Water of Body Design

Wellness has been a global trend since the concept was coined in 1993 by Technogym founder Nerio Alessandri. As one of the most successful entrepreneurs in fitness equipment, Alessandri stated that “physical activity” is not enough for well-being, that it must encompass the psyche and emotional balance as well. As wellness awareness grew in the 21st century, it became a goal for individuals and society. The wellness movement continues to gain momentum and has become even more pronounced since the COVID-19 pandemic revealed our psychological and physical fragility.

For us, the protagonist of wellness is water. Here in the European market, we are seeing real changes in pool technology and design following this philosophy. This is partly due to our own Roman history, in which we can see how the health benefits of water have been understood for millennia. The Romans used a phrase salus per aquam, meaning “health from water,” (its acronym is SPA) to refer to a resort or wellness center that uses real hot spring water.

Their wisdom has endured for 20 centuries, and flourishes today in our own understanding of water’s salubrious properties that affect us on both a mental and physical level. Scientific studies have shown how we are attracted to blue for its calming effects and how water heals us through both consuming it (by drinking or eating) and bathing in it.

Consider how the structure of the swimming pool mirrors the human: how the heart and veins are like a pump and pipes. Both have means to filter and clean the circulating water. Both are literally bodies of water. It is this parallel structure that informs a pool design imperative that revolves around humans — what I call “water of body design.”

This humanist concept is slowly inculcating design trends in Europe along with a minimalist approach. The standard economical blue-colored pool is becoming obsolete. Vessels are becoming the poetry of the place they live in, inserting themselves as a continuation of the landscape and an invitation for people to bathe and receive the gifts they offer. Especially for geographical inland areas — far from the sea or bathing lakes — the need to be near water transforms the quality of life. Therefore, local materials like natural stones or ceramics that take on the color or identity of the surroundings give a design that positively affects mind-body wellness. Certain liners are even mimicking natural stones with a 3D effect called “Touch.” The human experience in water changes completely on both a physical and psychological level when the five senses are enhanced by a pool that tells the story of the place.

It’s important to note that the key element to wellness pool design is detail: for example, a slim cut in a pool border lined with natural stone or ceramic that acts as an overflow, allowing form to dominate function. Delicate and subtle features like waterfalls, enhancing the calming element of sound, accent the pool without being ostentatious. Landscaping local plants that become part of the vessel’s scenery represents how good a person feels after a swim and a walk in nature. Lastly, the element of light is a detail that should never be overlooked, as it stimulates the senses during an evening swim: The play of colors on the water offers the opportunity to engage in the sensory experience of sight, sound, and touch.

The new nature of pool design reflects human design and the need to create an environment that maximizes our relationship with water. Whether it becomes a center of social interaction in a private home or recreational center, the context needs to invite the user to have a sensory experience that inspires the mind and enhances the body. We come back to our origins in water both historically and biologically where we feel at home and at peace with ourselves while feeling the health benefits in a holistic way. This is truly the goal of water wellness design.

This article first appeared in the October 2024 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.