homeowners who want a more integrated look for their outdoor space.

Installing your swim spa above-ground also involves the addition of swim spa steps and/or raised decking or patio on one or more sides to enable bathers to climb into the swim spa, and to easily remove the thermal covers before use if you are not opting for an automated cover system.

From a practical perspective, if small children will be using the swim spa, it is also more difficult to gain a good vantage point for eagle-eyed parents to keep an eye on little ones, unless they are in the swim spa themselves or at least standing or sitting on the raised decking area or steps next to the above-ground swim spa.

Semi-recessed options

If you don’t want to go the whole hog and fully-sink your swim spa, a good option is to semi-recess or partially-sink it by building a pit that is larger on all sides than the swim spa itself, then decking around the swim spa once it has been lowered into the pit. The beauty of this solution is that you can decide exactly how much of the swim spa you want to be aboveground by constructing the depth of the pit to your individual requirements. Ensure that there is adequate drainage in the pit for water spillage and for rain and ground water to drain away.

Photo © Aquavia

Semi-recessed swim spa

This will prevent unwanted flood damage to your swim spa components once it is sited inside the pit. Also ensure that you build access into the pit for service and maintenance. Good decking specialists can cater for service access if you specify this at the design stage.

Semi-recessing is a very practical solution as it is easy to enter and exit the water without the need for grab handles as bathers can literally walk up to the pool, sit on the acrylic side and swing their legs into the step area of the interior swim chamber. Plus, parents can easily sit back on the surrounding patio area and watch children have a splash around without having to be in the swim spa with them.

The only complication with semirecessed designs is that cabinet panels must be left in position on the swim spa as the top above-ground section of the cabinet panels will still be visible, so should any of the cabinet panels need removing for service and maintenance at any point in the future, this accessibility needs to be borne in mind with the pit and surrounding area materials.

Some swim spas are now designed to be semi-recessed with exterior cabinetry on the top half of the swim spa only, and the pumps and electronics are sited roughly halfway up the interior equipment bay to make serviceability easier.

In-ground options

If you want to completely recess your swim spa so it is completely in-ground to replicate the stylish look of an outdoor swimming pool, there are now models that are specifically designed for in-ground installation only, rather than fully-sinking a ‘portable’ model. Some products even incorporate automated hard covers that retract and disappear into a designated hidden area within the pit for a stylish designer finish (see above right).

If you are thinking of building a full height pit to completely sink your swim spa to ground level, you will need to accurately build it using the dimensions from your supplier, factoring in the final landscaping or decking that you intend to install after the swim spa is in position.

Like semi-recessed designs, you will need to allow for access into the pit for servicing and maintenance and it may even be a good idea to remove the exterior cabinet panels completely as long as this is recommended by the manufacturer, and it doesn’t compromise the insulation properties of the swim spa.

Unless you are incorporating an automatic cover, in-ground installations can mean that removing and stowing thermal covers can be challenging, although roll-back cover systems are now available as alternatives to standard thermal covers.

In-ground swim spas offer a range of benefits that are hard to beat. One of the most notable advantages is their aesthetic appeal. These pools can be ➧

Top tips

Whether you decide to go above-ground, semi-recessed or in-ground, follow our top tips to ensure a successful installation.

Solid foundations

A swim spa can weigh over 10 tonnes when full of water so build a solid, flat, level foundation ideally using steel-reinforced concrete that is at least six inches thick.

Multiple levels

A fourth option is to go aboveground but with raised decking or patio to one or more sides, especially if your garden is sloped or tiered.

Safety first

Always use non-slip materials for the area directly around your swim spa and go for composite decking, as wood can become slippery over time.

Cover up

As standard your swim spa will come with thermal hard covers. Consider installing cover lifters at each end to make handling large covers easier.

Automate it

If budget permits, consider an automated cover system that replaces hard thermal covers and doubles up as a roof system when in the elevated position.

Feeling drained

If you are building a pit to semirecess or fully-recess your swim spa, ensure that you include drainage inside the pit to prevent water ingress and flooding of components.

Design in-spa-ration

Consult a landscape gardener if you need help designing your outdoor space to incorporate your lovely new swim spa, you won’t regret it!

Showroom expertise

Always discuss your installation preferences with a WhatSwimSpa?

Approved or WhatSwimSpa?

Professional swim spa dealer before you place your order to ensure the swim spa is suitable for what you have in mind.

❝In-ground swim spas can be designed to blend seamlessly with your existing outdoor living space, creating the ultimate outdoor wellness zone alongside entertaining and outdoor dining areas.❞

Photo © USSPA

Automated cover

seamlessly integrated into your garden landscape, creating a stunning and visually striking focal point for your outdoor living space. With a range of landscape surround options available, from elegant stone or composite decking with custom lighting and surrounding planting, in-ground swim spas can be designed to blend seamlessly with your existing outdoor living space, creating the ultimate outdoor wellness zone alongside entertaining and outdoor dining areas.

There are also some potential drawbacks to in-ground swim spas. One of the main concerns is the cost. In-ground swim spas typically require extensive excavation and construction work, as well as specialised equipment and materials. This can add significantly to the overall cost, making it a less affordable option for some homeowners.

Another potential disadvantage is the time and effort required for installation. Inground swim spas can take several weeks or even months to install, depending on

the complexity of the design and the site conditions. This can be a drawback for homeowners who want to enjoy their pool as soon as possible, or who are concerned about the disruption to their outdoor living space during the installation process. Another potential drawback of in-ground swim spa installations is their permanence. Once installed, in-ground swim spas are difficult to remove or relocate, so you are unlikely to take it with you if you decide to sell up and move home. But on the other hand, they can add significant value and desirability to your home if they are designed and installed elegantly, creating a 'wow factor' outdoor area that future buyers will love.

To view a range of award-winning installations, see our Grand Designs feature on page 86 or visit the Design Ideas section of our www.whatswimspa.co.uk website. Whichever solution you decide upon, a swim spa will bring an amazing new wellness dimension to you and your family and will be one of the best poundfor-pound investments you ever make. ❚

❝They can add significant value and desirability to your home if they are designed and installed elegantly, creating a wow-factor outdoor area.❞

Photo © Riptide

Photo © Jacuzzi

In-ground swim spa

SINGLE DUAL-CHAMBER

The one decision that every swim spa buyer will have to make is whether to purchase a 'Single-Chamber' model with a single body of water, or a 'DualChamber' model with two separate areas with individual temperature controls to separate the swim chamber from the hot tub seats and spa hydrotherapy jets. WhatSwimSpa? Editor-in-Chief Nick Clamp explains the merits of each option.

When it comes to choosing the interior layout of your dream swim spa, only a test swim will enable you and your family to truly decide which swim spa is right for you and your swimming styles and abilities. Yet many consumers neglect this important step before making a purchasing decision.

Leading manufacturers now produce a wide array of models with single-chamber and dual-chamber designs, so it is up to the owners to ensure that the layout is suitable for both their swimming and exercise needs, and their pre-swim warm up and post-swim hydrotherapeutic relaxation. By consulting knowledgeable staff at a professional dealership and trying out a selection of swim spas ahead of any purchase decision, you’ll be able to decide which option suits your needs best.

STYLES EXPLAINED

Single-chamber

In single-chamber swim spas, as the term implies, both the swimming area and any moulded cool-down hydrotherapy seats are contained in the same single body of water. This has the cost advantage of allowing one single set of circulation, filtration, heating and treatment equipment to service the entire product, with power and flow being able to be diverted between the hydrotherapy seats and the swim jets and combinations of the two.

For those looking for a compact footprint, single-chamber models are

probably the option of choice as they start at around 12 feet long (and even smaller for party spa/swim spa models that cater for small children to swim in).

Some of the best swim experiences can be found in single-chamber models, as their designs are not compromised by trying to fit in extra hydrotherapy seats. However many single-chamber models do include

moulded spa seating at the opposite end to the swim jets, for swimmers to enjoy a postswim hydrotherapy massage.

The downside to single-chamber models is that with one body of water, they can only be maintained at one uniform temperature at any time. A temperature cool enough to swim in (25°C to 29°C) may feel too chilly to many for hot tub bathing; and,

Single-chamber

Photo © Master Spas

conversely, temperatures warm enough for hot tub bathing (36°C to 39°C) may feel uncomfortably hot when swimming.

The solution to this problem is to raise the temperature of the entire body of water when you are using the swim spa for relaxation with family and friends (especially in winter) and then lower it again when you want a more conventional swim temperature. Note that this temperature adjustment can take many hours so those looking for a pool for hot tub hydrotherapy would be better placed either purchasing a dualchamber model or a single-chamber swim spa and a separate hot tub.

Dual-chamber

the swim chamber to the hot tub section, and for families that use both sections at the same time, those relaxing in the hot tub won’t be disrupted by the splashing and turbulent water created by whoever is swimming in the swim-chamber.

The downside with dual-chamber swim spas is that you can expect to pay considerably more than an equivalent sized

single-chamber product due to the extra tooling, equipment, plumbing, controls and labour entailed. They are also typically longer than single-chamber models, starting at around 16 feet and upwards.

Due to the nature of the electrical setup, a larger electrical supply will also be required to cater for the demands of two sets of pumps and heaters. ➧

In dual-chamber swim spas, the swimming area and hot tub are two separate and selfcontained bodies of water, with their own separate sets of equipment and heating. This offers the advantage of being able to maintain both bodies of water at the ideal temperatures for swimming and hot tub bathing respectively, and for power to go to the hot tub seats without compromising the power at the swim jets.

As the hot tub chamber is part of the integral moulding, it is easy to move from

Dual-chamber

Photo © Wellis

Photo © Vortex Spas

Other Options

If garden space permits, a good alternative solution is to buy a single-chamber swim spa that suits your swimming abilities and then purchase a separate hot tub. So when your swim workout is done, simply hop across to your separate hot tub that can be positioned nearby for convenience.

As there are hundreds of hot tub models available, this means that you won’t be making compromises in either element of your lifestyle. Plus, you should be able to purchase a good single-chamber swim spa and a good quality hot tub for a similar budget to a dual-chamber swim spa. For the best independent advice on the latest hot tubs, you can request a free copy of our sister magazine WhatSpa? by visiting www.whatspa.co.uk

Fit for purpose

The best way to make an informed choice is to decide what the main purpose or usage patterns will be for your chosen swim spa. If you will spend the majority of your time doing swimming workouts at cooler water temperatures, a dedicated single-chamber model is probably the option of choice.

However, if you foresee that you will want to spend more time relaxing and splashing around at warmer water temperatures, a dual-chamber model may be more beneficial, as you won’t be constantly adjusting the temperatures when you want to enjoy the hot tub experience.

If you want a large party pool that can be used all-year-round, there are singlechamber models with plenty of bench style seats that can accommodate lots of bathers in a seated position, so bear these models in mind too in this scenario.

Either way, we would recommend trying both types of models, so that you can judge for yourself the relative merits. Also try some single-chamber swim spas and separate hot tubs as pretty much all swim spa retailers also offer hot tubs, and should have them heated and ready to try.

Avoid ‘webshops’

A worrying trend in recent years has been the emergence of ‘webshops’ offering cut-price swim spas via the Internet with no facilities to see or test them beforehand. The old adage “if a deal seems too good to be true it probably is” definitely applies here, especially in the case of swim spas, where water and electricity make unlikely bedfellows if safety regulations have not been observed during manufacture.

A general word of caution; if you cannot identify the provenance of a swim spa model from the website of a trader, and trace it to a trusted manufacturer, it is advisable to do more research and ask some searching questions about where it was manufactured and what quality assurance standards have been observed in its production.

If you can’t visit a showroom and test the model, head for the hills as you could be stuck with a very large birdbath in your garden after a few short years! If you do your due diligence and purchase a quality swim spa from a trusted brand, not only will it give you many years of reliable service, it will also maintain a strong residual value should you ever wish to upgrade or sell it on. You are also guaranteed continuity of parts going forward, so that it can be kept in great working order for decades if well serviced and maintained.

By stark contrast, some of the 'grey imports' that are available are generally only lasting a couple of years because the model has been manufactured very cheaply using poor materials and unrecognisable fittings, pumps or heaters that cannot be replaced. What’s more, products manufactured cheaply in poorly regulated factories are notoriously expensive to run, due to the lack of adherence to energy-efficiency compliance laws that manufacturers in North America and Europe comply with. So, what may seem like a bargain at first will soon become an expensive burden once the first post-installation electricity bill drops on your doormat.

While going online to purchase a swim spa from a ‘webshop’ poses many perils that we outline in our ‘Online Danger’ feature on page 68, it will eliminate any opportunity to ‘try before you buy’. So, you should avoid ‘webshops’ at all costs if you want to prevent expensive seating disappointments, as well as poor quality production problems.

Personal choice

Also, don’t be tempted to buy the same model as your pals or family members, as it is unlikely that your family will have similar swimming needs and abilities to theirs.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer to the question of ‘single-chamber v dual-chamber’. But whatever you choose after wet testing, it will definitely be a swim spa model that ‘feels right’ to you and your loved ones; and you will inevitably avoid making the costly mistake of buying a swim spa that is not fit for the purpose you intended.

Photo © Vortex Spas

WEIGHT LOSS

WAVE

Swim spa owners are enjoying a new wave of weight loss combined with improved fitness levels as part of regular aquatic exercise in the convenience of their home surroundings.

Ownership of swim spas is booming and one of the key reasons has been the fact that they provide convenient access to both swimming and hydrotherapy exercise at a time when public swimming pools are suffering widespread closures and access to hospital-based hydrotherapy services now involves record waiting times.

Even before the pandemic, swim spas were on the crest of a wave of popularity for producing weight loss benefits because they eliminated the inconvenience of travelling for swimming exercise or workouts at gyms and health clubs, while counteracting an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle trend that was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is clear from the record-breaking NHS wating lists that the pandemic created, has had a major impact on our lives both physically and mentally, and there is

now growing concern among medical and fitness experts about our increasing sedentary lives and overeating problems. People who had been healthy and active before the pandemic put their normal swimming pool sessions or gym workouts on hold and those that have struggled to regain their previous fitness levels are now in danger of joining the seven million on the NHS waiting list that is now larger than the population of Denmark!

Obesity crisis

According to the 2023 atlas predictions by the World Obesity Federation, more than four billion people; which amounts to 51 per cent of the world; will be overweight or obese within the next 12 years. Worryingly, it is not just overweight adults that are causing a strain on our own and international health services. By 2035 the cost of being overweight globally is expected to be more than

$4trillion with childhood obesity being more than doubled from 2020 levels; and it is believed that 175million girls and 208million boys will be classed in this unhealthy category.

Childhood obesity in Britain has hit record levels during the pandemic and the latest data has revealed that after the enforced school closures and lockdowns 2.5million children have now been classed as either overweight or obese and are escalating a diabetes crisis with all cases surpassing the five million mark.

“It is particularly worrying to see obesity rates rising fastest among children and adolescents,” said World Obesity Federation President Louise Baur.

Purchasing a top-quality swim spa from a professional WhatSwimSpa? Approved dealership can help commence the process of transforming your own and your children’s wellbeing and weight levels. Regular use of your advanced

Photo © Endless Pools

aquatic fitness product will provide your family with greater control of their fitness and weight levels as they embrace the all-year-round benefits of exercising in temperature-controlled water.

Weight burden

Along with health and medical experts warning about the costs to our society from an obesity epidemic, they are also alerting us to the rising dangers of storing too much extra fat around the waist area where our vital organs are located. This ‘red flag’ physical appearance alert is a cue to take action before critical health issues arise, even without having to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).

A person is classed to be overweight if they have a BMI of between 25 and 29 and considered obese if their body mass index exceeds 30. Even before we became locked in our homes during the pandemic, it was reported that the UK had

the largest rate of obesity in Europe and the second highest rate of obesity in the world. Now the problem has literally got even bigger after the pandemic resulted in months of food indulgence, without increased physical activity to burn off the extra calories being consumed.

According to new data, there were 8,771 cases of under-16s being admitted to hospital due to obesity in 2022, compared to 6,210 in 2021. Experts are worried that there will be even more health problems ahead that are linked to children becoming adults who are overweight or obese, which will put an even greater burden on the NHS and associated medical services. Obesity now annually costs the NHS £6billion and it has been reported that this is likely to rise to £9.7billion by 2050.

Worrying trend

Despite the government calorie labelling scheme, it has been revealed in 2023 that

one in three children are now overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school and medical experts are alarmed that the NHS budget for treating diabetes has now reached an annual expenditure of £10billion. Cases of children being treated at paediatric diabetic units in England and Wales have increased by more than fifty per cent in the last five years and are adding to the escalating diabetes crisis.

