H2X Swim Spa Customization To Improve Propulsion And Reduce Turbulence

[mws]

A little history.When my wife and I shopped for a swim spa in 2012, she swam in a Swimex and a newer Endless Pool finberglass series with a Fastlane hanging in it from one end. After reading what I have about Swimex, I was surprised to find she found the sweet spot and could swim longer and more effortlessly in the Endless Pool. Once I looked into the massive size of the propeller on an Endless pool (about 16") and the way they groom the water to reduce turbulence, I understood why it would be a good experience. Unfortunately, the newer fiberglass Endless pools were not available used and the new pricing was prohibitive for us.

We ended up taking a chance and buying a used 2007 H2X (not a Michael Phelps), which is the only one she had not tried until we actually filled it with water and she swam in it at out house, after purchase. It was adequate, but no Endless Pool. I bought a Michael Phelps propeller, thinking if it was good enough for him, it would be good enough for her. Once I found Torqeedo propellers, I never looked back and will probably not install the MP propeller.

http://www.torqeedo.com/us/technology/propeller-technology

Masterspas bought Exerswim and used their technology to make the H2X. It leaves a LOT to be desired. The grates are simple Waterways drain grates, in my opinion, not made for smooth, high water flow of ANY kind. The first thing I tried was to make a larger prop hole, and install the Torqeedo. I used simple stretched steel grate material, thinking it would work fine and let the Torqeedo rip. It kicked up some surf, but the huge twist of water coming off that prop sent her into the side of the pool. She requested I simply put it all "back to normal" and try again if she outgrew the stock prop. You'll see some funny pictures of a rectangle of fiberglass and some stretched grate metal wire. That's me putting it back to stock.

I looked closely at how Endless pool grooms the water off that huge prop using curved ailerons, to kill the twist of the wash coming off the propeller, very cool, actually.

http://mwsmith.smugmug.com/Sports/fastlane/26553954_WbSVWG#!i=2219087117&k=2ZtMK9G

I realized that was what I needed for the Torqeedo prop. I needed some fins, basically, to stop the immense twist. My wife then in the meantime, outgrew the stock H2X propeller fairly quickly. I decided to try again.

I tried the new ducted grate I made with the Torqeedo first, and my wife loved it. It reduces the twist of prop wash and distributes the flow more like an Endless Pool. Then recently drained the pool for some other work, and also converted the water return/intake grates with my better flowing design as well. I also decided to try a theory I had and aim the propulsion grate upwards slightly to buoy her a bit. It worked. Here's the results. Bottom line, my wife says it now swims like an Endless pool and she has a lot more room to grow before she out-swims this propeller.

http://mwsmith.smugmug.com/Sports/SwimSpa/34527146_zMsNMG#!i=2935882273&k=r5KDPm8

Phase 1, get the prop in there, and show you the new ducted grate.

Phase 2, swap out the old return grates for better flowing custom ones.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiuizjqCVdY

a discussion of the old prop and the Michael Phelps prop.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JnAvgD9qyU&feature=youtu.be

[Chammar]

Did you have any trouble getting the old stock propeller off? Mine seems stuck.