Skip to main content

Health Conditions that Respond Well to Swim Spa Activity

iStock-637583698

swim spa can certainly bring a great deal of fun and entertainment to the entire family. Many people are now having a spa installed to help them with some of their health conditions. Those that use a swim spa put it to good use for not only swimming and relaxing but for exercising as well. It has been shown that hydrotherapy is an excellent form of treatment for many different types of health conditions.

Helping With Arthritis and Fibromyalgia

Both of these conditions are rheumatic conditions. They attack the joints and soft tissues of the body and, when doing so, create chronic pain. Many of those that suffer from these ailments try to find ways that they can relax the muscles and tendons as well as the joints. Many have found that the warm water in the swim spa brings some definite relief by reducing the stress on these areas and minimizing the stiffness. The body is weightless in the water, so there is no pressure being applied to the joints, so there is no discomfort when using the swim spa.

Using the Swim Spot To Help With Parkinson’s Disease

Individuals that suffer with Parkinson’s disease are often encouraged to go through a lot of physical therapy exercises. It has been determined that hydrotherapy is really beneficial to help with this. Now those that own a swim spa at their own home are able to carry on with these exercises and get additional benefits. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system and while there is no cure, there are ways to go about helping to minimize the discomfort. Those that use a swim spa find that it acts as a full body support and allows them to balance easier when going through their exercises. At the same time, the warm moving water helps to loosen up the joints and muscles.

Neuromuscular problems

There are a lot of conditions that fit into the category of neuromuscular conditions. These include Muscular Dystrophy as well as Multiple Sclerosis. These are conditions that can affect the nerves and muscles and it is important that those that suffer from these problems focus on their mobility. The water in the swim spa provides a buoyancy, which allows the individual to move much easier with a lot less pain and stress on the joints. With the comfortable conditions that the person is in, they find that a lot of their symptoms are reduced. They often suffer with symptoms, such as muscle spasms and weak muscles. Pain and discomfort is also part of the problem and they sometimes have a limited range of motion that includes poor balance.

General Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is different than acute pain, which is usually sharp, whereas chronic pain persists over a long period of time even after an injury may have been treated and healed. The water in the swim spa can help to relieve the stress in the pain area. It helps to minimize the pressure on the joints during exercise, which allows the individual to participate much longer.

Using the Swim Spa For Recovery

A lot of people can end up with injuries from many different causes. Many have found that using the swim spa is a great way for speeding up their recovery and allowing their body to heal much more quickly. These are just some of the great health benefits that a swim spa can offer in addition to all its other great uses.

Making the Switch From a Pool to a Swim Spa

Swim Spa

For many, the thought of buying a home that has a swimming pool is one of great benefit and something that they look forward to immensely. For others, however, the thought of buying a house with an existing pool is a deal breaker. So, what do you do with an old pool? Do you spend the many thousands to have the pool removed from the premises completely or do you spend even more to have the pool brought back to life with a complete refurbishment? There is a third option. Rather than tearing the pool out completely, some have chosen to use this as a base for the installation of a brand new, modern swim spa.

As most now know a swim spa is a “pool” that has a propulsion system built into one end that generates a strong current that the swimmer can then swim against. You can also shut off the propulsion system and use the pool as a lounge pool as well. This is great for when the kids come to visit and you just require the relaxation of a pool without the propulsion system enabled. By using the footprint of the old pool you are also able to build an excellent outdoor area around the site of the old pool once construction on the swim spa is complete.

You will find that the smaller footprint of the swim spa opens up all kinds of possibilities for adding decking, gazebo or other structure to compliment your new swim spa. The benefits of having a swim spa for health reasons cannot be overstated. Swimming “laps” against the current or even engaging in water yoga or aerobics are all proven methods of getting and staying fit.

So, if you truly love the property you have recently looked at that has a pool, you do have options. Explore the world of swim spas and talk to your representative about changing the old pool into a world-class swim spa experience. You will be surprised how many options are available.

Different Types of Propulsion Systems for Swim Spas

iStock-532257881

Most consumers are aware by now of the difference between a swim spa (sometimes referred to as a lap pool) and a regular swimming pool. The main difference is that the swim spa houses a propulsion system in one end of the swim spa that generates current strong enough for a grown person to literally swim against. This resistance allows the swimmer to swim using whatever method they choose – breaststroke, butterfly, and front crawl.

There are many reason people choose a swim spa. First, the size of a swim spa is generally less than half that of a regular in-ground pool, which translates into savings of several thousands of dollars for installation, as well as considerable long-term savings on maintenance. In addition, because the swim spa is smaller in size, it heats up more quickly and is far easier to keep at a comfortable level during what would be considered non-pool weather for a full size swimming pool. This allows the user to get more “bang for the buck” as you can use the swim spa earlier in the season and keep it open much longer. You can also install a swim spa easily in a normal size basement to swim year round.

Another great advantage for the serious swimmer is the ability to swim without ever having to turn. This means a longer, uninterrupted swim.

