If swimming enthusiasts are interested in a swimming pool with a counter-current system, they often orientate themselves on the internet. Here, you'll come across countless companies and terms and you'll be flooded with information. I was wondering if what you can read about this on the internet is all true. Do interested swimmers get a clear picture of the various countercurrent systems? Are the advantages and disadvantages of each product identified? And can they compare the different systems properly so that they know which product is optimal for them?
SWIMMING IS HEALTHY
Swimming isn't just a super all-round sport for young people. More and more people over 50 want to live healthy and stay fit for a long time. Swimming is a cardio sport, improves your condition and your whole body gets moving, so you can also train your muscles without stressing your joints. Swimming in your own pool at home is of course ideal, but then you should swim in the pool that is best for you.
It is a shame if the swimmer is ultimately so disappointed that little or no use is made of the pool. That's why I started thinking about organizing all countercurrent systems so that every swimmer can compare the systems thoroughly before purchase, because this is the only way to choose and swim in the optimal pool with a countercurrent system.
HOW IS THE DOCUMENT STRUCTURED?
When does someone swim well? What goals does he or she want to achieve with swimming? What can a swimmer expect from the various countercurrent techniques? Based on my many years of experience in swimming pools and counter-flow systems and with my technical background, I have objectively classified the currently available flow systems and established a frame of reference. This does not take into account the terminologies of the various manufacturers.
With this counter-current classification, I hope to offer all recreational as well as professional swimmers a clear overview of the countercurrent systems on the market. Because I would love it if every swimmer in his or her garden would eventually swim in their ideal counter-current pool.
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A GREAT EXPERIENCE
Swimming in open water, e.g. in a large lake, is a great experience. The water refreshes, calms and relaxes. By moving your arms and legs, a sense of flow is created. The swimmer decides how much effort and what speed is swung in one direction. Everyone would love to swim endlessly. The feeling of swimming in open water — free, no obstacles and relaxed — is the benchmark for “really good” swimming.
STRIVING FOR THE ULTIMATE FEELING OF OPEN WATER
The feeling of swimming in open water is unparalleled in a 25- or 50-metre public swimming pool. Private pools have an average size of 8 m x 4 m. Of course, you can't swim “endlessly” here... That's why swimming pools with counter-current systems are the ideal solution! In addition, these compact pools are suitable for smaller gardens and the energy consumption is considerably lower than a large pool.
SWIMMING ZONE DEFINITION
In the swimming world, we call the water that immediately surrounds a swimmer while swimming, the swimming zone. Also known as: The length and width of the swimmer plus the range of movement of the arms and legs. The countercurrent technology used determines the size of the swimming zone and thus also the quality of the flow within that zone.
THE IDEAL SWIMMING ZONE
In a spacious swimming area with a constant, smooth flow without turbulent water, everyone swims just as well as in open water. That is why, in addition to the technical aspects of the current, the profile of the swimming zone is central to this countercurrent categorization. The important keywords here are:
Propulsion, flow, extraction & backflow.
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LABELS
A counterflow label shows how the drive, flow, extraction and backflow of a swimming pool are regulated. This also describes the length, width and depth of the swimming zone. Each pool with a swimming system has its own specifications and, based on that, a label has been linked to it. The classification symbolises how well the pool + current swims, how the counterflow, backflow and extraction are regulated and, of course, the influence this has on the swimmer's location in the swimming zone.
A1+ up to
The different categories are divided into labels A1+ to E. The higher the countercurrent label, the better the swimming experience. Each category has a unique combination of drive method and backflow system. The differences lie in small details that promote or disadvantage the experience inside the swimming zone. So take a critical look at the characteristics of each category and what this means for the swimming experience in the bath.
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Water flows over the entire diameter of the pool.
The flow velocity is the same across the entire width and depth and is constant.
All the water is extracted at the back and pumped around completely outside the basin. Counterflow and backflow are completely separate, so there are no contrary currents in the bath. As a result, the countercurrent is smooth, free of turbulence and air bubbles and feels pleasant.
The speed of the current supports the swimmer's pace and water is moved in front of the pool by one or more propellers.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE A1+
Baths in this category have a soft, balanced, smooth, steady flow that “fills” the entire length, width, and depth of the pool. The swimmer is fully supported and supported by the water and does not experience any contrarian, sideways or insufficient current while swimming. Regardless of their sporting level, everyone in this category swims exactly like they would in open water.