The number of diabetes cases has passed five million and Diabetes UK has highlighted this year that the high numbers of people who are overweight or obese, which is approximately 64 per cent of adults in England, is resulting in the rapid increase in cases of type 2 diabetes.

‘These latest figures show we’re in the grip of a rapidly escalating diabetes crisis, with spiralling numbers of people now living with type 2 diabetes and millions at high risk of developing the condition,” said Diabetes UK Chief Executive Chris Askew.

“With the right care and support, cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or put into remission. What we need to see is the will, grit and determination from government and local health leaders to halt this crisis in its tracks and improve the future health of our nation for generations to come.”

In her study as Professor of Diet and Population Health at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences Professor Susan Jebb OBE concluded that overweight children are most likely to become obese adults.

The nutritional scientist and former government obesity advisor, who took part in the BBC’s ‘The Big Crash Diet Experiment’, also revealed her belief that the environment we live in must be a factor, rather than a complete lack of willpower to prevent the slide into obesity.

“Obesity has increased so greatly over the last few decades,” said Susan; “That’s not a national collapse in willpower. It’s something about our environment that has changed.”

Consultant Cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, who highlighted the link

between COVID-19 mortality and obesity, also reported worries about the increase in the risk of mortality death rates of people who have conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

“Excess body fat seems to have an adverse effect when it comes to viral illnesses,” said Dr Malhotra.

Sedentary timebomb

Our increasing sedentary lifestyles, compared with much more active lives and enhanced health and mental

Photo © Artesian Spas / TidalFit

Photo © Jacuzzi

wellness of our predecessors, has created a terrifying ticking ‘health timebomb’. One of the main consequences has been the dramatic rise in all age groups being excessively overweight and not conducting any form of physical activity.

Engaging in regular forms of exercise is crucial if your aim is to help prevent a myriad of health problems in the future for yourself and family members. It has been reported that sitting for long periods over many years heightens the risk of developing mental health problems, increases the risk of becoming chronically disabled, and can even cause premature death resulting from cardiovascular disease.

Andrea LaCroix, PhD, who is Director of the Women’s Health Centre of Excellence at the University of California conducted a study in which she discovered that older women who reported the most sitting time were then more likely to die during the 12year follow up period.

As part of her findings, which were reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Andrea highlighted the fact that those women who were sitting for more than 11 hours per day were linked to the highest risk level.

“It has been linked to cardiovascular events like heart attack, heart disease death, overall death and death from cancer,” reported Andrea.

Water resistance

The good news is that your newly purchased swim spa can immediately help you and your family members to plunge into a wave of weight loss benefits through regular aquatic fitness. If you have ever tried to run in shallow or deep water, then you will know that it naturally provides a resistance to your physical efforts.

That is why swim spas are becoming so popular in the UK, as owners seek ways of transforming their gardens into an aquatic fitness area for not only swimming but multiple exercise capabilities within the low-impact environment of the water.

If you are swimming or exercising in your swim spa you will require more effort than simply running in the park or along the paths where you live. This greater use of energy to push your body and limbs against the resistance of the water will provide you with a much more beneficial return compared to a land-based session. As part of their marketing campaigns, swim spa manufacturers have estimated that the average 30-minute aquatic

❝Swim spas are becoming so popular in the UK as owners seek ways of transforming their gardens into an aquatic fitness area for not only swimming but multiple exercise capabilities within the low-impact environment of the water.❞

fitness session helps to burn off around 300 calories. The additional benefit of your aquatic fitness session is that it will not only help you to quickly burn off more calories in a much more enjoyable environment than a gym, but it will also take the strain off your aching joints with a natural buoyancy bonus.

Accessory benefits

To ensure your swim spa is always challenging you should seek a design that has incremental and controllable swimming levels, and you could possibly accommodate an underwater treadmill or aquatic bike into your future routines. As part of your purchasing research, you may want to think about these aquatic product accessories before your final swim spa purchase.

Some models have all the ‘bells and whistles’ when it comes to swim spa swim jet functionality that can be combined with inclusive aquatic fitness accessories, but if you require specific products for your weight loss training, such as a

treadmill or bike, then you may have to do extra research to source the dedicated underwater models that are suitable for your individual requirements.

If your local swim spa supplier has not included these accessories in their current showroom provision, then they may be able to order them for you from their wet leisure product distribution contacts. Failing this, you should conduct additional research of the market and that should prove fruitful in being able to seek out a reputable WhatSwimSpa? Approved dealership that you can link up with for an additional swim spa accessory purchase.

As you combine all of these advanced aquatic fitness elements with a healthy lifestyle your weight should plunge while you ride the positive wellness waves of your swim spa investment.

If you are seeking to provide shelter for your swim spa to ensure that your all-year-round aquatic exercise routines are never interrupted by the notoriously changeable UK weather then check out our Under Cover feature on page 100 ❚

MASTERING FAMILY TIME

Quality family time with guaranteed state-of-theart swimming and aquatic fitness energy-efficient results can be achieved with a Master Spas swim spa. The world’s leading swim spa brand never rests on its laurels and is creating new manufacturing waves after increasing proudly ‘Made in the USA’ production capacity to service your requirements through a dedicated professional Master Spas authorised partner network with 19 showrooms nationwide and its head office in Blackpool, Lancashire.

The experienced WhatSwimSpa?

Professional staff of Master Spas UK, who have gained national fame through the ITV documentary, ‘Hot Tub Britain’, are helping to provide you with a top quality swim spa choice from the WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Awardwinning Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas and H2X Swim Spas ranges.

These swim spas are reinventing quality family time and have the endorsement of swimming icon Michael Phelps, who is a long-time brand ambassador for Master Spas, and professional triathletes Mirinda 'Rinny' Carfrae and Ben Hoffman.

Top-notch service

When you visit the Master Spas head office at the Trident Business Centre in Blackpool, or one of the 19 nationwide partner stores, or choose to shop online with specialist capability, you will have the assurance of being provided with top-notch service, premium swim spas, and professional delivery and installation.

To help ensure you gain the right match, Master Spas has a large stock of swim spa options. Knowledgeable staff will provide professional guidance to help you find the perfect Master Spas swim spa for your lifestyle and requirements.  Even if you have multiple requirements, from swimming to aquatic fitness,

❝Master Spas has a large stock of swim spa options.❞

hydrotherapy to relaxation and aquatic family fun, a Master Spas swim spa helps achieve the combined advantages of a pool with the wellness benefits of a hot tub. You can also opt for a ‘best of both worlds' dual-chamber or separate swim spa.

Golden endorsement

There can be no greater endorsement of a swim spa range than that provided by an Olympic Gold Medal-winning swimmer. That is why you can be assured of a top-quality product if you choose one of the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas options.

This range has been specifically designed and created with input from Michael Phelps. The greatest Olympic swimmer of all time not only endorses these swim spas, but he has also gained personal and family benefits.

Sales of swim spas have hit record levels after becoming a popular addition to British gardens and Michael has been highlighting how his physical and mental health has been assisted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with his own Master Spas model with dual-chamber technology for his family’s year-round use.

Continuous current

One of the key benefits of Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas is that they provide a continuous swim current. Built with the industry-leading Wave XP Propulsion system, you can adjust the speed of the current to set your own pace.

The Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas models also feature hot tub massage jets for the neck, shoulders, back, and feet.

A SoftTread non slip floor ensures extra safety, while the mineral water care system, which uses three natural elements, provides crystal clear and fresh-smelling water.

H2X advocates

If you are seeking a swim spa with advanced endless water current and Master Spas massage jets technology that is compatible with multiple elements of your aquatic exercise lifestyle then the H2X models could provide specific solutions.

For example, H2X Challenger models have Elite Performance capability and are used by Master Spas ambassadors and experienced triathletes Rinny Carfrae and Ben Hoffman. These swim spas feature an adjustable water current for your different swimming levels.

H2X Fitness Swim Spas allow you to combine swimming and exercise, while providing the additional advantage of hydromassage functionality. The H2X Therapool models are ideal if you have specific aqua therapy and fitness activity requirements.

Master commitment

Master Spas are committed to providing you with the best possible options for your future swim spa lifestyle. The delivery and installation team will then provide you with a professional result to have your swim spa up and running within a short time frame.

This service is perfect if you want to achieve a relaxed and stress-free purchasing and after-care process.

✆ Contact Details

ONLINE DANGER

Increasing dangers of being enticed by swim spas from ‘bargain web shops’ have been highlighted by our WhatSwimSpa? editorial team and leading wet leisure experts.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a huge rise in online shopping habits, especially during lockdown restrictions when nonessential stores were forced to close. Thousands of lock-down swim spa and hot tub buyers took a punt on buying online, tempted by ‘bargain’ deals that seemed too good to be true. Unfortunately, many have since been left high and dry with poor quality models that either cost a fortune to run or are in a state of disrepair after suppliers closed down their websites and disappeared into the sunset.

Buying online may be appropriate for purchasing paddling pools and entrylevel inflatable hot tubs costing a few hundred pounds at most, but it is certainly not recommended for more considerable ‘high ticket’ investments involving

thousands of pounds of your hard-earned income and savings, especially in the case of swim spas, where water and electricity make unlikely bedfellows if strict safety regulations have not been observed during manufacture.

❝It is important to conduct swim spa pre-purchasing research with a professional dealership.❞

Online temptation

If your bank account is bulging with extra savings from not being able to splash out on foreign holidays and other luxuries during the pandemic disruptions, then it may be tempting to dive into an online purchase of a swim spa to enhance your ‘staycation’ garden but there are many

dangers involved with dealing with a faceless ‘webshop’ that provides no local support or after-care provision.

Since the pandemic, professional showroom dealers have been exploiting the benefits of digital technology by enhancing their customer services with appointment booking systems

and pre-purchasing consultations, while continuing to collect evidence of lessthan-reputable traders hiding behind the facia of anonymous registered offices and glossy websites with constant fictitious sale offers, whilst peddling shoddy ‘grey imports’ that turn out to be poor quality and even dangerous in some cases. ➧

A general word of caution applies here. Now that we have emerged from national lockdowns, it is important to conduct swim spa pre-purchasing research with a professional showroom dealership. That is because if you cannot identify the provenance of a swim spa model from a website of a trader and trace it to a trusted manufacturer of good repute it is potentially going to leave you out of pocket without any means to rectify any faults or problems.

It’s advisable to do more research and ask some questions about where it was manufactured and what quality assurance standards have been observed in its production. Before you commit to purchase, ensure that a full delivery, installation and commissioning, and water care training service is included in the price, as opposed to ‘kerbside delivery’ where you will be responsible for moving and installing an appliance that can weigh tonnes!

If you want to protect your investment, then you should always ask for warranty details in writing and ensure that parts as well as labour call-out charges are covered for at least 12-24 months.

Traceability research

Sadly, there also seems to be a growing trend for some online retailers to offer products typically manufactured in emerging economies, but then claim they are manufactured in the UK, North America, Canada or Europe, which may mislead customers into thinking they are buying a product from one country when it is actually from somewhere entirely different, where quality control and manufacturing standards can be far less exacting.

A myriad of hot tub and swim spa factories have popped up in far-flung emerging economies over the last five years, especially during the pandemic when global demand for home luxuries including swim spas ballooned to 600 per cent of normal demand levels. Overseas entrepreneurs opened production plants quickly to exploit the staggering extra demand with varying levels of industry production experience and observation of quality control measures. Similarly, UK websites suddenly appeared selling what looked like online bargains, but left many unsuspecting buyers at best with substandard products and at worst with lost deposits to the tune of many thousands of pounds.

If you do your due diligence and purchase a quality swim spa from a trusted brand and accredited retailer, not only will it give you many years of reliable service, but it will also maintain a strong residual value should you ever wish to upgrade or sell it on. You are also guaranteed continuity of parts going forward, so that it can be kept in great working order for decades if well serviced and maintained.

By stark contrast, some of the 'grey imports' that are available are generally only lasting a couple of years because, despite looking great in the pictures on the website, the model has been manufactured very cheaply using poor materials and unrecognisable

fittings, pumps or heaters that cannot be replaced. From the moment that you hand over your hard-earned cash, products like this are literally devoid of value and will even cost you money to cut up and take away when they finally stop working and can’t be fixed.

Review caution

Treat glowing testimonials placed on company’s websites and social media pages with an element of scepticism as they can be unauthentic or edited, and any negative feedback from disgruntled customers can easily be removed from social media feeds. WhatSwimSpa? has even seen reports of disgruntled clients being ‘blocked’ from social media pages to prevent them from adding feedback that is deemed by the company to be potentially damaging, even though the complaints are valid.

For more trustworthy sources of ‘social proof’ look out for reputable third-party review websites like Trustpilot, Reviews. co.uk and Feefo, who’s reviews, and star ratings cannot be edited or deleted by the supplier. If a spa retailer is registered with any of these platforms, they will generally display their star rating on their website, but you can also search their database by visiting the rating company’s websites.

Dissolved service

The perils of purchasing from wet leisure ‘web shops’ were highlighted a few short years ago after wet leisure online retailing operation Danz Spas brought the curtain down on its activities after announcing that it had ceased trading and appointing a liquidator.

Thanks to celebrity endorsements and low-budget pricing, Danz Spas had tasted the sweet success of gaining a share of the online market over the course of a

decade, but the tide turned, and former favourable online reviews were overtaken by sour criticism about poor customer service, delivery problems, and faults not being rectified, leading the company being dissolved just a few months later.

Even some web shops that didn’t go into liquidation have disappeared in the last 12 months, as their owners made such big excess profits during the COVID spike in demand that they’ve retired and left legions of unlucky customers without any after-sales or warranty support.

Safety concerns

It wouldn’t be so bad if all online retailers abided by Distance Selling legislation and ethically offered good quality, reliable products with a rock-solid warranty, but the WhatSwimSpa? editorial team has been alerted to the tactics of a small number of web-only retailers that hide behind slick websites but offer dangerously substandard swim spas that do not comply with technical safety standards.

“The worst part is that you can’t tell if a hot tub or swim spa is built to UKCA and CE technical safety standards by looking at photographs and videos on websites,” testifies Nick Clamp, WhatSwimSpa?’s Editor-in-Chief.

Research and rights

Even though WhatSwimSpa? would always strongly caution against purchasing a swim spa online, there is a great deal of Internet information that can be researched about retailers and the world’s leading swim spa manufacturers before visiting a reputable showroom.

Views of users in product reviews or testimonials may provide peace of mind for you or your partner ahead of splashing out a large sum of your savings, while sites such as our very own whatswimspa.co.uk provide an independent launch pad of valuable guidance for your online research of products and new features that will steer you in the right direction to maximise your swim spa knowledge before you head out shopping.

This homework and subsequent knowledge of the market will provide you with confidence when you visit a swim spa showroom and will ensure the dealer can guide you further with specific advice on your personal health requirements and swim spa brand choices, rather than starting from scratch and having to explain all the facets of the swim spa manufacturing and wellness capabilities.

It will also help to build a relationship with the dealership for future water treatment purchases, or servicing requirements, which will enhance your enjoyment of your swim spa by ensuring it is always working in tip-top condition.

For those that still want to take the gamble and purchase a swim spa online, it should be noted that you are covered by the same Statutory Distance Selling Regulations that apply to buying from your home via telesales or mail order. A key element is the right to a cooling off period, which most traders usually allow 14 days for, and a refund in the event that you are not satisfied with the swim spa.

Another aspect of these regulations is that consumers purchasing products online have the right to clearly defined information before placing an order, as well as a full refund if products or services are not delivered by an agreed date, or within 30 days of the order being registered.

Online shoppers who make credit card payments should also have the peace of mind extra protection against the seller for breach of contraction if the need arises following goods being faulty or not being supplied. This policy could prove to be vital if the online trader goes out of business and it applies to goods valued at £100 or more but under the £30,000 price tag for a single item. It applies even if your credit card has been used for a deposit payment.

Immediate action

Notify your supplier as soon as you believe you have received faulty goods and this should be done via phone, email or mail, while making a note of the date, time and name of the person you spoke to. Also retain written or printed records of emails and copies of correspondence.

Whenever you want to make an online purchase, you should also firstly check to see if the online company has a secure and encrypted method of payment and is approved by leading independent bodies such as TrustUK. Additional security for your purchases, meanwhile, can be gained by registering to online fraud protection like the ‘Verified by Visa’ scheme.

