Category: Swim

Hydrotherapy has become increasingly popular as awareness to the benefits of hydrotherapy versus traditional, land-based therapy come to light. Through products such as the Endless Pools Original model, you can achieve unique results by harnessing the soothing, healing properties of water.

While land-based exercise is the more conventional choice, those who step inside a pool enjoy a variety of clear advantages that can decrease injury risk as well as offer alternative workouts.

It is important to remember that pools aren’t just for swimming. While many gain outstanding results from the ability to swim in their Endless Pools model, aquatic therapy can meet the needs of swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

Here are five distinct benefits to water exercise that you can achieve with the assistance of an Endless Pools installation.

1. BUOYANCY

Depending on water depth, body weight can be reduced up to 90%, greatly reducing joint stress and pain you may experience outside the water. While gravity can make land exercise daunting or even impossible for some, the buoyancy—or upward force—of water will support you and provide an ideal, low-impact workout setting.

2. RESISTANCE

Water will naturally put up a fight and resist movement, providing you with a strenuous workout. Endless Pools also offer swim current and hydrotherapy jet options that enhance resistance. Rather than deal with heavy weights and complicated machines outside of the pool, utilize the natural resistance of water to strengthen your muscles in a safer, more versatile environment.

3. RANGE OF MOTION

The warmth (Endless Pools can be heated up to 90 degrees) of water can enhance your therapy, relaxing your muscles and increasing blood flow to your muscles and joints, providing you the opportunity to improve your flexibility. Develop a greater range of motion to maintain your ability to complete everyday tasks.

4. POOL OPTIONS

Break free from the limitations of land exercise. Inside any Endless Pools model you can swim, run, jog, walk, stretch, work on balance, practice aerobics, and more. The freedom of a low-impact, low-stress, safe environment will allow you to rehabilitate, train, exercise and regenerate your body.

5. FUN

Ever wonder what it would be like to look forward to your exercise routine? Swimming, running, walking, stretching—any type of exercise in the pool takes on a unique, fresh feel when immersed in water. In the crystal clear, soothing water of an Endless Pool, you’ll enjoy your workout and feel good about yourself as you work toward your goals.

ABOUT ENDLESS POOLS

Endless Pools creates experiences and builds exceptional products to deliver them. For home and commercial use, our complete line of pools, swim spas, and accessories reimagine the power of water. Endless Pools products are used daily in over 100 countries for family fun, therapy, fitness, and swimming. Established in 1988, Endless Pools is now part of Watkins Manufacturing Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fortune 500 company, Masco Corporation (MAS).

This article was originally published on EndlessPools.com

Many homeowners dream of owning their own pool. They picture themselves staying fit by exercising, entertaining around the pool, and relaxing in a calm retreat where the whole family can spend time together. While there are numerous benefits to investing in a pool, in many places swim season is limited to the warm summer months. In these areas, owners of traditional in-ground pools are lucky to be able to swim four months of the year without paying to heat their pool. That fact causes many to second-guess their goal of pool ownership.

Here’s some good news! You don’t have to give up on your dream pool, and swim season doesn’t have to end when the temperature drops. Endless Pools offers a variety of models and options that make it possible to experience the benefits of an at-home pool all year long.

INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, ENDLESS POOLS OFFER A COST-EFFECTIVE, PRACTICAL SOLUTION

While in-ground pools take up a lot of space and are expensive to keep warm in cold weather, Endless Pools models are compact and can be equipped with insulating covers to lock in heat, making them more cost effective to keep warm.

For added versatility, Endless Pools offers a variety of models that can be installed indoors or outdoors. An indoor pool room might seem like a luxury, but compact models like our Original Series, WaterWell®, and Streamline® pools can be a cost effective and practical solution for a basement, game-room, indoor spa, or covered patio.

For years, Leland and Wendy of Spokane, Washington exercised daily in their basement Original model. Now, they’re designing their new home to include their second indoor Endless Pools purchase, this time an E550 swim spa.

“We dreamed of having an indoor pool for several years, and when we started a renovation project for our basement in 2010, we designed it around an Endless Pools [Original] model. We have never regretted it, and at least one of us has used it almost every day since. So, when we decided to build a new home last year, we again designed it to include an indoor Endless Pools [E550]. We even had to install it before the house was fully framed, and our new neighbors quickly became curious and then envious. We’re hoping to live out our retirement years getting wet and healthy.”

