Relax in a spa pool

Press, 16 September 1976, Page 13

Relax in a spa pool

Many people regard spa pools as an integral part of a swimming pool complex. While this combination of facilities is fairly common, more and more people are installing an individual spa pool in their basements, garages or are allowing for their inclusion when planning a new house or when renovating their premises. Spa pools are small pools full of hot, aerated water activated by a combination of air and hydrojets, which create turbulence and which circulate the water around the pool at a temperature of around 40 degrees Centigrade. This type of hot water

massage, called hydro therapy, is claimed to ease soreness or stiffness associated with certain kinds of rheumatic and . muscular stress complaints.

Most spa pools have a water capacity of between 200 and 300 gallons so that electricity consumption is kept to a minimum. if the pool is covered when not is use, heat loss is minimised, reducing the cost of maintaining the hot water temperature, which is usually less than $2 per week for average use. Larger pools can accommodate up to six people. The average family-sized pool pictured left can accommodate two adults and two children. Materials and construction methods vary, but usually the materials used are either concrete or fibreglass. The more sophisticated models are constructed with polyeurathane foam insulation laminated into the fibreglass so that there is a} high level of heat retention.

Accessory equipment includes heating and filtration units, with a pump which circulates and helps to activate water when the pool is in use. Some pools are supplied with underwater lights, mosaic tiles and aerated jets around the sides as optional extras.