... I've read of swimmer-training by pumping water against a swimmer to produce a "water treadmill" effect.
... Because a swimmer stays in the same place the trainer can watch his/her action closely.
... No doubt large costly [noisy?] high-speed rotary pumps are needed to produce the volume of water required to hold a powerful swimmer in place.
... But I dream of a home-version, a spa-sized "exercise pool", the water being driven round against the swimmer by a 2M x 400mm diameter [cheaper?, quieter?], Archimedes screw operating in a space alongside a swimmer.
... Lacking any mathematical skill, I need to know to what extent a slow-turning large screw will be cost-benefit better than a high-speed high-efficiency conventional pump.
... Or is the whole idea of a home-sized swimming "treadmill" spa-pool ridiculous.
-- rayfo, Nov 17 2000

Endless pools http://www.endlesspools.com
Exactly what you describe. Rmutt's dream house has one of these next to the helipad. I wonder if you could alter the jets to give a massage? [rmutt, Nov 17 2000, last modified Oct 04 2004]

(?) [cleazy]'s link www.hydroworx.com
as a link [angel, Nov 30 2005]

... Thanks rmutt. I didn't search well enough. I hope they make enough profit to survive.
... And about "your" dream pool : how about adding aromatherapy; colour-change of water; medicaments vis skin absorption; under-water audio; big-toe controlled tv; me and my dog shampoo ... and there's more ...
-- rayfo, Nov 18 2000


I once saw this really tiny pool with a bloke tethered to the wall by a bungee rope so that he stayed in the same place without the use of any pump atall
-- chud, Dec 29 2000


Everyone should check out this site www.hydroworx.com! Not only can one swim in place, but they have massage hoses, a treadmill built into the pool floor, and underwater video for gait-training and proper mechanics. Some of the pools even have a floor that works like an elevator for those who are disabled. I've actually been in one of these pools to rehab a knee injury! It is quite an experience!!

Jon
-- cleazy, Nov 30 2005



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