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A Dream Swim Spa Installation in Ferndown, Dorset.
We recently completed the handover of this stunning Surf 17 to our customer in Ferndown, Dorset.
Read more about the process of how this customer went from an unused space to a dream swim spa for the family.
The Start – Choosing a spa and site survey
Our customer visited us in-store, and we discussed at length what the end result would look like. We settled on the brand new Sundance Surf 17 swim spa. Its blend of smooth and controlled swim current, along with class-leading hydrotherapy, ticked all the boxes. There are also enough lights and water fountains to keep younger members of the family entertained.
With a model selected, we arranged a site visit and began taking measurements to ensure the new spa would fit and, more importantly, could be placed in position. This wouldn’t necessarily be straightforward, as it was clear from the off that a crane lift would not be possible; the swim spa would have to be installed by hand. Weighing over 1000kg and being rather large, this takes some planning.
There was also the issue of an outbuilding being in the way of the ideal location. This part of the garden did not see use, but it was perfect, secluded, lots of sun and not impacting other areas.
We knew just the team to bring in.
Groundworks
The team we selected had to work on lowering the ground level so that the spa could have a semi-sunken look. Once complete they poured a reinforced concrete base and made provisions for drainage of the pit.
Throughout this stage, we were in direct communication with the on-site team to ensure everything was built with the spa’s longevity in mind. This involves ensuring the spa pit will not flood out and that access for future maintenance is built in from the beginning.
We also brought in our go-to electricians, who once again did a fantastic job of installing the electrics in a sympathetic way so as not to draw attention to the cabling, etc.
Delivery Day
With the base now complete, it was time for delivery! The spa travelled down to Ferndown on a Hiab lorry. At over 1000kg, it takes equipment to unload, so the lorry’s built-in crane was used to carefully lower the swim spa to the ground.
In many cases, a crane can lift the spa straight into position and is the preferred method. However, as the spa was going at the very back of the garden, it would have taken a huge crane to perform the lift. Such a crane would not have got onto the driveway in the first place, so the next stages were done by hand.
Placement
At this point, we manoeuvred the spa by hand, from the front of the house, down the side and into the garden. From there we had to lower it down into the pit. Doing this with something that is 17ft long, 8ft wide and weighs the same as a small car isn’t always straightforward. But we have developed our own ways of doing this is a controlled and safe manner, one where the risks to people, property and the swim spa are minimised.
In Position
Success, we had the spa in position within the pit. We measured several times to ensure we had it perfectly square and just where the customer wanted it. We left the transport wrap on to keep it clean and protected during the next stages.
Nearly Ready
The next time we visited site, there were a fair few changes! Much of the decking was in, the walls were clad in some attractive timber and there was a roof.
From the beginning, the customer wanted to be able to use this swim spa year round. Thats the benefit of a quality swim spa, it’s so well insulated, it can be used 365 days a year. There is no need to winterise it like a swimming pool.
We had discussed various roof options and eventually the customer had sourced a gazebo they found attractive and it was now in place. Very nice it was too.
We took off the wrap and gave the interior of the spa a clean, ready for filling. Whilst there, we also connected the spa up to the electrics.
The End Result
With the spa filled and electrics switched on, we waited for the customers reaction. It’s safe to say they were over the moon and it was everything they had hoped for.
We proceeded to do a full handover of the spa. This is the opposite of a rushed process. We take time to go through every button, dial and jet, so you have a full understanding of how to get the best from your new spa.
We also ran through how to look after the water, what chemicals to use, when, and why. A full chemical kit is provided, so we teach the process firsthand as we dose the water ourselves.
As with every installation, we made sure the customers knew they could reach out to us for help at any stage. It may well sound cheesy, but this is just the beginning. A swim spa of this quality can last 20 years or even more if well looked after, so we wish to maintain a great relationship with our customers long term. We carry out servicing in-house with our own trained technicians, so maintenance going forward is always at hand.
Would you love this?
If your dream spa looks like this or something completely different, we would love to help! Reach out to us via our contact page or by visiting us in-store. Alternatively, use the brochure request form below to lean more about our range of spas.