When people think about having a pool at home or in their back garden, the first thought might be a traditional lap pool or a larger traditional pool. But if you are looking for a pool for purely swimming you could consider a more versatile and compact alternative. An endless pool perhaps? But if you are wondering what is an endless pool. This post can help. A really innovative solution for swimmers, an endless pool offers something for everyone. So we thought we’d pull together some useful information about these pools. Everything you need to know about what they are, their cost, functionality, and the benefits they bring to your indoor or outdoor area.
What is an Endless Pool?
An endless pool is a modular pool system equipped with a current system that allows people to swim in place. It’s like swimming in open water, against the current. People love endless pools because, unlike traditional pools, it doesn't require a large area. You’ll find that its compact size makes it ideal for indoor installations, small back gardens, or even areas with limited room. Sounds like the dream pool for anyone needed a pool for regular swims.
The reason why people love endless pools is not only because of their space-saving size but also because of the adjustable current, which creates a steady stream of water. This current is powered, which ensures a smooth current for swimmers of all skill levels. Whether you're a competitive swimmer looking for the perfect pace or someone who enjoys recreational swimming, an endless pool is perfect for perfecting your stroke.
The Benefits of Endless Pools
Year-Round Use
You’ll find that one of the biggest benefits of a swimming pool like an endless pool is the fact that it can be used all year round. If you choose to install it inside or even select an insulation system on your pool, you will be able to swim, even in the cold months – unless, of course, you prefer that icy arctic feel – just like a real outdoor swim in the north of Scotland!
Fitness and Therapy
For those who enjoy a bit of sport and fitness, an endless pool can offer you a variety of swim workouts.
Competitive swimmers can train at current speeds that match their ability, while beginners can start at a gentler pace. It’s really flexible and versatile depending on how you want to swim. You’ll find that it’s also a great tool for aquatic therapy, helping people with injuries or physical limitations. It’s often a suggestion by physical therapists for those who require rehabilitation. This is down to an endless pool’s adjustable current and optional underwater treadmill.
Compact and Flexible Design
Unlike traditional pools, the compact size of an endless pool will help you when it comes to fitting it into a space where a traditional lap pool wouldn't. This makes them a great way to enjoy swimming without needing much space. You’ll also find that the manufacturers have designed them in a way where it allows you to customise exactly what you want from your pool - whether you're looking for an indoor installation or an outdoor pool.
Hydrotherapy and Relaxation
With hydrotherapy jets and hydromassage jets, endless pools can double as therapy pools. People love them as they can also be used for relaxation and relief of sore muscles. This makes them perfect for unwinding after a workout.
Cost-Effective Option
If you are looking around and comparing prices, you’ll find that the cost will vary depending on what additional features you want from your pool. Compared with a traditional swimming pool, you will find that this option will eliminate excavation costs and overall they require less maintenance than traditional pools. Their filtration system and innovative water quality tech will help keep operating costs lower for you. That’s good to hear, isn’t it?
How Endless Pools Work
An endless pool’s functionality revolves pretty much entirely around its propulsion system. The current system in an endless pool creates a steady stream of water. You’ll find that this can be easily adjusted for faster speeds or slower flows, depending on what you want to get out of your swim.
When shopping around for an endless pool, you’ll discover that some models use swim jets, while others rely on a hydro drive for a smoother, more consistent current during your swim. This feature, combined with others like top jets, bottom jets, and other more customised jet configurations will provide you with a realistic, challenging and invigorating swim.
Endless Pools vs. Swim Spas
Endless swim spas are similar to endless pools but incorporate features of a hot tub. They often include hydrotherapy jets and are ideal for relaxation and swim workouts. Several top brands offer the features of an endless pool and a hot tub or swim spa in one. That way you can combine fitness and relaxation in one.
While both options provide excellent features and versatility, an endless pool will be better suited for someone who is looking for a good swim using the best tech available. An endless pool is better equipped to mimic open-water swimming. Swim spas or ones equipped with a hot tub feature are ideal for anyone looking for a mix of fitness and relaxation as you can use the pool for either. It’s best to think about what you want to use your pool before committing to one or the other.