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The water in these pools flows over the entire length, a defined width and a defined depth of the pool (the swimming zone). The flow velocity in this zone is the same and constant. The water is extracted at the back (especially at the top 30 cm of the edge) and pumped around completely via the separate channels or side walls. Countercurrent and backflow are therefore completely separated and there are therefore no contrarian currents.
This provides a smooth counterflow, free of turbulence and air bubbles, that feels pleasant. The countercurrent is set in motion at low revs by one or more propellers. The speed of this current supports the swimmer's pace and has a limited depth so you can drop yourself off perfectly in the (still) water below the current.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE A1
Baths in this category have a soft, balanced, smooth and constant flow. The width and depth of the current are more than enough for a relaxed swim. The swimmer is fully supported and supported by the water and does not experience any contrarian, sideways or insufficient current while swimming. Regardless of the sporting level, everyone swims just like in open water.
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The water flows over the entire length and a predefined width and depth of the pool (swimming zone). The flow rate is the same and constant. The water is extracted in the lowest part of the back and is returned through channels inside the pool. Counterflow and backflow are also completely separate here.
The counterflow is smooth, free of turbulence and bubbles and feels pleasant. The speed supports the swimmer's pace and
has a depth that allows the swimmer to dive well into the (still) water that is under the current.
The water is set in motion at low revs by one or more propellers.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE A2
A soft, balanced, smooth and steady stream flows over the entire length of the pool. The width and depth of the current are generously sized (usually about 60+ cm wide and 40 cm deep) for relaxing swimming. The swimmer is fully supported in the swimming zone and there is no contrarian, sideways or insufficient flow. In the rear part of the pool, there may be insufficient support when a swimmer's legs hang very low, but fast sporty swimmers will hardly notice this. Swimming in the swimming zone feels just like open water, regardless of your sporting level.
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The water flows over the entire length, a defined width and a defined depth of the pool (swimming zone). The flow rate is constant and evenly distributed throughout the swimming zone.
All the water stays in the pool and flows through the bottom of the pool with a return stream. Counterflow and backflow are not separate; nevertheless, the flow within the swimming zone is smooth, free of turbulence and bubbles, and feels pleasant.
The speed of the current supports the pace and has a limited depth where the swimmer can dive into the water below the current. The flow is created by a propeller at low revs.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE B1
Swimming pools in this category have a soft, balanced, smooth, steady flow over their entire length. The width and depth of the countercurrent are wide enough (approx. 60+ cm wide and 40+ cm deep) for relaxing swimming. The swimming zone supports the swimmer; there is therefore no contrarian, sideways or insufficient flow. Only when the legs hang low while swimming can the backflow at the bottom be felt in the pool. Regardless of the level, every swimmer in the swimming zone swims just as well as in open water.
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The water flows over the entire length, a defined width and a defined depth of the pool (swimming zone). The flow rate is constant and evenly distributed throughout the swimming zone.
All the water stays in the pool and flows through the bottom of the pool with a return stream. Counterflow and backflow are not separate; nevertheless, the flow within the swimming zone is smooth, free of turbulence and bubbles, and feels pleasant.
The speed of the current supports the pace and has a limited depth where the swimmer can dive into the water below the current. The flow is created by a propeller at low revs.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE B2
Swimming pools in this category have a soft, balanced, smooth, steady flow over their entire length. The width and depth of the countercurrent are wide enough (approx. 60+ cm wide and 40+ cm deep) for relaxing swimming. The swimming zone supports the swimmer; there is therefore no contrarian, sideways or insufficient flow. Only when the legs hang low while swimming can the backflow at the bottom be felt in the pool. Regardless of the level, every swimmer in the swimming zone swims just as well as in open water.
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The water flows over the entire length, a defined width and a defined depth of the pool (swimming zone). The flow rate is almost the same as constant as possible within the swimming zone. All water stays in the pool and is extracted at the front.
Due to the strong suction, the water will want to divert more quickly towards the inlet of the water suction. Countercurrent and backflow are not separate; nevertheless, the countercurrent at the water surface still feels like smooth water.