It should also be noted that registered companies with a website are legally required to have their company number and registered address displayed on their website. You can confirm that the website you are looking to purchase products from is a credible one by utilising the free Companies House Webcheck Service at www.companieshouse.gov.uk/info ❚

Do's and don’ts

■ Pay at least £100 of the deposit by credit card (not debit card) as this affords you the protection of the credit card supplier for the entire value of the purchase

■ Always buy from a showroom that you have visited in person. Don’t buy unseen from a website or online auction site (no matter how professional it looks)

■ Check the dealer is BISHTA or SPATA registered or has WhatSwimSpa? Approved or WhatSwimSpa? Professional accreditation

■ Make sure that delivery and installation are provided. If all that is offered is ‘kerbside delivery’ then walk away

■ Don’t pay the entire balance up front – a 25 per cent deposit is typical, with the remainder payable on or around the delivery day

■ Ask to see a copy of the warranty certificate, and make sure it covers parts and labour for a minimum of 12 months

■ If you are unsure about the provenance of your swim spa, ask the supplier to provide written assurance that the model is fully compliant with current UKCA and BSI standards

■ Ask to see inside the cabinet of the swim spa, as even poorly constructed swim spas can look great from the shell side, but untreated softwood frames and messy plumbing and wiring can be hidden away behind cabinet panels

■ Upon delivery, demand to receive a comprehensive instruction manual with your swim spa (written in English) along with the warranty certificate

■ If you are unhappy with the quality of the product, complain in writing and send by recorded delivery post to the supplier within seven days of delivery and contact your local branch of Consumer Direct for free advice

www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

❝Treat glowing testimonials placed on company’s websites and social media pages with an element of scepticism.❞

BACK TROUBLE

Experts are advocating that a top-quality swim spa with advanced hydrotherapy technology can help to naturally ease back pain problems in the convenience of your home surroundings.

Swim spas are coming to the rescue of sufferers of lower back and neck pain that has become an extremely common health problem for millions of people who are now struggling to gain quick treatment. Most of us will suffer back pain at some point in our lives but, as record NHS waiting lists are unlikely to significantly fall until the middle of 2024, experts are advising by purchasing a quality swim spa, you can harness the healing combination of warm water, hydrotherapy exercise and buoyancy to help support back pain management and provide extra home tonic relief and possibly eliminate the requirement for over-the-counter pain-killing treatment.

Sedentary impact

It was not only the pandemic that caused a major health risk for people aged over 50.

Chronic back pain and sciatica caused by poor posture and sitting for long periods in front of computer screens is also having a major health impact on people of all age groups, but especially those who are over 50, according to figures by the UK Statistics Authority

Experts believe that with an increasingly obese and ageing population, with rates of physical activity continuing to decrease, the number of people with chronic back pain and osteoarthritis will rise rapidly during the next ten years.

Before the pandemic struck it was estimated that around 15 per cent of people with back pain were out of work for over one month and that they contributed to about half of all lost working days. This cost of back pain to the exchequer has been estimated to be in the region of £5billion per annum and could be radically reduced by prescribing regular swimming, aquatic exercise and hydrotherapy.

Back expert

In his WhatSpa?

‘Ask the Expert’ interview Consultant Osteopath and back pain treatment specialist Andrew Doody BSc (Hons) provides advice to patients that includes the recommendation of using swim spas and hot tubs to build up muscle strength by exercising gently in a weightless environment as it takes the pressure off your back and other parts of your lower body.

After suffering injuries whilst playing rugby, Andrew, has harnessed the hydrotherapy benefits of his own hot tub to gain regular relief for his sore muscles and is now a confirmed advocate of regular hydrotherapy to deal with back pain, as well as ‘hands on’ professional physical treatment.

“I have a hot tub myself and it works fabulously for me,” enthuses Andrew; “and I recommend it to all my patients.

“Lockdown aside, back pain is becoming more prevalent. It is something that has built up over the last few years.”

Andrew, who has his own ‘Andrew Doody Osteopath’ YouTube channel recommends using hydrotherapy everyday if necessary to relieve back pain and help you to achieve enhanced relaxation with the heat and buoyancy of the water to gain the additional advantage of mental relief, as well as achieving positive physical benefits.

“There is a psychosomatic side to it as well,” explains Andrew; “If it relaxes you then it is really going to make a big difference. You can also combine it with exercise.”

Photo © Jacuzzi

Painful road

During the national lockdowns the requirement for driving to work or doing the school runs for many people was replaced with longer time hunched over a computer or laptop at home. Now, as we continue down the road of having to ‘live with COVID’, we are back behind the wheel and spending more time in our cars for work and pleasure.

If your work entails driving, then you may have even greater problems. That is because it has been revealed that those who drive buses, trucks and taxis for a living are four times more likely to have lower back pain problems. This is due to many factors, including shocks and jolts due to the rising problems of potholes and poor road conditions, whole body vibration, and prolonged sitting for long periods without regular breaks.

Research by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), in conjunction with Citroën, has highlighted that more than three quarters of drivers (79.5 per cent) of 2,066 questioned suffered from back or neck pain.

After considering their research findings, the BCA and Citroën estimated that as many as 5.5 million car drivers in Britain could need vital physiotherapy to ease their neck and back pain.

“Many of my patients have complained of neck or back pain when driving, particularly on long journeys, so it’s important that people are aware of the best ways to protect their back health,” said ergonomic consultant and BCA member Tim Button.

Direct treatment

Every year around a fifth of the population visit their GP about a musculoskeletal condition, which has a major impact on our health service as it accounts for billions of the NHS spending; and Arthritis UK estimates the total cost to the British economy is £20billion every year.

It has become such a drain on GP’s time and resources that, as part of a radical NHS decision by health managers, it has now been reported that patients with back pain and joint aches will be able to gain quicker treatment by booking appointments directly with physiotherapists based in GP surgeries.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Chief Executive Karen Middleton has welcomed the move, as she believes it will speed up the process for patients gaining the correct treatment advice for back pain. ➧

“The most important thing for patients is to see the right person at the right time and placing physiotherapists in GP surgeries allows them to do just that,” revealed Karen; “It speeds up access to the expertise they need.”

In practice, though, many back pain sufferers are struggling to access vital physiotherapy support, as treatment waiting lists are getting longer under the burden of increasing demand combined with recent NHS strike action.

Limited relief

Manuela Ferreira of The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney, Australia has declared that back pain is a ‘worldwide’ health concern and that anti-inflammatory medicine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has very limited impact.

Findings of a systematic review by The George Institute for Global Health, published in the last couple of years in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, reveal only one in six patients treated with the NSAIDs achieve any significant reduction in pain.

“Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is commonly managed by prescribing medicines such as anti-inflammatories,” said Manuela, who is Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Bone and Joint Research at the University of Sydney; “But our results show anti-inflammatory drugs actually only provide very limited short term pain relief.

“They do reduce the level of pain, but only very slightly, and arguably not of any clinical significance.

“When you factor in the side effects, which are very common, it becomes clear that these drugs are not the answer to providing pain relief to the many millions who suffer from this debilitating condition every year.”

“We need treatments that will actually provide substantial relief of these people’s symptoms,” said Gustavo Machado, Research Fellow on the research team.

“Better still, we need a stronger focus on preventing back pain in the first place. We know that education and exercise programs can substantially reduce the risk of developing lower back pain.”

Heat treatment

Modern heat treatment benefits gained from regular swim spa exercising and hot tub use naturally encourages optimum blood flow and this in turn boosts the body’s healing process. By utilising your swim spa to exercise on a consistent basis with the benefit of buoyancy support and having less weight stress on your

back and other muscles compared to walking and other impact activities, you will enhance vasodilation, which occurs when the blood vessels are opening. This ensures that blood flows evenly to all parts of your body, including your back.

By providing your body with enough supply of blood it helps to carry the required levels of oxygen to provide a refreshing tonic to your muscles.

This is especially important if you are working in physically demanding occupations, or at risk of increased bouts of chronic back pain, due to poor posture and the strain and pressure of sitting for long periods in front of computer screens without regular breaks.

“Sitting causes up to twice as much pressure on discs on the spine as standing so, as a nation, we’re vulnerable,” reports Tim Hutchful from the British Chiropractic Association.

Wellness investment

If you are seeking to gain the maximum benefits from your swim spa purchase for back pain and arthritis relief than you need to do your homework thoroughly and draw up a shortlist of options with specialist swim jets, exercise technology capabilities, advanced hydrotherapy functionality, and comfortable seating configurations.

The key advice if you are purchasing a swim spa for back pain support, post treatment and physical rehabilitation, advanced hydrotherapy, and greater wellness, is to always invest wisely.

Swim spas range from basic functionality ‘entry level’ models priced under £20,000 that are designed mostly for learner and amateur swimmers, as part of a hybrid between a swim spa and a hot tub to help build confidence in water, which can be the perfect purchase for warm water socialising and family leisure fun; up to

Photo © Endless Pools

Photo © Master Spas

the more costly and advanced ‘open water experience’ designs with state-of-the-art swim jet functionality, combined with advanced hydrotherapy, that can have a price tag of over £50,000.

There are also a growing number of ‘mid-range’ options that provide good levels of swim currents and state-ofthe-art hydrotherapy capability within additional seating configurations, as part of the dual-chamber swim spa design.

Although it is wise to use websites for research, if you are seeking to gain top quality swim spa technology to ease your back pain then we would strongly advise against purchasing a swim spa from a faceless ‘web shop’ and instead seek out WhatSwimSpa? Approved showroom suppliers who have swim spa models on display that you can wet test before purchasing. This recommended route will provide extra peace of mind that the model is a quality product and suitable for your requirements.

Showroom satisfaction

After consulting your GP, you should always seek out professional swim spa and hot tub showroom dealers who will consider your personal health requirements and match you up with a model that has the capability to soothe your back pain on a regular basis for many years to come. They should also provide advice on how to use the swim spa safely, and for what length of time, as well as the importance of consulting your GP with regards to medical issues.

By choosing a reputable brand, with advanced hydrotherapy from a showroom, where you have had

❝Back pain and sciatica caused by poor posture and sitting for long periods in front of computer screens is also having a major health impact on people.❞

a comprehensive consultation and opportunity to wet test the model before completing any payment or finance paperwork, you should quickly achieve the wellness benefits from high levels of swim spa technology and hydrotherapy. It is important to maximise the potential of your swim spa by having it installed by a professional dealership who can advise you on how you can safely enter and exit the swim spa without causing injuries or increased levels of back pain by purchasing dedicated steps with handles, if required, or having it semi-sunken or fully-sunken within a decking area that has easy access. Some swim spas may be supplied with standard steps within the purchase cost,

but you may require more expensive steps if you have specific mobility requirements.

As part of this purchasing and installation consultation process with your showroom dealer you should discuss cover lifter options. Swim spa covers can be heavy to lift off so, if this is going to cause you difficulties you should ensure that you have a ‘roll back’ design or a hydraulic cover lifter fitted. If you have the budget, the best option would be to purchase a quality automatic cover system that can safely and effortlessly lift and close at the turn of a key. This is especially important if you are contemplating a solo soak and want to avoid doing any further damage to your back or other muscles while removing or replacing your swim spa cover.

Quality therapy

To maintain the benefits of aquatic exercising and quality hydrotherapy from your swim spa investment it is recommended that you utilise it on a regular basis. By using your swim spa regularly, you can gain an improved physical and mental wellness level that should ensure enhanced capability to manage back pain and prevent additional aches and joint discomfort in the future.

Thousands of others have already taken the plunge to gain swim spa back treatment support and increased wellness. You can too. We know you will look back on the decision to purchase a swim spa and wish you had done it sooner!

Photo © My Spa

ENERGY SAVER

Installing an energy-saving air source heat pump could shave hundreds of pounds off your swim spa running costs every year. Andy Slater investigates this latest technology.

Akey benefit of a good quality swim spa is the fact that it can be utilised all-year-round to gain a well-deserved hydrotherapy wellness and fitness boost without breaking the bank. In fact, the most energy-efficient swim spa models can be kept at a constant bather temperature of around 25-28 degrees Celsius, ready for you and your family to take a relaxing dip any time of day or evening, all for less than the cost of a couple of daily cappuccinos from your local high street coffee outlet.

Pandemic frenzy

Not all swim spas are built equally though, many grey imports that flooded the market during the COVID pandemic looked great at first glance but hid the shock of sky-high running costs due to poor fabrication and cost-cutting to achieve low-selling prices. Unfortunately for many unsuspecting buyers, these cheap models contained little or no cabinet insulation and as a result their energy consumption was up to ten times higher than more well-insulated branded products.

Luckily, now that supply chains and stock levels are normalising again, discerning swim spa buyers are once again doing their due diligence when it comes to build quality, hydrotherapy performance and running costs, especially as the Ukraine war led to the biggest spike in energy tariffs since records began.

Tariff trends

The good news is that wholesale electricity tariffs have plummeted in recent months from a peak of 548p per megawatt hour in August 2022 to just 109p by mid-March 2023. In fact, spot wholesale prices are now at levels not seen since August 2021, after unseasonably warm weather across the UK and Europe in recent months curbed demand and eased the stress on the country’s energy grid.

Whilst UK homeowners patiently await an overdue return to ‘normal’ domestic electricity tariffs, the huge spike in tariffs in late 2022 and early 2023 spurned an equally prodigious rise in demand for energy-saving devices around the home, including new air source heat pump technology for hot tubs and swim spas. So, what is an air source heat pump and is it a good investment for domestic swim spa owners? ➧

❝Good quality air source heat pumps have an average efficiency rating of around 350 per cent, which is significantly higher than standard swim spa heaters.❞

Top 10 Tips to MAXIMISE ENERGY-EFFICIENCY in 2023

It is critical in 2023 that you choose your swim spa carefully and maintain it properly to minimise your energy bills. Follow these ten top tips for maximum benefits:

■ Buy a swim spa that is the right size in the first place for your unique needs, why buy a 19’ swim spa if a 17’or 14’ model will perform just as well for your swimming and hydrotherapy needs?

■ Avoid online purchasing and instead shortlist reputable brands and models within the 2023 Best Buy Awards pages (see page 116) as part of your research on energy-efficient swim spas.

■ Check the quality and thickness of the thermal cover that is supplied with your swim spa. Ensure it has a ‘continuous heat seal’ along the centre folds to retain as much heat as possible. Also ensure it is fitted correctly for a tight seal with the swim spa shell.

■ Get a pair of ‘cover lifters’ included with your swim spa deal. Not only will it make handling the thermal covers a breeze, but it will also prevent them from becoming damaged or punctured.

■ If handling cumbersome thermal covers is a struggle for you, opt for an automated cover system that serves double duty as a swim spa cover that raises automatically into a roof system at the turn of a key.

■ Speak to your dealer about the heating and filtration control panel settings on your swim spa as there may be ‘eco modes’ that are suitable for your usage patterns.

■ If you live in a hard water area, be sure to add a weekly dose of scale inhibitor as this will keep any calcium in suspension rather than allowing to calcify on your heating element.

■ Get your swim spa serviced annually by a fully-trained technician to ensure that pumps, heaters and heating controls are always working efficiently.

■ Keep your swim spa water temperature set at the swimming temperature that you enjoy rather than turning it down when you are not using it. That is the most energy-efficient way to run a well-insulated model.

■ Turn your topside air controls off when the swim spa is not in use. This will stop cold air from being ‘bubbled’ through the water when the swim spa is in automatic filter cycles.

■ Always try to shower before use to make looking after your swim spa water easier and maintain your swim spa water properly. Just a few minutes of regular ‘tlc’ will keep your water looking sparkling and fresh, meaning less frequent drain downs.

Tech talk

An air source heat pump (ASHP) takes heat from the air, boosts it to a higher temperature using a compressor, and then transfers that heat to your swim spa water.

For tech fans, here is exactly how it works:

■ The heat pump’s fan draws air over tubes full of refrigerant, which is warmed up and turned into a gas.

■ This gas is then compressed using the electric pump, which significantly increases its temperature. This is then passed into a heat exchanger which transfers that heat to your swim spa.

■ The refrigerant gas inside the heat pump then cools and turns back into a liquid upon passing through the pressure valve, starting the process again.

The warmer the weather, the more efficiently an air source heat pump works, as it can take more heat from the air. But some heat pumps still work down to icy air temperatures as low as – 20°C, it just takes them longer to heat your swim spa up to bather temperature.

Sound investment

Good quality air source heat pumps have an average efficiency rating of around 350 per cent, which is significantly higher than standard swim spa heaters.