Bert had a list of reasons for installing an Endless Pools Original model in the basement of his South Carolina home. His property is deep in the woods, but with an indoor pool, leaves and debris are never an issue. He also appreciates the convenience and privacy of his basement pool room, but most important is the fact that his Endless Pools retreat is always comfortable and accessible, through South Carolina’s blistering heat waves to its rare snowfalls.

“I can swim 365 (days a year) indoors…it did snow this winter, and I went swimming!”

Whether they install their pool inside or outside, Endless Pools owners love the fact that they can enjoy their pools all year long. Muge wanted a pool she could use every day, even in the cold Indiana winter months. An R200 swim spa provided the solution she was searching for.

“I always wanted to have a pool but worried about the short season and the upkeep. I wanted to swim 365 days of the year… I started searching for year-round pools and discovered Endless Pools. Such an amazing idea! Ordered mine right away and have been using it almost daily since then. I not only get to swim everyday but also relax in the lounge area. It has been the BEST purchase of my life.”

WHEN GRANDKIDS VISIT, ENDLESS POOLS PROVIDE ALL-SEASON FUN!

When family visits, a pool can be the perfect way to keep the kids happy and entertained. Even in the coldest months, Christine from Berlin, New Jersey exercises in her R200 swim spa, and it’s a huge hit with her grandkids, too!

“As much as I’d like to have a pool, living in South Jersey means maybe 2-3 months of use. My 8 grandchildren have always loved my hot tub, even in the summer, but it certainly didn’t take the place of a pool. With an Endless Pools swim spa, I could do my exercises any time of the day or night, relax to music with or without the jets, float, and even swim in place. Three of my grandchildren visited me in February and didn’t want to get out of it – they love this pool! My R200 is actually better than a regular pool – it sits on my patio, can be used year-round, has seats with jets plus a current to swim against, a terrific sound system, colorful lights, and is plenty spacious enough for my family. I only wish I had gotten one sooner.”

AQUATIC THERAPY AVAILABLE ALL YEAR LONG, FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME

Water-based therapy and exercise offers many advantages. The natural resistance of water provides a challenging, low-impact workout. Warm water helps relax muscles and increases blood flow to muscles and joints, helping to safely improve flexibility and range of motion. Of course, the best exercise routine is one you stick with. The convenience of an at-home pool, combined with the ability to use it year-round, supports a healthy, active lifestyle.

Angela from Roanoak, Illinois shares how her E700 swim spa helps her exercise safely, all year long.

“Because I have arthritis, I needed a way to exercise that didn’t cause more joint pain. My E700 has made this possible. I especially like the swim machine. I can set it to whatever pace I want. I can walk, run or swim and not worry about joint damage. I used it all winter as well. And it is just so fun.”

Barbara depends on her Endless Pools Elite pool to keep her moving, despite her bad knees. While pain limits her ability to exercise on land, the buoyancy of water takes weight off of her joints, allowing for pain-free movement and exercise.

She considered her decision carefully, “I’d been debating it for a couple of years, whether I wanted to get a regular pool or an Endless Pool,” she recalls. Ultimately, our modular construction and compact design swayed her. “I wanted it to be indoors so I could use it all year.”

Endless Pools offers homeowners a variety of models and options that can be installed indoors or outside, and enjoyed all year round. This article was originally published on EndlessPools.com.

On hot summer days, everyone wants a heated pool to swim in. However, with such a short summer season, many Alaskans find themselves with just that — swimming pool dreams. Know this: your Alaska pool dreams don’t have to stay on your vision board. Alaskans can benefit from amazing outdoor swimming pools year-round. At this point, you may be wondering — what kind of pool is best for Alaska?

 

The Best Pool for Alaska

While in-ground pools are popular in the Lower 48, they are much less common in Alaska. To that end, it’s extremely uncommon to find outdoor pools up here. With only a handful of days reaching the 80s or higher and a relatively shallow frost line, traditional pools are not as practical up here. Moreover, most people shy away from the extensive construction needed for such a short summer season.

However, hear this, Alaskans, you CAN have an incredible pool even if you have limited space and want to use it year-round. Swim spas, or cabinet-enclosed pools like Endless Pools and TidalFit, adapt to your available space and deliver countless hours of fun and exercise.

