In celebration of 10 years of industry leadership, the Global Wellness Institute proudly unveils the fourth edition of the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards. This 230-page guide, developed in collaboration with the GWI Hydrothermal Initiative members, continues to set the industry standard for designing and constructing thermal experiences and wet areas in commercial and residential properties.

Originally published in 2014, the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards has proven invaluable for stakeholders, including owners, operators and consultants, to understand the complexity of these spaces. Regardless of the size and scope of a project, the manual guides readers through everything from project planning to building and construction considerations, including recommended standards and materials, while clearly defining the functions and benefits of common thermal bathing and wet area experiences and treatments, both communal and private.

"I’ve long been convinced that, when implemented correctly, hydrothermal experiences play a key role in wellness programming, offering proven wellness benefits that are difficult to achieve any other way,” said Susie Ellis, GWI’s CEO & co-founder. “GWI is proud to celebrate 10 years of providing the industry with this valuable resource. The fourth edition has been updated and expanded, and includes crucial information, which is available for free download, to help anyone embarking on this type of build, whether for a home, spa, bathhouse or fitness center.”

Key Considerations from the fourth Edition of the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards:

• Seek professional advice early: these are specialized areas and wet area specialists are required.
• Be clear on budget: a wet area is not a place to cut corners; understanding this at the outset will minimize frustrations.
• Know your audience: preferences around the world vary greatly so make sure hydrothermal features are targeted to your audience.
• Balance is important: achieve the correct balance between water (pools) and thermal experiences (steam rooms, saunas, etc.).
• Don’t underestimate space requirements: wet spa areas often require twice the space to accommodate behind-the-scenes equipment and maintenance.
• Bathers and staff require different flows: understand who will be using and working in the various spaces and plan accordingly.
• Don’t forget the plant room and equipment: the detailed plant and technical equipment requirements (plant rooms, etc.) are frequently undocumented in early planning stages; this omission often means going back to the drawing board partway through a build, resulting in time delays and extra costs.
• Noise is the enemy: customer relaxation will be nonexistent and the ambience of the spa will be severely compromised if noise emissions aren’t kept to a minimum (for example, a relaxation space should not be adjacent to a vitality pool, which can be quite noisy and often generates conversation).
• Water egress is also the enemy: a lack of detailed planning in the materials used, construction techniques and drainage can result in water leakage/damage throughout the facility, which can lead to health issues from mold and bacteria growth such as legionella.

Download the latest Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards here.