An endless pool is a small swimming pool designed to provide aquatic exercise to people with limited available space, and is sometimes referred to as a treadmill for swimmers. The pool provides a constant adjustable current for the swimmer to swim against, creating a water workout that can be used by competition swimmers, individuals incorporating hydrotherapy into a recovery program, and others. The adjustable level of difficulty makes an endless pool suitable for people at all levels of swimming ability. This type of pool comes in a kit form which can be relatively easily installed, and because of the small size, it is not as expensive to run as a conventional swimming pool.
The standard size for an endless pool is eight by 15 feet (2.4 by 4.6 meters), with a depth of 39 inches (one meter). Pools can be custom ordered in a deeper configuration for special needs, but most swimmers find the standard depth perfectly suitable, as most lap pools are approximately that depth as well. The compact size of the pool means that it can easily be installed indoors or in small outdoor spaces which will not permit the installation of a conventionally sized pool. When the swimmer enters the endless pool, he or she can adjust the current to a custom strength, providing a strong resistance workout or a gentle swim, depending on the need.
Because an endless pool is designed for indoor home use, it uses a special water filtration system to cut down on odor. In addition, the cover is very snug, to prevent excessive humidity from damaging the pool room or the rest of the home. When disassembled, the pool fits through most standard doorways, meaning that it can be installed in a home which has already been constructed. The endless pool also has a self contained water filtration and warming system, so it does not need to be connected with the structural plumbing, and can be filled and drained with the use of a hose.
The standalone design of an endless pool means that it can be relocated as needed as well. Some installations do involve excavation for the pool, but it can also be installed as a standing unit on reinforced flooring, depending on personal taste. The design is also intended to be relatively low-maintenance, and the endless pool can be installed in one day by a two-person team, as long as both people are relatively handy and can follow directions.