 

Your Workout Awaits

A pool, a hot tub, and an aquatic gym, all-in-one, swim spas are the perfect pool for Alaskans. Offering an enclosed space with plenty of room for your workout without the footprint of an in-ground or indoor pool, swim spas meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts and families seeking fun and relaxation.

A wide variety of professional and amateur athletes choose swim spas for their at-home training, citing convenience, endurance training, and swimming against a current as top reasons. 

 

The Perfect Low Maintenance Alaska Pool Requires Minimal Construction

While traditional pools require time-intensive maintenance, your new swim spa delivers a low-maintenance experience that maximizes your time and investment. What’s more, your swim spa requires no significant construction (unless you want it). You’ll only need electrical hookups, a cement pad, and water delivery.  

Best of all, your swim spa is up to temperatures all year long, which means that you can enjoy summer temps all winter long. 

 

How to Choose A Swim Spa

The best pool for you depends on how you will use it. Are you interested in a swim spa for exercise, family fun, relaxation, or a blend of all of them? How many people will be using your swim spa? How tall are the people who will use your pool? And then there’s your budget — how much do you want to spend?

Ready to reserve your swim spa today and work out in your Alaska swimming pool all year long? Call The Waterworks at 907-563-3848 to get started.

 

This article originally appeared on endlesspools.com.

Why the American Ninja Warrior star calls our pool the “perfect solution.”

A professional stunt performer best known as a top competitor on NBC’s hit show, American Ninja Warrior, Jessie Graff trains hard. “Your body can only take so much impact a week, so I can’t do any of my cardio with any impact.”

That’s where her new Endless Pools® Performance pool comes in. Her backyard pool creates convenient opportunities for low-impact aquatic workouts. “This is kind of the perfect solution,” she says gratefully.

When she first dipped into an Endless Pools Original Series model, Jessie says that it felt right “immediately. I only ran on it two minutes” before she saw the possibilities. “I’m going to become a faster runner and have better cardio,” she told herself. As a money-saving bonus, “this will be more energy-efficient.”

The path seemed clear to her: “We need this now,” she recalls thinking.

MAKING THE DECISION

“I’ve wanted a pool since I bought my house,” Jessie states. That was 4 years ago. “The more I thought about it,” she says of our Performance pool, “the more it became the ultimate solution.”

For a busy professional like Jessie, the public pool no longer worked. Besides the hassle of the commute, “it has too much chlorine, so my hair gets destroyed. Sometimes it’s too crowded, and I’m sharing a lane.”

Another advantage she saw: “We do get earthquakes, and so many people have to repair cracks on their in-ground pools.” Yes, our Original Series pools’ steel panels and vinyl liner are more flexible than concrete. On October 15, 2006, our High Performance pool at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, withstood a 6.7 quake with no damage!

PLANNING HER POOL

The modular design of our Original Series pools allows for custom sizing. As Jessie sometimes swims with “a really wide frog kick,” she opted for an 8′ pool width (the standard is 7′).

She also made it slightly deeper. In 45″ of water, the 5’9″ Graff gets more core resistance on the Endless Pools Underwater Treadmill, another must-have option for the fitness die-hard.

Jessie never considered putting it indoors, even in the dessert heat of Los Angeles County. “I love the sun. We can’t spend that much time outside in summer, but in the pool, we can now turn the temperature down and be outside.”

JESSIE’S ENDLESS POOLS TRAINING “SCHEDULE”

“There will never be anything regular in my training,” the versatile stunt performer asserts. “It’s constant chaos.”

“A lot is very high impact,” she says of her kicking, running, and jumping routines. For any given routine, “I have to do one day on, two days off for recovery. I’m also really bad at relaxing, so it’s very helpful for my recovery.”

This fall, she used the Performance pool to help recover from a partially torn ACL. Aquatic therapy, she says, “is one of the first things I got permission to do. I’m really excited when I heal from my knee injury; I think I’m going to come back even stronger.”

When water-running in her Performance pool, “My calves start burning after only two minutes, and my hip flexors have to lift my legs against the current.

“I don’t need to do any swimming [for professional training]. I just like it. We go after dark.”

POOL PARTIES

For the future, she’s planning an outdoor television with a projector to enjoy movie night from her Endless Pools performance model. “Eventually I want to start paddle boarding in the pool,” she adds.

“So far all my ninja and stunt friends think it’s amazing!” And that’s an audience we don’t hear from often enough.

