What is an Endless Pool and How Much Do They Cost?
What is an Endless Pool?
An endless pool is a compact, self-contained swimming pool designed to provide a continuous current for swimming in place against a flow of water. Unlike traditional pools, an endless pool swim spa allows users to enjoy a swim workout without needing a large space. Also known as resistance swim spas, these small exercise pools are ideal for fitness, rehabilitation, and relaxation and are a popular choice for homeowners with limited garden space.
Endless pools are equipped with counter current swimming units which provide a current for the swimmer to swim against continuously whilst remaining in the same place within the pool. The counter current units offer adjustable speeds to suit different swimming abilities. Whether you are a professional swimmer, someone who enjoys a leisurely swim, or someone in need of gentle rehabilitation, an endless swimming pool can cater to your needs. Endless pools can be installed indoors or outdoors, making them suitable for year-round use.
How big and deep is an endless pool?
One of the biggest advantages of an endless pool is its customisable size and the ability to have a full swimming experience within a much smaller space than typical pools. The ideal size measures 2.6m by 5m, making them much smaller than a traditional swimming pool, but large enough to swim comfortably against a counter current.
The depth of an endless pool usually ranges between 1m and 1.35m, though deeper options are available for those who require extra depth for activities like aqua aerobics or rehabilitation. Every endless swim spa we build is bespoke and unique to each customer, depending on the intended use and the users requirements.
How do endless pools work?
The key feature of an endless pool is its adjustable current, which is generated by a counter current unit installed at the edge of the pool. This creates a smooth, steady flow of water that allows swimmers to swim in place, much like a treadmill for swimming. The current's intensity can be adjusted to accommodate different skill levels, from gentle flows for beginners or injury recovery to strong currents for competitive swimmers.
A counter current unit can also be fitted into an existing pool or hot tub too! If you have a pool big enough to allow for swimming on the spot, we can fit a counter current swimming unit and transform it into an endless swimming pool. We work with a range of counter current units including hydraulic, electric turbine or electric water pumps - the recommended unit would depend on the size of your pool, intended usage, budget and other factors.
A SpaFlo resistance swim spa combines the benefits of an endless pool with those of a traditional hot tub spa, offering hydrotherapy jets for relaxation in the opposite side of the pool to the counter current. This makes them a great option for exercise, leisure, and recovery & rehabilitation and a luxury feature in any home or commercial spa.
What are the different types of counter current swimming machines?
Hydraulic
A hydraulic counter current uses a powerful hydraulic pump to generate a strong current of water via a large propeller. This creates a deep and wide current which is powerful and ideal for strong or competitive swimmers. Hydraulic units are one of the quietest type of counter current units as the pump can be located away from the pool.
Electric Turbine
An electric turbine swimming machine uses an electric motor to drive a turbine to generate a current of water. In recent years these turbines have caught up and surpassed the power from hydraulic machines. These can range in cost from around £5,000 to £25,000 depending on size, power and whether they are recessed or retrofit.
Electric Water Pump
Electric water pump units use an electric motor to drive a water pump which generates a current of water. These produce a standard level of power, suitable for the majority of private endless pools for casual swimming, water aerobics and rehabilitation.
How much does an endless pool cost?
The cost of an endless pool depends on various factors such as size, features, and installation requirements. Much like our bespoke hot tubs and spas, there are a lot of things to consider beyond the cost of the pool itself, such as planning, landscaping, power and water connections, safety equipment, difficulty of installation and how bespoke your pool design is.
For a SpaFlo bespoke endless pool, we recommend a starting budget of £45,000 plus VAT, depending how customised your swim spa is and where it will be installed.
How much does it cost to run an endless pool?
So how much does it cost to run an Endless Pool? The monthly running costs can be between £50-£100, depending on heating type, filtration method, cover installed and usage.
Heating the pool can be one of the biggest expenses, particularly in colder months and if the pool is located outside. However, stainless steel endless pools can be more efficient as we make use of energy-efficient insulation and heating systems to help reduce running costs. Using a pool cover is essential when the pool is not in use, they help retain heat and lower energy consumption as 80% of heat loss comes from the surface of the water.
Are endless pools worth it?
Are endless pools worth the investment? The answer depends on your needs. If you want a pool for fitness, relaxation, or rehabilitation, an endless pool offers a space-saving, cost-effective alternative to a full-sized swimming pool. With their adjustable current, compact size, and year-round usability, they provide great value for many users.
Endless pools can have all of the same luxurious features of a hot tub or spa, with hydrotherapy water jets, lighting, seating and steps. This makes an endless resistance swim spa a versatile pool for your home or spa, offering the dual benefit of both relaxation and exercise.
If you would like to discuss a bespoke endless pool or spa, get in touch with us at SpaFlo.