Types and Features of Endless Pools
Endless Pool
An endless pool as it stands is just that. A pool which has a vinyl liner and an adjustable current. You can choose which size you want for the space you have. You’ll find it’s a good choice for those who want it indoors or if you are having it in a small space.
Fitness Systems
These are pools which combine a standard current pool with extra features. This might include something like an underwater treadmill. These are great for those who are upping their game fitness-wise or even those who need a pool for rehabilitation.
Advanced Features
If you are a competitive swimmer who needs to train or simply just someone who likes an intensive swim workout, the advanced features of an endless pool could offer you higher current speeds and advanced jet configurations.
Swim Spa Pools
For those who value relaxation as much as a good swim, you might want to have a look at an endless pool with a hot tub or spa feature. Pools that can be used in this way, come with hydromassage jets, acrylic shells, and features like an innovative design and a good insulation system for year-round use.
Installation and Maintenance
You’ll find that a pool like this is actually quite easy to install due to its modular pool design. They can be placed on a flat surface or installed in-ground, depending on your preferences and the space you have available.
Installation Details
- Power Requirements: An endless pool will require it to be powered by the mains.
- Water Temperature: You’ll love that you can control the water temperature to create the ideal environment for swimming or relaxation.
- Filtration System: Make sure you choose a pool that has a good filtration system so you’ll always have clean water with minimal maintenance. That way you can spend more time swimming and less time getting your pool ready.
Maintenance Tips
Endless pools are known for their great tech and innovative water quality systems, which reduce the time and effort needed for upkeep. You’ll want to ensure that you do some regular maintenance. Things like checking the filtration system, adjusting the water flow, and ensuring the pool's jets and current system are functioning as you would expect. Address any issues early on and your pool will provide you with many happy swims or hours of relaxation.
Cost of A Pool
This is a tricky subject because it will depend on the brand you choose, the model you buy, any additional features, and how much you customise it. Prices typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of pounds. It’s a big spend, so ensure you do your research first.
As it’s a quality, bespoke pool, you should ask the manufacturer what packages or discounts they could offer. Keep an eye out for sales or bundles which could save you money. Think about what you want and what you need and then price it all up.
Choosing the Right Pool For You
When researching a pool for your home or garden, you will want to think about the following things -
- How much space do you have for installation? Is your home or garden big enough for a pool or will an endless pool be better suited for the space?
- Are you looking for fitness, relaxation, or both?
- What would you be happy spending on your pool?
- It’s worth thinking about the placement of your pool and how noisy it will be for you and your neighbours. There are quieter options on offer.
Why An Endless Pool?
An endless pool is a really good way to level up your swimming fitness and one of the best forms of exercise. You can relax and spend quality time with loved ones whilst using your pool and you don’t even need a huge space to enjoy a pool at home or in your garden. Their compact size, adjustable current, and innovative design make them an excellent addition to any swimmer’s home.
Where To Try One Out
There are only a few places in the UK equipped with an endless pool, as they are more commonly found in people’s homes. Some retailers offer an opportunity to try them out.
Executive Leisure in Yorkshire provides the opportunity to test their in-house Endless Pool. You’ll find that they are one of the UK’s specialists when it comes to installing these types of pools.
Planscapes Leisure Ltd in Warwickshire has a local showroom where customers can experience the functionality of an endless pool. They can also talk you through what you might want to think about if you are looking to buy one.
Malpelo Pools which are based in the North West, West Midlands, and North Wales offer lots of pool options including endless pools. You can contact them to book a test swim. They specialise in home fitness and hydrotherapy solutions.
With locations across the UK, HotSpring World offers demonstrations of these types of pools and can help you choose the right model for fitness, relaxation, or family use. Their showrooms are a good place to try out the pools firsthand.
Located in Oakham, Oceanos Pools is one of the key places to go in the UK for an endless pool. They offer demos to visitors and can help when researching what you want from a pool.
Some fitness or therapy centres might have an endless pool for either rehabilitation or training. You will find that this isn’t that common, but you can always ask. Phone centres near you that focus on aquatic therapy or swimming training and you might get lucky.