There are primarily three different types of swim spa propulsion systems available for purchase. These are the jet propulsion system, the paddlewheel and the propeller system. The Jet is the most common and uses a motor to drive the current through a pressure system, which then can be directed into current streams allowing the swimmer to customize the current to suit their purposes. The paddlewheel and the propeller work in a similar way. The paddlewheel or propeller turn at high speeds, which creates the current.

Both of these systems create a current that can be adjusted for speed like the jet system. However, the paddlewheel system creates current across the width of the spa and cannot be directed like the propeller and jet systems can. Do your homework and find the swim spa that works best for the purposes of yourself and your family and you will not be disappointed. The future is here and swim spas are the future of swimming.

Physical And Psychological Benefits Of A Swim Spa

iStock-622547730

The benefits of a swim spa or swimming pool are so vast that swimming laps is merely one of the ways to realize the benefits of water as an exercise tool. The buoyancy offered by water allows people of all shapes and sizes, including those who have physical disabilities, to perform exercises that they would be unable to perform without water. This buoyancy coupled with the resistance that the water offers is considered one of the absolute best ways for seniors and the disabled to exercise.

The continual resistance offered by the water is approximately 12-14%, so when you perform aerobic exercises when submerged in the water it is similar to lifting a small amount of weight, while you perform those aerobic movements. The added bonus of the cooling effect of the water allows one to exercise longer and with more vigor than you would be able to on land under the same conditions.

The fact that many physical therapists choose to bring their clients into the water is great evidence that the benefits offered are universally accepted and that the benefits realized are evidence based. The added benefits are the social component that is realized by the ability of the exerciser to talk to the other swimmers while they work out. The release of stress that is found by the water workout is another great benefit of using a swimming pool or swim spa to get fit.

The vast majority of people who do not use a pool to get a work out typically cite the main reasons as proximity to a good public pool or the cost of putting a pool into the backyard. This can be effectively reduced by installing a swim spa. A swim spa is a pool that relies on a propulsion system to create a current that the swimmer then swims against in order to get the laps in rather than having to swim the full length of a spool.

The smaller size of the swim spa makes it much less dependent on a large yard and is much more cost effective when compared to a full sized pool to both have constructed and for maintaining. Do your homework and get the information you need to make a decision and you will see the benefits of owning a swim spa of your own.

The Benefits of Saunas and Steam Rooms

iStock-158038520

Most people who enjoy sitting in the sauna or steam room for a little bit understand that it is beneficial for their long-term health, but have little real understanding regarding how the health benefits are realized. Fewer still recognize or understand the differences between the uses of steam rooms as opposed to the dry heat of a sauna.

Both have the same basic function of raising the heart rate and inducing the person to sweat to release of toxins from the body. The main difference between the dry heat of a sauna and the 100% humidity of a steam room is that steam adds dramatic benefits to the overall health of the respiratory system. The way both of these work is to cause the blood vessels in your body to fully dilate, which allows the blood in your body to flow much more freely. This and the toxin releasing sweat has profound effects on the body.

The relief from tension in the body, as well as the release of stress through the release of endorphins throughout the body are all benefits of using either saunas or steam rooms. The benefit often talked about is the weight loss that can be attained by “sweating off the pounds” by sitting in a sauna or a steam room. We have all seen the images of boxers and other athletes wrapped in material and sitting in a sauna in order to rapidly “cut” weight in order to be the correct weight before a fight. The other commonly talked about benefit is the positive impact on the skin.

By releasing the toxins in the body through sweating you have the added benefit of cleansing the skin by cleaning out the pores during the sweat phase. The relaxation realized post work out by sitting in the steam room or sauna is another great benefit for the body that is commonly recognized. No matter which choice you decide to go with, the benefits of the sauna or steam room are quite obvious and well recognized. The health benefits are only eclipsed by the added bonus of having a serious impact on the mental health by inducing relaxation and promoting stress free living. Both have excellent benefits and you can benefit greatly from either choice.

Hot Tub Care

iStock-178135378

For most people, the idea of having a beautiful spa or hot tub to relax in and enjoy is one that may not consider the care that should be performed to keep that spa or hot tub in good and safe working order.

The first step in the care of your hot tub or spa is done before you have the water is even added. You want to make absolutely certain that the spot you have chosen for your spa is the best place to have it installed in the first place. You have to take into account exactly where the water and electrical intakes are going to be placed as you may require a new deck, gazebo or some other structure to house the tub or spa.

You need to consider the seasons in your area as well, most people will want to enjoy their spa for all the seasons and the people who own one in an area that gets snow will tell you how wonderful it is to sit in a soothing hot tub, while the snow gently falls on a winter evening. However, running across the entire yard to go inside after soaking is the unpleasant part if you have chosen a location too far away from the house.

