The benefits of hydrotherapy are well known. From recovery from traumatic injuries to mobility problems, movement in water can be a vital aspect of pain management, rehabilitation and physical well-being.
So, it’s no surprise that we get many enquiries about installing home hydrotherapy pools. It’s a huge project with lots of considerations that you need to make.
This blog will help you understand what a home hydrotherapy pool is and whether investing in one is right for you.
The Therapeutic Benefits Of Hydrotherapy
The benefits of hydrotherapy are broad and include…
Pain Management
Warm water and buoyancy help to relax the muscles and support the body. Hydrotherapy can relieve pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic conditions.
Improved Mobility and Flexibility
Moving in water provides consistent gentle resistance, meaning the body can get stronger, improving mobility and flexibility over time. Being in water also helps to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Warm water helps us to physically relax. Physical relaxation can significantly help reduce stress levels, encourage relaxation, and relieve tension.
Other Benefits
Hydrotherapy can benefit a wide range of individuals, including those with disabilities, illnesses, chronic pain and injuries. It can improve your quality of sleep, enhance cardiovascular health and support emotional and mental wellness.
Assessing Your Needs and Priorities
Hydrotherapy pools aren’t cheap. Before you consider investing in a home hydrotherapy pool, it’s important to look at your needs and see if the addition would be a worthwhile investment.
Medical Conditions
Hydrotherapy is versatile. Some of the health conditions it can help with include:
- Circulatory problems
- Respiratory issues
- Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Rehabilitation after injury.
Remember: If you are engaging in hydrotherapy for a specific health condition, you must consult with a doctor or OT first to ensure it is appropriate and beneficial.
Frequency Of Use
How often do you anticipate using the home hydrotherapy pool? This will help determine if the investment is worthwhile.
If, for example, your recovery from an injury will be short, it may not be worthwhile to spend out on a permanent fixture like a home hydrotherapy pool.
Budget
Think about how much money you are willing to spend on buying and installing a home hydrotherapy pool. Pools vary in cost depending on size, features, and installation requirements. They also incur ongoing maintenance costs; be realistic about your budget.
Space Requirements
Do you have the necessary space for the pool, equipment and access?
The size of the pool itself will be guided by the space you have and what you’ll be using it for. The smallest home hydrotherapy pool is 5.4m2, which is suitable for 2 people, and it should run 1.2 – 1.5 metres deep.
And it’s not just the pool you’ve got to think about; hydrotherapy pools also require space for a plant room. The plant room is a space that houses all of the systems that keep the pool operational, like heating, filtration and ventilation systems.
Cost Considerations
How much a home hydrotherapy pool costs is the top consideration for many families. So, how much does a hydrotherapy pool cost?
Pool Cost
Hydrotherapy pools can start anywhere from £95,000 to more than £350,000. Additional features like jets, swim currents and access aids raise the overall cost.
Installation Cost
There are different types of hydrotherapy pools, and they require varying levels of technical installation. Tiled pools are cheaper to buy but involve higher labour costs, whereas stainless steel pools are quicker and simpler to put up.
Ongoing Costs
There are several ongoing costs for home hydrotherapy pools.
- Maintenance. Servicing hydro pool equipment will add to annual costs but is a crucial part of ensuring the longevity of your pool.
- Energy requirements. Heating the water, operating the pumps and filtering the water takes a lot of electricity.
- Water treatment. The pool water system will require regular cleaning, filtration and chemical balancing.
A Hydrotherapy Pool & Your Home
Have you thought about the suitability of your home to a new hydrotherapy pool?
Will the pool sit in the ground or on top of it?
Not all homes have the space, but some families can adapt an existing room or build a purpose-built space to house a home hydrotherapy pool.
Where will you put yours?
Who Can Help With Installing A Home Hydrotherapy Pool?
You might be wondering what the next step is once you’ve decided to buy a home hydrotherapy pool. How do you get it up and running and ready to use?
Before buying, an occupational therapist can assess your individual needs and recommend specific features or adaptations that will suit your situation. Your OT will evaluate your health conditions, highlight limitations, and address safety concerns to ensure that a home hydrotherapy pool will be a valuable addition.
OTs may also be able to offer help with guidance on purchasing and show you how to use the pool and its features.
Once you know what you need, look for hydrotherapy pool specialists, just like the John Ford Group. We have years of knowledge and experience in sourcing and installing home hydrotherapy pools and will ensure your hydrotherapy pool is a worthwhile investment.
Hydrotherapy At Home Can Boost Quality Of Life
Hydrotherapy offers many health benefits, and investing in a home hydrotherapy pool is a personal decision with the potential for a significant improvement in life quality.
The John Ford Group specialises in home adaptations, including hydrotherapy pool installation. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.