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Established in 2019, the Foundation was created to formalise the way SPATEX distributes some of the
profits generated by the exhibition back into the water leisure sector. Rather than simply running a
successful trade show, SPATEX uses its success to support projects that benefit the wider industry.
Established in 2019, the Foundation was created to formalise the way SPATEX distributes some of the
profits generated by the exhibition back into the water leisure sector. Rather than simply running a
successful trade show, SPATEX uses its success to support projects that benefit the wider industry.
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How Does It Work?
The Foundation is overseen by the SPATEX Directors and accepts applications throughout the year; however, please note that these will be reviewed quarterly at the next applicable Directors' meeting. Funding is awarded to individuals, companies, educational bodies and organisations that can demonstrate a clear benefit to the water leisure industry. The SPATEX Foundation will generally match fund up to a maximum of 50% of a project, and payment timescales will be discussed with successful applicants.
For more details, please email info@spatex.co.uk using the subject heading ‘SPATEX Foundation’.
How Does It Work?
The Foundation is overseen by the SPATEX Directors and accepts applications throughout the year; however, please note that these will be reviewed quarterly at the next applicable Directors' meeting. Funding is awarded to individuals, companies, educational bodies and organisations that can demonstrate a clear benefit to the water leisure industry. The SPATEX Foundation will generally match fund up to a maximum of 50% of a project, and payment timescales will be discussed with successful applicants.
For more details, please email info@spatex.co.uk using the subject heading ‘SPATEX Foundation’.
Why Is It Important?
SPATEX has distributed more than £2 million back into the industry since its inception. The Foundation provides a structured way to continue that investment, ensuring profits from the exhibition help support future generations of pool, spa and wellness professionals through training, education and innovation.
Why Is It Important?
SPATEX has distributed more than £2 million back into the industry since its inception. The Foundation provides a structured way to continue that investment, ensuring profits from the exhibition help support future generations of pool, spa and wellness professionals through training, education and innovation.
Case studies:
The use of hot tubs to improve older adult health - Portsmouth University
The UN has forecast that by the end of this century there will be more people over 65 than those under 25. With an aging population and current research mainly focused on younger healthy individuals, University of Portsmouth PhD student, Daniel Piccolo chose to study the effects of hot tub sessions on cardiovascular, cognitive, blood pressure, blood biomarkers and muscle strength and function in adults aged 55-85.
The 18-week study split the group into two controls; one continued their day-to-day life and the other undertook controlled passive heating – use of a hot tub in the laboratory over six weeks. Following a 6-week break, the control conditions were swapped to give fair research.
The research found that whilst there was limited effect on cardiovascular measures, there are several benefits for older adults that cannot participate in exercise including improvements in cognitive performance – reaction time, logic and memory. There are also encouraging early indications that use of hot tubs improves mobility and daily function.
Daniel and his colleagues are working on several manuscripts for scientific journals currently under review, furthering the work on the positive effects of hot tub use on cognitive function and muscle function.
The health benefits of ice baths and plunge pools - Coventry University
A second recipient of Foundation funding, Dr. C. Doug Thake, an Applied Human Physiologist at Coventry University, gave an illuminating talk on the trend for cold water immersion (ice baths and plunge pools) and whether its perceived benefits — such as reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep, pain relief, and enhanced immunity – stack up.
Initial findings from the study indicate cold water immersion shows strong perceived benefits for mental and physical health, but more rigorous scientific research is needed to determine true effectiveness, optimal exposure, and mechanisms.
Coventry University is continuing its investigations with a collaboration on thermography in a lab-based pilot study. The research aims to develop optimum temperature and exposure duration in relation to mood enhancement. They hope to present their findings at SPATEX 2027.
“Overall, cold water immersion has promising potential, but evidence-based guidelines are still developing,” says Doug.
Case studies:
The use of hot tubs to improve older adult health - Portsmouth University
Hot tub research for older adults
The UN has forecast that by the end of this century there will be more people over 65 than those under 25. With an aging population and current research mainly focused on younger healthy individuals, University of Portsmouth PhD student, Daniel Piccolo chose to study the effects of hot tub sessions on cardiovascular, cognitive, blood pressure, blood biomarkers and muscle strength and function in adults aged 55-85.
The 18-week study split the group into two controls; one continued their day-to-day life and the other undertook controlled passive heating – use of a hot tub in the laboratory over six weeks. Following a 6-week break, the control conditions were swapped to give fair research.
The research found that whilst there was limited effect on cardiovascular measures, there are several benefits for older adults that cannot participate in exercise including improvements in cognitive performance – reaction time, logic and memory. There are also encouraging early indications that use of hot tubs improves mobility and daily function.
Daniel and his colleagues are working on several manuscripts for scientific journals currently under review, furthering the work on the positive effects of hot tub use on cognitive function and muscle function.
The health benefits of ice baths and plunge pools - Coventry University
A deep dive into cold water therapy
A second recipient of Foundation funding, Dr. C. Doug Thake, an Applied Human Physiologist at Coventry University, gave an illuminating talk on the trend for cold water immersion (ice baths and plunge pools) and whether its perceived benefits — such as reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep, pain relief, and enhanced immunity – stack up.
Initial findings from the study indicate cold water immersion shows strong perceived benefits for mental and physical health, but more rigorous scientific research is needed to determine true effectiveness, optimal exposure, and mechanisms.
Coventry University is continuing its investigations with a collaboration on thermography in a lab-based pilot study. The research aims to develop optimum temperature and exposure duration in relation to mood enhancement. They hope to present their findings at SPATEX 2027.
“Overall, cold water immersion has promising potential, but evidence-based guidelines are still developing,” says Doug.
Research into how chlorinated swimming pool water inactivates SARS-CoV-2 - Water Babies swim school
Carried out valuable research into how chlorinated swimming pool water inactivates SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. The results demonstrated that water, which adheres to UK swimming pool guidelines, is sufficient to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectious titre by at least three orders of magnitude. The study was published in the scientific journal ‘Water Research’, and its findings received widespread recognition in the national press, with headlines announcing that swimming pools are safe and secure environments, if appropriate measures are taken. Allaying public fears, it was fantastic news for the operators and providers of water leisure facilities.
Alex Blackwell (Group Head of Facilities and Operations) at Water Babies says: “I would recommend any individual or organisation looking to carry out research or a project that supports the leisure and swimming pool industry to apply to the SPATEX Foundation for funding. The process was easy to complete, with a quick response to the application, and support and dialogue throughout.”