Spa pools - features and benefits

The description “Spa pool” has no defined meaning, however is generally considered to include any small indoor or outdoor pool, including plunge pools, that offers some kind of therapy or relaxation experience. Typical examples of Spa pools include hydrotherapy pools, hydro pools, Jacuzzis, hot tubs etc.

Features of Spa pools

The feature that all Spa pools are based around is activating or energizing the pool’s water to create movement, pressure variations, temperature changes or the injection of air. Water therapy of this kind of can include the use of water jets (warm or cold), jets of air, heating the water, or a combination of two or more of these processes.

Where you can find or situate Spa pools

A small water therapy pool (e.g. a Jacuzzi) can be fitted in most homes, usually outside in a patio or decked area. Equally, and if space is not an issue, they can be installed inside a home. You can also buy a Spa bath that uses hydrotherapy or creates a Jacuzzi effect.

Spa pools can of course be found in spa hotels, beauty therapy centres and retreats.

Most hospitals will have hydrotherapy suites. These are used during rehabilitations and recovery from injury and illness. They can relax and stimulate muscles and they can also help in the relief of pain.

The benefits

The physical sensation and effect of moving or energised water has been repeatedly proven to have numerous positive results on people’s health.

These benefits start with relaxation and the generation of a calm, restful and meditative state. But they go beyond simply feeling good and they are know to promote muscle relaxation, help skin, joint and other body tissue problems, as well as relieving aches and pains. Hydrotherapy treatments can even assist in speeding up the healing and recovery process after an accident or illness.

How hydrotherapy works

Hydrotherapy uses the combined benefits of the weight supporting effect of water (i.e. weightlessness) and the gentle massaging effect of air and (or) water jets, possibly with added heat. These effects promote circulation, relaxation and stimulate the body.

Home spas

The typical home Spa takes the form of a Jacuzzi that will hold anything from two to eight people.

Spa pools of this type are normally made from fibreglass (which is light and cheap). They usually have a seating ledge (12 to 24 inches) below their perimeter upon which the bathers sit during the Jacuzzi experience.

Most home Spa pools will have a warm-jet Jacuzzi function that allows both the pressure and water temperature of the water jets to be varied. These features are controlled by pre-programmed settings and thermostatic heat controls, so they can be varied and set to the exact requirements of their owners.

Outdoor Spa pools are supplied with a cover or lid that attaches securely to keep dirt and wind blown debris out of the water.