POOL & SPA DESIGN

Essential Design Elements For Later Living Customers

With the number of ‘Later Living’ developments set to rise in the coming years, Tom Devin of Devin Consulting Ltd takes a look at a number of key design considerations for this specific market sector

The traditional model for retirement homes is being turned on its head as new ‘Later Living’ developments are incorporating modern technology and offering high-end amenities with an emphasis on health and wellness.

In a departure from the past, retirement homes are increasingly being operated by the developer who builds and manages the site offering a village-like community with restaurants, GP surgeries, cinemas, guest accommodation for visitors, games rooms, gyms, pools and health suites.

This new model is attracting serious investors like Legal & General who plan to build 50 such later living developments over the next ten years.

Devin Consulting has led the way in tailoring pool and spa design for this demographic and has worked closely with the design teams for companies like Legal & General, Auriens, Elysian Residences and Pegasus Life to develop best practice.

Space is a vital consideration when it comes to planning spa amenities for an aging client group – doors to steam and sauna rooms need to be wider and ample space must be allowed within to allow wheelchair users to turn.

Suitability of exposed heating elements in sauna cabins should also be a consideration to protect users from stumbling or falling into

Walk-in steps with hand rail and glass fronted heat experience cabins

the heat source.

There is a balance to be sought between future proofing the facilities and anticipating a time when residents become a little more infirm and require extra help and creating beautiful facilities with the look and feel of a health club and spa – and this is where Devin’s experience is invaluable. One safety measure that appeals to designers is the use of full glass frontage for heat experience cabins – it allows for easy observation in case of falls or illness and it looks stunning as well.

With regards to pool design, Devin recommends level deck pools for ease of

Heat source is hidden in this sauna

access with walk in steps with hand rails rather than ladders – additionally an in-pool hand rail can be considered for extra grip.

Some of our clients are also allowing for in-pool access platforms which allow users with poor mobility to enter the pool without the use of a hoist – Devin has designed a bespoke option for this.

Another consideration is that of slippage – a high level slip resistance finish should be used to prevent falls due to slippery surfaces.

With regards to spa pool design consideration must be given to the water features elements – softer water jets are better for the more delicate skin – so avoid deep tissue massage features.

Whilst safety for the end user is paramount throughout the design process the aesthetics are always at the forefront of the projects.

Specialist engineering does not need to compromise the architects’ vision.

Devin Consulting Ltd

0191 258 1653 www.devin-consulting.com

OUR POPULATION OF SENIORS HAS HIGH EXPECTATIONS

The office for national statistics confirms that more than 18% of the UK population is aged 65 and over. This equates to around 1 person in 5 and this is projected to reach around one in every four people (24.2%) in the next 20 years.

We are living longer and are fitter than our parents and grandparents and the business approach for retirement homes must adopt a completely new perspective.

In 2019, research by the Centre for Ageing Better showed that 414,000 older people now rent a property, up 63% from 254,000 people in 2007. By 2040, more than a third of over 60s will be living in private rented accommodation, according to the study.

Superior Fire Off To Budapest After Hitting Target

With an ambitious target of spa sales achieved, we highlight a recent trip taken by the staff at Superior Spas which celebrated the company’s successful 2019 and was used to further build on the already strong team ties

‘A mbitious targets are always achievable’ – that was the message from Superior Spas Managing Director, Rob Carlin, as the company enjoyed a few days team bonding in the Hungarian capital of Budapest recently. 2019 was a year that broke many records for Superior Spas with an increase of over 53% in spa sales on the previous year – an impressive feat which saw the Chesterfieldbased company hit the magic figure of 6,000 spas sold and in doing so, hitting the testing target set by Rob.

Rob explained that team building is incredibly important to Superior Spas and is one of the reasons they have successfully become the biggest distributor of hot tubs in the UK. However, Rob – supported by the rest of his team – won’t be resting on his laurels. His next target is to become the biggest and best distributor in Europe, a desire that his Superior team are very focused on achieving. Rob said: “Having the best team is important to me and ours is a team of achievers working together to reach our goals.” He continued: “We have regular team get togethers, meals out etc., however I did set a big target and big targets deserve big rewards, so I promised

that if Team Superior reached 6,000 spas in 2019, I would take them all away – so Team Superior are in Budapest having great fun.”

The four-day, long extended weekend break was a huge step for Superior Spas as they had to close the whole company down in acknowledgement of their achievements and headed for a fun packed break. Everything was superbly organised by Office Manag er Lauren Bradley who had put together a fun filled and varied itinerary for each day including guided tours, museum visits, a trip down the impressive caves and even the odd beverage stop along the way, allowing Team Superior to fully enjoy the beautiful delights the city of Budapest has to offer. The highlight for many was an extended trip to a local shooting range where the team enjoyed a great afternoon putting their aim to the test with eight different firearms, including a mixture of hand guns and rifles, before heading off for a wonderful celebration meal later in the evening. Gareth Ward, Sales Director at Superior Spas commented: “We

Having the best team is important to me and ours is a team of achievers working together to reach our goals”

are very fortunate to have such a fantastic team of individuals, all bringing different skill sets that we all learn from. We couldn’t be where we are today as a company or achieve the goals we set without every one of our employees and this is a fitting way to say thank you to them.”

The Superior Spas website says ‘We demand excellence and meet every challenge with quality whilst keeping our products affordable. We pride ourselves on our customer service, the reliability of our products and our warranties. We offer a wide range of hot tubs and swim spas at a variety of price levels’ and it’s a statement and philosophy that’s clearly proved exceptional results for the company.

So what comes next year if Superior hit what is sure to be another testing target? Rob Carlin said: “As an overall experience, this will take some beating but believe me, if we hit our 2020 target, I will find a way. A good team deserve a good reward, that’s what Superior Spas is all about, look after your dealers and look after your staff and they will look after you.” If you are interested in joining Superior Spas family and being part of their winning network of dealers, then contact Graham Message in Business Development for more information.