Ask the Spa expert

Indoor and outdoor pool?

Pierpaolo di Torino (TV) asks: Dear Dr. Cantoni, our studio is in the final phase of the construction of a large wellness center, inserted in a structure to the north of Turin. The project includes in addition to various wet cabins and a large beauty and relaxation area, two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor, for the exclusive use of wellness area users. The two swimming pools will have to work all year, for this reason the contracted company has advised us to separate them, to avoid a connection to cool the water of the internal one, thus avoiding excessive spending to maintain the 34 degrees expected. What do you advise us to do?

The answer of the Spa expert

Last year, during the realization of a hotel SPA, with some of my collaborators we asked ourselves the same problem. The SPA was developed in an area of 1,100 square meters. It also had two circular pools with a temperature of 33 degrees and various hydro-movements, the indoor one was 90 square meters, the exterior of 85 square meters, connected ( from project) with a 4×1,50 m. of width. Even here “someone” hinted at the same doubts: the increase in water heating costs, the greater evaporation, etc. Finally, after an analysis, we realized that the increase in the cost of heating did not exist, since the external water had to be heated in any case (therefore the internal water did not perceive any variation), not only union allowed us to use a single system: for filtration, for the compensation tank and related control systems, for the filters, for the pumps, for the exchangers, for the level system and for the chlorine and ph dosing control unit . etc.

Although in some cases the halving of the technologies involved a relative increase in the power of the individual “pieces”, the result was a saving of over 18,000 euros, and a slight decrease in electrical absorption. Nevertheless, try to ask one of your customers, as you would prefer to reach in winter, a warm outdoor pool: swimming or walking. The tone with which you will answer will be enough to make you make the right decision.

Hotel with small relaxation area?

Simone di Roma asks: Dear Daniele Cantoni, we are a family of hoteliers in Rome, we are thinking of transforming some areas (currently used as a storage room) into a wellness center also intended for an external clientele. How can we evaluate if the operation is really necessary and if and how much can it make us? Thank you.

The answer of the Spa expert

Dear Simone, to the question concerning the need, (even without knowing the characteristics of his hotel) I answer “yes”, currently there are very few structures that do not require such “transformation”. Today, the added value that in the 60s was given by the bathroom in the room and in the 80s from the mini bar and television, is perceived by the customer almost exclusively as a wellness area, I am convinced that as we can hardly imagine a hotel room in 2004 without bathroom and television, in 2009 it will seem strange to us a hotel without a “small” relaxation area.

If this seems futuristic, I remind you that this situation has already been happening for some years in Trentino Alto Adige, where, first in Italy, hoteliers have promoted this “trend” that is now expanding in oil. How to know “if” and “how much” can you make? I advise you to contact a “specialized” consultant in the wellness sector, who can organize a meticulous Business Plan, with which you will know how, and how much you can make the operation, as well as indicating them, what will be the type of wellness center more suitable to achieve its goal.

Differences between turkish bath and calidarium?

Francesco di Cuneo asks: If it were possible, I would like to know from your expert what difference is there between a “Turkish Bath” and a modern “Calidarium”, and what are their effects?

The answer of the Spa expert

The Turkish bath and the modern calidarium are two rooms with water vapor (90% humidity). They differ only from the fact that, in the calidarium, the seats have their own internal heating (37 degrees), produced by electrical resistances or hot water pipes. The effect is very similar, both favor sweating; only in the Turkish bath at the morning opening, to have the “hot” benches, you will have to wait until the material with which they were built “can absorb by difference” temperature from the internal environment, which as you know is 45 °.

What is a reaction tank?

Manuele of Taranto asks: what is a reaction tank and how should it be built?

The answer of the Spa expert

The reaction tank is a container of cold water, the size that allows the total immersion of (at least) a person. Normally it is used after a sauna to create a reaction, replacing a dip in the snow or in the icy waters of a pond, as would require the best Finnish tradition. Often they are constructed of cylindrical, wood or mosaic-clad cement, and the norm provides that they have a water control like that of a “small” pool, therefore extremely burdensome when compared to the surface of water. In Italian wellness areas it is rarely used, alternatively less shock-like reaction systems are preferred, such as the ice cascade or the cold mist with mint essence.

Which deck or chair to use?

Damiano di Ancona asks: Dear Daniele Cantoni, we are finishing the furnishing of a relaxation area, and we are undecided on the type of deckchair or armchairs to be used. Is there any rule to follow?

The answer of the Spa expert

Real rules do not exist, except that the customer must be extremely comfortable, and possibly with the legs at heart height. Not knowing the style of the area in question I find it hard to direct you, however the chaise longues are preferable, with two inclinations (to read and relax), better if in washable and highly breathable material.