Project challenges
Although the construction methods of a hybrid pool are ideal when building on a hillside, this particular project was still quite challenging. In fact, the ground elevation behind the home was particularly steep and high above the house. This meant a flat surface had to be created where the pool was being installed. To do this, the hillside had to be carved out and the excavated fill was used to level the area where the pool was being installed. As a result, a retaining wall was also installed behind the area that was carved out. In doing this, a curved design was created where the pool met the hillside, which produced an esthetically pleasing look. Preparing the site for installation took approximately one day.
Installing the pool’s swim jet also presented some challenges. To obtain the proper pressure for optimal performance, the pumps could not be more than 7.6 m (25 ft) away from the pool and there could not be any curves in the plumbing; it all had to be straight to avoid losing pressure. Most plumbing lines can contain at least one 45-degree angle between the pool pump and the equipment room.
In addition, the swim jet required a dedicated pump separate from the pool’s circulation equipment. In this case, the pump for the swim jet was installed precisely 7.6 m (25 ft) away from the pool and it was hidden from view using strategically placed landscaping. On other projects, Owen has used a fibreglass rock to hide the pump, which not only protected the equipment, but also allowed it to be accessed easily for service and maintenance.
Finally, the centre of the swim jet housing (the two jet nozzles) had to be exactly 305-mm (12-in.) below the water level for maximum efficiency. If it is installed too high, the pump will draw air; too low and a proper swim lane cannot be achieved. That said, the stainless steel panels used to build this hybrid fitness pool came with a pre-cut and pre-fitted panel, specifically for installing the swim jet, to ensure it is positioned properly for optimum performance.
The timing
One of the main selling features of a hybrid pool is the speed at which it can be installed. For instance, one can be built in about the same amount of time as an above-ground pool.
“Even with all of the extra landscaping we had to install around the hillside on this project, we were still able to complete the job in less than five days,” says Owen. “If we do not have to do any landscaping, we can finish one of these pool projects in two days.”
Keeping things simple
The smaller size of this fitness pool also makes the plumbing, filtration, and heating requirements much simpler and more economical. Compared to a typical pool, the volume of water the equipment must handle is a lot less, which make hybrid pools much more efficient to heat.
“On this particular project, a propane heater was installed to heat the pool, which was pulled from the home’s heating system (i.e. the propane used to heat the pool is the same propane used to heat the house),” says Owen. “As the pool is used primarily for exercise, the homeowner keeps the water temperature a bit lower—between 26 and 29 C (80 and 85 F). The water in a traditional pool is typically heated to 32 C (90 F) or warmer.”
Again, due to the pool’s compact size, it is easy to raise the water temperature when the homeowner wants to use the pool for other activities (e.g. when their grandchildren visit and use it as a play pool).
The equipment room, located at the backside of the pool, is also small, measuring just 6 m2 (64 sf). Since the property is located in the countryside, a sand filter was selected for this project. According to Owen, these filters are well-suited for the area, as a cartridge filter system would be clogged with debris too quickly. Another unique characteristic about these hybrid pools is the swim jet and sand filter systems cannot be plumbed together, as each system provides very specific functions.
Turning a profit
Hybrid pools can be a great source of revenue for busy builders because they can be installed fast. That said, they are still built like inground pools and, therefore, command the same prices.
“All of our hybrid pool projects range between $100,000 and $375,000 and we have been fully booked between April and September for the past five years,” says Owen. “The ultimate pool is one that can be added into the schedule for late-season installation because it is quick to build and brings in significant profits.”
As the number of active, aging adults over 50 years old continues to grow, the market demand for fitness pools will follow. In fact, the baby boomer generation (those aged 54 to 72) remains one of the largest demographics in Canada. Therefore, now is the time to actively promote hybrid pools (with swim jets) to this group of consumers who are either retired or retiring soon and want to partake in aquatic fitness, which is often recommended by many doctors and physical therapists.
Tim Martin is the director of new business development at Fox Pool Corporation where he has held the position since 2014. Prior to this, he was the vice-president of sales and business development at PDC Spas. Martin has more than 30 years of combined sales and marketing management experience and holds a degree in mechanical engineering with post-graduate work in robotics and numerical analysis. He can be reached via e-mail at tmartin@foxpool.com.
