Health and exercise are key selling points for retailers offering swim spas

by jason_cramp | June 19, 2016 8:30 am

By Jennifer Gannon

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Imagine being able to offer clients the benefits of a large conventional pool in an easy-to-install miniature version? There is no need to imagine as this is possible today thanks to the evolution of the swim spa, which enables pool and hot tub retailers the ability to provide clients a means to swim—whether for those who do not want a traditional pool, or for those who cannot have one installed in their backyard due to space restrictions.

Having a swim spa at home is ideal for those whose needs are centred on a healthy lifestyle. As it is widely known, swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, and the ability to perform this exercise in a swim spa, whether gently in place or more rigorously against a swift current, is convenient in many ways.

Swim spas are a small footprint vessel typically made of acrylic and fibreglass or steel walls and a vinyl liner, as well as custom concrete. They are designed around the swim current that is created by powerful, jet pumps which produce a flat and uplifting water flow to allow bathers to swim continuously up to 13 km/h (8 mph) without turning. The degree of resistance is variable—typically controlled by a simple dial—so swimmers can determine the pace. Swim spas are fun and safe for all ages, shallow enough for most children and non-swimmers, yet deep enough to satisfy the most serious swimmer, jogger, or water aerobics enthusiast.

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Further, swim spas are the perfect urban solution, as they offer a big swim experience without taking up a lot of space. They are typically 3 to 4 m (9.8 to 13.1 ft) wide by 5 to 7 m (16.4 to 23 ft) long, and are either craned into position (in most instances) or built on-site from a kit for basement or rooftop terrace installations. Custom concrete swim spas are built inground; therefore, access to the property with excavation equipment is required.

Most swim spas come with a safety thermal cover which helps reduce maintenance by protecting the water from airborne debris and precipitation and, when used regularly, it can help to reduce operational costs. Further, they also allow the swim spa to meet most city bylaws for a water feature to be secured with a lockable cover. As a result, the homeowner does not need to have a fence enclosure built around the unit, which is a requirement for pool installations. Inground concrete swim spas usually require a fence enclosure permit, as the custom dimensions of these vessels are typically larger than a prefabricated unit. This also means it can be challenging to blanket the swim spa using a standard safety cover.

Profiting from swim spas

The ability to perform water aerobics is a key selling featureFor retailers, the benefits of selling swim spas are great. They are still considered a new product, which means customers are intrigued by them and their features, and are interested in purchasing one. Further, the swim spa marketplace has yet to mature or become saturated; therefore, retailers are able to offer them as a high-end, premium product at higher price points, resulting in higher profit margins. And, as there is not much competition, retailers do not need to deeply discount the quotes. Most clients are also prepared to pay for an experienced company to ensure the installation goes smoothly.

As mentioned earlier, there are many benefits to exercising in water. That said, when selling swim spas, retailers should emphasize how they can be used as a mini gym with the ability to relax afterwards in a jetted hydroptherapy seat (number and type of seats depend on the model).

Should a client be interested in buying  a swim spa, make sure to take the time to discuss the various features each model offers, as well as explain the many benefits they yield when it comes to water aerobics. For instance, aquatic fitness allows bathers to exercise every muscle and joint in the body at the same time. Further, working out in a swim spa helps to keep the body cool, opposed to land-based exercises, as the water lowers body temperature the entire time the bather is performing their workout. This can be a big selling feature for those who dislike exercising outside in the summer heat or for clients who live in warm-climate regions.

Finally, one of the most important benefits of performing water aerobics in a swim spa is that practically anyone—no matter their age—can partake. This can be attributed to the fact water makes the body buoyant, and there is less strain and stress on joints and muscles.

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In addition to the cardiovascular and respiratory benefits, aquatic fitness also:

• Increases and maintains muscular strength and flexibility;
• Improves mobility and range of motion;
• Improves co-ordination, balance, and postural alignment;
• Provides the ability to perform a high intensity workout while burning calories;
• Creates a massaging effect on muscles;
• Provides a versatile outdoor environment to train (in hot and cold weather);
• Supplements a regular training program;
• Provides a pleasurable and relaxing aquatic experience;
• Provides the ability to easily set and change the pace of the workout, as the body is cooled by water the heart rate is slightly lower. This means aquatic fitness is relatively safe for obese individuals, pregnant women, and those suffering from hypertension and heart disease.

Do not forget, a person does not need to know how to swim to take advantage of water aerobic exercises in a swim spa. Bathers can wear one of many devices to enable them to stay afloat with little effort. This, in turn, allows the bather to concentrate on his/her routine. The ideal location in which to perform water aerobics is in a pool or swim spa with a thermal cover, which allows the water temperature to be controlled. It is best to have the water temperature between 25 and 35 C (77 and 95 F), which is lower than the body’s temperature (98.6 C [37 F]).

Swim spas are a great specialty item to offer clients who are looking for something bigger than a hot tub, yet more functional year-round without the expense of installing, operating, and maintaining a pool. Further, with water volumes of 10,000 L (2642 gal) or less, clients will be happy to know the cost of electricity and water care products are also much lower than a traditional pool.

Landscaping and installation

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If in-house landscaping services are not readily available, it is a good idea to build a relationship with local contractors to refer clients to a trusted trade to help incorporate the swim spa into their backyard. Swim spas need to sit on a level pad, which can comprise a slab of concrete or gravel with patio stones. Most units require a 50- to 60-amp electrical connection, which must be installed by a licensed electrician. That said, it is also a good idea to refer the client to a trusted electrician to ensure a professional electrical wiring service that meets the client’s needs.

Should a client ask if a swim spa can be installed inground, the answer is yes; however, to perform this type of installation properly, a bunker equipped with a sump pump (to help remove water in the equipment area in the spring or after a heavy rainfall) is required.

Subterranean pressure-treated 6×6 timbers can be used to build a serviceable vault approximately 0.5 m (1.5 ft) larger than the swim spa on three sides, with a 1 m^­2 (10 sf) space on the fourth side, in front of the equipment, to ensure ease of access for service. Deck surrounds can be constructed of wood or coping stone resting on concrete block for the foundation.

The gym of the future

It does not matter whether a client is young or old, fit or not so fit, using a swim spa to perform aquatic exercise can help them live happier lifestyles by managing a healthy weight, toning and maintaining bone density, and relieving physical and mental stress. They do not even need to get their hair wet, nor be a swimmer. Sell the client on the practicality of a swim spa and how it can become their own ‘aquatic gym’ that they can use in the privacy of their backyard.

[5]Jennifer Gannon is a second generation business owner who operates BonaVista LeisureScapes, an outdoor living store in Toronto. She studied English at the University of Western Ontario and has been with BonaVista for more than 15 years before and after a career as an account director at two Canadian advertising agencies. The company is a family-owned and operated business with more than 45 years of experience in custom concrete water projects, backyard spas, and water features. She can be reached via e-mail at jennifer@bonavistapools.com[6].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/health-and-exercise-are-key-selling-points-for-retailers-offering-swim-spas/

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