Overflow Hydrotherapy Pool
An overflow Hydrotherapy Pool is designed to that the entire perimeter of the pool is surrounded by an overflow channel. The channel is typically covered with plastic grating. However, in high-end domestic pools, it is becoming more common to cover the drainage channel with more high-end materials or a luxury finish.
Advantages of an overflow hydrotherapy pool
There are two main advantages to an overflow pool vs skimmer pool:
Filtration efficiency
The primary advantage of overflow is in terms of filtration efficiency. It is generally accepted that the overflow/deck level offer superior filtration. This is because water is taken from the entire perimeter of the pool, not just in selected sections where the skimmers are situated.
While skimmer pools are still designed to turnover the water at an adequate rate for health and safety purposes. Overflow pools will generally have:
- Clearer water
- No scum line within the pool shell
Aesthetic
Many people prefer the aesthetic of the overflow pool in comparison to the skimmer pool as it is a clean line from the water to the edge of the pool, with no gap.
However, this is an entirely personal choice. Therefore typically an overflow pool/deck level is the more expensive of the two options.
Overflow pools tend to be anywhere between 15-20% more expensive than skimmer pools. This is due to the inclusion of the drain channel, the channel cover and the construction and installation of the balance tank.
This channel then leads into a balance tank. A balance tank is an additional holding tank that sits underground, below the pool level. Water from the overflow channel drains into the balance tank.
This water is then fed into the filtrations system, before being pumped back into the hydrotherapy pool. The balance tank is typically made of concrete or plastic. It is capable of holding 15% of the total pool water volume.
The pool does not require a separate balancing tank so is cheaper and quicker to construct for those on a more restrictive budget.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
In a systematic review undertaken in 2011, looking at 8 studies and including 3 randomised controlled trials which showed reported benefits, hydrotherapy was shown to:
- Improve gross motor skills and maintain improvements for three to six months after intervention.
- Improve function including walking efficiency, lower limb muscle strength, balance , respiratory function and reduced spasticity
- Produce positive results for passive range of motion
- Improved performance, satisfaction, social functioning and self-perception
- Improved circulation
- Pain reduction
- Weight-loss support
Other studies supported these improvements in respect of muscle strength, energy expenditure, gross motor function, score and mobility performance in both the home and community environments.
Demystifying the Costs of Hydrotherapy Pools
Let's choose our battles...
The average cost to build a pool, along with the ongoing costs to run one, are on balance not something to overly concern yourself with, when considering weekly hydrotherapy sessions.
When you factor in the cost to hire a pool, send two support staff in the WAV to get the person changed and then dressed, with the cost of care, this is a significant cost…
Let's do the maths
- Average cost of support £15 p/h for three hours round trip = £90 for two support workers.
- Hire of pool = anything from £15 to £25.
- Physiotherapist / lifeguard = £100.
- Total £214 once a week and the evidence suggest more often is beneficial.
Putting this on the scales
1 x a week at £214.00 x 48 weeks = £10,272 per annum.
Life expectancy is say another 40 years.
Cost = £410,880
2 x per week £428.00 x 48 weeks per annum.
If the life expectancy is 40 years.
That’s a staggering £821,760
The price to build a pool? between £70,000 and £200,000 plus running costs which vary between £140 and £280 per month so an average of £210 pm or £2,520 per year x 40 years which adds on £100,800.
Total say £300,000*
Stainless Steel (316L) Construction
All our hydrotherapy pools are made from high-grade stainless steel. Not only does it look great, but it has anti-bacterial properties too!
This reduces any possible risks of infection for vulnerable users – ideal for multi-user environments.
Standard sizes available
Length (m) | width (M) | Depth (m) |
|---|---|---|
2 | 2 | 1.2 |
4 | 3 | 1.2 |
5 | 3 | 1.2 |
5 | 4 | 1.2 |
6 | 4 | 1.2 |
7 | 4 | 1.2 |
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