I just finished reading an article in USA Today about
the recent debut of the world's tallest roller coaster. This modern marvel
is over 400 feet tall and travels at speeds up to 120 miles per hour.
The creation of this spectacular "extreme" machine transformed a once-average
theme park in Sandusky, Ohio into a national attraction.
It made me wonder what would constitute today's "ultimate"
spa treatment. It would probably involve a lot of water pressure and a
combination of hot, warm and cold temperatures. A simple, hot shower may
be fine for most people - just as the standard 100-foot high, 50-mph roller
coaster might provide a sufficient thrill for most "kids"; but the ultimate
spa treatment would involve water, and lots of it.
About eight years ago, I built a wet room with a Vichy shower
in a day spa in Bozeman, Mont. I chose the top-of-the-line Reid system
because of its high performance nozzles and its Scotts' fire-hose sprayer.
It was a little before its time; many spa-goers were unaware of what treatment
they'd receive in addition to, or in place of, a relaxing massage. The
local therapists and employees were surprised to discover they'd have
to don raingear - bathing suits and clogs - just to administer the treatment.
It was a spectacular way to finish up after a salt scrub, or mud or algae
wrap, and was quite the buzz in a small town.
Back then, the Vichy shower was not very popular because
it was a new and relatively unknown concept. It was, however, considered
by those in the "know" as the most sensational, invigorating and cleansing
experience one could passively experience.
Imagine: Warm water at 10 gallons a minute through seven
water jets, as a combination wash-down and hydrotherapy, with an occasional
cold squirt from a separate hose as a stimulator (not to mention water
splashing all over the client, the shower walls and the operator), while
the therapist alternately aims the Scotts' fire hose at the customer.
The installation of an "extreme" water treatment can transform
the traditional and mundane water treatment into an exciting, stimulating
attraction that will bring more people into your establishment.
Let's get back to reality: From the perspective of a sensual
and sensational spa experience, we might consider the Vichy shower ranking
at the top. From a practical point of view, however, it may not be financially
feasible, unless you have a larger facility (over six treatment rooms)
or it is already a widely accepted and sought-after treatment in your
area, which would allow you to command a higher ticket price. If you choose
to install one, be prepared to spend some big bucks for the room alone;
that is, if you don't want to deal with the expense of constructing additional
showers and dressing rooms.
"Ultimate Extreme" Vichy shower treatments will generate
a stiffer fee than a standard massage; but the cost for each treatment
will be correspondingly higher, also. Here's why:
Construction costs. Be ready to fork up somewhere in the neighborhood
of $25,000-35,000 for a big plumbing bill to include an extra large
(1-inch) water supply line; an extra large water heater; the Vichy shower
unit; a Scotts' hose with temperature control valves; and a hand- held
shower head, in addition to full tile; ventilation; waterproof lighting;
and optional radiant heat.
The cost of heated water. Allow for 100 gallons of water per treatment,
and anticipate the receipt of a hefty electric or gas bill each month.
The cost of room cleanup after each treatment. You must hose down
the walls and wipe them dry. You also might want to keep the ventilation's
electric system running (if you don't want mold).
The cost of additional laundry. You'll need lots of towels and large-capacity
washing machines and dryers.
If you want to keep it simple, but still want to qualify
as having a "spa treatment," get a containment-wet table with a hand held
wash down. You'll still need a drain, but then you can officially be called
a spa. If you want to move your clients up to a basic Vichy shower, you
can provide a low-pressure system with an optional hood.
If you want to give your clients the exhilaration of an
extreme wet room - an exciting journey in the ultimate hydro machine -
you must pay the price, including the therapist getting soaked!
