Swimming Pools for Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy pools create a controlled environment using heat and water movement. This has typically been used by athletes or patients to support training or treatment, respectively. Hydrotherapy pools are also becoming increasingly common in residential settings as an option to relax, exercise, and recover.
In this article, we explain the key features which set hydrotherapy pools apart from standard swimming pools, the potential benefits of hydrotherapy, and use cases for these types of pools across sectors.
What is Hydrotherapy and how does it work?
Hydrotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that uses warm water and water jets, along with the buoyancy of the body, to aid recovery. Staying in the warm pool water helps improve flexibility by allowing muscles and joints to relax. Almost all hydrotherapy pools are also outfitted with massage jets, which are used to massage specific parts of the body for targeted relief.
The result is that people who have been advised to perform regular stretches or exercises can do so without pain or strain. Hydrotherapy pools can also help improve circulation to help with both fitness and health goals.
What is a Hydrotherapy Pool?
Pools for hydrotherapy will typically keep water between 33℃ and 36℃, which is warmer than a traditional swimming pool. They’re closely monitored to maintain this temperature, as recommended by the Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP). Hydrotherapy pools can come in many shapes and sizes, depending on the setting. Oftentimes, they’re indoor pools situated in sports or medical facilities, with shallow steps and a large handrail.
Design features of effective hydrotherapy pools
While hydrotherapy pools might appear the same as any other type of medium-sized pool, there are significant differences in the technology they employ. You may also find design elements to make the pool easier to use, such as slanting surfaces, high-grip materials, and integrated seating. Equipment and accessories for hydrotherapy pools include:
Filters
One of the most important features of a hydrotherapy pool is a robust filtration system, as this is essential for maintaining strict hygiene standards. Although there isn’t official legislation governing water quality for hydrotherapy pools, guidance is set out by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG). Microbiological tests should be carried out regularly to assess the water quality of the pool.
Due to the high volume of people who often use hydrotherapy pools each day, modern swimming pool filters are required to prevent contamination. The pool must undergo frequent backwashing to avoid a buildup of oils, particulates, and debris. Using a system with sand or glass filter media will allow for faster and less frequent backwashing.
Heaters and heat pumps
To maintain a consistent 33℃ to 36℃ temperature, hydrotherapy pools must have a reliable heating system. This is essential to the function of the pool, as well as ensuring proper hygiene and a pleasant user experience.Heat pumps are by far the most energy-efficient option for these pools, utilising heat from the outside air to provide cost-effective heating throughout the year.
Another benefit of heat pumps is that they’re much quieter than traditional gas heaters, which adds to the relaxing atmosphere of hydrotherapy pools. The Mr Perfect heat pump from Aquark is record-breaking for noise, while being able to comfortably heat water to 40℃. Inverpad Turbo technology ensures this heat pump maintains a high performance even when the weather turns frigid.
Handrails and ladders
Stainless steel handrails and ergonomic ladders are a mainstay of hydrotherapy pools for accessibility and safety purposes. Users need maximum control when completing rehabilitation exercises. These features are often combined with anti-slip materials and clear markings to make the pool environment as safe as possible.
Lighting
Most pools designed for hydrotherapy will be outfitted with appropriate intensity LED pool lighting, either in strips or as clusters of individual lights. This is essential to support physiotherapy activities, as it allows users to clearly see where their body is positioned below the water.
Massage jets
Sets of small water jets provide gentle pressure to those using the pool. These hydro-air stations feature in hydrotherapy pools to provide pain relief, relaxation, and improved circulation. They can also come in various configurations to target different areas of the body. For instance, plates can be mounted on the floor or pool walls, and air beds allow for a full-body massage. The user can control the jet’s intensity, ensuring the pressure is at a level that’s beneficial to recovery.
Stainless steel fittings
As is the case with all types of swimming pools, stainless steel pool fittings can serve an aesthetic and practical function. Inlets, drains, skimmers, cover grilles and other shell fittings must be appropriate for the size and shape of the hydrotherapy pool. Ultimately, these pools are more concerned with functionality over appearance, especially when used in a medical setting.
Installing a hydrotherapy pool can be challenging due to the abundance of features and the indoor setting. However, this can be somewhat overcome when accessories are pre-fitted to the shell before installation. At Paramount Pools, we can provide tailor-made hydrotherapy pools that are delivered in one piece, complete with factory-fitted equipment and accessories. Contact us to discuss your pool requirements.
Bespoke One-piece Hydrotherapy Pool Example
The design brief for this project was to create a 5.40m x 2.40m free-standing pool insulated to Part L standards and incorporating an Aquamatic Safety Cover. Other features included:
- Massage stations – 10 side wall jets, 8 bench seat jets.
- 330mm x 330mm square plate floor hydro station with 1.5kW air blower.
- Wall fittings – spa skimmer, wall inlet, low side suction, vac point.
- LED lighting system.
- Entrance/exit handrail.
- GRP housing for Aquamatic cover.
