Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.
The Greeks and Romans were pioneers in recognising the therapeutic benefits of water, incorporating baths and hot springs into their daily lives for both health and relaxation. The physical benefits of hydrotherapy are extensive, including improved circulation, reduced muscle tension and enhanced recovery from injuries. The soothing properties of water can also alleviate pain, reduce stress and promote better sleep.
Halo Spas’ range of fibreglass spas brings the ancient practice of hydrotherapy into the home. Designed to provide the ultimate relaxation experience, Halo Spas combines advanced technology with the healing power of water, allowing users to enjoy the numerous benefits of hydrotherapy without leaving their homes.
Owned by Summertime Pools, Halo Spas are manufactured in Victoria. Rob Kruber, Managing Director of Summertime Pools, highlights that a home spa is increasingly seen as an investment in personal health and wellbeing. With the convenience of a private space for therapeutic relaxation, homeowners can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of hydrotherapy without leaving their homes. This is particularly significant in today’s context, where many people are spending more time at home, including those working remotely.
The seven-size options include five spas and two swim spas, all featuring a plethora of strategically placed jets to provide personalised jet pressures. These configurations ensure a customisable and therapeutic experience tailored to individual preferences and needs.
While legacy shapes, contours and colour ranges offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality, their foundations lie in material compatibility and purpose driven industrial design. Integrating ergonomics and hydrodynamics that enable the user experience is achieved through the seamless fusion of form and function. The entire range features Australian DuraGal Steel frames and engineered recessed areas to add strength and reduce stress at critical points, enhancing the overall structural integrity of the product. Complex materials and structural engineering ensure that every element serves a specific function, facilitating the smooth flow of water and ensuring structural integrity for years of use.
Spas are shaped by thermoforming technology that begins with a flat sheet of acrylic which is draped over a negative or convex mould, heated to a pliable forming temperature, after which the air between the material and the mould is evacuated, causing a vacuum that draws the material to conform to the design of the spa. After forming, the spa shell is cooled and trimmed to remove excess material, ensuring a perfect fit and finish.
Bonding polyester to acrylic can be challenging due to their chemical differences, so a thin or ‘tie’ layer of vinyl ester is applied to the acrylic. The vinyl ester adheres effectively to the acrylic surface, providing a stable base for the application of other materials. Vinyl ester resins have higher heat distortion temperatures than conventional polyester resins, essential for running hot spas. This ensures that the spa can withstand high temperatures without deforming.
Subsequently, a layer of fibreglass is applied to reinforce the structure, followed by a pigmented polyester and zero-shrink laminating system, which adds colour and aesthetic appeal and serves as a protective barrier surface that prevents water ingress.
Halo Spas also incorporates a proprietary inbuilt ‘HeatLock™ System,’ an advanced insulation technology that retains heat within the spa. This system is designed to keep the water warm, even in cold weather conditions, by strategically placing high density insulation in the spa’s walls, flooring, and upper lip. By creating a thermal barrier that locks in heat and utilising residual heat from internal components, the ‘HeatLock™ System’ not only ensures a comfortable spa experience but also reduces energy consumption and operating costs, making it an economical choice for homeowners.
Rob Kruber emphasises the importance of material compatibility, investment in advanced manufacturing techniques and precise engineering in producing high-quality, durable products. Halo Spas are “Built Different” and built to last, meeting the highest standards required for personal wellbeing.
The seven-size options include five spas and two swim spas, all featuring a plethora of strategically placed jets to provide personalised jet pressures. Complex materials and structural engineering ensure that every element serves a specific function, facilitating the smooth flow of water and ensuring structural integrity for years of use.
engineering ensure that every element serves a specific function,
facilitating the smooth flow of water and ensuring structural
integrity for years of use.
