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The Jungle Spa Project
We checked in with the owner of the amazing residential "Jungle Spa" installation to see how the hot tub and swim spa were performing. While Matthew serviced his spas, Haley snapped some pictures and gathered details. The owner's home oasis boasts a 17AX AquaTrainer Swim Spa and a Self-Cleaning 670 Platinum, making it ideal for private, all-weather enjoyment at home.
The interview below has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What was your main reason for buying a swim spa and a hot tub?
The main reason was to make use of the space that we've got. Because it is a whole-day destination [to get] here, and the weather's not always great. We have a lovely big space. So we thought, what's the point of a huge space inside that we can't use? So, we created a sort of leisure room out of it, rather than having a swimming pool, which is a lot more maintenance and [requires] a much bigger space. So, yeah, just for the versatility of it, really.
That makes a lot of sense. How did you hear about Hydropool Northwest specifically, or Hydropool as a brand?
My wife is very keen on the cleanliness side of things, so it was one of the only spas that had the UV filters in them. So, she wanted that added level of cleanliness in the spas. She wanted to go with Hydropool. We searched it and came back with Hydropool as one of the better systems with that UV system.
Did you consider any alternatives to a swim spa? Or look at other brands?
No. Well, we looked, but we didn't find what we were looking for [with other brands]. We'd sort of designed that whole room around the, as you can see, the swim spa and the pool and the bar. It was designed to fit them. The room was really designed around that swim spa feel, and it sort of works. You feel like you're going into a spa, which is what we wanted to create.
It is really lush with the living wall, it doesn't have that clinical spa feeling.
No, no. It's Ivy Asia meets... yeah, meets spa, really.
How did you find the process of choosing or buying your swim spa? You did say your wife did the research.
The main reason was to make use of the space that we've got. Because it is a whole-day destination [to get] here, and the weather's not always great. We have a lovely big space. So we thought, what's the point of a huge space inside that we can't use? So, we created a sort of leisure room out of it, rather than having a swimming pool, which is a lot more maintenance and [requires] a much bigger space. So, yeah, just for the versatility of it, really.
How did you find the planning and installation process with us specifically?
It was testing because they couldn't give us a delivery date because of COVID and manufacturing. So yes, it was hard. We had to have it for a certain date because the builder had started, and it had to arrive. And we just got it in time, really. I think Canada was a bit mixed up at the time in terms of what they were building out there and what they were doing. So, yeah, no, it was touch and go that we got it. We got it just in time.
But you've been happy ever since?
Yes, yes, yes.
What do you think of the aftercare services of Hydropool North West?
Pauline’s always there... yeah. Obviously we're not on the doorstep, which is always a consideration. Whenever I've rung, we either get a video or something that tells us how to fix something.
It's one of those things, you want to use it there and then. If it breaks, it breaks, doesn't it? But it hasn't broken. Yeah, there's been a few little leaky things and nothing major. But if something isn't quite right, and it's a Sunday and you can't get hold of someone, then you're not using it.
We're trying to build up a database of sorts as well. So we've got more and more blog posts on troubleshooting so people can—we can direct people to that first call. To try to get things sorted.
So it’s generally fine. Pauline always responds or sends me a video, or I can get a hold of Matthew, who will talk me through something on the phone. But it's all about using them. I still don't know what all the knobs and buttons are.
That goes directly into: How do you find caring for it personally?
Oh, fairly easy, yeah. It's just when we're not here—because we don't live here all the time—it's getting someone to put the chemicals in when it is left on. But we’re pretty self-sufficient. We're getting the hang of it more, yeah.
I think the trouble comes when people use too many chemicals.
Yes, yes, yes.
Yeah, especially like you've said before, with the UV sanitisation and everything, it just kind of keeps itself going.
It's getting it to that level and then just leaving it be, really. Yeah.
How do you find using the swim spa, and how do you use it most?
Good! Well, my daughter's the swimmer, and my wife. So they use it. I'm more of the jacuzzi* person, but I have started, when it's been really hot recently, using the jacuzzi seats in the swim spa. They generally swim in it quite a bit. They've got a new tether from America, which is apparently very good—not from Hydropool, a different one—which they're really pleased with. So they swim in it, I jacuzzi, and cool off in the pool.
*Referring to his Hydropool hot tub
Has the swim spa or hot tub helped you with any health concerns?
My wife has got a funny back, so yeah, swimming keeps her loose. [And for the hot tub.] It's relaxation, isn't it? Yes, just general... feeling good when you're sat in it.
Has having a swim spa positively impacted your life?
I would say, yeah, it's the space, it's the swim spa and the space. Something to do with that. You put the music on, you have people around. Yes, it has, yes. It's a positive addition to life.
Perfect. Would you recommend people buy a swim spa for themselves or a hot tub?
Both, yes. Yeah, if they've got the space, yeah. We're really lucky here with the way it’s set up. Where we've tried to mimic a spa pool area. But yeah, of course they are good.
So the last question is, what three words would you use to sum up your feelings on Hydropool Northwest, or your swim spa and hot tub?
I would say a great addition to life, really, yes. On rainy days, especially in winter, the way we've got it set up, it's nice in here. You’re sat in your hot tub thinking, “Not many people are sitting inside in a hot tub today” while it's pouring down outside. It's enabled us to use it in our situation 12 months a year, which gives you that extra versatility with it, doesn't it? You don’t have to trudge out in the frost and snow.
That's a great closing statement, I think.
Great addition to life. Just, yeah, it is. It is.