All of this initial planning is done in part by the company you have chosen to purchase your tub or spa from, so be sure to choose a company that is qualified and professional. After you have made all of the important choices, you want to consider the maintenance and upkeep that will keep your spa or tub in top working order. A knowledgeable spa company will present you with all the information you require to keep everything in top shape and will even provide you with a schedule of exactly what you require.

Be sure to follow all the information that has been given to you by the spa and hot tub company as this will allow you the full enjoyment of the hot tub or spa for many years to come.

The Health Benefits of A Swim Spa

Swim-Spa-White-Black - Copy

For many years experts have been extolling the virtues of swimming as a fantastic way of both getting and staying in shape. The resistance that the water offers the body is a great and exceptionally low impact way of toning the bodies muscles when performing aerobics or exercises in the water.

Swimming laps is generally considered one of the best exercises that can be performed. It works on the cardio-vascular system as well as the musculature structure equally as well. For many, the ability to get the workout benefits of swimming is limited only by the proximity to a public pool or the expense of having a pool installed in their own backyard. There is an option that is taking the swimming world by storm and that is the swim spa.

The swim spa is commonly known as a lap pool and the image conjured up is usually one of a very rich house with a lap pool in the basement or backyard. Nothing could be further from the truth. Modern day swim spas are very much like miniaturized swimming pools and are enjoyed by people of all walks of life and income levels.

The propulsion system allows the user to swim against the current that is created letting swim laps without the need for a full size pool. The cost of a swim spa is a mere fraction of the cost of a full sized in ground pool and because the size is actually much more effective in maintaining heat, it’s also easier and cheaper to heat.

The ability to get a quality workout for people of all ages is realized by the depth of the swim spa. The shallower water allows even the elderly to perform aerobics or water exercises comfortably and risk free. The serious, hardcore exerciser benefits from the ability to swim freely without having to constantly turn and swim in another direction.

Swim spas are simple to construct in either a basement or a backyard and offer all the benefits of a swimming pool without the huge costs typically associated with one. Do your homework and find out which type of propulsion system is the best for what you want to accomplish and what will work best for your budget.

Compare the differences and benefits between a regular pool and a swim spa and you will come to the upside of swim spas.

Keeping The Kids Busy Using a Swim Spa

iStock-523260742

With the heat of summer, the time has come for many to decide whether or not to invest in a swimming pool or swim spa for the backyard. A swim spa is a smaller version of an in-ground pool that uses a propulsion system to create a current that you then swim against. These are commonly known as lap pools. The ability to turn off the propulsion system and use the pool as a regular lounging pool is what sets these apart.

For the smaller children, the swim spa becomes a great place to learn to swim with Mom and Dad and to have an incredible amount of fun performing pool games and activities. You can do pretty much everything in a swim spa that you would in a regular pool with a reduced installation cost and substantially lower maintenance costs.

As the children age and want to use the pool as a place to get exercise, the ability to turn on the propulsion system and then swim against it becomes and absolutely great way to get fit and stay there. There are virtually no games or activities that can be played or performed in a regular pool that cannot also be performed in a swim spa. However, the limits that most above ground pool have for swimming laps is quite obvious.

The amount of space required to swim is very limited in an above ground pool. They are usually round which makes swimming laps difficult at best and the square or rectangular ones are still very limited in space.

Kids will have an absolute blast frolicking in your swim spa and will benefit from the ability to cool down in the hot summer months and even during the cooler months as they are very simple and much cheaper than a full size pool to heat, which can dramatically lengthen the pool using season. This factor alone makes the decision to invest in swim spa a much simpler one than choosing a full size pool for use by the children.

How a Swim Spa Can Increase Your Outdoor Space

14711234_760089167473239_1057236245483158287_o - Copy

For many, the idea of putting in a pool for the health as well as social benefits is a dream that can’t always be realized. For some, this possibility is not possible due to the limited amount of space that they have in their yards. For others it is more a question of economics rather than space. For both of these groups of people there is an option that can alleviate both the economic concerns and the space issue as well.

The solution is to install a swim spa, which is essentially a smaller version of a pool that utilizes a propulsion system to generate a current that the user then swims against, which perfectly simulates swimming without even having to turn and do laps. Most swim spas are also equipped with therapeutic jets that you typically find in a hot tub, further enhancing the experience.

For those who have a smaller yard and would like the benefits of a pool, a swim spa can be the difference between having that option or not. By installing a swim spa in your smaller yard, you are able to make the most of your smaller space by having the exact same benefits of a full size pool in a smaller package.

The ability to entertain friends and family is not impeded due to space limitations and the fun and health benefits realized are found in a much more cost effective way than a full size pool. Because the swim spas are typically much smaller than a full size pool, you still may have the ability to build an incredible outdoor area to entertain in, including a barbeque or outdoor kitchen.

The health benefits associated with swimming are widely known and accepted. There is nothing that mimics swimming in obtaining a full body workout without the high impacts associated with alternative forms of exercise, such as running.

A swim spa is a fantastic alternative for those with limited space or the desire for the full benefits in a smaller package.