6 Steps to Get Started with Aquatics in 2023

Does the idea of starting an aquatics program seem overwhelming? Are you concerned that putting in a therapy pool will be a complicated process? Wondering if it will be worth it? These are valid questions that many people face when considering aquatics for their facility.

Below are six basic action steps to simplify getting started with hydrotherapy at your facility or clinic.

6 Simple Steps for Getting Started With Hydrotherapy

1. Understand the benefits of aquatic therapy. It is important to understand the amazing benefits of water for the people you treat or would like to treat. Only once the benefits of aquatic therapy are clear and obvious, will you and your team understand the “why” behind this process.
2. Find a pool that fits your needs. Identifying your goals and potential treatment opportunities will help to identify the type of pool that is right for what you need. A few things to consider are size, water temperature, customer needs, and available technology to enhance treatment.
3. Calculate your potential profit. Helping people is why you do what you do, but realizing a return on investment is a close second in importance. It is beneficial to understand how it is possible to make money from aquatic therapy and important to plan how to make that happen.
4. Design your pool room. Understanding how the pool fits into your current or future space can help to identify any potential problems or costs that may not have been noticed earlier.
5. Plan for delivery and installation. Once a pool is purchased, it is important to coordinate with any contractors, architects, or engineers involved in the project to ensure delivery and installation are smooth.
6. Plan for marketing your program. Installing a pool is just the beginning. In order to be successful, it is important to be prepared with a well-trained staff, a marketing plan, and some enthusiasm.

Implementing a well-thought-out aquatics program can be a key differentiator for your facility and help many people in your community or athletes on your team.

Having helped hundreds of healthcare and athletic professionals successfully develop aquatic programs, our team is here to support you through the six steps listed above.