This can lead to some serious savings on heating costs. For example, well insulated 17’ single-chamber swim spas with around 7,000 litres of water can use up to 15kWh per day when used on average for an hour a day. Of course, this will vary according

to factors such as the onboard propulsion technology, water temperature and the ambient air temperature. The good news is that this is a fraction of the running costs for an indoor or outdoor swimming pool.

Even at current high electricity tariffs that equates to around £5 per day in total electricity running costs for a good quality, well insulated swim spa. Our initial tests with the most energy-efficient swim spas have seen models that were costing £5 per day to run drop to £2.50 per day with an efficient air source heat pump installed.

So, when it comes to your swim spa’s electricity costs, it is typical for an air source heat pump to save you in the region of £900 per year. In fact, the higher energy costs have risen, the bigger those savings have become.

❝A good quality air source heat pump typically shaves around £900 off your energy bills a year.❞

Upfront investment

A good quality air source heat pump (see our Best Buy Awards on page 142) will slash your energy bills, but they’re not cheap. Buying and fitting an on/off heat pump will cost you around £1,500. At the other end of the quality scale, a 12kW inverter model from a reputable brand will cost around £3,500 fitted.

How quickly your heat pump gets your swim spa up to temperature will depend on a few different things. Firstly, every heat pump is rated with a COP –a ‘coefficient of performance’. If a heat pump has a maximum COP of four, that means it produces four kilowatts of actual heat for every kilowatt of electricity it uses. So, the higher your heat pump’s COP, the faster it will heat up your swim spa (and the cheaper it will be to heat). The ambient air temperature also plays a big part in how quickly a heat pump will heat up your swim spa. The less ambient

heat there is in the air, the harder a heat pump has to work to get your swim spa water up to temperature. So, you can expect your heat pump to heat your swim spa up slower, and cost more to run, during winter than in summer (while still being more cost-effective than a standard heater, even in winter).

Finally, how well insulated your swim spa is will play a big part in how fast it gets up to temperature. The more heat your swim spa ‘leaks’ due to poor insulation, the slower it will heat up, and the more expensive it will be to keep it hot.

Payback period

The irony is of course that the payback period on an energy-efficient swim spa model is longer than it is for a poorly insulated swim spa, even if the total running costs are likely to be higher on the poorly insulated option, even with an air source heat pump fitted.

Since a good quality air source heat pump costs a few thousand pounds and typically shaves around £900 off your energy bills a year, they usually pay for themselves after three to four years. After that, expect it to save you thousands of pounds over the lifespan of your swim spa. Plus, you can be proud of the fact that you are doing your bit to save the planet via lower household electricity usage.

For domestic use, a heat pump with an output of anything from 8kW up to 14kW should do the trick, depending on the water capacity of the swim spa and how fast you would like it to heat up. As a general rule of thumb, the larger the swim spa, the bigger kW rating you will need.

Efficiency explained

There are two kinds of heat pumps: those that use ‘on/off’ technology and those that use ‘inverter’ technology. ➧

As the name suggests, on/off models  have two modes; on and off. These tend to be cheaper models, but because they do not have variable speeds, they cannot be the most energy-efficient option.

Inverter models, on the other hand, are powered by a variable-speed fan. A lot of top-end inverter heat pumps have smart tech within them that checks the ambient air temperature and adjusts the fan speed to get the best efficiency out of the heat pump. These models, therefore, tend to cost more upfront but cost less to run.

UK climate

Whilst we think of ourselves as having inclement weather here in the UK, compared to a lot of other countries we have quite a mild environment.

Our average temperatures are around 9-12°C, which is well within the working parameters of a good air source heat pump. In fact, some heat pumps can carry on heating water in temperatures as low as -20°C.

As long as you buy a heat pump that can handle cold temperatures it will have no problem heating up your swim spa, even on the chilliest of winter days. Most good quality air source heat pumps can operate down to -5°C but beware of models that are really designed for summer use and only work down to anything over 0°C. Tepid water temperatures are a big turnoff and will freeze out any possibility

❝You can opt for a ‘standalone’ heat pump model that is compatible with just about any swim spa make or model.❞

of you and your family wanting to take advantage of a regular dip if your heat pump is not capable of coping with the coldest days of winter.

If you live in an area of the UK that does see sub-zero air temperatures on a regular basis in winter, some heat pumps come with auto-defrost features and heated drip trays to prevent a buildup of ice both inside and outside the heat pump to prevent equipment damage in colder weather.

Model compatibility

If you want to be able to control the water temperature from the swim spa's control panel rather than via the control screen on the heat pump, you’ll need to look at ‘integrated’ heat pumps that are compatible with the control system of your swim spa.

The main control system manufacturers covering the vast majority of swim spas are Balboa, Gecko and SpaNET, but only the most up to date control systems even from these brands are heat pump compatible, so be sure to check with your swim spa dealer regarding heat pump compatibility.

On the other hand, if you are happy to use the touchscreen on your new heat pump to control the spa water temperature, you can opt for a ‘standalone’ heat pump model that is compatible with just about any swim spa make or model. Some heat pumps even come with WiFi controllers and smartphone apps so you can control the swim spa water temperature from your iPhone or Android mobile.

Fitting expertise

Of course, choosing an air source heat pump is only one part of the equation; even the best model will not perform to its maximum efficiency unless it is fitted by a qualified, experienced swim spa technician. The WhatSwimSpa? team has seen some horrific installs by sub-par companies that really do not understand the plumbing requirements for an efficient installation. An air source heat pump should also be serviced annually, so once again, consult a specialist dealer that has qualified technicians to install and service this new energy-saving technology!

For the very latest information around air source heat pumps see our Air Source Heat Pump Best Buy Awards on page 142 ❚

Photo © 1 Stop Spas

Centre of Excellence EFFICIENCY

1Stop Spas™ provide the most energy-efficient swim spas and professional ‘centres of excellence’ showroom services to ensure you are always guaranteed peace of mind purchasing followed by outstanding after-care support.

Extremely high running costs are the risks of purchasing online ‘swim spa bargains’. Instead visit 1 Stop Spas first to view top quality swim spas, as well as 50 hot tubs, between the flagship showroom in Sleaford and new East Bridgford showroom, with professional guidance and product knowledge on the dealership’s award-winning American Whirlpool swim spa brand from fully-trained professionals to help you achieve multiple wellness benefits from your swim spa investment lasting many years.

An investment in a swim spa should not be taken lightly, and online purchasing pitfalls can be avoided with professional showroom guidance. That is why 1 Stop Spas has launched a dedicated SpaTech Training division to establish a ‘centre of excellence’ capability with specialist tuition and accreditation services for its own staff members and other industry professionals.

The WhatSwimSpa? Professional

1 Stop Spas showrooms provide you with a peace of mind guarantee of being in the ‘safest hands’ being both BISHTA and UK Pool & Spa Awards multi-award winners for a number of years. There is also a new ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ option as well as 0% APR finance to help you become an immediate swim spa owner.

Satisfaction priority

Former RAF Fast Jet Aeronautical Engineer and respected BISHTA technical advisor Chris Brady, who is a Certified Hot Tub Technician™ and a Pool & Hot Tub Alliance™ (PHTA) tutor, and his wife Melissa, who like Chris, is a BISHTA Water Hygiene Management specialist, are spearheading the dedicated 1 Stop Spas team. A commitment to your swim spa purchasing satisfaction is their top priority with professional ‘VIP treatment’ consultations to determine your best requirements.

Comprehensive site surveys incorporate swim spa installation project advice as part of the pre-delivery process. This includes professional guidance on all projects before delivery and installation by fully-qualified technicians trained by SpaTech Training.

Energy reliability

A key ingredient for achieving a top-quality purchase is being able to choose from the best brands that produce ‘Energy-efficient, American-Made’ swim spas with proven long-life reliability, plus trusted industry-leading guarantees and warranties. For this reason, the American Whirlpool brand has been specifically chosen for their owner satisfaction due to being exceptionally environmentallyfriendly and adhering to strict USA energy-efficiency laws.

After MAAX Spas created the World’s first steel frame ‘Appliance Grade’ swim spas and hot tubs and the American Whirlpool ‘superbrand’ it was no surprise 1 Stop Spas was chosen to become a

❝The American Whirlpool brand has been specifically chosen for their owner satisfaction due to being exceptionally environmentally-friendly and adhering to strict USA energy-efficiency laws.❞

dealership for the cutting-edge designs, which include the WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Award-winning American Whirlpool DM8 dual-chamber model that combines a spacious aquatic exercise area with a dedicated five-seater spa zone.

Super SPAWER

If you are seeking extra cost-saving capability, then 1 Stop Spas has the answer with swim spas compatible with heat pumps. These include the DuraPro and SPAWER™ products that have been proven to provide exceptional efficiency benefits.

The WhatSpa? Heat Pump Best Buy Award Winning SPAWER™ products have been recently introduced as they provide the capability of operating down to – 25°C. With this advanced technology your hot tub water can be quickly heated to maximum temperatures even in harsh British winter weather with the benefit of reducing traditional electric heater consumption by up to 85 per cent.

To eliminate the visual impact of installing a heat pump, there are SPAWER™ options that can be installed and operated within the SPAWER™ platform steps due to their small frame and side ventilation design.

Outstanding after-care

Once your swim spa is delivered your ‘journey’ with 1 Stop Spas truly begins with outstanding after-care. This incorporates water maintenance guidance, a wide range of niche accessories, and dedicated service plans to ensure your swim spa is always in top condition.

You also benefit from BISHTA approved Water Hygiene Management advice and respected O-Care water treatment products with home delivery. ❚

Tel: 01522 300737

Email:

Planning to create your own swim spa retreat?

Then start your grand design process with these ‘in-spa-rational’ project ideas.

GRAND Designs

Celebrity gardening icon and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh MBE has been cultivating extra television presenting roots with his ‘Love your weekend’ Sunday morning show for ITV, with celebrity interviews and gardening tips filmed in the heart of Hampshire, after many years of inspiring thousands of swim spa and hot tub owners to transform their garden retreats thanks to his books, TV programmes and media profile coverage. Now, after helping to conduct and film television garden makeovers with wet leisure installations, the ‘Love Your Garden’ presenter and former ‘Britain’s Best Back Gardens’, ‘Gardener’s World’ and ‘Ground Force’

presenter is continuing to plant the seeds of hydrotherapy within the blossoming swim spa and hot tub market after revealing that the best thing planted in his own green space has been his very own hydrotherapy product where he can retreat to after a busy day.

The Yorkshire-born author of over 40 gardening books, best-selling novels and ‘Secrets of the National Trust with Alan Titchmarsh’ presenter, who also presented coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show for the BBC for 30 years and voiced the title character in ‘Gordon the Garden Gnome’ on the CBeebies channel, inherited a hot tub after purchasing a home on the Isle of Wight and has been hooked ever since!

Since gaining his own hydrotherapy haven and sampling the delights of relaxing with his wife in the restorative warm water of their own personal warm water wellness retreat gardening journalist, poet, and novelist Alan, whose latest novel is set in wartime London and occupied France, immediately became a convert and is now an ‘addicted’ hydrotherapy product fan as it rids him of his worries.

“I don’t know anybody who’s got in one who hasn’t decided they’re the best thing since sliced bread,” enthuses Alan.

“I’m now a fan. I’m totally addicted.

“It came with the house and we thought we’d get rid of it. But it was working so we thought we’d give it a go. The worries of the day melted away.

“After a day of pottering among my charges, I shall look forward to the sun passing the yardarm and submerging my body (glass in hand) in the restorative waters. If it was good enough for the Romans and Cleopatra – it is good enough for me!”

While the TV garden projects that Alan and his professional teams have showcased on programmes such as ‘Love Your Garden’ can provide you with inspiration, there is no pressure or requirement for having to undertake lavish landscaping projects or exotic surroundings to gain the full health and wellness benefits of your swim spa or ‘dual-chamber’ wellness product as the main benefit of being portable is that swim spas are specifically designed as stand-alone products. All you need is a foundation that is secure and solid for your dream swim spa to sit on.

However, if you are seeking to create a dedicated swim spa garden ‘grand design’ project with more intensive planning and research then you may want to seek out an expert after gaining ‘in-spa-ration’ from the many installations by respected wet leisure professionals and WhatSwimSpa? readers who have gained their own swim spa retreat with their individual design creations.

Here, WhatSwimSpa? provides you with ‘in-spa-ration’ with these swim spa installations before you break turf.

Photo © Jo Marshall

Access to swim spas can often be a major decision as part of the purchasing and garden project planning stage. There are so many benefits to be gained from swim spa use and it is important to never, even inadvertently, impose access restriction problems on yourself or other users with poor planning. This is a grand design hurdle that the owners of this large swim spa from wet leisure product specialist MySpa UK have overcome successfully with their rustic multi-tiered steps design to enable them to comfortably access and exit the swim spa safely.

Scandinavian sophistication is the obvious grand design theme when viewing the stunning extravagance of this installation by Elite Spas. This almost makes us want to grab our skis and head for the slopes but we would prefer a more convenient home swim spa alternative with the option of a strenuous swimming or aquatic training session workout before a soothing luxurious soak while admiring the beautiful sky views.

Anyone planning to incorporate an automatic Covana Legend cover system in their own grand design can gain ‘in-spa-ration’ from this installation swim spa specialist Pools & Spas that is part of a fully-sunken swim spa project adjacent to artificial grass. The Covana system provides effortless cover lifting with just the turn of a key before the owners enjoy multiple swim spa benefits, while the artificial grass eradicates the problem of real grass debris in the swim spa from mud and grass cutting.

Record waves of British owners are gaining advanced Australian aquatic wellness from Vortex Spas technology and this ‘best of both world’s’ installation is an example for those torn between choosing a swim spa or a hot tub. Combining a dual-chamber design within a dedicated wood and stone feature base, this design provides easy entry and exit capability; while ensuring extremely low garden maintenance benefits for the owners, who have eliminated worries about any gardening chores or grass cuttings disrupting their soothing soaks and swimming sessions.

Experienced Riptide Spas supplier Hot Tub Barn is sharing this stunning grand design installation with you to showcase the impact-limiting benefits of a fully-sunken dual-chamber design. Situated in a long area of their multilevel garden, which is surrounded by trees as far as the eye can see, the dual-chamber swim spa is fully-sunken in its own dedicated area to provide the owners with the benefit of advanced hydrotherapy before or after a ‘tree-mendous’ wellness aquatic fitness workout. Decking provides entry and exit points and provision for easy access for repair or servicing requirements.

Space within the inside is maximised with this installation concept by Jacuzzi SwimLife. The swim spa has been fully-sunken indoors for maximum entry and exit capability and the level of the flooring matches the exterior for a seamless transition between the two areas.

Professional support is always the best policy for ‘under cover’ swim spa projects and this ‘best of both world’s’ installation of a dual-zone swim spa by Hydropool Surrey hits all of the marks when it comes to providing automated cover with the advanced Covana Legend system. This can be lowered when the owners want to utilise their large socialising area or can provide protection from the elements when they want to gain the benefits of an aquatic workout or soothing hydrotherapy.

Exemplifying outdoor swim spa installation sophistication, this dual-chamber design from Master Spas is part of a lavish grand design by Moti Azulay that is captured with the luminous glow of surrounding lighting by photographer Lior Teitler, just as dusk approaches at this stunning villa-style retreat location. By having the swim spa fully-sunken within the polished decking area the garden

Providing space for swimming and advanced hydrotherapy is perfect with this installation by Aquavia Spa. The sophisticated minimalist design of the outdoor area is reflected by the European manufacturing of the dual-chamber swim spa that has been semi-sunken installed as a central focal point within the large decking structure.

Photo © Lior Teitler Design © Moti Azulay

Producing a stunning ‘staycation’ design concept, this installation by Goodwins Hot Tubs Margate allows the owners to gain a touch of Mediterranean hotel hospitality without having to move from the comfort of their home surroundings. When the sun is shining, or even when the sky is grey, this fully-sunken swim spa within the splash proof tile floor feature design will brighten up their mood and provide a welcome wellness tonic when others less fortunate must contend with traffic congestion or airport holdups to gain these holiday-style surroundings.

Imagine being able to step out of your home or garden building straight into the welcoming warm water embrace of your own swim spa. If that is your grand design aim then this fully-sunken Riptide Pools installation by Hot Tub Barn may prove illuminating to your project planning. The owners have the choice of immediately making a splash by jumping into their swim spa from the patio doors or they can utilise the steps at the opposite end for easy entry and exit capability. Strategically located lighting along the fence structure provides a ‘de-lightful’ finishing touch.

