Therapy pools have emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of rehabilitation and physical therapy, offering individuals a safe and effective way to enhance their healing process and improve their overall well-being. These purpose-built pools provide a unique therapeutic environment, combining warm water, buoyancy, and specialized features to promote healing, relieve pain, and restore mobility.
Whether recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking relief from everyday stress, therapy pools offer a range of benefits that can positively impact physical, emotional, and mental health. In this article, we will delve into the world of therapy pools, exploring their advantages, applications, and the profound impact they can have on individuals’ quality of life.
Benefits of Therapy Pools
Some of the benefits of therapy pools are:
- They allow buoyancy, which reduces the impact of gravity on the body and makes movement easier and less painful.
- They provide hydrostatic pressure, which improves blood circulation and reduces swelling and inflammation.
- They offer resistance, which can be adjusted by changing the speed or direction of movement, or by using equipment such as paddles or jets. Resistance can help build muscle strength and endurance.
- They have warm water, which relaxes the muscles and nerves, increases flexibility and range of motion, and soothes soreness and stiffness.
Types of Therapy Pools
There are different types of therapy pools available for different purposes and settings. Some of the common types are:
| Type | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrotherapy pools | – Flat or variable depth floor – Handrails, steps, or ramps for easy access – Seats or benches for resting or seated exercises – Optional treadmill or deep well for more intensity | – Flat or variable depth floor – Handrails, steps or ramps for easy access – Seats or benches for resting or seated exercises – Optional treadmill or deep well for more intensity |
| Training pools | Pools designed for high-performance training and conditioning. They usually have a strong water current that can simulate swimming in open water or provide resistance for other exercises. | – Flat or variable depth floor – Paddlewheel or propeller current technology – Multiple performance zones for different exercises – Optional treadmill or deep well for more intensity |
| Plunge pools | Pools designed for recovery and revitalization. They usually have cold water (10-15°C or 50-60°F) or hot water (38-40°C or 100-104°F) that can create a contrast effect when alternated with each other or with a therapy pool. | – Small size – Pre-assembled or modular design – Zero-entry lift option – Optional jets or bubbles |
How to Choose a Therapy Pool
Choosing a therapy pool depends on several factors, such as:
- The purpose and goals of the therapy pool
- The space and budget available
- The number and type of users
- The features and options desired
- The maintenance and operation costs
Some of the questions to ask when choosing a therapy pool are:
- What are the benefits and outcomes expected from the therapy pool?
- How much space is available for the therapy pool installation?
- How many people will use the therapy pool at a time?
- What are the accessibility and safety requirements for the users?
- What are the preferred water temperature, depth, current and pressure settings?
- What are the additional features or equipment needed, such as treadmills, jets, seats, etc.?
- How much does the therapy pool cost to purchase, install, operate, and maintain?
How do I maintain my therapy pool?
Maintaining your therapy pool is important for your health and safety, as well as the performance and durability of your pool. Here are some general tips on how to maintain your therapy pool:
- Drain and clean your therapy pool after each use, and disinfect the surfaces and components with an EPA-registered product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you use a tub liner or an inflatable tub, clean and disinfect them after each use as well.
- If you don’t have an EPA-registered product for water treatment, you can add sodium hypochlorite (bleach) to the water. The recommended chlorine residual levels are 15 ppm for small hydrotherapy tanks and tubs, and 2-5 ppm for whirlpools and whirlpool spas.
- Check the pH level of the water regularly and adjust it if needed. The ideal pH range is 7.2-7.8. If the pH is too high or too low, it can affect the effectiveness of chlorine and cause irritation to your skin and eyes.
- Monitor the water temperature and keep it at a comfortable and safe level. The recommended temperature range is 92-100°F (33-38°C) for most therapy pools, but it may vary depending on your condition and preference. However, within a commercial facility, the water should be kept at 104°F (40°C) or lower to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion.
- Conduct a risk assessment of yourself before using a large therapy pool, and avoid using it if you have draining wounds or fecal incontinence until your condition resolves.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for other maintenance tasks, such as replacing filters, testing water quality, cleaning jets, etc.
- Consult a professional if you encounter any problems or issues with your therapy pool.
How often should I replace the water in my therapy pool?
The frequency of replacing the water in your therapy pool depends on several factors, such as:
- The type and size of your therapy pool
- The number and condition of the users
- The quality and treatment of the water
- The manufacturer’s recommendations
As a general rule, you should replace the water in your therapy pool at least once a year, or more often if the water quality deteriorates or becomes contaminated. Some signs that indicate you need to replace the water are:
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Persistent or unpleasant odors
- High levels of bacteria or other microorganisms
- High levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) or chloramines
- Difficulty in maintaining the proper pH and chlorine levels
To replace the water in your therapy pool, you should follow these steps:
- Drain the water completely from the pool and dispose of it safely according to local regulations
- Clean and disinfect the pool surfaces and components with an EPA-registered product according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Refill the pool with fresh water and adjust the temperature, pH, and chlorine levels as needed
- Test the water quality regularly and keep a log of the results
What are some ways to prevent contamination of my therapy pool?
Some ways to prevent contamination of your therapy pool are:
- Conduct a risk assessment of yourself and other users before using the pool, and avoid using it if you have draining wounds, fecal incontinence, diarrhea, vomiting, or any other infectious condition.
- Shower with soap and water before and after using the pool to remove any dirt, sweat, cosmetics, or other substances that could contaminate the water.
- Do not swallow the pool water or spit in the pool2.
- Do not urinate or defecate in the pool2.
- Do not bring any food, drinks, glass containers, or pets into the pool area.
- Store and handle the pool chemicals safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety data sheets (SDSs) when handling the chemicals.
- Keep the pool chemicals away from children, animals, and any other substances that could cause a chemical reaction.
- Monitor and maintain the proper pH and chlorine levels in the water regularly. The recommended pH range is 7.2-7.8 and the recommended chlorine residual levels are 15 ppm for small hydrotherapy tanks and tubs, and 2-5 ppm for whirlpools and whirlpool spas.
- Test the water quality regularly for bacteria and other microorganisms. Use a laboratory accredited by UKAS for testing pool waters and follow the sampling and analysis procedures correctly.
- Drain, clean, and disinfect the pool after each use, or at least once a week, with an EPA-registered product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
Therapy pools are warm pools used for exercise and rehabilitation for various medical conditions. They can also be used for athletic training, wellness, and relaxation. Therapy pools offer many benefits, such as buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, resistance, and warm water. There are different types of therapy pools available, such as hydrotherapy pools, training pools, and plunge pools. Choosing a therapy pool depends on several factors, such as the purpose, space, budget, users, and features of the pool.