As fitness trends evolve, gyms and fitness centers are moving beyond traditional cardio and weight training. Today’s members expect a comprehensive approach to wellness—including recovery, cross-training, and functional movement. That’s why adding a resistance pool for gyms isn’t just a trend—it’s quickly becoming a must-have for modern fitness facilities.
Adding a resistance pool or plunge pool to a gym isn’t just a luxury—it’s a strategic way to boost performance, support recovery, and elevate a facility’s appeal.
Aquatic Exercise Is on the Rise
Members of all ages and ability levels seek safe, low-impact alternatives to traditional workouts. Whether it’s aging joints, injury recovery, or high-intensity cross-training, aquatic exercise delivers measurable results. This makes aquatic training a powerful tool for gyms and fitness centers to attract new demographics—from active seniors seeking gentle exercise to elite athletes looking for cutting-edge cross-training and faster recovery—while also enhancing retention by offering truly diverse and inclusive options.
Resistance pools offer dynamic, low-impact training, while plunge pools support fast, effective recovery—together, they expand what a gym can offer to every type of member.
Benefits of a Resistance Pool for Gyms
Resistance pools for gyms are more than just compact lap pools. They feature adjustable currents that allow users to swim, run, or rehab against a strong, consistent flow of water. Benefits include:
- Low-impact, high-resistance workouts
- Ideal training tool for athletes, older adults, and rehab clients
- Customizable speeds for all fitness levels
- Effective for cardio conditioning, strength training, and recovery
Unlike a traditional pool, a resistance pool can be installed in a smaller footprint, indoors or outdoors, with minimal maintenance.
Why a Resistance Pool is a Smart Investment
A resistance pool offers year-round training and recovery in one compact, energy-efficient system. Designed for both function and flexibility, SwimEx pools:
- Require less water, space, and maintenance than full-size pools
- Offer a wide, deep current ideal for swimming, jogging, or resistance workouts
- Integrate seamlessly into new or existing gym layouts
- Support new revenue streams (personal training, rehab, group classes) and boost overall membership value.
Whether you’re renovating an older facility or building a new one, SwimEx pools are engineered to meet the demands of modern fitness centers.
Plunge Pools for Recovery and Retention
Plunge pools for gyms and fitness centers are also becoming increasingly popular for their role in recovery and wellness. With both hot and cold plunge options, these compact pools:
- Reduce post-exercise soreness and inflammation
- Improve circulation and muscle flexibility
- Create a premium recovery experience members will return for
- Can be used individually or alongside resistance pools for a complete hydrotherapy solution
Plunge pools aren’t just for elite athletes—they benefit anyone looking to feel better, faster.
Case Study: River Valley Club’s Aquatic Transformation
Elizabeth Asch, owner and founder of the River Valley Club in Lebanon, NH, knows firsthand how a gym’s hydrotherapy equipment can revitalize a facility. A few years ago, she made a bold move: removing a traditional three-lane lap pool and installing three SwimEx 600 T pools in its place. The decision wasn’t just about upgrading equipment—it was about maximizing versatility. She also added a small plunge pool to support post-workout recovery.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the change,” she says. “Our members are thrilled too. We’ve increased by about fifteen percent in membership since we reopened with the SwimEx pools.”
From resistance training and injury recovery to member rehab programs and even personal use, the pools support a wide range of needs. Installing multiple pools offers added flexibility—each can be set at a different temperature, allowing the facility to serve a broader range of clients, from competitive athletes to those focused on rehabilitation.
Designed for Performance and Recovery
In the 600 T, SwimEx’s paddlewheel technology generates a wide, deep, and consistent current that’s ideal for resistance training, cardio, and rehab alike.
“With the paddlewheel, the entire body of water is moving pretty much at the same rate, and it feels much more natural, and you can focus on your own body and what you’re doing with your body in the water,” notes Elizabeth.
That natural movement proved to be more than just a feature—it became part of her own recovery journey. “I got injured a couple years ago… My doctor said, oh, we’ll get you set up with a surgeon. I’m like, yeah, I’m gonna see if I can do something else.”
With help from her physical therapist and personal trainer, she developed a water-based recovery plan using the SwimEx pool.
“After nine months in the water, I didn’t need surgery, my knee’s in perfect shape, and I’m still running in the pool.”
Member-Approved Training Tool
Competitive master swimmer Olivia, who trains at River Valley Club, uses the SwimEx pools regularly to sharpen her skills.
“A big part of swimming, in particular competitive swimming… is to get into the flow. And it’s really easy to get into the flow when you don’t have a wall.”
“This pool is very helpful in helping me train my anaerobic capacity so that I can go for longer in butterfly in particular without having to take that little break that the wall gives you.”
Efficient, Space-Saving Design
A major advantage of installing a resistance pool for gyms—like a SwimEx pool—is their footprint. Traditional full-sized pools require extensive space, plumbing, and maintenance. SwimEx pools deliver greater functionality—while using significantly less water and energy.
“These three pools are more efficient than my lap pool,” Elizabeth explains. “More efficient for the HVAC, more efficient for the water. In a club like ours, open to the public, you have to keep it crystal clear and clean. It’s much easier to do with three pools than with one big lane pool.”
You don’t have to sacrifice square footage to add high-performance aquatic options. Plus, SwimEx pools can be installed above or below ground, indoors or outdoors, and tailored to a facility’s layout.
Built for Gyms and Backed by Experience
SwimEx works with gyms and fitness centers across the country to design, install, and support world-class aquatic environments. We handle space planning and delivery—so owners can focus on their members.
Contact us today to learn more about choosing the right resistance pool for your gym or fitness center. We’ll help you find the best solution for your space, goals, and members.