Swim-in-place pools are making significant waves in the pool industry as more homeowners focus on fitness, therapy, and interactive play. Over the past two decades, swimming pools have transformed from serene backyard retreats into multifunctional spaces designed for movement and wellness. Leading this transformation is Current Systems, the creator of the Riverflow pump - a powerful, low-head, high-volume current system that brings water to life.

Phil De Tournillon, co-founder of Current Systems, notes, "Ten to twenty years ago, people viewed a swimming pool as a tranquil gathering place for families. Now, there's an interactive opportunity to engage with water." This shift from passive pool lounging to active aquatic experiences is driving a surge in interest for swim-in-place systems, lazy rivers, and dynamic water environments that enhance both health and enjoyment.

The Rise of Swim In Place Pools

More homeowners are embracing fitness-focused pool designs. Swim-in-place systems, like the Riverflow pump, offer continuous water resistance, transforming even compact pools into endless lap lanes. However, De Tournillon emphasizes that the benefits extend beyond swimming. "You don't need to be a swimmer to benefit from the current," he explains. "There's a sense of movement that the body feels - a therapeutic push and pull that provides pleasure and health benefits."

This sensation replicates the natural feeling of being in the ocean or a river, offering homeowners a more immersive experience, whether they use their pool for exercise, hydrotherapy, or simply floating in gently moving water.

Small Pools, Big Function

Space constraints are a significant factor driving this trend. Not every backyard can accommodate a 60-foot lap pool, but homeowners don't have to sacrifice functionality. "People are restricted by the size of their spaces," says De Tournillon. "But they want to immerse themselves in the water, not just sit beside it."

Thanks to powerful, adjustable systems like Riverflow, even modest plunge pools can now offer robust fitness and therapeutic capabilities. This flexibility is ushering in a new category of "performance pools" tailored to compact, urban environments.

The Smart Pool Era

With the rise of pool automation and smart homes, controlling a swim current is now just a tap away. Riverflow integrates seamlessly with platforms from Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, and Poolside Tech's "The Attendant."

"These systems provide a single source to control lights, jets, and the current system," explains De Tournillon. Variable speed controls allow users to customize their experience based on the activity - slow for relaxation or light therapy, and faster for exercise or play.

"The Attendant by Poolside Tech has taken it even further," he says. "They've developed a way to add variable speed control, giving clients even more versatility to fine-tune their experience. It's quite exciting."

Enter the Adventure Pool

Dynamic water environments aren't just for workouts. They're also fueling the rise of the "adventure pool," where features like lazy rivers, slides, and waterfalls create a resort-style experience at home. Riverflow plays a key role here too.

"We've designed systems where jets propel swimmers out of a slide chute," says De Tournillon. "It keeps the energy going after the initial splash."

Many homeowners return from vacations wanting to replicate that high-energy resort feel in their own backyard. Whether it's a current loop powering a lazy river or directional jets enhancing a waterslide experience, the goal is to make every pool moment more engaging.

Hybrid Pools: Where Tranquility Meets Motion

Despite the rise in motion-centric pool designs, De Tournillon believes traditional aesthetics remain relevant. Many clients desire both. "You can have a beautiful mirror-glass surface and, at the flip of a switch, bring it alive with movement," he says.

This hybrid model is gaining popularity - one moment it's an elegant infinity-edge pool perfect for entertaining, the next it's transformed into an aquatic playground or a resistance training lane. The versatility allows for broader enjoyment across age groups and lifestyles.

Pools That Adapt to People

Customization and control are crucial. "If you have young children using the river, you'll want to slow it down," says De Tournillon. "If teenagers show up, you can ramp it up." The ability to fine-tune performance based on user preferences and safety makes these systems especially attractive for multigenerational households.

And when the current's off? A lazy river can become a tranquil walking lane. This adaptability underscores how far pool design has come.

Behind the Innovation

Current Systems is no stranger to innovation. Founded by Peter Davidson, who invented the first countercurrent high-flow, low-head pump over 30 years ago, the company has continued to push boundaries. De Tournillon joined forces with Davidson two decades ago, shaping the swim-in-place movement.

"We saw a huge need for moving water solutions in the pool industry," says De Tournillon. "Not just for athletes, but for anyone who wants more from their pool."

This inclusive mindset has fueled broader interest in wellness, accessibility, and year-round aquatic enjoyment.

The Future Is Flowing

Looking ahead, De Tournillon anticipates growing demand for dynamic water features. "In the next 10 years, I think there will be an amazing amount of water flowing," he says. As more builders and designers recognize the versatility of swim-in-place systems, more homeowners will opt for active features that enrich both health and enjoyment.

"You don't have to choose between a beautiful pool and a functional one," he adds. "You can have the best of both worlds."

As homeowners increasingly prioritize wellness, play, and smart design, the era of the dynamic pool has arrived - ushering in the rise of the current-driven backyard oasis.