Despite the changing weather patterns and what seems to be the end of British Summers, pools are still high on the wish list for many people. There are options to the classic outdoor pool which enable all round swimming without the need for the high costs associated with an indoor pool complex.

The answer lies with the Aqua Spirit exercise pool, which is a pool, operating along the same lines as a hot tub. The pool can be sited above ground or sunk into the ground, but there is insulation underneath the pool shell and they have an insulated cover that clips down when the pool is not in use, in the same manner as a hot tub. The water therefore is maintained at a set temperature of about 30 degrees.

Exercise pools provide an easy way to swim endlessly, without having to turn around as you would in a conventional pool. By swimming against the current, which is adjustable, you get to choose how hard and long you want to exercise. It's also advisable to have two swim jets because these are easier to swim against than one jet, as it can be difficult to maintain your swimming position with only one jet of water. These kind of pools are also cheaper than a conventional built pool, as they require far less in terms of construction work and if you do want them indoors, because they are only 14' - 16' long, you can have a much smaller enclosure.

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There are a number of these types of pool on the market today, but there are some things to look out for when making this purchase. How well are they built and what is the insulation like? Is the frame inside stainless steel or is it timber or painted steel? There should be good easy access with walk-in steps that have an anti slip finish. Since you will be using the pool all year round, the water needs to be as deep as possible, as this helps keep the body warmer in the winter months. With good insulation in both the cover and the pool, running costs are kept constant and to a minimum, making all year round use financially viable. It is also important to investigate where the support equipment is located for ease of access.

MillAquia Leisure & Energy have an Aqua Spirit in our showroom in Exeter that you can try and this model is on sale and reduced from £21,200 down to £14,000.

For further info visit: www.millaquia.co.uk