Cabins For Schools Blog

The Benefits of Hydrotherapy Pools for Schools

Written by Melissa Quinney | Oct 8, 2024 1:29:40 PM

Exciting announcement! Introducing hydrotherapy pools for schools. Together with our sister company, we are offering a versatile and cost-effective aquatic solution that can significantly enhance your school’s facilities. A Hydropool swim spa is much more than a space-saving swimming pool; its diverse range of uses makes it an invaluable asset to any educational setting. From support for SEN children to sports recovery and strengthening wider community links, read our blog to find out how an aquatic therapy swim spa can benefit your school... 

Discover Hydropools for Schools

 

We are teaming up with our sister company, Hydropool Midlands, to deliver hydrotherapy swim spas to schools and other educational settings! Whether you're a school with competitive sports teams who wish to offer sports recovery opportunities and form improvement practices, or you're a SEND school looking to improve your support provisions beyond the classroom, an aquatic therapy swim spa will benefit your setting. 

 

What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy (also referred to as aquatic therapy) involves exercises and movements performed in water, typically in a heated pool. The warmth and buoyancy of the water provide a soothing environment that alleviates stress on the body while enabling greater mobility.

 

Popular uses of hydropools in schools

A Hydropool swim spa is much more than a space-saving swimming pool; its diverse range of uses makes it an invaluable asset to your school community:

 

Assisted swimmingIdeal for supporting SEND children, allowing them to experience the therapeutic benefits of swimming in a safe and controlled environment.

Swimming lessons on siteNo need to travel to a public pool—give your students the ability to learn and develop swimming skills on your own premises!

Hydrotherapy: Provide therapy for students or staff recovering from injury or dealing with mobility issues. 

Sports recovery: Perfect for schools with sports teams, Hydropools aid in muscle recovery and injury prevention after practices or competitions.

Form improvement: Whether it’s swimmers, runners, or other athletes, swim spas help refine form and technique, enhancing overall performance.

 

The Benefits of Hydrotherapy Pools for SEN Children

Hydropool swim spas are particuarly effective for supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, whether this is in a mainstream school or in a specialist setting. If you're looking to improve your provisions for SEND support beyond the classroom, here are some of the benefits of hydropools for SEN:

 

  1. Improved physical health

The buoyancy of water reduces the strain on joints and muscles, allowing children with mobility issues to exercise more freely and with less pain. This can lead to improved muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility. For children with conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, hydrotherapy can be particularly effective in maintaining and enhancing their physical abilities.

  1. Enhanced sensory experience

The controlled environment of an aquatic therapy pool provides a safe space where children can explore their senses. The warm water, combined with the gentle pressure and resistance, offers a comforting sensory experience. This can help reduce anxiety and overstimulation, which are common in children with autism or sensory processing disorder.

 

  1. Social interaction and communication

Hydrotherapy sessions often take place in small groups, providing opportunities for social interaction and the development of communication skills. The relaxed atmosphere of the pool can encourage even the most withdrawn children to engage with their peers and therapists. Activities like group games or paired exercises encourage cooperation, turn-taking, and social bonding. For non-verbal children, the pool can become a space where they feel safe and confident enough to express themselves in new ways.

  1. Emotional and mental wellbeing

The calming effect of water is fantastic for SEN children! The warmth and weightlessness of the water can create a sense of security and wellbeing, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. Regular hydrotherapy sessions can help children manage emotional challenges, leading to improved behaviour and increased focus in the classroom.

 

5. Increased confidence and independence

As children experience success in the water, their confidence grows. The supportive environment of a hydrotherapy pool allows children to achieve goals they might struggle with on land, such as standing, walking, or reaching. These small victories can have a significant impact on a child's self-esteem, encouraging them to take on new challenges both in and out of the pool.

 

Additional Benefits of a Hydropool swim spa

 

Compact design & easy installation: Takes up much less space than a traditional pool and can be installed quickly and efficiently, indoors or outdoors.

Portable: Can be easily relocated if your school’s needs change in the future.

Cost-effective: At just 1/5th the price of a standard enclosed pool, it’s an affordable solution that doesn’t compromise on quality. 

Convenience: No more travelling off-site for swimming lessons—have your own hydropool on-site.

Perfect for all needs: Whether supporting SEN students or competitive sports teams, a hydropool offers wide-ranging benefits.


 

Monetise your Hydropool swim spa

When not in use, your hydrotherapy swim spa can be hired out to the wider community, offering swimming lessons, hydrotherapy sessions, or sports recovery services. This not only provides a valuable service but also helps your school build stronger community connections and generate additional revenue.

 

Introducing a Hydropool at your school is easy with Cabins for Schools. You have 3 installation options:

1) House your hydrotherapy swim spa in an existing school building 

2) Install your hydrotherapy swim spa outside within your school grounds

3) Choose a bespoke new building designed by Cabins for Schools to house your hydrotherapy swim spa

 

At Cabins for Schools and Hydropool Midlands, we offer the full package—from design and planning to installation, pool maintenance training, and ongoing aftercare—making it simple for your school to enjoy the many benefits of a Hydropool swim spa.

We’d love to discuss how a hydropool swim spa can enhance your school’s offerings. Please feel free to reach out to us to learn more.