Centralising a swim spa like this installation by Oyster Pools & Hot Tubs provides a flexible ‘grand design’, which ensures more premium time to take advantage of the dedicated swimming and hydrotherapy zones once the Covana Legend swim spa cover is automatically lifted. The advantage of the swim spa being fully-sunken allows the cover to be securely closed on to the decking for the owners to benefit from unrestricted views inside their home.

Protection from the elements and unsupervised use, as well as any wandering wildlife in the surrounding countryside, is covered by the advanced Covana Legend automatic cover as part of this rustic grand design installation by Welsh Hot Tubs. Counteracting the garden slope, the decked area is level with the swim spa on two sides so that any ‘swim spa-rty’ guests can easily take the step from their seats into the water without the requirement for additional steps to provide entry or exit capability. When closed, the Covana cover extends the area of the socialising platform even further.

Breezy British weather or baking sunshine can be catered for with this stunning swim spa installation. A modern chic twist to ‘under cover’ provision provides the Swain family with unrestricted views and ability to open the retractable roof and naturally regulate the internal temperature while swimming or undergoing aquatic exercise routines. Having the swim spa fullysunken within the large decking structure caters for easy entry and exit capability and minimises the impact of the large garden views that can be enjoyed from the swim spa through the toughened glass when the structure is closed.

Creating a central feature design for your swim spa to be located could be fraught with installation hurdles, but this professional design concept by Hydropool Midlands clearly illustrates how you can blend in rustic decking and gazebo features with the existing green colours of the garden from the grass, trees and newly-planted shrubs. A rollback cover provides an effortless way to cover the swim spa, while capability to be able to easily enter and exit the swim spa on the decking from the socialising area also helps to prevent any grass or soil debris from spoiling an energetic aquatic workout.

Size certainly matters for the owners of this installation by All Weather Leisure There is plenty of room for family gatherings and the expansive swim area is perfect for best stroke training. The rollback cover provides user-friendly capability to ensure solo swimming or aquatic training sessions are never going to be a strain before they even begin.

Swim spas have become a cost-effective alternative to a swimming pool but with multiple benefits, including the capability to accommodate them in most standard sized gardens. This installation by Ultimate Hot Tubs has the additional benefit of a dedicated hydrotherapy zone to allow the owners to warm up their muscles or soothe them before or after an energetic aquatic fitness workout. This design is popular with parents who can take advantage of advanced hydrotherapy while watching their children

Many grand designs from Euphoria Lifestyle have graced our pages and this ‘best of both worlds’ installation concept certainly has double top appeal. Not only have the owners gained tandem independent aquatic fitness and hydrotherapy zones but they have also splashed out on a brace of Covana automated cover designs to provide ultimate use convenience and security features when opened or closed. Even the decking structure blends in with the Covana cover systems that ensure the visual impact of the two wellness products can be limited when the socialising area is busy with a ‘spa-rty’ crowd.

Artesian Spas specialist North Spas has achieved British ‘Dealer of the Year’ status from swim spa and hot tub producer May Manufacturing after creating an award-winning portfolio of installations to showcase advanced TidalFit technology within grand designs. This example illustrates how to solve the problem of choosing between hydrotherapy or aquatic exercise with a ‘best of both worlds’ concept. With their innovative dual-temperature product, the owners have double aquatic fitness and hydrotherapy capability with dedicated water heating technology.

It is clear that there is ‘no place like dome’ for the owners of this lavish grand design installation by The Hot Tub Superstore. To ensure the stunning views of the countryside are never blocked the ultra-modern dome structure provides weather protection for the socialising area, while the automated Covana Legend system prevents the cover structure from impacting on the countryside views.

Captured with professional photography by Lior Teitler, this Master Spas swim spa installation complements the design project by Shita Gardens. Quite often swim spas are the central focus for grand designs but in this case the large socialising area takes centre stage, but we all know that the real star of the show is the dual-chamber Master Spas that will ensure top-class aquatic fitness and advanced hydrotherapy functionality is always on the menu for the owners and any guests during ‘swim spa-rty’ occasions that are protected from bright sun or rain with chic canopy covers.

Indoor swim spas provide multiple benefits and this grand design truly has the ‘wow factor’ for ‘in-spa-ration’ to help you take the plunge to gain similar internal swimming and aquatic fitness convenience without worrying about the weather outdoors. This stunning installation is a topof-the-class example by HotSpring Group Nottingham, which has obviously been conducted with loving care by the owners to provide their extra personal touch of extravagant comfort for those socialising around the swim spa with large cushions to support those sitting in the adjacent chairs.

Leading

Photo © Lior Teitler Design © Shita Gardens

Readers with long gardens may gain ‘in-spa-ration’ from this installation by experienced dealership MySpa that illustrates how the owners have stretched their purchasing budget to include a swim spa and hot tub. Both are semisunken for entry and exit convenience but the truly grand element is the ability to effortlessly move between the socialising area, hot tub and swim spa with the long ‘under cover’ and sliding door design protection from the weather outside. An additional subtle, but effective, feature is the fact that all of the product colours blend perfectly together.

Lake views like these do not have to be restricted by a swim spa installation and this fully-sunken example by Castle Hot Tubs illustrates why the automated Covana Legend cover system is becoming so popular as it provides the owners with a totally safe and secure way of providing protection from severe weather or any wildlife intrusion and the advantage of being able to effortlessly lift the cover and then return it to decking level after gaining multiple aquatic fitness

Gaining a grand design result like this installation by Award Leisure can only be guaranteed with quality products and professional services from a respected dealership. This award-winning franchise network has utilised vast experience to ensure every aspect of the fully-sunken ‘best of both worlds’ swim spa and hot tub project fits in perfectly with the contrasting decking and stone surroundings; without impacting on the countryside views, while importantly providing the owners with the key advantage of easy access to swim spa aquatic fitness and soothing hot tub hydrotherapy.

Taking their ‘best of both world’s’ swim spa and hot tub installation to the next level the owners of this installation by Hot Tubs Oxfordshire have incorporated the Covana Legend cover that accentuates the reflection of the swim spa lights and fountain features at night. The fact the swim spa and hot tub are semi-sunken within the large decking structure ensures easier capability to enter and exit them without steps, while an adjacent alfresco dining area can turn up the temperature of any outdoor cooking for swim spa-rty guests.

20 YEARS of INVESTMENT in Style & Innovation

Aqua Warehouse – the Essex-based specialists in hot tubs, swim spas and outdoor living products –is celebrating 20 years in the wet-leisure industry. Founded by Managing Director Richard Hart in 2003, the company has always taken the lead in introducing new state-of-the-art products to the UK consumer.

Investment in customer experience

Aqua Warehouse already had the largest indoor facility for hot tubs in the South of England at their base in Chelmsford, but their new showroom marks a big moment for the company; because when it comes to floorspace in this industry, size really does matter.

“Over recent years the swim spa market has seen fantastic growth,” enthuses Richard. “We have invested heavily in extending the showroom so we can offer customers a great choice of products. In 2020, during the pandemic, we took the decision to create a luxury ‘outdoor living’ showroom but this time we are taking things to the next level.”

❝If you are looking to purchase a swim spa whatever your requirements, then Aqua Warehouse is the place to go.❞

Aqua Warehouse will be opening the first USSPA showroom, which is adjacent to their existing award-winning facility in Chelmsford, Essex. This new showroom, finished to the highest standards, will feature seven swim spas. USSPA are renowned for their ground-breaking product design and stunning showrooms throughout Europe, this new luxury showroom will continue that ethos.

Investment in customer choice

“These luxury pools from USSPA are intended to be fully in-ground, so come without a cabinet and are designed with a self-supporting shell. These stunning pools are wider than the average swim spa at 2.5m wide, so provide plenty of space and have an integrated step perfect for in-ground installation.”

“We have always tried to look for innovative products that offer our customers the best in style and technology,” explains Richard. “I was looking for a new range of highend spas and swim spas to complement our existing brands, so we are delighted to be working with USSPA. I'm confident that with this unique range of products, including the incredible ACS cover, we now offer the best choice in the UK.”

“Many of our customers want to put their swim spa fully-sunken in the ground to suit their garden landscape,” divulges Richard.

USSPA have been producing quality products since 1995, but what truly makes USSPA pools an outstanding choice has got to be the optional Automatic Cover System (ACS). This superb fully-automated cover simply disappears effortlessly in a pit adjacent to the swim spa. Unique to USSPA, it finally offers a solution to the long-standing issue with swim spa covers that can be cumbersome and unsightly. To operate the customer simply turns a key, an engineering masterpiece!

Investment in customer service

If you are looking to purchase a swim spa whatever your requirements, then Aqua Warehouse is the place to go. They encourage all their customers to come and wet test their swim spas. With a wide choice of sizes and specifications it should be no problem finding the perfect one to make your family’s dreams come true.

Aqua Warehouse takes pride in the fact that customers always leave with a smile on their face. Its friendly, knowledgeable team and relaxed atmosphere make a visit to Aqua Warehouse a pleasant experience. Investing in a swim spa should be exciting and buying from Aqua Warehouse certainly is! ❚

✆ Contact Details

Tel: 01245 477400

Email:

Richard Hart

UNDER COVER

Swim spa owners are achieving all-year-round fitness benefits and protection from the weather with bespoke swim spa buildings and modern cover systems.

Swim spa ownership has gone ‘through the roof’ in the last three years as swimming enthusiasts reap the rewards of all-year-round aquatic exercise in the comfort of their home surroundings. The British Isles are not known for their consistency of weather conditions however, so those with a dedicated swim spa building, automated cover system, or electronic pergola have been able to take advantage of their swim spa in all weather conditions, throughout every month of the year.

Record sales of swim spas have been creating additional demand for specialist swim spa buildings, and specialist manufacturers have duly responded by increasing production levels and taking the plunge to launch new designs of dedicated swim spa enclosures, gazebos, and rugged wooden building structures. Combined all-year-round packages, incorporating a swim spa with a dedicated ‘under cover’ purchase, are now growing in popularity as

homeowners are splashing out lavishly on grand design solutions for their garden projects.

If you are planning for a dedicated all-year-round swim spa retreat within a building structure or under a gazebo or automatic cover system, then you should conduct extensive research and gain as much guidance and support as possible from a WhatSwimSpa? Approved dealership.

Latest wave

While swim spa sales have hit record levels there has been a new wave of development of ‘under cover’ design options that are being showcased by showroom dealers from suppliers who want to capitalise on the booming demand for rugged structures that can withstand severe weather conditions from the British climate and provide all-year-round peace of mind protection.

Reputable WhatSwimSpa? Approved dealerships can provide professional advice on the appropriate enclosure

for your swim spa and how it can be incorporated into your installation project. These include advanced cover lifting functionality from modern automatic systems that double up as gazebos at the turn of a key; to modern rustic designs that can truly ensure your swim spa project blends in perfectly with decking structures or your garden surroundings. Experienced swim spa retailers have now joined specialist garden structure manufacturers in providing ‘under cover’ designs that provide multiple lighting and ventilation choices, and most can be easily assembled or have assembly included within the total cost of the combined swim spa and structure purchase. With the bonus of creating extra privacy, for example if your property is overlooked by other homes or buildings, swim spa buildings, gazebos, lodges, and glazed enclosures have the additional health benefit of also helping to shield you and your family members from exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

AUTOMATED COVERS

Covana Legend

While swim spa sales have hit record levels during the pandemic, the Covana Legend automated swim spa cover and its Covana hot tub cover designs have also continued to be popular with owners seeking ultraadvanced cover system capabilities. The advanced swim spa automated cover system is increasing its presence in the market, after being proclaimed to be the ‘world’s best’, and has become the leading replacement for traditional swim spa covers plus doing double-duty as a turn-of-a-key gazebo when in the raised position, all in one advanced solution.

In recent years WhatSwimSpa? and sister publication WhatSpa? have highlighted numerous projects and grand design installations that have featured the Covana system and showcased its multiple benefits. Among these is the assurance of a robust and totally secure swim spa cover, which can be utilised in semi-sunken and fully-sunken installation projects to limit the impact of garden views.

Throughout the UK, a growing network of swim spa and hot tub dealers have been promoting the fact that the Covana design from Canadian manufacturer Canimex Group is the world’s first automated privacy gazebo that elevates above your swim spa or hot tub at the turn of a key, and there are now numerous examples of how owners are combining the innovative use of this technology to enhance the use of their swim spa.

Another key benefit is the fact that, unlike most traditional swim spa covers, there is no heavy lifting involved at all and owners can quickly and effortlessly gain access to their swim spa’s wellness capabilities by simply turning the key to operate the automatic lifting system.

While ensuring the task of lifting the cover is not a daunting or dangerous one, Covana’s weather-sealing system and high-insulating value, are additional features that are proving popular with swim spa owners seeking to save money on running costs with the highest levels of heat retention.

Elevated demand

What has been ensuring the rising demand for the Covana Legend swim spa system is that it is a fully-automated cover that has been specifically designed to elevate and lower over a swim spa with the simple turn of a safety key switch. This is particularly ideal for owners of swim spas who want to enjoy solo swimming or aquatic fitness sessions and do not want to have to rely on someone else to assist them with the traditional swim spa cover removal process.

Critically, there is no danger of the structure coming down unexpectedly or being blown off in extremely strong winds like we have experienced during storms in recent years. This is because the manufacturer has incorporated a ‘positive up’ design and this provides the peace of mind safety functionality to remain in the up position since the lift system is compressed 60lbs per jack and the legs are designed to always want to go up, while the motor is responsible for forcing them down to the closed position. ➧

The Covana Legend

Photos © Covana

Do I need planning permission?

If you are erecting a shelter, gazebo, enclosure or summerhouse, as long as the floor area is less than 15 sq m building regulations will not normally apply and you won’t need to apply for planning permission.

Under the latest Town and Country Planning laws outbuildings do not require planning permission as long as the following criteria is followed:

■ No outbuilding forward of the principal elevation fronting a highway

■ Outbuildings and garages must be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5m and maximum overall height of 4m with a dual pitched roof or 3m with any other roof style

■ Within 2m of a boundary the maximum height must be below 2.5m

■ No verandas, balconies or raised platforms

■ The total area of ground covered by buildings or enclosures within the boundaries of your garden must not exceed 50 per cent of the total area excluding the ground area of the original house

■ If any part of a building is within 5m of any part of the house or bungalow it must not have a cubic content greater than 10 cubic metres

There are a number of caveats to this. If the proposed outbuilding is within the curtilage of a listed building it will require planning permission.

In areas such as National Parks, the Broads, World Heritage Sites and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty the maximum area to be covered by an outdoor building more than 20m from the house must be limited to 10sq m.

Any buildings at the side of a property within these areas will require planning permission. However, local conditions may prevail so it’s advisable to contact your local authority’s planning office for clarification. There may also be restrictions and covenants, such as proximity to boundaries or other buildings, or you may live in a conservation area. Again, it is worth making a quick call to your local planning office for confirmation.

After the key is removed it is impossible to lift the Covana cover off your swim spa, preventing unauthorised access.

Once the cover is completely raised it will provide swim spa owners with the reassurance that it is guaranteed to stay in position until the safety key switch system is manually operated. While you are enjoying your swim spa you are then also provided with the additional protection from the sun and rain, without the inconvenience of finding storage space for the cover and the danger of it being blown away in high winds.

When it comes to making energy savings then the Covana is an ideal purchase. It is hermetically sealed when closed and, therefore, significantly reduces unwanted heat loss. This is due

to the manufacturer’s seamless design concept, which provides an insulation value three times that of traditional swim spa covers thanks to the use of polyurethane foam, which also helps to reduce the evaporation of water and chemicals. It is also friendly on your pocket once it is installed, as there is no risk of having the extra cost of swim spa cover replacement due to weather or other structural damage.

This system is ideal for swim spas ranging in size from 12ft to 20ft and there is also the capability of optional extension brackets, which then allow the Covana Legend to fit most swim spa manufacturer’s height requirements.

www.covana.co.uk

ELECTRONIC PERGOLAS

Modular solutions

One of the emerging trends of the last year has been the growing popularity of automated pergola systems. If you want to join this trend and provide an advanced pergola cover product for greater cover flexibility for your swim spa then it is now a breeze if you harness the remote control technology of the Remanso Luxury Electric Pergola

These stylish and contemporary structures are constructed from heavy duty powder coated aluminium and come with a fully-automatic electric opening and closing louvre-style roof, which at the touch of a button allows light and breeze in

when open, but protects from the sun or the rain when the roof is in the closed position.