This article first appeared on endlesspools.com.

High Intensity Interval Training is making waves because it gets results!

HIIT is an acronym for High Intensity Interval Training. The basic definition is pretty simple: “an intense phase of exercise followed by a period of recovery,” according to one Exercise Scientist. Cycle those “phases,” or intervals, into a short workout, and you’re doing HIIT!

HIIT workouts have been dominant for years. In 2014, they topped the list of the hottest fitness trends, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual survey. They’re remained one of the top 5 trends every year since, including 2019. The reason: they work.

HOW HIIT WORKS

High Intensity Interval Training can deliver a host of health benefits. A significant body of research confirms HIIT’s effectiveness to:

Burn More Calories: Two published studies found that HIIT burns more calories in the same amount of time than other types of exercise. The research was performed at California State University, San Marcos, and University of Colorado, Denver, respectively.

And then Burn Some More: After finishing a HIIT workout, the body continues to burn more calories than other exercise formats … even when you’re resting! This metabolic boost from HIIT has been documented in multiple published studies from sports scientists in Singapore, Ontario, and Chapel Hill.

Burn Fat: After 12 weeks, adults had “significant reductions in abdominal fat” from HIIT workouts with no change in diet. The workouts took 20 minutes each, three times a week. The study documented a 17% decrease in visceral fat, the kind that surrounds internal organs and has been linked to many diseases. Other studies confirm that HIIT promotes fat loss with a surprisingly low time commitment.

Lower Blood Pressure: Overweight and obese people can lower their blood pressure with HIIT workouts – that’s according to a review of 65 published studies.

Release More Endorphins: They’re the hormones that kill pain and give us a natural high. When you engage in HIIT workouts, your body naturally releases more of them than when you do moderate exercise, according to a 2017 article in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology (say that three times fast!).

MAKING IT YOUR OWN

Of course, a HITT workout should be intense … within your personal limits. The goal is to build fitness as well as confidence. You should feel invigorated after a HIIT workout, not defeated.

If you’re new to HIIT, start slowly. Just add a few 15 or 30-second higher-intensity intervals to your existing cardio workout. Maybe your “higher” is someone else’s “moderate”; that’s fine. As you build your confidence and fitness level, you can add more intervals, raise the intensity, or reduce the length of the low-intensity/walking interval.

And keep it short; experts consistently recommend that HIIT workouts last 30-minutes or less, just two or three times a week at most; the intensity of these workouts can put you at risk of overuse injuries. With HIIT, a little goes a long way.

HIITING IT WITH ENDLESS POOLS

You can do HIIT Workouts with our swim current or Underwater Treadmill. The Endless Pools® Fit@Home app lets you program the pace of the current and treadmill; you can create HIIT workouts like the two listed below and save them for continued convenience.

The app works to control any Original Endless Pool, Endless Pools swim spa, or Endless Pools Hydrostride/Underwater Treadmill. WiFi-compatibility is required and can be added to new or existing models.

SAMPLE HIIT WORKOUTS

You might want to get started with a HIIT workout that’s as simple as:

• 30 seconds walking + 30 seconds sprinting x 10 cycles = a 10-minute HIIT workout

If you have a higher fitness level, you could consider a more advanced HIIT workout:

• Warm up: 9 minutes of brisk walking at 2 mph
• 1 minute of running at 4.5 to 5 mph + 2 minutes of walking at 2.5 to 3 mph x 7 cycles

Including the warm-up, that’s a 30-minute HIIT workout. These suggested speeds are based on an Underwater Treadmill, where the water’s 360-degree resistance means that you can get a more vigorous workout at a lower speed than on dry land.

Before you take up any new exercise program, you should always check with your doctor. Aquatic exercise is low-impact, and many doctors and physical therapists recommend aquatic activity for seniors and even for patients recovering from surgery. HIIT workouts are more challenging, so listen to your body, and back off if need be.

Interval-based exercise: So many names, so many possibilities. Marcus Kilpatrick, Oct 26, 2017.

 

J Strength Cond Res. 2015 Mar;29(3):779-85. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000661. Caloric expenditure of aerobic, resistance, or combined high-intensity interval training using a hydraulic resistance system in healthy men. Falcone PH1, Tai CY, Carson LR, Joy JM, Mosman MM, McCann TR, Crona KP, Kim MP, Moon JR.

