Existing pools
Many of the estimated 8 million pools in North America and are excellent candidates for a retrofitted system jet system. A retrofit system can be mounted over the wall of most pools and comes with the pump, jet, control box and mounting hardware. The advantage of a retrofit swim system is that it requires no additional equipment. The installer only needs to figure out proper placement and find an adequate electrical supply. These systems can be easily installed because it comes in a compact one piece molded body and has not protruding parts ensuring pool users’ safety.
When installing a swim jet system on an existing pool, one must take into consideration existing features that may limit jet placement options. Also, an over-the-deck retrofit swim jet system typically comes with only one jet. A retrofit in-wall system can be added to existing concrete or gunite pools, though some extra work and renovation will need to be completed.
For an over-the-wall swim jet system, it is recommended that distance between the retrofit swim system unit and the control box be at least (5 ft). Some items to consider when placing a retrofit swim system on a pool are:
- Location of the main wiring and service pane;
- Distance between the unit and its control box;
- Location of an installation point that provides plenty of space, allowing people to easily walk around the swim system;
- Pool size. Much like new construction systems, retrofits can be added to any pool or spa, though the same minimum recommendations apply; and
- Location of the control box, which must be placed in an easily accessible location, allowing the user to easily check the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Nozzles should be set in such a way that the stream of water from each jet intersects and breaks the water surface 1.2 m (4 ft) away from the jets.
In areas subject to freezing water temperatures, swim systems can be protected by draining water levels below the jet housing and protecting the jet pump by draining it and removing drain and filler plugs.
Boost the bottom line
What does this all mean for you? A swim jet system can be added to a pool project for a minimal cost and result in strong profits for you. Of course, whether the jets are being added to an existing pool, are part of a new residential pool construction job or part of a large aquatic project, you are giving the consumer an aquatic fitness bonus and truly making the pool into a lifestyle enhancer. A swim jet system could be the perfect present to keep that New Year’s resolution.
| THE BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY |
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| As the North American population ages, hydrotherapy is being used more and more for rehabilitation. As a result, swim jet systems are becoming more popular and are being installed in both residential and commercial pool and spa applications. The health benefits of working out in an aquatic environment are considerable. Swimming works the entire body, improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, endurance, posture and flexibility. Swimming improves the body’s use of oxygen without overworking the heart, making it particularly beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, swimming strengthens the lungs and promotes weight loss through the formation of lean muscle groups. To relax after a workout, some manufacturers offer a massage hose with a spinning pulsator that can be attached to the jet. This hose produces a stream of pulsating water that can be targeted to sore muscles and joints to soothe and revive them. |
Jeff Sanchez is national sales manager for Speck Pumps, a pump manufacturer based in Jacksonville, Fla. He can be reached at j.sanchez@speck-pumps.com.