For a hot tub, the standard sized 4m x 3m x 2.5m high model is perfect to accommodate any size, and for a swim spa installation, two of these units are fitted side-by-side to give an overall length of 8m, which is suitable for any length of swim spa.

Remanso pergolas include LED roof lighting as standard for a beautiful afterdark ambience and they are also available with optional automatic blinds, which can be operated via remote control.

Photo © Remanso

WOODEN STRUCTURES

Cabins & Gazebos

Cabins and wooden garden structures have soared in popularity as they have been providing an extra ‘building’ outdoors during the pandemic lockdowns. To meet the growing demand, a wide range of rustic garden building designs, cedar and thatched gazebos, African enclosures, cabins, and BBQ huts are currently being supplied by the growing Award Leisure network of dealerships.

This multiple award-winning family-run franchise dealer network, which has been successfully conducting a ‘more outdoor pleasure than you can measure’ promotional campaign at established ‘one stop shop’ showrooms throughout England, has decades of landscaping experience for you to tap into that will ensure your swim spa perfectly matches the ‘under cover’ provision before the professional in-house installation team ensures your garden project runs smoothly.

Award Leisure is also able to provide top-quality bespoke garden buildings with double glazing, flooring, and weatherproofing, if you require an advanced level of ‘under cover’ provision to provide you and your family and friends with an extra outdoor living space for

Bespoke buildings

If you have a specific requirement for a unique ‘under cover’ project that traditional suppliers are unable to satisfy, then you may want to consider going down the bespoke garden building route. Cabin Master is promoting examples, including Arctic Cabins BBQ Huts, hand-crafted at a purpose-built factory in Derbyshire, of how their customers have been gaining the best possible swim spa buildings and garden structure results through a made-to-order manufacturing service.

Bespoke garden building designs with FSC approved MDF interior boards with Neatmatch damp resistant coating are manufactured from Cedar and Redwood in the UK, and delivered to the required destination before a professional team of in-house fitting technicians get to work on installing the structure safely and correctly to the required specifications. Every customer works with an inhouse CAD designer and has a choice

maximising the use of your swim spa all-year-round. Other garden structures can help to enhance socialising activities, or provide home-office working space, whatever the weather conditions.

Additional ‘under cover’ products include BBQ huts, Visscher Specialty gazebos, along with the rugged Valkea Garden

Buildings & Leisure Products that provide you with a wide range of Scandinavian cabins options with peace of mind purchasing from the high-quality Nordic Pine or Canadian Cedar materials, all with five-year guarantees. ➧ www.awardleisure.com

of door style, and can choose where their windows will be placed within the building design. This unique service also ensures that buildings comply with permitted development regulations, which ensures planning permission is not usually required. Only then is

the final CAD drawing of the garden building produced before it heads off to be manufactured in their Derbyshire factory, before being built on site by their in-house team. ❚

Photo © Award Leisure

Photo © Cabin Master

TidalFit

UltraEfficiency

Top aquatic fitness flexibility with

Advanced aquatic wellness and ultra energy-efficiency can be achieved by combining the flexibility to swim, stretch, row, or relax with cutting-edge hydrotherapy functionality, when you dive into the ownership of a world-class Artesian TidalFit Swim Spa.

With key elements of harnessing the ultimate energy-efficiency, power, precision, and personal control, the cutting-edge TidalFit design technology combines aquatic fitness and hydrotherapy with family swim fun capability. From its USA production facility in Nevada, world-renowned manufacturer May Manufacturing has harnessed the technology to achieve the most ideal swim currents for all ability levels by developing the perfect aquatic training alternative to a swimming pool.

Ultimate energy-efficiency

Along with high performance swim jet technology the TidalFit swim spa brand has been soaking up award-winning acclaim for delivering ultimate energyefficiency. While boosting your family’s aquatic fitness capability, the powerful peace of mind purchasing element of TidalFit ownership is being able to enjoy swimming, rowing or relaxing, while not having to worry about excessive runningcosts thanks to Artesian’s leading energyefficiency features.

All TidalFit models have the ultimate heat retention by being incorporated with full foam insulation and ABS bottom, plus being supplied with an All Seasons Shield Cover, as part of the leading energy-efficiency production qualities that meet extremely strict California energy standards.

Unique systems

All TidalFit models have been designed with their own individual and unique systems to ensure that they suit your various swimming capabilities and match up with your aquatic exercise demands.

The ActivePlus EP12, for example, comes standard with Dual Adjustable Swim Jets powered by a single 2HP pump; while the Premium EP-14, Core Swim-14 and Pro EP-15 all have Quad Adjustable Swim Jets powered by two 2HP pumps providing a stronger swim current that can be adjusted for varying degrees of ability.

For those owners wanting to achieve the perfect combination of pool and spa, there is even the new patented Dual Temp L-Shaped Swim Spa design that has gained WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Award-winning status to match the accolades of other models, including the limited edition EP12 SE, receving 2021 Best Buy acclaim for its top specifications and build quality.

Best-selling splash

Exceptional functionality is a key feature of the best-selling Premium EP-14 that is making a big splash in the British swim spa market for its size and flexibility. Along with the packed specifications for aquatic training with the powerful Quad Jet System, it also provides the option of acquiring Artesian’s Hydrotherapy System.

This Hydrotherapy System features 28 Helix Jets and a stunning BellagioFall Water Feature that takes inspiration from the iconic Las Vegas landmark close to the TidalFit manufacturing facility.

A Semi In-Ground option is also available to provide extra flexibility to have it installed in such a way that it provides easier entry and exit capability, while limiting the impact on your garden and surrounding views.

Sound investment

As a TidalFit owner you also have the choice of inclusive music to enhance your aquatic workouts by adding Artesian’s Fully Integrated BBA Bluetooth system, which simply allows you to connect through Bluetooth with any smart device to instantly stream your favourite songs.

Diamond sparkle

One thing is for sure, even though TidalFit models are manufactured close to Las Vegas’ most famous strip, there is no gamble with water safety as all models can be upgraded to incorporate the cutting-edge Diamond AOP system for sparkling water care.

This advanced technology assists in providing super water quality, allowing you and your family to focus on swimming, exercising and relaxing in your swim spa.

Network support

A large network of specialist dealers will provide you with professional support and guidance throughout the whole wet testing, purchasing, delivery and TidalFit installation process.

Many WhatSwimSpa? Approved TidalFit dealers are also WhatSpa?

Approved retailers of the Artesian Spas hot tubs from May Manufacturing and have experience to ensure your swim spa is delivered and installed professionally.

✆ Contact

Details

Tel: 01302 730295

➧ Pre-Delivery Guide

Have you dreamed about installing your perfect swim spa but don’t know how? WhatSwimSpa? is here to help with our simple seven-step pre-delivery guide.

Creating a domestic outdoor oasis, equipped with a relaxing swim spa haven area, is a dream for many of us. Just a quick peek at our Grand Designs section (page 86) should be enough to whet the appetite of anyone interested in creating their own swim spa Shangri-la. Unless you are a swim spa aficionado, pool engineer, or landscape gardener, the prospect of installing a portable swim spa correctly and creating a complementary environment could be more than a little daunting.

Which is why we have created a step-by-step guide to help you plan and realise your perfect wet leisure project. Get it right and you will have something that will enrich your leisure time, health and relationships on a daily basis. And you really can’t put a price on that!

Step 1. Do your homework

Your first step should be to identify what kind of swim spa you want. Look at what you want from the swim spa with regards to size, seating, jets, features and general appearance. This is where the Internet and sites like whatswimspa.co.uk come into play as you can research different products from various brands, make your wish list and visit a dealer for a test swim.

Before you go headlong into wet testing and buying, measure the area of your garden that you have earmarked for your shiny new swim spa; and even use string, or tape, to plot the footprint of the swim spa to ensure it will fit comfortably.

Most reputable dealers will carry out a site survey at your home, before your delivery date, to give you an idea of what is possible and advisable within your garden/home. They will also hold your hand throughout the whole process, and will work closely with landscapers and electricians to ensure a seamless installation.

It is wise to get your shortlisted suppliers to conduct a site survey before you commit to buying, or certainly within seven days of purchase, as this is the timeframe that will enable a full refund if there are any unforeseen issues with the delivery process. Remember that because of their sheer size and weight, swim spas can only be delivered to site on a truck and then must be lifted into position by a hydraulic HIAB mounted to the truck itself or a separate crane. If you are in any doubt about accessibility, ask the dealer to do a site survey sooner rather than later.

If you decide to employ the services of a separate landscaper make sure there is plenty of communication between yourself, the landscaper and swim spa installer. There’s no point having your swim spa delivered when the groundworks aren’t suitable or complete.

Step 2. Choosing your position

Although the tendency is to put a swim spa at the bottom of your garden, remember that the further you locate your exercise pool from the house, the longer your walk to it. There is something to be said for having your swim spa closer to home, particularly when the cold weather draws in. Common sense says the nearer you are to your pool, the more likely you are to use it!

In practical terms, also consult a qualified electrician before you choose your ideal position, to ensure that the voltage drop between your consumer unit and the chosen spot is not excessive for the power requirements of the swim spa.

Does your chosen spot afford you privacy from the neighbours? Generally, the closer you position your swim spa to the house, the less overlooked you will be due to the acute angle from neighbour’s windows.

Is there a pleasant view from your swim spa? Have a walk around your garden to visualize the best location. Make an outline of your swim spa and

stand or sit there to give you an idea of the view you will have.

Consider the route from the house to the swim spa – a clean path will mean less grass and soil gets transferred from feet to pool.

If you have children, then consider whether you can see where they are and what they are up to, if say, you are relaxing in the patio area while they splash around in the pool... or vice versa!

Avoid placing your swim spa underneath a tree as the last thing you want to do is continually pick out decaying leaves from your water.

It is advisable to have an outdoor tap and hosepipe within reach, and desirable to have an accessible drain, which makes emptying your swim spa easier. For safety’s sake, avoid placing your swim spa within three metres of overhead power cables.

Step 3. Plan your landscaping

Consider what you want out of the landscape. Do you want it purely for relaxation, or do you want an area for entertaining as well? If you want to create something special that will wow your guests, there are plenty of additional ‘props’ that can be added to your outdoor living lifestyle, including automatic covers and gazebos (see page 100).

Philip Edwards is a landscape gardener specialising in wet leisure designs. Philip says there are a number of factors to consider when planning your ideal garden. “You need to think about whether you want the swim spa area hidden or visible, how easy it is to get power to the area, and can you easily drain the wet area,” says Philip.

“How do you want to link the area in with the rest of the garden? Will noise from the area cause a problem with neighbours? Is lighting or rain protection required?” ➧

The original garden space and digging commences (inset)

Photos © Swain family

Swim spa installed in the pit

So what are the common mistakes to avoid? “Gravel or grass around the swim spa can end up in the water from feet and block access to maintenance points,” advises Philip. “Avoid slippery or rough paving, use good wood for decking that does not splinter easily, avoid herbaceous or deciduous plants and choose materials around the area that will link in with the rest of the garden. The trends for this year are for clean, modern lines with contrasting colours and plants that create movement.”

Communication between client, swim spa installer and landscaper is vital, says Philip. “For a designer look, it is essential to have the project managed, which could be by the designer or the landscaper – very rarely can the client manage this themselves. It is better to choose a landscaper who can cover all the aspects in-house, with electrics being the exception,” advises Philip.

The trend for some – particularly larger – swim spas is to have them ‘sunken’ into the ground. If this is the effect you are after then it may require some ground excavation, which will have an influence on the length and cost of your project.

Talk to your swim spa dealer and ask them to recommend a landscape gardener or architect. Their experience will be invaluable, so use it.

Solid foundations

Your swim spa needs a good solid, level foundation. A swim spa on its own is a heavy item, typically weighing in at around a tonne when empty. Fill the same swim spa with water and four people and that weight can rocket up to ten tonnes. So the area you sit your tub on must be able to support the stresses and strains associated with this considerable weight.

What you don’t want is a swim spa plonked half-heartedly on a patch of gravel. If the support is inadequate your swim spa may shift, putting stress and causing possible damage to your shell. It’s common sense but putting your swim spa on a slope will lead to uneven water levels.

If you are installing your swim spa on a concrete base make sure it is steelreinforced and at least four to six inches thick. If you plump for decking make sure the structure is up to the task of coping with the stresses placed on it. As a general rule the cross-members supporting the deck should be at least 6” x 2” and no more than 18” apart. Supporting upright posts should be at least 4” x 4” and should be concreted in situ for sub-frame stability.

The installed swim spa and enclosure

Photos © Swain family

Your swim spa may look better recessed – partly or completely – rather than on top of the structure. If you have an undulating garden don’t be afraid to give it some elevation, although bear in mind that if you do suspend your swim spa the decking will have to be robust enough to cope with the stresses and weight. Remember to build in access points for a service engineer at the equipment end of the swim spa.

If you decide to partially or fully-sink the swim spa into the ground, you’ll need to construct a pit with a concrete base and supportive block or brick side walls. Ensure that there is adequate drainage in the pit for overspills and rain and ground water to drain away, to prevent unwanted flood damage to your swim spa components once it is sited in the pit.

Step 5. Get wired

You don’t need a permanent water supply for a swim spa but you will need a suitable electrical supply to run the equipment. The electrical power supply requirements can vary wildly in swim spas so consult your pool and spa showroom staff and your local electrician to ensure that you have adequate power available.

Most reputable swim spa showrooms will be able to recommend a local trustworthy electrical contractor who is au fait with the ins-and-outs of swim spas, so don’t be afraid to ask. They will also be very happy to liaise with your chosen ‘sparkie’ regarding the spec of the swim spa and the resultant power supply requirements.

When appointing an electrician to prepare your swim spa electrics check that they are a suitably qualified electrician. Do not attempt to install swim spa electrics yourself if you are not qualified.

The Government introduced a new ‘Part P’ law in January 2005, which demands that most electrical work in UK households is only carried out by a ‘competent’ person. This law means that electrical safety requirements have been included in a new Part P of the Building Regulations.

Part P Explained

The law states that anyone carrying out fixed electrical installations in households in England and Wales must ensure that electrical installations are:

■ Designed and installed to protect against mechanical and thermal damage, so that they do not present electric shock and fire hazards to people.

■ Suitably inspected and tested to verify that they meet the relevant equipment and installation standards.

It is now against the law to have a new circuit installed in your home without having it inspected and tested to ensure it is Part P compliant. Make sure that your electrician is Part P registered and that you receive a Part P certificate after the swim spa electrical supply work is completed. Your swim spa retailer can liaise with your electrical contractor regarding the exact specification for your swim spa but you must meet the following specification:

■ The swim spa must be hard-wired on its own fused spur back to your household consumer unit (i.e. the swim spa should not be sharing a supply with any other appliances)

■ The swim spa should be protected by a sufficiently rated MCB (mains circuit breaker) and should cover the maximum amperage pull of the swim spa plus 25 per cent to allow for brake torque (i.e. the extra rush of current when pumps are first started). So a swim spa that has a maximum current draw of 32 amps should be fitted with a 40amp MCB

■ The swim spa should also be protected against earth faults by an RCD (residual current device). This is a trip switch, which prevents danger of electric shock from damaged or waterlogged cables and connections. A suitably rated 30mA RCD is recommended

❝If all a retailer offers to do is deliver it to your kerbside without installation then head for the hills!❞

■ Outdoor cabling should be protected from damage by either laying protective ducting (pvc pipe) below ground or by using ‘steel wired armoured’ (SWA) cable. Your electrician will calculate the size of cable required depending on the loading and the distance from the mains supply. Six mm2 3-core SWA cable is perfectly suitable in most cases but always consult an electrician first

■ An IP65 (waterproof) rotary isolation switch is also recommended so that the swim spa can be isolated outdoors in an emergency or for service work. This is simply a rotary on/off switch but should be sited more than two metres away from the swim spa so that bathers cannot be in the water whilst touching the switch

■ Leave a tail of SWA cable from the isolation switch that is sufficiently long enough to feed inside the swim spa cabinet and reach the load box within the equipment bay. Contact your dealer to confirm the requirements.

Once electrical installation is complete, lock off the isolation switch in the ‘OFF’ position, coil up the SWA cable tail and tape off the exposed wires at the end of the cable to prevent water ingress in the period between now and delivery day. Upon delivery the swim spa supply can then be directly hard-wired into the load box inside the spa. Waterproof gland packs should be used to prevent ingress of water on all outdoor electrical connections (two at the isolation switch and one inside the swim spa). Ensure that all earth cables are clearly colour-coded with green/yellow insulating tape or earth sleeve.

