Questions Specific to One, Two or Three Person Aqua Arks

How much space is required for an Aqua Ark?

The one person Standard Aqua Ark and ProEx with a water powered chairlift are best in a space 16’ x 11’ plus a minimum of 30 square feet for the pump room (can be remote). The larger Aqua Arks are best if they have space between the wall or other obstruction and the inside of the pool of 3’ 9" on both ends and the non lift side. The space should be 5’ 9” on the side that has the lift and the steps. Aqua Arks have been installed with less space but please ask us about it. Also the space on one side can be part of the open area (gym) of the facility.

I am in leased space. Can I install an Aqua Ark?

The majority of Aqua Arks sold to private practices are in leased space. Usually an agreement is made with the landlord that states if the practice vacates the location the pit will be filled up and surfaced (normally concrete) to make it the same as the surrounding floor.

What are the advantages of deep water therapy?

Deep water creates a non compressive atmosphere which unloads the joints and spine.

Deep water allows freedom of movement in all directions for the lower extremities.

What are the advantages of the Aqua Ark concept (floating and tethering a person vertically oriented in deep water)?

The patient is supported in a free breathing vertical orientation and maintained within one central location in the Aqua Ark. Their exertions do not move them around the pool.

Allows for active exercises within a very small area.

Arms and legs are not required for balance or location so the patient can freely exercise their extremities in all directions and at an intensity that best fits their capabilities and goals. Perfect for the elderly all the way to and including the highly trained athlete.

Excellent for interval exercises while alternating between aggressive activity and a slow resting jog. The patient does not have to maintain a particular pace as they tire.

Those patients with concerns about deep water gain confidence from wearing a floatation assist device and being tethered to the pool.

Allows the clinician to monitor the patient without necessarily hovering over them every minute.

What are the advantages of being able to control the functional water depth (adjustable depth platform)?

The proper depth for a given patient’s height and weight bearing requirements can be quickly attained.

The patient can graduate from deep water to progressive weight bearing exercises.

In the larger Aqua Arks the clinician can be on the platform at a depth that gives them firm footing while assisting a patient.

How do patients get into and out of the Aqua Arks?

Most facilities purchase the optional water powered chairlift to go with the Aqua Ark. Athletic training rooms usually have just an exterior set of steps and an interior ladder. The Aqua Ark 12 and Double Aqua Ark have both the optional water powered chairlift and the exterior set of steps along with an interior ladder.

Why are the Aqua Arks partially above and partially below the floor level?

As you will note from the pictures on the website the deep water Aqua Arks being partially above the floor creates excellent contact between the patient and clinicians. Patients like it because they feel like they are in the room as opposed to at floor level. Also they have easy eye contact with the clinician. The elevated sides are very comfortable for the clinicians. They can reach out and touch the patient if need be and the easy eye contact helps create a good friendly healing atmosphere. The wall also lets the clinician be close to the pool and patient without fear of falling in.

Will there be a problem with humidity?

There will be evaporation from the pool and the water on the floor from the lift and patients. The moisture from the one person pools can usually be handled with your normal HVAC system. This is especially true when the pool is open or partially open to the rest of the clinic. Larger pools may require some additional ventilation or in some cases a dehumidifier. Fortunately there is not a lot of surface turbulence with most protocols in the Aqua Arks.

Who installs an Aqua Ark?

Within a radius of about 400 miles from Philadelphia, PA the installation is normally done using a three man crew from TSI plus two to four (depending upon pool size) men provided by the builder.

At greater distances TSI sends a supervisor along with some specialized tools to work with the builder or other contracted group. This is much more economical for the customer than paying transportation costs, lodging and food for a TSI crew.

How long does an installation take?

A one person Aqua Ark is usually completed in one and one-half work days. The larger ones can take up to three days.

Can an Aqua Ark be relocated to a new facility?

Yes in most cases. All stainless steel Aqua Arks except the Aqua Ark II are bolted together and free standing in the pit. They can be lifted out of the pit, unbolted and reassembled at the new site. The vinyl lined pools can be taken apart in the pit and reassembled at the new site. Vinyl lined pools will require a new liner with the move.

