Chill pools
While chill pools (also referred to as cold plunge pools) are most commonly found in sports team training rooms and health spas, they are making inroads in high-end residential installations, often as part of a ‘backyard resort,’ alongside a sauna, hot tub and traditional pool. Clients who have experienced their benefits in a commercial spa setting select cold plunge pools. These pools are also a conversation piece, desirable by trendsetters and innovation-oriented clients.
These pools are typically made of stainless steel, acrylic or custom concrete and tile and are constructed in the same manner as a traditional swimming pool. However, they are much smaller than a normal pool or even a hot spa and typically suitable for one person for a short duration.
The main difference between a chill pool and a typical pool is the cooling system and the need to insulate the pool shell and plumbing. The PVC pipes will sweat without the use of insulation. Chill pools used for rehabilitation will often have therapy jets, while residential chill pools rarely contain additional therapy jets.
A vertical plunge pool is the most common residential installation. These cool pools are typically 1.2- to 1.5-m (4- to 5-ft) deep and often built adjacent to a hot spa, steam room or sauna. Cold pools are used to stimulate blood circulation and rapidly cool the body. The sensation of going from a very warm environment to a cold chill pool is extremely invigorating.
Client benefits
Bodily submersion in icy water has many benefits. For one, cold water reduces swelling and bleeding in human tissue, which can be of substantial benefit for athletes in training. A dip in a cold pool simply feels invigorating after a strenuous work out or a hard day at the office.
Chill pools also help competitive athletes battle pain and exhaustion. For example, a quick dip before and after an event or training routine can lead to increases in performance.
| THERAPY POOL BENEFITS |
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 A significant segment of the population could benefit from a residential personal therapy pool. A number of options can be included in a residential pool to enable it to be used as a therapy pool:• Hand rails for a safe entrance; • Custom steps or ramps for safe and easy access; • Walking paths following the perimeter of the pool; • Therapy jets, both stand up and sit down; • Non-skid decks and steps; • Additional lighting; • Underwater treadmills; • Temperature controlled environment (air and water); • Pulleys, swim jets, mechanical swim resistance devices; and • Acrylic windows for viewing the patient (can be used creatively in the overall design). |
Conclusion
Pool designers and builders need not limit themselves to one temperature. By offering a range of products, both hot and cold, they can satisfy all of their clients’ recreational, physical, and perhaps even spiritual, needs.
Barry Justus is the owner of Poolscape Inc., a landscape contractor and pool designing and building company based in Burlington, Ont. He can be reached at barry@poolscape.com or by visiting www.poolscape.com.
