Forest Pools: All about HydroStar swimming machines
Table of Contents
- What is a swimming machine?
- What is the difference between a jet stream and a swimming machine?
- Why HydroStar swimming machines?
- What types of HydroStar counterflow systems are there?
- Which HydroStar swimming machine do I choose?
- How do you operate it a HydroStar swimming machine?
- How big should the pool be for a counterflow system?
- Where do I buy a HydroStar counterflow system?
”Over 50% of the pools we build include a HydroStar swim machine, and this number is still increasing. More and more people want a pool not only to relax, but also to play sports in. So a relatively small investment can ensure that the pool is used much more often.” Thus Ronald Bos, owner of Bos Zwembaden.
Bos Zwembaden has been building indoor and outdoor swimming pools in Dutch homes and gardens for more than 15 years. The company installs more HydroStar swim machines annually than any Dutch pool builder. But what exactly is a swimming machine? Why is countercurrent swimming so popular? And why does Bos Swimming Pools deliberately choose to work only with HydroStar countercurrent installations? Time to list all the ins and outs about swimming machines.
What is a swimming machine?
A swimming machine, also called a countercurrent system, swimming turbine or countercurrent turbine, is a godsend for people who want to swim athletically. The system generates a wide, powerful stream that flows evenly around the body. A swim machine provides a natural countercurrent that can be adjusted in strength to the level of the swimmer. This not only trains the leg and buttock muscles, but also the muscles in the arms, shoulders, chest and back. The whole body gets moving, without straining it.
Another reason people choose a counterflow system is for strengthening the whole body during rehabilitation. In addition, the current is very nice for relaxation (set it to a low level for relaxed swimming) and is fun for the children. With an air mattress, rubber boat or tire, they can enjoy bobbing in the current.
”A swimming machine gives the feeling of natural flow, like in a river.”
What is the difference between a jet stream and a swimming machine?
If you are looking for a machine to swim against the current, you could choose either a swim machine or a jet stream. Yet they are two different machines. The big difference is the type of flow produced. Whereas a jet stream can feel like swimming against a fire hose, a swim machine gives the feeling of natural flow, like in a river.
Jet streams are in fact powered by a pump where about 60,000 liters of water per hour flow through two holes in the wall of the pool. A swim machine is a turbine (i.e., not a pump) that distributes between 160,000-550,000 liters of water over a wider stream. As a result, the swimming experience with a countercurrent system is often perceived as more pleasant.
In addition, swim machines are a lot more energy efficient than most jet streams. For a jet stream you need a 3-phase connection, while even the heaviest HydroStar swimming machine runs on a 230V connection.
Why HydroStar swimming machines?
HydroStar is for all types of swimmers: recreational swimmers, avid swimmers, semi-professional swimmers, tri-athletes and professional swimmers. Swimmers produce incredible flow at low flow. Where other countercurrent systems blow water through the bathtub at a towering speed, the HydroStar creates a high volume at low speed, giving you a mild but powerful flow.
At Bos Swimming Pools, we deliberately choose to work only with HydroStar counterflow systems. These machines are manufactured by Binder, a German company that has been making electric motors for water solutions for decades. There is no fancy marketing department and there are no fancy pictures. So very sexy the brand is not. They are techies who put their energy primarily into product development. As a result, the motor technology, and thus the swimming experience, is top quality.
Not surprisingly, HydroStar’s patented technology has received such prestigious awards as the Golden Wave Award, the German Brand Award and the Plus X Award. Add to that all the positive customer experiences, and then you know why we love working with HydroStar.
”With sports swimming, you train not only the leg and buttock muscles, but also the muscles in the arms, shoulders, chest and back. The whole body gets moving, without straining it.’
What types of HydroStar counterflow system are there?
HydroStar swimming machines are available in 3 variants: the BGA160, BGA215 and BGA275. These variants represent the number of cubic meters of water flowing through the turbine per hour. This determines the strength of the current. For example, the HydroStar BGA160 produces a flow rate of up to 160m³ per hour, the BGA215 up to 215m³ per hour and the BGA275 up to (you guessed it) 275³ per hour. Each turbine can be turned up and down in different settings. Which variant you choose depends on your desires and ambitions. There is also a dual arrangement of all variants: the PGI320, PGI430 and PGI550.
Which HydroStar swimming machine do I choose?
For recreational swimmers, we recommend the HydroStar BGA160 countercurrent system. This one has enough capacity to make you feel like you’re taking solid laps. Are you a recreational or semi-professional swimmer and want to develop yourself? Then the BGA215 is a good option. With this turbine, you can properly train and build up your swimming abilities. Are you a very ambitious amateur swimmer or sports swimmer? Then the BGA275 is fantastic. And if you want to go all the way to the extreme, you can opt for a double turbine. A double swim machine is not twice as heavy but provides an extra wide flow. This enhances the swimming experience and training opportunities.
How do you operate it a HydroStar swimming machine?
The system can be operated in 3 ways.
- Via wall control in the pool: In this way, the swimming machine can be turned on, off, louder and softer.
- With a waterproof remote control: This has the same functionalities as the wall control.
- With an app on your mobile: In this way, the swimming machine can be controlled in detail. This allows you to control the system steplessly and train with intervals. So really more for the athlete. Swim workouts can also be set through the app. For example, 15 minutes of swimming at low heart rate alternated with 5 minutes of intensive swimming at high heart rate.
How big should the pool be for a counterflow system?
In a small pool from 5 x 2.5 meters it is already quite possible to do sports swimming. This is about the minimum size of the pool to properly train with a countercurrent system. There is no maximum size of the pool.
Can a swim machine be installed in my existing pool?
Good to know is that HydroStar swim machines can be installed in both new and existing pools. In new pools, we install the turbines in the wall of the pool so that they are virtually invisible. In the case of an existing pool, we use a surface-mounted unit that subtly places the swimming machine on the wall of the pool.
Where do I buy a HydroStar counterflow system?
HydroStar swimming machines are only available from selected partners. Are you looking for a counterflow system? Then contact us for more information. If you are seriously interested, we would be happy to welcome you to our showroom, where the HydroStar swimming machines can be tried out in our indoor and outdoor pools.
Questions or more information?
Click here to go to the Bos Swimming Pools website.
See the projects of Bos Swimming Pools here
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