HYDROPOOL:THE HEALING benefits of applying ice following strenuous exercise are well documented and ice baths are already in wide use by sports professionals. However the design of conventional ice baths leaves something to be desired.
Most are like wheelie bins with no temperature control. The HydroPool, from Portadown-based engineering company, F3, is a more sophisticated alternative thats already making waves.
The HydroPool uses cooled chlorinated water instead of ice to ease aches and pains. The water can be cooled to between four and 16 degrees making it suitable for a wide range of sporting disciplines. The structure is made from marine grade stainless steel for longevity and minimal maintenance and is double skin insulated to avoid condensation and keep running costs low. It uses a conventional power point.
F3 has designed three versions to suit different needs and budgets. There is a fixed pool which is suitable for clubhouse use (€9,439) and two, less expensive, portable versions – the Road Pod costs €2,949. F3 has also designed a mobile unit which has been used by the Irish cricket team and during the Mourne Way marathon.
F3 has been in business for more than 25 years, making stainless steel products for the upper end of the market. However the HydroPool is a completely new departure and F3 looked to the University of Ulster’s Knowledge Transfer Programme for professional help in taking the product to market. The programme marries expertise from the university with specific business projects and assigned a graduate to the company to work on developing a market for the HydroPool.
Reaction to the HydroPool has been positive and the Belfast Giants, Ulster Rugby, Cardiff City FC and National Aquatic Centre have installed units.
The company’s business development manager, Davy Allen, says that while there are competing products available, F3 has gained significant credibility in the marketplace by winning high-profile clients. In particular the company has been very active in targeting pre-Olympic training camps in Ireland and the UK for its portable products.