How are the Aqua Arks filled and emptied?

The fill water is usually with an external hose bib. In most cases that water source is the same as the one feeding the lift. The pipe is T'd off and valved separately for each feed. A diagram of this system will be provided by TSI. Some states require an air gap or anti back flow between the water source and the top of the pool. We will consult with your builder about this. The pool is emptied with a sump pump that is provided by TSI.

What regular maintenance is required?

The water should be tested daily (twice a day under heavy usage) for pH and bromine content. Once a week you will test for total alkalinity, add bromine to the canister and shock the water (more often if required). The filter cartridge will need to be cleaned or replaced on occasion as dictated be the pressure reading in your filter. About every three or four months drain approximately 1/3 of the water and add fresh. Once a year it is best to drain and clean the pool.

What about servicing the equipment during and after the warranty period?

If you have a problem contact customer service. The pump room equipment is manufactured by large nationwide pool equipment companies and they (or we) will send new parts to replace defective ones during the warranty period. After the warranty period TSI (or a local pool supplier) can supply the required parts. A local plumber or electrician can readily service the equipment with simple instructions provided by TSI (fax or telephone). Some things such as heater elements can normally be replaced by the facility’s staff. Equipment service problems are usually minimal.

Questions Specific to Custom Pools

Can a custom pool be made in any size or configuration?

Within reason custom pools can be manufactured to fit most size or configuration requirements.

Is it possible to make a pool with several levels?

Yes. The different levels would normally be marked at the transition area.

How much space is required for a custom pool?

Inground pools in most areas are required to have 4’ from any wall to the side of the pool. However a pool can be put against one or two walls. Pools that are partially above ground normally require only 3’ from a wall to the pool wall.

Will there be a problem with humidity?

Larger pools will require some sort of dehumidification system. The amount of pool evaporation is determined by a formula that includes pool surface, water temperature and ambient temperature. Water will also evaporate off the patients and floor. You will want to consult with your HVAC company about the dehumidification giving them the figures stated above.

Pools with swim currents and/or massage jets create much more turbulence and thereby more evaporated water. Special dehumidification provisions for this may be required.

How is the pool heated, filtered and sanitized?

Most of the larger pools are supplied with a gas heater (electric if gas is not available). However hospitals with large boiler systems sometimes decide to install a heat exchanger which has an initial capital cost but no fuel cost. An appropriately sized filter is provided. If the full sanitizer package is ordered it would include a brominator with an automatic chemical controller (controls pH also), an ozonator and an ultra-violet system. If properly cared for these should provide excellent water sanitizing. The brominator and ozonator destroy organic materials in the water and kill both bacteria and virus. The UV system kills bacteria and virus.

How is the pool filled and emptied?

When ordering the complete skidded circulating package there is a water leveling system included. This keeps the water at a preset level by adding water as necessary. If the system is not part of the package the pool can be filled from a pool side faucet or a hose. The pool is emptied by pumping the water (with the circulating pump) into a drain in the pump room.

Can a custom pool be installed free standing and all above ground?

A shallow water pool (4’ water depth) can be installed free standing above ground. It would have a side wall of approximately 58” so provisions would have to be made for patient ingress and egress. Also provisions would need to be considered for the clinicians contact (visual and verbal) with the patients. In any event, by law there must be 7’ clearance between the top of the pool at any entry point to the pool and the ceiling.

Who installs the custom pools?

Factory personnel install the welded together pools. Pools that can be shipped factory assembled (under 12’ wide and the roof above the pool area open) will be accompanied by factory personnel for direction in placing the unit. Normally in new construction the pools or pool sections with proper dimensions are craned into the space and covered. Completion of the installation is then done after the space is under cover. However the pool installation may also be completed at the time of delivery and the pool protected by the contractor.

How much regular maintenance is required?