Quality standards for hydrotherapy pools
In the UK and internationally, hydrotherapy pools are subject to strict design, construction, and upkeep standards. This includes:
Health Technical Memorandum 08-03: Bedhead Services – specifically, ‘memorandum 07-04: Water management and water efficiency’. This outlines the key differences in hydrotherapy pools, how they can maximise water efficiency, and the importance of filtering.
BS EN 15288 Parts 1 & 2 – European standards covering safety and operational management for swimming pools for public use. The 15288-1 standard applies to designers, manufacturers, contractors, installers, and swimming pool retailers.
PWTAG Code of Practice – published by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group, this document offers guidance on water quality, disinfection, and operation practices which can be applied to hydrotherapy pools.
HSG179 Guidance – this publication by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) covers health and safety requirements for swimming pools, intended for those in charge of the operation and management of swimming pools.
Aquatic Therapy Association for Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) – the ‘Guidance on Aquatic Physiotherapy’ is designed to enable practitioners to provide safe and effective treatment to patients, whilst also ensuring the safety of those working in the facility.
Building Regulations Swimming Pool – hydrotherapy pools must follow the same building standards associated with regular swimming pools. This includes:
- Part L: conservation of fuel and power – for swimming pools, this largely concerns the use of effective insulation for indoor pools to ensure heating efficiency. Insulation should also be a focus for the building surrounding the pool, as this will help prevent condensation.
- Part P: electrical safety – if the hydrotherapy pool has underwater lighting, or any other kind of integrated electrical systems, it must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.
- Planning Permission – while this won’t typically need to be considered, if you’re intending to install the pool in a listed building, you’ll need to obtain planning permission consent.
Hydrotherapy Pool Installation in Leicester Hospital
One of the jobs we completed was upgrading the 40㎥ Leicester hospital hydrotherapy pool. Hospital patients would use the pool five days a week, frequently with 4-6 patients each hour, so any delays in the pool’s operation would lead to significant disruption.
The solution we settled on was the Waterco SPDD1200 Nozzle Plate Filter, as testing confirmed the glass pearl filter media could filter material as small as 3 microns. Another bonus of this filter media is easy maintenance, as it requires less frequent backwashing than other types, including sand and crushed glass.
Weekly microbiological tests carried out by the hospital returned no issues with the filtration system. It also continued to demonstrate an impressive filtration rate of 22㎥/h/㎡, along with a backwashing rate of 16㎥/h/㎡.
Uses of hydrotherapy pools
Hydrotherapy pools aren’t just a specialist item reserved for professional athletes. Instead, they can be designed for a wide variety of settings. These include:
Medical settings
Specific clinical uses and common benefits of hydrotherapy include:
- Post-surgery recovery
- Arthritis and other chronic joint conditions
- Rehabilitation following injury or extreme exercise
- Ease of movement and pain relief
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Aiding patients who struggle to complete land-based exercises
Sports & Leisure Centres
Many sports and leisure facilities have hydrotherapy pools, hot tubs, or saunas as ways for people to recover after exercise. These assets help create a hot and humid environment, which allows the body to recover gradually and lets muscles relax. This helps avoid soreness, cramps, and potential injuries post-exercise.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support
Children who fall under the SEND umbrella can sometimes find traditional swimming pools overwhelming and unaccommodating. Hydrotherapy pools allow these children to have a far better swimming pool experience with easier entrance and exit, and complete mobility exercises with less discomfort.
Recreational use
If you’re looking to experience the effects of hydrotherapy at home, a tilestone spa pool can achieve the same effect. Your pool can be tailored to your preferences, as you’re in complete control of the size and shape of the pool, along with the types jets, lighting, heating, cover, railings, and any other accessories. A modern hydrotherapy pool is nearly unmatched as an asset to support your emotional wellbeing, providing relaxation and stress relief all year round.
Install your leading hydrotherapy pool with Paramount Pools
Hydrotherapy can serve as an essential treatment for people with mobility issues or recovering from injury. On the other hand, a hydrotherapy pool can also be a great asset for relaxation and wellness for those who want to enhance their home environment, or to add to the experience of gym goers.
Our dealers operate across the length and breadth of the UK, so a professional installer is never too far away. We aim to minimise the total installation time without compromising on the quality of your hydrotherapy pool, leading to the best results in all areas. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the Paramount range.
FAQs
What are the benefits of a swimming pool for hydrotherapy?
The pools improve blood flow and provide support, relieving soreness, aiding mobility, and reducing anxiety.
Who are swimming pools for hydrotherapy designed for?
A swimming pool for rehabilitation can help people recovering from an injury, older adults, as well as those with long-term health conditions, such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
How long will it take to install a swimming pool for hydrotherapy?
As each project is bespoke, the installation time will vary from project to project. Our expert team of advisors will be able to give you an estimate as to when your pool will be ready for use.
How much does a hydrotherapy swimming pool cost?
Our swimming pools are fully customisable to ensure they meet your needs and specifications. As such, the price of the pool will vary, depending on the type of pool and what accessories you opt for. Our advisors can help you choose the right product to match your project requirements and budget, and determine the cost of your pool.