Watch the video below to see how this powerful swim spa gave his daughter the chance to walk again and transformed their backyard into a healing space.
A Backyard Built for Healing: How the Vortex® Aquagym Max Pro™ Changed One Canberra Family’s Life
Paul from Canberra discovered the Vortex® Aquagym Max Pro™ was more than a spa; it helped his daughter walk again. Strength, freedom, and family joy, right in their backyard. See why it’s worth every dollar.
Why This Canberra Family Chose a Swim Spa Over a Pool, And Never Looked Back
Why build a backyard pool when you can create freedom, therapy, and joy in one incredible swim spa? That’s the powerful realisation Paul and his family from Canberra came to when they were searching for a way to support their daughter, Nikki, who uses a wheelchair.
Pools didn’t quite suit her needs, but the Vortex® Aquagym Max Pro™ opened up a world of movement and freedom they didn’t know was possible.
“It’s not just a spa,” Paul says. “It’s where she can walk. It gives her independence.”
Can a Swim Spa Help with Mobility? For This Canberra Family, It Did.
Paul and his wife were looking for something that would allow their daughter to move on her own terms. Nikki is unable to walk on dry land, but can move independently in water.
“We wanted something that would allow her to be out of the wheelchair, to move,” Paul explains. “She can walk in water but not on land.”
They started by researching pools, but found accessibility, safety, and year-round usability to be challenges. That’s when they walked into Spa World Canberra and discovered a better answer.
Why the Vortex® Aquagym Max Pro™ Was the Perfect Fit
When Paul saw the flat, spacious interior of the Aquagym Max Pro™, he knew it was different. Nikki could stand chest-deep in the centre, without slopes, ladders, or obstacles. “She can actually walk or stand by herself. That’s something she can’t do on dry land.”
But this spa didn’t just meet Nikki’s needs, it gave the whole family something of their own:
- His wife uses it for swimming and back relief after a day of sitting at work
- Paul enjoys the hydrotherapy seats, aromatherapy, and quiet time
- Nikki uses it for daily therapy and the joy of independent movement
“It’s treasure time,” Paul says. “It gives her a sense of freedom that everyone else takes for granted.”
Top Features That Make the Aquagym Max Pro™ Ideal for Therapy and Family Use
Spacious Single-Zone Design
- Dimensions: 4.49m x 2.31m
- Depth: Standard 1.3m or optional Extra Deep 1.5m
Versatile Hydrotherapy Seating
- Hydrotherapy lounger with foot massage
- Neck and shoulder therapy seat
- Full back massage seat
- Child or cool-down seat
These seats aren’t just about comfort—they help every family member find their own moment of peace.
Powerful Swim Jets
- Options from no jets (Plunge model) to Extreme (4 jets)
- Creates a current for swimming, exercise, or rehabilitation
- Suits different strength levels and ages
Hydrotherapy and Ambience
- Hydroflow™ stainless steel jets
- Hydroglow™ lighting and topside controls
- Built-in tranquil water features to soothe the senses
Energy Efficiency and Smart Controls
- Purezone AOS™ water system uses UV and ozone for crystal-clear water
- SpaNet™ SV Controller adapts heating to weather changes
- 8-layer Thermolock™ insulation
- Optional SpaNet™ heat pump cuts heating costs by up to 75%
Optional ClearLift™ Automatic Cover
- Motorised system makes access effortless
- Great for safety, privacy, and independence
- Encourages more regular use, especially for users with mobility needs
Ready to learn more? Click below to explore the Vortex® Aquagym Max™ in detail.
How Much Does the Aquagym Max Pro™ Cost?
A spa like this typically ranges between $29,990 and $37,990, depending on the model and customisations. But for Paul, the decision was simple.
“You’ll never regret it,” he says. “The smile on my daughter’s face is worth a million dollars. Quality of life is everything.”
This directly addresses a common objection, price. Paul reframes it not as a cost, but as a life-changing investment.
What Was the Installation Process Like, and How Did They Make It So Seamless?
Installing a swim spa can feel like a big project, but for Paul and his family, it was surprisingly smooth, thanks to smart planning, a bit of hands-on work, and guidance from Spa World Canberra.
“The morning the spa was delivered, they came with a truck and crane, dropped it right into place. It couldn’t have been easier,” Paul says.
To make the spa fully accessible for their daughter, Paul handled the preparation himself.
Here’s how he made it work:
- Poured a concrete slab to create a strong, stable base
- Recessed the spa 300mm into the ground for low, easy access
- Built a custom deck around the spa, so Nikki could step straight in—no ladders, no struggle
“We built the deck so she can just step in. That was really important for us,” he explains.
Throughout the process, from selecting the right spa to coordinating delivery, Spa World was there every step of the way.
“They made everything so easy,” Paul says. “We felt supported the whole time.”
What could have felt like a daunting job turned into something truly meaningful. In just a few days, their ordinary yard became a purpose-built space for independence, connection, and healing.
Thinking about your own setup? Don’t let installation fears hold you back, Paul’s story shows just how achievable it can be with the right help.
Planning your swim spa setup? Our Swim Spa Pre-Delivery Guide below is a great place to start.
Is the Spa Easy to Maintain?
Absolutely. Built-in filtration, smart chemical systems, and Spa World’s support made it simple for the family to take care of.
“I spend very little time maintaining it. We clean the filters, balance the water, and it just stays clear,” says Paul. “Spa World provided really helpful guidance on setup and use.”
Buyer Concern Answered: Maintenance worries are common with spa buyers. This testimonial shows that with the right spa and set up, upkeep is minimal, and manageable even for first-time owners.
How Has the Aquagym Max Pro™ Improved Their Lives?
This isn’t just a backyard feature; it’s become essential to their daughter’s strength, therapy, and confidence.
“She’s getting stronger. We don’t even have to hold her anymore, she walks on her own in the water,” Paul shares.
“It’s treasure time. It gives her a sense of freedom that everyone else takes for granted.” For Paul, it’s a space of relief, connection, and celebration.
“It’s become part of our lives,” Paul says. “A place where we come together—and a place where our daughter gets to feel independent.”
Why Choose Spa World Canberra?
Their journey started with a simple Google search for “nearest spa shop.” But what they found in Spa World Fyshwick was far more than convenience, it was expertise, empathy, and exceptional service.
“They guided us through everything. The options, the features, and they helped us find exactly what we needed for Nikki.”
From in-showroom support to installation coordination, the Spa World team made it seamless.
Why It Matters: Buying a spa isn’t just about specs. It’s about people. Paul’s story highlights how Spa World earns trust by caring for the people behind every purchase.
Want to Create a Life-Changing Space Like Paul’s? Start Here
For Paul and his family, the Vortex® Aquagym Max Pro™ isn’t just a backyard upgrade, it’s a powerful part of their daughter’s growth, their family’s joy, and their everyday rhythm.
If you’re looking for:
- Gentle recovery or hydrotherapy
- Family fun that everyone can enjoy
- A smarter way to use your backyard year-round
…it all begins with one step.
Visit your local Spa World showroom. Step into the water. Ask the questions. Try it for yourself.
You might just find a space that changes your life, too.
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