J Strength Cond Res. 2016 Jan;30(1):244-50. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001042. Dissimilar Physiological and Perceptual Responses Between Sprint Interval Training and High-Intensity Interval Training. Wood KM1, Olive B, LaValle K, Thompson H, Greer K, Astorino TA.

Sports Med Open. 2015 Dec;1(1):11. Epub 2015 Jun 5. The acute effect of exercise modality and nutrition manipulations on post-exercise resting energy expenditure and respiratory exchange ratio in women: a randomized trial. Wingfield HL1, Smith-Ryan AE2, Melvin MN1, Roelofs EJ1, Trexler ET1, Hackney AC1,3, Weaver MA4, Ryan ED1.

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014 Jul;39(7):845-8. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2013-0562. Epub 2014 Feb 6. High-intensity interval exercise induces 24-h energy expenditure similar to traditional endurance exercise despite reduced time commitment. Skelly LE1, Andrews PC, Gillen JB, Martin BJ, Percival ME, Gibala MJ.

British Journal of Sports Medicine 2017;51:494-503. Effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies. Batacan RB, Duncan MJ, Dalbo VJ, et al

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2013 Feb;38(2):182-7. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2012-0136. Epub 2013 Feb 8. Oxygen consumption, substrate oxidation, and blood pressure following sprint interval exercise. Chan HH1, Burns SF.

J Obes. 2012;2012:480467. doi: 10.1155/2012/480467. Epub 2012 Jun 6. The effect of high-intensity intermittent exercise on body composition of overweight young males. Heydari M1, Freund J, Boutcher SH.

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2012 Jun;52(3):255-62. High intensity interval exercise training in overweight young women. Sijie T1, Hainai Y, Fengying Y, Jianxiong W.

Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig. 2015 Mar;21(3):165-73. doi: 10.1515/hmbci-2014-0038. The effects of short-term high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on plasma levels of nesfatin-1 and inflammatory markers. Ahmadizad S, Avansar AS, Ebrahim K, Avandi M, Ghasemikaram M.

PLoS One. 2015 Oct 21;10(10):e0138853. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138853. eCollection 2015. High Intensity Interval- vs Moderate Intensity- Training for Improving Cardiometabolic Health in Overweight or Obese Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Fisher G, Brown AW, Bohan Brown MM, Alcorn A, Noles C, Winwood L, Resuehr H, George B, Jeansonne MM, Allison DB.

Neuropsychopharmacology v.43, p. 246–254 (2018) Opioid Release after High-Intensity Interval Training in Healthy Human Subjects. Tiina Saanijoki, Lauri Tuominen, Jetro J Tuulari, Lauri Nummenmaa, Eveliina Arponen, Kari Kalliokoski, Jussi Hirvonen

This article first appeared on endlesspools.com.

When you were a kid, you had a certain image in your head of what a phone looked like, and it looked different than a camera. Back then, a television was furniture, not a wall-hanging. And a pool? It hogged up a giant portion of your backyard. Fortunately, times have changed.

Endless Pools® offers space-saving models that deliver all the benefits of a traditional inground pool, plus so much more. Think of them as ‘smart pools” that differ from traditional pools in at least 10 ways:

1. COST

According to homeguide.com, installing an in-ground pool costs, on average, $35,000. Many go up to $55,000. And that’s just for installation! Basic maintenance costs up to $5,000 more every year.

The Endless Pools Original model has an MSRP of $28,400.* Installation can be DIY in just a matter of days for no cost except the time of two handy homeowners. If you choose one of our recommended field installers, you’ll get a guaranteed base price of $3,500.

Your upfront cost could be comparable, but it doesn’t end there. Endless Pools water quality is significantly cheaper. Inground pools can have 10 times as much water, which requires that many more chemicals. And that’s, of course, for an outdoor pool.

A traditional pool installed indoors starts around $200,000, according to River Pools. With Endless Pools, the cost indoors is the same as outside; you can install in an existing room, basement, or garage, with any of our Original models. That gives you a year-round pool season for the same cost as a backyard pool!

2. USAGE

Both Endless Pools models and traditional inground pools let you get fit, relax, cool off, and play. With the Endless Pools current, however, you get so much more. You can swim in place for a more efficient and enjoyable workout – with no flip turns. The current adds resistant to aerobic activities, and kids love to play in it. That makes our pools much more versatile.

