By Krista Payne
In 2009, Diamond Spas Inc. (DSI), a custom fabricator of stainless steel and copper aquatic vessels in Frederick, Col., was approached by a client and her interior decorator with a vision of incorporating a custom metal swim spa into a luxury ‘getaway’ retreat she was building in central Wyoming.
The client wanted to use stainless steel not only for its anti-erosion qualities and distinguishable look, but also because it would blend harmoniously with the other features inside her home. She was interested in a swim spa that could be used for relaxation and play, with jets that would turn on with the push of a button to transform the spa into an aquatic workout pool.
Vision quest
After taking a tour of DSI’s facility and learning about the company’s fabrication capabilities, the client’s architect sat down with the engineering team to discuss the geometry of the swim spa and its intended use.
“We really encourage our clients to list all of their desires for the spa,” says Caleb Salazar, DSI’s sales director. “How will they utilize it? Is this purely for relaxation or for health and sport? This way they get a spa that is designed to fit their specific needs.”
With a napkin drawing in hand, the client, architect and DSI team worked through several sketches until the custom design was finalized. The next step for the client was selecting the options that would round out the swim spa she envisioned.
DSI presented several options, which included jets, pumps, lighting, waterfalls and covers. The client’s love for exercise and swimming made her yearn for a true swimming experience, so DSI suggested an axial flow system.
“An axial flow swim current system is capable of providing a strong flow that dog paddlers would find themselves moving backwards,” Salazar says. “The flow has a natural feel and provides a true swimming experience.”
This system generates a smooth, powerful river-like current, with no jets, bubbles, or high-pressured turbulence, to challenge swimmers of all levels. Using a remote control, the client can easily select the appropriate level of resistance, as well as program features to create any workout event, allowing her to partake in several different exercises.
The swim spa would also have a dual effect because it would enable both exercise and pain management. The currents in these pools are used to aid arthritis, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, asthma and chronic joint or back pain symptoms.
Maintenance was made easier for the client via a two-part sanitation system comprising an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (oxidation), which is a mix of hydrogen and oxygen (active water) that reverts back to hydrogen and oxygen once it is spent. The bulb used in UV sterilization is replaced annually and can help outweigh the negative effects of chlorine on the environment. DSI also added an automatic retractable cover for added ease of maintenance.
Finally, the client added changing light emitting diode (LED) lights for ambience and connected the swim spa to her home automation system, allowing her to control the spa and lighting features from anywhere in the house.