Finally, once the swim spa is wired, filled and working, your electrician will need to conduct their tests to ensure Part P compliance and also issue your Part P certificate. ➧

Rotary isolation switch

Step 6. Delivery day

The delivery of your swim spa is an essential part of the process – we’re not talking about a courier dropping off a Macbook Pro here. Swim spas, by their nature, tend to be large, heavy and bulky items. If all a retailer offers to do is deliver it to your kerbside without installation then head for the hills!

Factor in how easy or how difficult it will be for a dealer to deliver your swim spa to the exact spot required. If you have easy access to the required spot then it may simply be a task for your dealer to drive the truck close to the desired spot and HIAB it into position.

If you do need a crane delivery, there are two types of offerings from crane companies. A ‘contract lift’ is a full service contract where the crane company is responsible for everything including writing method statements and risk assessments, liaising with transport authorities for road closures and also providing a banksman and insurance cover. The cheaper ‘crane hire’ means that you are responsible (and liable) for all of these extras.

We always recommend that you opt for ‘contract hire’ for the protection and convenience that it offers. Note that hire time starts from when the crane leaves the depot so always opt for a reputable local crane hire company and get several quotes to ensure best value.

Step 7. Up and running

Once your swim spa is delivered, placed in situ, filled with water and the electrical supply is installed, your swim spa installation team should commission the swim spa and check that everything is fully operational before ‘handing over’ to you with a thorough training of how all of the swim spa features work.

Reputable dealers will fill it up and ensure that your water is safe and balanced with the appropriate water care products. They also provide information about testing and maintaining clean water, and will lead you through the process before leaving you alone to enjoy your new pride and joy. Ensure that the swim spa has a comprehensive instruction manual written in clear English, as this is a legal requirement for all electrical goods. ❚

The swim spa will need to be lifted in by crane

Best Buy Awards 2023

This issue sees the fantastic fifteenth year of our coveted WhatSwimSpa?

Best Buy Awards. The next 26 pages are crammed full of the very best swim spas that the UK market has to offer, so be sure to throw your bathing costumes in the car and try out these stunning models soon!

With NHS waiting lists rising rapidly, and public swimming pool facilities closing at record pace, UK homeowners are opting to take control of their health and wellness in the comfort of their home surroundings. Demand for swim spas has soared, with families opting for this low-energy, space-saving alternative to a conventional swimming pool, but with the advantage of all-year-round use, whatever the weather.

There are currently fantastic deals to be had from established showroom dealers representing the market-leading brands. So, if you are thinking of investing in a luxury swim spa then be sure to throw your bathing costumes in the car and ‘try before you buy’ at a selection of your local WhatSwimSpa? Approved and WhatSwimSpa? Professional showrooms.

Our 2023 Best Buy Awards acknowledge the swim spa models that excel across a range of criteria, including value-for-money, design and aesthetics, swim quality, and hydrotherapy.

To help you build up your shortlist, we have split our 2023 Best Buy Award winners into three different price brackets to make life easier for you. But, before you hit the road looking for swim spas to dive into, save some time by finding out which brands are available in your local area by visiting our ‘Find a Retailer’ area on our web portal www.whatswimspa.co.uk

Again, for your benefit, we have the ‘S’ and ‘D’ icons positioned to the left of the spa hydrotherapy seat capacity icons, to denote whether each model is a Single-Chamber (S) or Dual-Chamber (D)

swim spa. Also, we have used see a QR code next to a product in our Best Buy Awards feature, simply whip out your smartphone, open the camera app and hover it over the QR code to get a direct link to the official or Vimeo video footage about this model.

Also, don’t forget to look out for the WhatSwimSpa? Approved, WhatSwimSpa? Professional and WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy logos when you are out shopping and be sure to add some of these models to your wet test list...You’ll be really glad you did!

TidalFit EP-12 SE

www.tidalfit.co.uk

SDimensions 3.66 x 2.31 x 1.14m

Water Capacity

4,921 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 2 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 1

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option No

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 14

Ozone Optional Diamond AOP

Filters

Lighting

50 sq ft + Micron Filter

Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The EP-12 SE is a limited-edition model by World-renowned manufacturer May Manufacturing and is the most popular compact sub£20k model in the TidalFit range. For most swim abilities the EP-12 SE is more than capable, but for speed swimming programmes the Swim Pro tether kit is a really effective add-on. A variety of optional features are also available, including the Aquatic Training System featuring rowing bars, stretch cords and swim tether, ensuring everything you need for a low impact hydrotherapy exercise workout. Top spec and build quality from a leading US manufacturer make for a winning combination at a price point that won’t break the bank!

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply

32 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts & Labour

RRP

£16,995

British Hot Tubs BHT400

www.awardleisure.com

SDimensions 4.00 x 2.25 x 1.52m

Water Capacity 3,000 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 3 x River Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets Up to 87

Ozone UV

Filters 175 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 4

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 50 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts

RRP £19,995

WhatSwimSpa?

Verdict

British Hot Tubs has ambitious plans to bring swim spa design and engineering excellence back to British shores, and their line-up of new swim spa models for 2023 is another step-change in customisable design options. As standard the BHT400 features four high performance countercurrent pumps and three adjustable river swim jets, but it can be upgraded to an eight-speed twin-turbine system. Dual stand-up therapy zones are a first, and the shell itself comes in three different hydrotherapy layouts. LED lighting, waterfalls, and detachable swim exercise equipment all come as standard. Oodles of tech for a fab ticket price!

Reef Spas Nassau

www.reefspas.co.uk

SDimensions

4.30 x 2.25 x 1.45m

Water Capacity 4,480 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Counter Current Jets

Single Chamber

3 x River Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option No

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 32

Ozone

Corona Discharge

Filters 100 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 1

Multimedia Options

Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 40 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

£19,995

The Reef Spas range comes to British shores via Essex-based Aqua Warehouse Group, one of the largest and long-established distributors in the UK. The Nassau has become an instant hit with British swim spa buyers and offers amazing value-for-money at this important price point. The deep swim chamber has three River Swim Jets at its helm powered by four powerful pumps that deliver a swim current capable of challenging most swimmers, and the comfortable bucket cool down seats offer a great post-swim massage. Extras like the Bluetooth® stereo system, an array of waterline lighting and stunning waterfalls are the icing on the cake!

Oasis Spas UK OD-39 Standard

www.sunbeachspas.co.uk

SDimensions 3.85 x 2.20 x 1.20m

Water Capacity 4,000 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 4 x Turbo Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option No

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 44

Ozone Corona Discharge

Filters 70 sq ft

Lighting Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The OD-39 by Oasis Spas UK combines a compact footprint with a family-friendly layout and a swim system that is suitable for all swimming abilities. With four powerful Turbo Jets that deliver up to 2,200 gallons a minute of clear, turbulence-free counter-current flow, the OD-39 is more than just a party pool. But it can turn its hand to family fun too, especially if equipped with the optional iNHEAT air source heat pump that makes rapidly raising and lowering the water temperature a complete breeze. Six hydrotherapy seats, including a full-length lounger, make for a relaxing post-workout massage and R18+ insulation ensures low running costs. A fab family option!

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 2

Multimedia Options

Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts

RRP £19,999

Jacuzzi® J-13 PowerPlayTM

SDimensions 3.81 x 2.36 x 1.35m

Water Capacity 5,093 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 2 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 35

Ozone Optional Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 50 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 2

Multimedia Options N/A

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 3 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £22,499

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

As its name suggests, the J-13 PowerPlay™ by brand powerhouse Jacuzzi® has been designed as a versatile and compact swim spa that doubles up as a large party spa with seating for up to nine bathers. The swim chamber is ideal for teaching kids to swim, so if you’re looking for an out-and-out adult swim trainer the longer PowerActive™ and PowerPro™ models are probably more suitable. As a large hot tub, the mix of bench seats and hydromassage seats makes for a great place to either play, relax, or entertain larger gatherings. If space is at a premium and you want a great all-rounder from a premium brand, this takes some beating!

Vortex Spas Aqualounge Pro Plus

www.spasolution.co.uk

SDimensions

4.00 x 2.30 x 1.20m

Water Capacity 4,717 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 3 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater

Variable 6kW Max

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 57

Ozone

Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 90 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £22,795

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

To get five-time Olympic gold medallist and swimming icon Ian Thorpe onboard as a brand ambassador, the product has to be top notch. Australian manufacturer Vortex Spas has excelled with the Aqualounge Pro Plus 1.2m Deep, which has proven itself as a family favourite in the UK. The Aqualounge is available in multiple spec levels, but the Pro Plus is the most popular at this sub-£25k price point. It features four spacious hydrotherapy seats, including a full lounger, as well as UV and ozonator technology as standard. Add on the optional SpaNet air source heat pump and you’ve got an extremely energy-efficient compact swim spa/hot tub combo.

Thermals Spa Lusso

www.thermalsspa.com

SDimensions 5.30 x 2.30 x 1.63m

Water Capacity 10,500 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 6 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 45

Ozone Corona Discharge

Filters 50 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa?

Verdict

Thermals Spa is new to our Best Buy Awards line-up for 2023, and at 5.3m long, the Lusso is the largest in the range of new swim spa models that combine high spec levels with outstanding value-for-money. The Lusso is designed with versatility in mind as a real family swim spa, with a spacious swim chamber combined with four hydrotherapy seats and a dual-level corner step that can serve double duty as child seating. With seating at both ends, parents can easily coach children whilst they learn to swim, and three powerful pumps power six v-shaped swim jets for added buoyancy and swim lane control. An excellent family option that won’t break the bank!

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type

Cabinet Colours 1

Multimedia Options

Synthetic

Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 40 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts

RRP £23,999

Riptide® Poseidon 4.4 Elite Luxury

SDimensions 4.40 x 2.25 x 1.54m

Water Capacity 5,600 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 4 x Turbo Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 25

Ozone Corona Discharge

Filters 70 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 1

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 45 Amps

Warranty 5 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP £24,500

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

Riptide® has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years, with a rapidly expanding network of Hot Tub Barn retail outlets and a growing array of models that cater for every swimming level. The Poseidon 4.4 Elite Luxury is designed as a compact swim trainer, with four powerful Turbo Jets that deliver up to 2,200 gallons a minute of clear, turbulence-free countercurrent flow that will challenge even the best swimmers. The cool down seat and lounge seat offer a very welcome full-body post-workout massage and the corner step configuration ensures a sure-footed entry and exit. A great swim experience that defies its sub-£25k price point!

Master Spas® H2X Therapool 15

www.masterspas.co.uk

SDimensions 4.57 x 2.29 x 1.30m

Water Capacity 6,132 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 2 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 2 Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option No

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 28

Ozone Corona Discharge

Filters 70 sq ft

Lighting Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 2

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 2

Multimedia Options Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 3 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £24,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The H2X Therapool 15 by US-based Master Spas® is the larger sibling to the award-winning Therapool 13 and is the UK’s best-selling model in the H2X range, due to its fully-loaded spec at a sub-£25k price point. This versatile model has a spacious swim chamber and is ideally suited to fitness enthusiasts who want to combine swimming with aquatic fitness workouts. It has a large, flat non-slip floor, so you can jog in place against a gentle current, use a kickboard, or use the H2Xercise System that includes a rowing kit, resistance bands, H2Xercise Bells and H2Xercise Fins. A great all-rounder with a refreshing focus on energy-efficiency too!

Wellis® Amazonas W-Flow

www.wellis.eu/gb

SDimensions 5.50 x 2.35 x 1.47m

Water Capacity 8,000 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets W-Flow Propulsion System

Counter Current Pumps W-Flow Propulsion System

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 27

Ozone

Corona Discharge + Ozmix™

Filters 140 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options

Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 3 x 20 Amps

Warranty 3 Years Parts & 2 Years Labour

RRP £24,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

European manufacturing powerhouse Wellis® has redesigned its swim spas with serious swimmers in mind and the W-Flow propulsion unit on the best-selling Amazonas delivers a river-like counter-current flow that defies its sub-£25k price tag! Originally the Amazonas was designed as an out-and-out swim spa, but the two additional hydrotherapy seats and illuminated fountains are great upgrades. Resistance bands and aquatic fitness accessories are also available for rowing and underwater exercises. The semi-cabinet option is also perfect for semi-inground installations. A top performer and amazing value!

TidalFit Core Swim 14

www.tidalfit.co.uk

SDimensions 4.30 x 2.31 x 1.37m

Water Capacity

Single / Dual Chamber

6,151 litres

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 4 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 2

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets N/A

Ozone

Filters

Lighting

Optional Diamond AOP

50 sq ft + Micron Filter

Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The compact TidalFit Core Swim 14 is one of the most popular models by World-renowned manufacturer May Manufacturing, particularly in its semi in-ground version, which allows the swim spa to be semi-sunken without compromising on service accessibility. The Core Swim 14 is an out-and-out swim trainer and features the Quad Swim Jet System, which has adjustable swim jets for a powerful swim current, meaning it can be adjusted to a softer current for beginners to a torrent for seasoned pros! Raised corner steps can double up as seating for parents that want to coach their budding future swim stars and the revolutionary Diamond AOP purification system ensures crystal clear water.

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply

Warranty

RRP

32 Amps

3 Years Parts & Labour

£25,295

British Hot Tubs BHT600

www.awardleisure.com

SDimensions 6.00 x 2.25 x 1.52m

Water Capacity 4,000 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 3 x River Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets Up to 87

Ozone UV

Filters 175 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 4

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 50 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts

RRP £25,995

WhatSwimSpa?

Verdict

British Hot Tubs has ambitious plans to disrupt conventional design standards in the swim spa market, and their line-up of new swim spa models for 2023 is another step-change in customisable design options. The cavernous BHT600 is the big brother to the BHT400 and features four high performance counter-current pumps and three adjustable river swim jets, but it can be upgraded to an eight-speed twin-turbine system for the very best swimmers. Dual stand-up therapy zones are a first, and the shell itself comes in three different hydrotherapy layouts. LED lighting, waterfalls, and detachable swim exercise equipment all come as standard. Fantastic!

Vita Spa xStream VL4

www.vitaspa.co.uk

SDimensions

4.27 x 2.28 x 1.27m

Water Capacity 5,867 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 4 x Turbo Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option No

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 19

Ozone

Corona Discharge

Filters 150 sq ft

Lighting Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 40 Amps

Warranty 5 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP £25,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The VL4 manufactured in the USA by Vita Spa features the new xStream Force Jet Propulsion System, which uses proprietary ‘anti-turbulence’ technology that creates a powerful, smooth, variable jet stream that is completely adjustable for swimmers of all abilities. This VL4 also features state-of-the-art touch screen controls and WiFi connectivity fitted as standard, along with a Bluetooth® music system and upgraded insulation. The spacious VL4 is designed for all aspects of aquatic exercise, including rowing, aqua aerobics and jogging, making it a great all-rounder. Three comfortable hydrotherapy spa seats top off the package. Amazing value!

Arctic Spas® Ocean Legend Select

www.arcticspas.co.uk

SDimensions 4.36 x 2.36 x 1.29m

Water Capacity 5,100 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 6 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 7kW Dual Element

Heat Pump Compatible No

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 60

Ozone Optional Corona Discharge

Filters 900 sq ft Progressive Cartridges

Lighting Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

Leading Canadian manufacturer Arctic Spas® returns to our Best Buy Awards this year with its single-chamber Ocean Legend Select, which is by far its most popular model. The Ocean is available in five different spec levels, but the Legend Select hits all the right notes, boasting six high volume swim jets, plus 54 further jets in the six hydrotherapy stations, all powered by three powerful pumps. The Western Red Cedar cabinet is a rare luxury, and the rugged build quality can easily withstand anything that the UK climate can throw at it. Add on the optional tethers and rowing kit and you have a versatile fitness all-rounder that is hard to beat!

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic / Cedar

Cabinet Colours 4

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 5 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £26,000

Vortex Spas Aquagym Max Pro Plus www.spasolution.co.uk

SDimensions 4.50 x 2.30 x 1.50m

Water Capacity 7,750 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 3 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater Variable 6kW Max

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 57

Ozone Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 90 sq ft

Lighting Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £26,795

WhatSwimSpa?