3. SWIMMING

Endless Pools’ Original current adjusts for every level of swimmer. You can choose from multiple upgraded currents for faster swimming and competitive training. It’s much easier to get a satisfying swim, for fitness or for pleasure, with Endless Pools.

4. FUN

Put your pool water in motion, and it’s party time! Kids gravitate toward the Endless Pools current for boogieboarding or to just hang on and splash around.

Keep in mind how easy it is to create an indoor Endless Pools installation. A pool you enjoy for 12 months provides much more fun and family time than an inground pool that you close up for as many as nine months of the year.

5. DESIGN

The bigger to pool, the more it’s going to cost to finish. Typically, traditional in-ground pools all have a pretty similar look.

With Endless Pools’ customization options, you can create a pool to match any theme or décor. Endless Pools customers have finished their pools with everything from opulent Italian marble to low-cost, mildew-resistant cedar shingles.

6. SPACE

Traditional backyard pools can occupy a sizable chunk of your real estate. They can leave relatively little room for off-season gatherings, gardening, and active play.

With the standard-size Endless Pools model, you only need a footprint of about 9 feet by 15 feet. Our swim spa line, called Endless Pools Fitness Systems, come in four sizes, from 12 feet to 20 feet in length.

7. EFFICIENCY

Compared to traditional in-ground pools, models from Endless Pools use significantly less water. That – plus our state-of-the-art purification systems – means you need far fewer chemicals and significantly less chlorine to keep your water clear.

Due to the size of traditional backyard pools, extending the season beyond summer can be a tremendous expense. Endless Pools models require just a fraction of the water and have options for an insulated cabinet (standard with Endless Pools Fitness Systems) and indoor insulation; together, these features significantly lower the cost of year-round use.

8. INSTALLATION

A traditional in-ground pool can take months to complete. Expensive excavation with an industrial backhoe can wreak havoc on your yard, requiring additional time and money just to bring it back to normal.

By comparison, Endless Pools’ Original models assemble in just days. Endless Pools Fitness Systems arrive pre-assembled; only a professional electrical hookup is required, so you can be filling your pool and preparing for your first dip in a matter of hours!

9. MAINTENANCE

With regular maintenance, Endless Pools’ standard purification systems can keep the water crystal-clear using less chlorine than is allowable in tap water! That means that your home pool will be fresh-smelling and gentle on your skin and hair. Most customers report that regular maintenance takes just minutes a week.

Given the significantly greater volume of water in a traditional pool, the sheer volume of maintenance chemicals that you’ll need will cost significantly more. Maintaining the water’s pH balance can be difficult and time-consuming.

10. SMARTPHONE CONTROLS

You’ve gone away for a vacation and forgot to turn your pool’s heat down? Not a problem. Endless Pools offers a remote pool monitoring system that lets you adjust the temperature from your smartphone or tablet. Before you return, you can raise it back to have it ready and waiting for a relaxing swim before you even unpack!

You can also use the Endless Pools Fit@Home app to control the pace of the current and the optional Underwater Treadmill. The app also lets you program and save advanced workouts. It’s yet another way that Endless Pools has taken the traditional pool into the 21st Century.

Lower costs, more versatility, modern engineering – that’s what makes any model from Endless Pools the intelligent choice for year-round swimming, exercise, therapy, and family fun.

 

* MSRP valid as of March 31, 2020. Prices subject to change. Please speak with your Endless Pools representative for current pricing and discounts.

This article originally appeared on EndlessPools.com.

Don’t let the names fool you. While both imply eternity, one pool makes for pretty Instagram shots and one gives you complete versatility for swimming, fitness, therapy, and family fun.

It’s understandable that so many people get the names confused. After all, an Endless Pools Original model lets you swim ‘infinitely’ forward with no flip-turns, thanks to its adjustable current.

The term “infinity pool” specifically refers to an “infinite edge pool,” “vanishing edge pool,” or “negative edge pool.” These are pools that have no swim current. Instead, they have one or more exposed walls (the weir) that’s a fraction of an inch shorter than the water level, so water flows into a catch basin below. When positioned high on a perch, they create the stunning optical illusion of water extending ‘infinitely’ to the horizon.

Let’s take a look below at the major differences between these two types of swimming pools:

1. COST

Endless Pools models cost less than the average traditional in-ground pool. Upfront costs vary, and you’ll certainly save year after year thanks to Endless Pools’ state-of-the-art purification systems and decreased water usage.