Maintenance of the pump room equipment is minimal. However there will be a need for some service on a regular basis to the chemical controller and in less frequent periods to both the ozonator and UV system. As with any system the filter (cartridge) will need changing and cleaning at appropriate intervals. Also bromine will need to be added to the brominator. You will need to replace the pH adjusting chemical (increaser or decreaser) in the vessel provided for this purpose.

Proper chemical balance will keep maintenance of the pool surface at a minimum. However the waterline may need to be wiped down occasionally.

I am in leased space. Can I install a custom pool?

Yes if your landlord agrees to it and you have a long term lease.

Can a multi person pool be relocated?

Yes but with more effort than noted in the Aqua Ark section. Stainless steel pools would need the welds cut and re-welded at the new site. Membrane lined pools would be more difficult because the backing panels are usually bolted together but the bases are concreted into place.

Can an adjustable platform be installed in a larger pool?

Yes if there is an area that has the width and depth to accommodate one.

What about servicing the equipment during and after the warranty period?

If you have a problem contact the manufacturer’s customer service. The pump room equipment is manufactured by large nationwide pool equipment companies and they will normally send new parts (may request return of defective product) to replace defective ones during the warranty period. After the warranty period the manufacturing company or a local pool supply store can sell the required parts to you. A local plumber or electrician or your maintenance department can readily service the equipment with simple instructions provided by the manufacturing company. Equipment service problems are usually minimal.

Questions Applicable to All Pool Types

My facility has a concrete floor. Will this cause a problem with site preparation and pool installation?

No. The builder can cut out the concrete for the necessary space. This is done in most existing structures. The one note of caution is to make certain that there are no electric, telephone, water, sewer or drain lines running underneath the area. Also the building engineer should be consulted about any underground support beams. The architect or engineer should also be aware of the load bearing required in the substrata under the pit. The earth may need to be compacted or dug out and filled with a stabilizing product.

What kind of information is available to assist our architect and/or builder with site planing and preparation?

Information is provided that will allow the architect and/or builder to proceed with the site preparation. Telephone calls with questions are also quickly answered.

We are on a first floor with a basement underneath. Can we install a pool?

Normally the contractor can build a pedestal that is secured to the ground (basement) floor or footers. The floor or footers must be capable of bearing the weight of the pool, water and pedestal. Your architect or engineer can calculate what must be done to accommodate the pedestal.

We are on an upper floor. Can we install a pool?

If certain parameters can be met this is possible. If on a second floor it can be supported as stated in the answer above (basement). If there is clearance enough it can be supported by steel I beams that are properly anchored into bearing walls or surfaces. However the building engineers will need to make the decision if this can be done.

We are presently using a local pool. What are the benefits of an in-house pool?

Water in most public pools is too cool for relaxing the patient. Also patients who are not real active can become chilled (and the may not come back). With you own pool you control the water temperature.

Patients have to schedule when the public pool and the therapist are available. With your own pool you and the patients can have a more convenient schedule. This should also bring more patients especially those needing individual attention.

An in house pool presents a great marketing opportunity. It also allows you to be more creative clinically.

How long will the pool surfaces last before requiring significant repair or replacement?

Assuming proper care of the pool surface and water chemistry the following approximate lifetimes can be expected:
Stainless steel – Indefinite
Membrane lining - Ten to twenty-five years. Changing the liner is a relatively short project.
Vinyl lining – Eight to twelve years. Changing the liner is a relatively short project.

Concrete/Gunite – Twelve to fifteen years. Resurfacing and possibly replacing rebar or steel mesh buried in the concrete is a major project. (concrete/gunite is shown for comparison of surface life only).

What are the advantages of an all stainless steel pool?

Very long life. Very low maintenance. Bright look. Custom pools can be trimmed with attractive non-skid tile on horizontal surfaces.

What are the advantages of a vinyl lined pool?
(only installed within 400 miles of Philadelphia, PA)

Lower initial capital investment.
Good life expectancy
Warm look (blue vinyl with stainless steel top)

What are the advantages of a membrane lined stainless steel backed pool?

Cost competitive with concrete. Warm look. Excellent life expectancy before replacing liner. Ease of replacing liner.