While swimming pools are often seen as a luxury reserved for the elite, the reality is that many homeowners in tropical climates like Malaysia dream of having their own private oasis. Swimming pools are often attached with stigmas such as high maintenance costs, the need for ample space, and the use of harsh chemicals in pool waters. 

However, a new breed of pool technology is emerging, promising to revolutionise the way we experience water. SmartPools® International, a homegrown brand, is at the forefront of this innovation. They offer a range of fibreglass pool solutions (among others), known for their durability and ease of installation. Though they are not the only players in the market offering composite/fibreglass pools, they certainly are the first to boast a unique offering of Asia’s first natural mineral water pool experience. 

But what does it actually mean, and is it completely accurate?

Chlorine: A Necessary Evil

Chlorine has been the standard for pool sanitation, though its harsh chemicals have long been proven to lead to a variety of health issues, including skin irritation, eye redness, and respiratory problems. Additionally, chlorine can react with organic matter in the water to form harmful byproducts like chloramines, which can further exacerbate these issues. And let’s not forget the all too nostalgic odour it emits when it comes in contact with urea excreted from our bodies (think vacations in resorts & hotels with pools). 

But the harsh reality is that even modern day swimming pools can’t completely depart from the use of chlorine. After all, its antibacterial and algicidal properties, ease of use, and more importantly, the cost, still spotlights it as the most attractive solution to treating large bodies of water in public or private pools. 

Thanks to its undeniable advantages, chlorine is still the most commonly used product in the world for treating pool waters. Nevertheless, sanitation practices have also since adopted alternatives like salt or other minerals to drastically reduce chlorine levels needed to sanitise pools.

Mineral Water In Your Pool? 

SmartPools®’s claim to the first-ever mineral water swimming pool is ascribed to their use of hydrogen peroxide as a primary disinfectant. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, hydrogen peroxide undergoes photolysis and is broken down into super-reactive oxidisers called hydroxyl radicals. These free radicals attack bacterias, viruses, algaes and other organic contaminants in the pool water, breaking them down into simpler compounds such as H2O and CO2 (Yes, that’s right. Water and Carbon Dioxide). 

SmartPools® also claims to use a pool filtration system that mimics the functioning of aquatic plants and soil, filtering impurities and maintaining a good mineral balance to ensure the non-chlorine water is always soft and clean. Together with a range of products they term ‘SMART ACCESSORIES’ (which includes UV-C Ionisers, their Trademarked Ecosmarte natural oxygen water treatment system, Robotic Pool Cleaners, etc.), they are boldly asserting a near zero chlorine free sanitisation solution that ensures pristine water “so clean that you can even drink it”.

Dato’ Awie inaugurates Asia’s first natural, mineral water pool, alongside Executive Director Faizan Khan

The Compact Pool Revolution 

No longer confined to sprawling estates, SmartPools® avers to offer compact, technologically advanced pools that challenge the conventional stigmas of pool ownership. The brand showcased one of their flagship ARENA series compact pools (the ARENA DEBUT) at a recent event held at Route 77, Harley Davidson. The pool comes in at a dimension of a mere 15’ x 8’ x 3.5’, a size no bigger than a standard parking bay. And to further put this into perspective, the depth of the water will merely reach just below the waist of a 170cm tall person. 

AI-Generated Image for zany purposes only.

‘Compact’ is damn right. It’s so small that you can almost certainly (but not really, of course) ferry this bathtub home from the warehouse on the roof of a Myvi. But in all seriousness, given its limited dimensions, one might wonder about its practicality. How are you supposed to get any swimming done in a puddle of this size? 

This is where their patented Laminar Aqua Propulsion System (LAPS) comes into play. 

Just Keep Swimming 

The LAPS system is a piece of technology that has been transforming the pool industry since 2007. This wave machine produces a smooth, fully-adjustable (up-to 5.5 km/h), volumetric water flow that simulates the currents of natural, open water. Or in other words, it is a treadmill for swimming. 

But more than a workout, SmartPools® also highlighted its adaptability for various functions such as hydrotherapy & wellness. 

1. Hydrotherapy: Harnessing water’s natural buoyancy and tension-relieving pressure for therapeutic healing.
2. Wellness: Preventing ailments through maintaining optimal blood circulation and muscle relaxation through controlled volumetric currents.

Accomplished swimmer and triathlete Andy Foo demonstrated the fitness benefits of the LAPS system during the exclusive showcase, while Dr Abi, an aesthetic and wellness physician from Aura Wellness, highlighted its hydrotherapy applications, sharing how integrating SmartPools® into daily life can positively impact your physical and mental well-being. 

I’d say this fits well with SmartPools® rather encouraging ethos, ‘The Water Life’. The brand pushes a narrative that seeks to promote a future where water isn’t just a recreational tool, but a wellness solution made more accessible to Malaysians courtesy of their easy swimming pool installation methods. With SmartPools®, the hope is that one day, you can experience the therapeutic benefits of water therapy, the exhilarating rush of a challenging swim, and the simple pleasure of relaxation, all within the comfort of your own home.