Infinity pools, on the other hand, are always custom-built. According to the Home Advisor, the average cost is $79,000 or “two to three times [the] amount” that you’d spend on an Endless Pools product. The most elaborate ones can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. It takes a complex structural and mechanical feat to create the pool’s ‘vanishing edge.’ Architects and engineers must design the foundation and the catch basin that manages the water’s overflow.

Endless Pools models can be installed DIY, by our trained field installers, or by almost any contractor; our Endless Pools Fitness Systems line of swim spas only require an electrical hookup. But infinity-pool installers are rare, and thus expensive.

Once it’s built, an infinity edge pool costs more in water (they can’t be covered, so there’s constant evaporation) and energy (the massive pumps from the catch basin run around the clock) than any Endless Pools model.

2. USAGE

The adjustable Endless Pools current adds options for uninterrupted swimming, aquatic workouts, and more vigorous playtime. You won’t get that in your infinity pool!

Plus, Endless Pools offers the option for indoor installation, giving you a year-round pool season. Infinity-edge pools, like all large pools, can only be used a few months out of the year in most climates. Expect your annual winterization process to be time-consuming and costly.

3. FUN

Nothing beats an infinity-edge pool for dramatic selfies! Of course, if you prefer to do more in your pool than just splash, cool off, and pose, then an Endless Pools current would open up new possibilities for all ages.

Of course, you should always accompany children for pool time and watch them closely. Bear in mind that the infinity edge, often perched as high as possible for visual impact, poses a unique risk of falling out.

4. DESIGN

As showpiece pools first and foremost, infinity pool designs tend to be elaborate and justifiably costly.

Designed for function first, Endless Pools products offer complete aesthetic versatility for your home and budget. You can choose our affordable, utilitarian finishing options for our Original pools, or you can choose locally sourced finishing materials, from luxe marble to reclaimed wood.

Our Endless Pools Fitness Systems swim spas all come standard with a sleek, modern cabinet designed for beauty and easy maintenance.

5. SPACE

The more land you can allot to your negative edge pool, the more breathtaking the visual illusion. These pools are most impactful when installed facing a grand ocean vista or on a cliffside perch.

By contrast, a standard Endless Pools Original model has a footprint of about 14 feet by 9 feet. Our smallest swim spa takes up 12 feet by approximately 7.5 feet of ground.

Of course, you can install any Endless Pools model with a striking view. Our space-saving design also makes garages, basements, and spare rooms possible, if year-round pool access or conserving your outdoor real estate are priorities.

6. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

An infinity edge pool is expensive to operate due to the constant pumping of large amounts of water from its catch basin. For your vanishing edge pool, extending the season beyond a few months generally requires a huge heater; these pools cannot be covered, so expect high energy bills.

With significantly less water than the average infinity pool, standard Endless Pools models operate with a super-efficient 120-watt pump.

The cabinet of any Endless Pools Original Series model can be super-insulated to conserve heat. Endless Pools Fitness Systems come with three layers of insulation, our Tri-Thermic® Barrier System, standard in every cabinet. Insulated covers are a cost-efficient option for every model.

7. INSTALLATION

Infinity pool installation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars; the foundation is the costliest engineering challenge. Installers are few and far between, and you don’t want to skimp there: An experienced infinity edge pool installer is highly recommended due to the logistical difficulties involved. Even then, expect a months-long process.

By comparison, an Endless Pools Original model takes a matter of days for assembly; Endless Pools Fitness Systems need only to be placed on a level cement pad followed by an electrical hookup.

8. MAINTENANCE

With regular maintenance, Endless Pools models can have crystal-clear water in just minutes a week. It’s easier and lower-cost than traditional in-ground pools.

By contrast, your negative-edge pool will be extremely costly over its life. An infinity edge pool requires much larger amounts of chemicals than even traditional pools. New water must be steadily added; infinity edge pools can’t be covered, so there’s constant evaporation.

Potentially the biggest cost will be to the maintenance of your infinity pool’s foundation and structural work; it’s required to prevent the vanishing edge wall, or weir, from collapsing and causing a landslide.

Not everyone can afford the grandeur and upkeep of an infinity edge pool. For a lower-cost, space-saving installation for year-round swimming, fitness, therapy, and family fun, contact your Endless Pools representative for the perfect model for your family.

