Construction for Hydrotherapy Pools

Let’s face it – most physical therapists are not construction engineers, material experts, or maintenance managers.  Once you have made the decision to add a hydrotherapy pool to your list of modalities, how do you determine which type of pool to purchase?

There are four major type of construction for hydrotherapy pools: built in place (also known as a Gunite pool); molded fiberglass; vinyl liner; and pre-built tile.  While there is no perfect solution to construction type, it is helpful to understand the pro’s and con’s of each type prior to making a decision.  Whichever you choose, you will be living with the decision on a daily basis.

Gunite pools can be built after a building is framed in, and the surface has a reasonable life expectancy.  Workstation design is typically limited, and propulsion systems are also limited.  While basic hydrotherapy can be practiced in a Gunite pool (often at a hotel or a fitness center), the lack of propulsion and workstations limits the impact of this investment.

One might say that the development of contemporary aquatic therapy was ushered in through the development of the fiberglass pool.  Using this technology, the pool is shaped to include a range of integrated workstations, steps, and propulsion.  Aquatic treadmills have recently been added to many of these pools, giving them more capability.  Drawbacks include the need for periodic resurfacing, limited floor space and patient capacity, and a non-clinical appearance.

Vinyl liner hydrotherapy pools are built using a framework of steel sheets over which is placed sheets of vinyl.  Very popular recently, these pools can be installed in buildings where access is limited, they can be very cost-effective, and they come in a wide range of sizes.  Drawbacks include many health agencies will not approve them, the liners sage and need periodic replacement, and the design precludes both workstations and true propulsion.

Pre-built tile hydrotherapy pools are a unibody construction finished with tile that can be built in any form and shape.  Properly built with the right materials, a pre-built tile therapy pool will last more than twenty (20) years, they typically have significant flat bottom floor space, and easily incorporate various workstations, deep wells, and propulsion systems.  Drawbacks include an opening required to set the pool into place.

There is a choice in therapy pools that you will live with for many years.  Inform yourself by talking to a wide range of manufacturers.  You are invited to visit www.visionaquatics.com.  For more information and pricing, you may contact Doug Gregory either at doug@visionaquatics.com or at 616.957.4819.