The water is more turbulent than in the higher categories and is subject to rotation in the water. The various layers of water (flows) are more intertwined and are generated by a turbine at a high speed.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE C1
There is a soft, fairly smooth, constant current over the entire length of the pole. The width and depth of the current are more than sufficient to swim in. The current is clearly a lot more turbulent than in categories A & B. When the legs hang low while swimming, the backflow can be felt at the bottom. Many swimmers will have to (unconsciously) adjust their swimming technique to compensate for the turbulent flow to compensate for this turbulent flow.
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The water flows over a limited length, a limited width and a defined depth of the pool (swimming zone). The flow rate is almost the same throughout the swimming zone and as constant as possible.
All the water stays in the pool and is extracted at the front. Due to the strong suction, the water quickly diverts towards the inlet of the water suction; this can also be felt by the swimmer.
Countercurrent and backflow are not separate; nevertheless, the countercurrent at the water surface still feels like smooth water. The water in the swimming zone is more turbulent than in categories A & B and is subject to rotation in the water. The current has a limited depth but it is less noticeable. Different layers of water (flow) also intersect. The power is generated by a turbine at a high speed.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE C1
The swimmer can swim quite well within the swimming zone. The flow is clearly more turbulent than in categories A& B. When the legs hang low, the backflow can be felt at the bottom. Many swimmers will (unconsciously) change their technique to compensate for this. So you can't really talk about nice, relaxed swimming anymore. This is fun for kids to play in though!
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The water is pushed into the pool by several jets (sprinklers). This creates a current that can be used to swim in within a defined width and depth. This swimming zone is usually smaller than those in the higher categories and less defined because — depending on the number and configuration of the jets — various other currents arise in the water in addition to the central flow. All water stays in the pool and is drawn in near the jet streams. This diverts the flow downwards and forwards. There are flows in all directions, forward currents or turbulences. The flow rate is high in relation to the swimmer's speed. This stops the swimmer; in addition, he can be pushed sideways. The flow is created, for example, by means of a centrifugal pump or turbine with a jet.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE D1
The flow of one jet stream is quite turbulent, unbalanced and punctual. By placing multiple jet streams side by side, you create a relatively flat, turbulent and unbalanced flow. The high flow rate stops the swimmer. Due to the front extraction, lateral and contrarian flow also automatically occurs, even within the intended swimming zone. Almost all swimmers will (unconsciously) change their technique to compensate for this in the best possible way. So you can't really talk about nice, relaxed swimming anymore. This is fun for kids to play in though!
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The water is injected into the pool by one jet. This creates a flow that can be used to swim in within a defined width and depth. This swimming area is usually smaller than those in the higher categories and less defined. All water stays in the pool and is drawn in near the jet stream. This guides the current in the swimming zone down and forward. There are flows in all directions, forward currents or turbulences. Especially near the jet, the current feels like a hard jet of water. The flow rate is high in relation to the swimmer's speed. This stops the swimmer and can push you sideways. The flow is created by, for example, a centrifugal pump or turbine with a jet
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE D2
The flow of one jet stream is quite turbulent and completely unbalanced. The high flow rate stops your body. Due to the front extraction, sideways and contrarian flows automatically occur, even within the intended swimming zone. Almost all swimmers will (unconsciously) change their technique to compensate for this in the best possible way.
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FEATURES
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
This system does not use mechanical flow. A flow profile cannot therefore be defined either. However, a swimming pool is necessary to be able to perform this technique properly. A lanyard is attached to the end of the pool. The swimmer does not swim against a current, but is connected to the lanyard by, for example, a belt and thus stopped.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE E
You have no countercurrent and swim against the resistance of an elastic band. If the resulting swimming movements are automated, the swimmer will most likely swim slower than usual under “normal” conditions.
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IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR DAILY LIFESTYLE
I firmly believe that in the coming years, swimming will become an increasingly important part of the daily lifestyle of people who want to grow up healthy, fit and vital. A nice swimming pool with a matching swimming system and a nice countercurrent is of course of great value.
A UNIQUE AND FUN PROCESS
Buying a swimming pool with an appropriate countercurrent system is a unique and fun process, but for many it is also quite a challenge because you don't know where to start. I hope that the information in this document provides concrete guidance in your search and helps you compare the various options in the market. So that you will soon be able to work on a healthy, sporting future in your dream pool in an ideal way.