This article originally appeared on EndlessPools.com.

From IRONMAN® veterans to Olympic medalists to committed age-groupers, triathletes know that there’s no swim training quite like Endless Pools training.

Many leading triathlon stores and coaches have installed Endless Pools models to provide their clients with the best possible tools to improve their swim technique. Just imagine having the ideal training conditions at home with these six triathlon-specific benefits:

1. CONVENIENCE

One of the reasons that the swim is the most challenging of triathlon’s three disciplines is that, for most triathletes, you cannot train whenever you want. Swimming usually has more obstacles than the bike or the run. With your own convenient swim-training pool from Endless Pools, you can just suit up and go!

A home training pool will save you time and headaches. You can complete your swim training with no commute, no membership fees, no crowds, no locker rooms, and no scheduling conflicts.

2. SWIMMING AGAINST A CURRENT

We’ve heard it from many triathletes: The Endless Pools current gives a remarkable simulation of real open water conditions. Unlike swimming in a traditional pool, Endless Pools swimming sends you head-first into a smooth, river-like current. With dozens of speeds, the current adjusts for every level of swimmer and for either rigorous or light training days.

For a smooth, powerful current, many top-level triathletes choose our High Performance pool; it’s distinguished by its 7.5-horsepower motor and a demanding top speed equal to a 0:55 per 100-yard pace.

Our Dual Propulsion model features the same current as in our Original model, but there are two of them, side by side, each with an independent speed control. For age-group triathletes who have a regular training partner, it could be the smart choice to save time and accommodate friendly competition.

3. TECHNIQUE TRAINING

Triathletes find that they can make real progress by swimming in place. The optional Endless Pools underwater mirrors let them observe every detail of their swim stroke in real time. That lets them make immediate improvements.

With the rare opportunity to observe your freestyle stroke, you can build muscle memory. That is, you can connect what you’re doing with how it feels. Sometimes, for instance, swimmers think that their arm isn’t crossing over when it really is. Finally, you can know for sure exactly how it feels to swim with proper form.

4. ENDURANCE TRAINING

By swimming in place with the Endless Pools current, you eliminate flip turns. So you’ll waste no energy kicking off the wall, a skill you’ll never use in the open water.
By eliminating turns, you get a better understanding of your true open water endurance. Better still, you can build your endurance.

Competitive swimmers can benefit from swim training with the Endless Pools Fit@Home app. The app lets you program interval workouts to challenge yourself and build endurance in the water.

5. COMPLETE TRIATHLON IN YOUR POOL

Our exclusive Underwater Treadmill lets you rack up the miles while reducing the wear and tear on your joints. It’s perfect for muscle recovery, injury rehab, and fitness development.

Add the Aquabike and you can train for the bike leg in your pool with 360-degree resistance for a vigorous challenge. Together, our Aquabike and Underwater Treadmill let you complete an entire triathlon without ever leaving your pool! It’s a great way to mix it up, keep it fresh, and protect your joints and spine from overtraining.

6. TRANSITION TRAINING

When you’re swimming at a nearby YMCA, you can’t rush out of the pool and hop onto your bicycle; you’re in a dedicated wet area separated from the outside (and even any stationary bicycles) by crowds, a locker room, and multiple doors.

With your own Endless Pools model, you can train for the all-important T1. Swim, hop out, and prepare for a vigorous bike ride … all from the convenience of your home!

This article originally appeared on EndlessPools.com.

A pool can seem out of reach for people with smaller homes and less roomy backyards. Endless Pools® has been solving that problem since 1988.

Pools and spas from Endless Pools deliver big-pool functionality with a small-pool footprint. Our signature adjustable current lets swimmers do any stroke without interruption, fitness enthusiasts add core resistance to any pool workout, and kids (or the kid in you) play in its powerful flow.

The size of Endless Pools models makes them easier to maintain and opens up possibilities for an indoor pool. From our sleek, modern Spa Series designs to the complete aesthetic freedom offered by our Original Series pools, you can live it up with a beautiful pool – even if it’s in a humble rowhouse, ranch-style home, or bungalow.

This video shows you what’s really possible in a compact Endless Pools model. Even in this tight backyard in a NYC suburb, our current lets you enjoy an uninterrupted swim. You can do any stroke and adjust the speed for a leisurely pace or all-out sprinting. The owner of this small pool customized it with brick skirting to complement the paving-stone surround.