Verdict

Leading Australian manufacturer Vortex Spas went one better in 2021 with the launch of the multiple award-winning Aquagym Max Pro Plus, which provides similar features and functionality to the smaller Aquagym model, but with a longer swim chamber. This impressive swim spa packs in tonnes of tech at this crucial mid-range price point. Besides being both deep and spacious, this fully-specced model boasts more lights than Sydney Harbour including backlit jets, drinks holders and topside controls, making for an amazing after dark light show. The option to add a SpaNet air source heat pump makes for a compelling energy-efficient package.

Hydropool 14' AX AquaSport

www.hydropoolspas.co.uk

SDimensions

4.42 x 2.36 x 1.34m

Water Capacity 6,000 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 2 x Accu Flow Jets + Core Stream Jet

Counter Current Pumps 2

Heater 3kW (Optional extra 3kW)

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 31

Ozone

Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 75 sq ft Pressurised

Lighting Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 4

Multimedia Options N/A

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 3 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP £28,795

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

Leading Canadian manufacturer Hydropool is renowned for innovations in the swim spa market, and the new 14' AX AquaSport doesn’t disappoint. Combined with its famous ‘Self Cleaning’ filtration system to ensure minimal maintenance, this model has been made deeper than its predecessor and now also includes Dual Performance Flow Intakes that dramatically reduce the reflective wave effect. Nice touches like the new Soft-Stride mats on the floor and steps makes for sure-footed aquatic exercise programmes and the new comfortable seating layout makes it more sociable and provides a better hydrotherapy experience than ever.

American Whirlpool® MX6

www.americanwhirlpool.com

SDimensions 4.83 x 2.29 x 1.53m

Water Capacity

7,438 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 3 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 42

Ozone

Filters

Lighting

Corona Discharge + UV

400 sq ft

Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The 16’ single chamber MX6 is the best-selling PowerPool® model from Arizona-based American Whirlpool®. The MX6 is arguably the most versatile swim spa in the range, as it has a spacious exercise area for all types of aquatic exercise, be it running, swimming or aqua aerobics, combined with a comfortable hydro massage zone equipped with a comfortable upright lounge seat for a full body massage. The swim chamber incorporates new anti-turbulence MAAXForce™ technology to create a smooth, powerful swim current, and a unique PowerTread material in the swim area ensures sure-footed exercise. An excellent all-rounder!

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 2

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply

Warranty

RRP

40 Amps

5 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

£29,995

Riptide® Aqua Life 6.0 Duo Elite Luxury www.hottubbarn.co.uk

DDimensions 5.90 x 2.35 x 1.29m

Water Capacity 7,600 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Dual Chamber

Counter Current Jets 4 x Turbo Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 35

Ozone Corona Discharge

Filters 70 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 1

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 45 + 21 Amps

Warranty 5 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP £29,995

WhatSwimSpa?

Verdict

Riptide® has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years, with a rapidly expanding network of Hot Tub Barn retail outlets and a growing array of models that cater for every swimming level. The Aqua Life 6.0 Duo combines the best of the Poseidon’s powerful swim chamber with a comfortable dual-chamber four-seater hot tub area so you can relax in warm water after an invigorating swim. Four powerful Turbo Jets deliver up to 2,200 gallons a minute of clear, turbulence-free counter-current flow, then handy internal steps allow you to quickly and easily hop from the swim chamber over to the hot tub area and enjoy a full body massage. Fab!

Oasis Spas UK AS-50 With Inverter www.sunbeachspas.co.uk

SDimensions

4.80 x 2.20 x 1.27m

Water Capacity 6,000 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 3 x Turbo Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets N/A

Ozone

Corona Discharge

Filters 70 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 2

Multimedia Options

Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 45 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts

RRP £29,999

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The AS-50 by Oasis Spas UK makes no apologies for being an outand-out swim machine capable of challenging the very keenest of swimmers. What the AS-50 lacks in frills, it more than makes up for it with its 10-speed inverter pump system which allows for genuine water flow control and provides a sublime swim experience for everyone from beginners to age-group triathletes and budding swim stars of the future. There’s plenty of tech under the bonnet as the AS-50 includes the Smart Spa+ experience, WiFi connectivity and the state-of-the-art Gecko® touch screen and In.Stream2 audio system with a built-in subwoofer. Terrific!

Master Spas® H2X Challenger 15D

www.masterspas.co.uk

SDimensions 4.57 x 2.39 x 1.53m

Water Capacity 7,306 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 6 x VIP Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option No

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 39

Ozone Corona Discharge

Filters 100 sq ft

Lighting Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 2

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 2

Multimedia Options

Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 5 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £32,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

It comes as no surprise that US-based Master Spas® is the globe's biggest manufacturer of swim spas when you see the H2X Challenger 15D in action! True to its name, the Challenger 15D is at the performance end of the spectrum and can test even the most ambitious of swimmers and openwater triathletes. The VIP® jet technology provides a wide, deep, turbulentfree current and the AquaSpeed VSP® touch screen display allows you to set the speed of the current from 25 speed settings. The Challenger 15D also features a stand up, full body massage system and spacious spa seating for relaxing post-exercise. Outstanding!

British Hot Tubs BHT680

www.awardleisure.com

SDimensions 6.80 x 2.25 x 1.52m

Water Capacity 4,300 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets Twin-Turbine System

Counter Current Pumps Twin-Turbine System

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets Up to 87

Ozone UV

Filters 175 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

British Hot Tubs has ambitious plans to disrupt conventional design standards in the swim spa market, and their line-up of new swim spa models for 2023 is another step-change in customisable design options. If you have the space, the gargantuan BHT680 is the big daddy of the range at 6.8m long, making it the ultimate swim spa and party pool combo. At this spec the eight-speed twin-turbine system will challenge even the very best swimmers. Dual stand-up therapy zones are a first, and the shell itself comes in three different hydrotherapy layouts. LED lighting, waterfalls, and detachable swim exercise equipment all come as standard. Amazing value!

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 4

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 50 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts

RRP £35,000

DDimensions 5.90 x 2.25 x 1.54m

Water Capacity 8,500 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Dual Chamber

Counter Current Jets 4 x Turbo Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 42

Ozone

Corona Discharge

Filters 70 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 1

Multimedia Options

Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 45 Amps + 21 Amps

Warranty 5 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP £35,000

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The Riptide® Poseidon Duo Elite Premium is the ultimate swim and spa dual-chamber package, offering the ‘best of both worlds’ for those who want to enjoy a cool swim and a relaxing massage in warmer water afterwards. The spa chamber has ample space for up to four to five adults, is packed with 42 massage jets and even manages to cram in a comfortable lounge seat for the ultimate ‘warm down’. The swim chamber has compact steps on both sides for easy access when hopping from the hot tub for a swim or vice versa. This model comes with four pump-powered turbo swim jets but a variable speed drive is available if budget permits.

Vortex Spas Aqualap Pro Plus

www.spasolution.co.uk

SDimensions

5.90 x 2.30 x 1.50m

Water Capacity 9,720 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 3 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater

6kW + 8.8kW SpaNet Heat Pump

Heat Pump Compatible Yes (Included)

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 57

Ozone

Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 90 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 32 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £35,000

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

Leading Australian manufacturer Vortex Spas has upped the ante at the premium end of the market with the Aqualap Pro Plus, which packs in tonnes of tech if you have the garden space. At almost six metres long and holding just a tad under 10,000 litres, the Aqualap Pro Plus is both deep and spacious, with plenty of room for the entire family to swim, play, exercise and relax. Besides an impressive counter-current swim experience, this top-of-the-range model boasts more lights than Sydney Harbour including backlit jets, drinks holders and topside controls, making for an amazing after dark light show. Plenty of bang for your Aussie buck!

USSPA® XL

www.usspa-pools.co.uk

SDimensions 5.50 x 2.50 x 1.34m

Water Capacity 10,200 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 6 x Turbo Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 6kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 15

Ozone Corona Discharge

Filters

Lighting

100 sq ft

Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa?

Verdict

Rarely do we see revolutionary new technology in the swim spa market, but Czech Republic-based USSPA® has come up trumps with a fantastic solution that obviates the need for cumbersome thermal covers without using an automated roof cover system like Covana. The XL swim spa incorporates the stunning ACS system, which is a fully-integrated ‘automatic cover system’ that lifts and folds out of sight at the touch of a button so you can still swim in the open air. The XL is longer and wider than most swim spas and crucially is one of the only swim spas designed to be installed fully-sunken in-ground. A full-width step system assures easy entry and exit. Awesome!

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam

Shell Colours 2

Cabinet Type Cedar

Cabinet Colours 1

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply

32 Amps

Warranty 2 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP

£36,000

American Whirlpool® DM8

www.americanwhirlpool.com

DDimensions 5.53 x 2.29 x 1.35m

Water Capacity 6,245 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Dual Chamber

Counter Current Jets 3 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 2 x 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 37

Ozone Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 400 sq ft

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 2

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 32 + 16 Amps

Warranty 5 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP £36,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The dual-chamber PowerPool® DM8 is the flagship model from Arizonabased American Whirlpool®. The 5.53m DM8 has a spacious swimming and exercise area for all types of aquatic exercise, be it running, swimming or aqua aerobics, combined with a separate comfortable five-seater spa area. The swim chamber is powered by four powerful pumps and incorporates new anti-turbulence technology to create a smoother, yet more powerful swim current. Standard features include two touchscreen controls, Wi-Fi connectivity along with Bluetooth® audio, steel frame construction and 3M’s Thinsulate™ for maximum energy-efficiency.

Hydropool 17' AX AquaTrainer

www.hydropoolspas.co.uk

SDimensions

5.53 x 2.36 x 1.34m

Water Capacity 7,600 litres

Single / Dual Chamber

Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 2 x V-Twin Jets + Core Stream Jet

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 2 x 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 35

Ozone Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 75 sq ft Pressurised

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 3

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 4

Multimedia Options N/A

Power Supply 40 Amps

Warranty 3 Years Parts & 1 Year Labour

RRP £37,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The brand new 17’ AX AquaTrainer is Hydropool's largest single-chamber model in the Aquatic Collection and the swim chamber is cavernous, even for the tallest of swimmers. The 17’ AX AquaTrainer is fitted with two patented V-Twin swim jets that deliver a strong, uniform and easily controlled current and Hydropool’s famous ‘Self Cleaning’ filtration system ensures easy water maintenance. Nice touches like the new SoftStride mats on the floor and steps makes for sure-footed aquatic exercise programmes, plus the new comfortable seating layout provides a better hydrotherapy experience than ever before. Bravo for innovation!

Jacuzzi® J-19 PowerProTM

www.jacuzzi.co.uk

SDimensions 5.64 x 2.36 x 1.34m

Water Capacity 9,038 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Single Chamber

Counter Current Jets 2 x Swim Jets + Buoyancy Jet

Counter Current Pumps 4

Heater 2 x 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 24

Ozone UV

Filters

Lighting

120 sq ft

Multi Colour LED

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

As its name suggests, the J-19 PowerPro™ by global brand powerhouse Jacuzzi® has been designed as an out-and-out swim trainer to cater for the most powerful of swimmers. With a swim chamber design and SteadySwim™ buoyancy jet system designed to keep the swimmer stable in the swim lane, the swim experience will challenge all-comers but feels stable and adjustable enough for all abilities. The new PowerPro PX™ jet technology makes for a counter-current that is smooth and wide, and the unique SmoothSwim™ shell design incorporates hips in the shell to stop reflective waves and keep you in your swim lane. Four ergonomically designed hydrotherapy seats top off the package. Fabulous!

Cabinet Insulation Part Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 2

Multimedia Options

N/A

Power Supply 42 Amps

Warranty

3 Years Parts & 2 Years Labour

RRP £39,499

TidalFit DTL-8 Dual Temp

www.tidalfit.co.uk

DDimensions 4.27 x Up to 4.62 x 1.37m

Water Capacity 8,063 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Dual Chamber

Counter Current Jets 4 x Swim Jets

Counter Current Pumps 2

Heater 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 61

Ozone Optional Diamond AOP

Filters 100 sq ft + Micron Filter

Lighting

Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 1

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 3

Multimedia Options

Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 2 x 32 Amps

Warranty 3 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £39,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

If you’re looking for dual-temperature functionality but haven’t got the space for a conventionally shaped swim spa/hot tub combo, the TidalFit Dual Temp L-Shaped combined unit may just be the answer! The exercise pool features TidalFit’s unique Quad Swim Jet System as standard and is also available with the optional new Variable Flow Swift Water Trainer, which delivers an even more powerful, variable speed swim system to provide a balanced, stable swim current. A semi-inground version is also available if you prefer a more discreet design. The optional rowing bars, stretch cords and swim tether are worth the money. Fantastic!

Master Spas® MP Momentum

www.masterspas.co.uk

DDimensions

5.87 x 2.39 x 1.53m

Water Capacity 8,801 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Dual Chamber

Counter Current Jets Wave XP PropulsionTM System

Counter Current Pumps 3

Heater 2 x 3kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option No

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 39

Ozone

Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 100 sq ft

Lighting Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam

Shell Colours 2

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 2

Multimedia Options Bluetooth® Stereo System

Power Supply 2 x 32 + 16 Amps

Warranty 5 Years Parts & Labour

RRP £49,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

When the most decorated Olympic swimmer in history puts his name to a swim spa, you know it is going to be the ultimate swim machine. US-based Master Spas® has teamed up with Michael Phelps to design a signature series of swim spas that is truly outstanding! The dual-chamber MP Momentum boasts the unique Wave XP® propeller-driven countercurrent system that provides a turbulent-free and incrementally adjustable swim current. Whether it's for training those budding Olympians of the future, or for top notch swim conditioning in readiness for your next triathlon event, this will give you the momentum you need!

Endless Pools® E2000

DDimensions 6.10 x 2.26 x 1.47m

Water Capacity Up to 9,065 litres

Single / Dual Chamber Dual Chamber

Counter Current Jets Endless Pools® Swim Machine

Counter Current Pumps 5HP Hydraulic Power Unit

Heater 2 x 4kW

Heat Pump Compatible Yes

In-Ground Option Yes

Spa Hydrotherapy Jets 36

Ozone Corona Discharge + UV

Filters 250 sq ft

Lighting Multi Colour LED

Cabinet Insulation Full Foam + Reflective Barrier

Shell Colours 2

Cabinet Type Synthetic

Cabinet Colours 2

Multimedia Options Optional Bluetooth® Stereo

Power Supply 32 + 24 Amps

Warranty 3 Years Parts & 2 Years Labour

RRP £56,995

WhatSwimSpa? Verdict

The dual-chamber E2000 by Endless Pools® combines the fantastic swim quality of the Original Endless Pool with the convenience of a beautifully designed acrylic fully-portable unit with relaxing hot tub area. The heart of the swim system is the unique hydraulic propulsion unit, which produces a broad, deep current that is adjustable to every swimmer's ability, from relative novices to veteran water babies. The unit can move a huge amount of water through a central grille that straightens and smoothes the water’s flow. The optional hydraulic underwater treadmill tops off the package for the ultimate in versatile hydrotherapy. Simply stunning!

Air Source Heat Pump Best Buy Awards 2023

This year sees the first WhatSwimSpa? Air Source Heat Pump Best Buy Awards as swim spa suppliers continue to innovate to bring down the carbon footprint of your swimming enjoyment, so look out for these best-in-class heat pumps if you are looking to ‘go green’ and minimise your energy bills too.

Swim spas have been flying out of showrooms in the past three years, and now that domestic electricity tariffs are set to start coming back down again, following record falls in wholesale energy prices, 2023 is set to be another record year of swim spa demand. Air source heat pumps offer a great solution to protect you against fluctuating energy tariffs like we have seen over the last year. This new technology is rapidly gaining traction in the residential swim spa and hot tub market, so check out these six Best Buy Award-winning models that offer the very best performance in the UK market.

Since technical specifications vary widely and installation is a highly specialised service, it is vital that you enlist the services of a fully-qualified heat pump technician to ensure that your heat pump is specified and installed correctly for maximum efficiency. Even the very best air source heat pump won’t deliver the savings you are looking for if it is fitted incorrectly, so be sure to consult with your local WhatSwimSpa? Approved or WhatSwimSpa? Professional showroom to discuss your individual needs.

Energi Air Source Heat Pump 8kW

www.energiheatpumps.co.uk

Poolex Spawer IceSpa 7kW

iNHEAT 14.5kW Inverter

www.sunbeachspas.co.uk

Aquark Mr. Silence 11kW

www.superiorwellness.co.uk

Auto

Drip

EcoSpa Heat 13kW

Zealux Inverboost 14kW UX

www.cleanheatleisure.co.uk

Control System Compatibility

Auto Defrost

Drip Tray Heater

Noise Level – dB(A) at 1 metre

Refrigerant Gas