Most people think of swimming pools as places to spend time with family or to take a break from the heat. For many homeowners, though, a backyard pool is much more than that. It becomes a place where people can move their bodies, work on their health, and recover from injuries or stress. Pools can support real rehab goals, not just recreation.

This is what happened to one Latham employee, James Votraw. His fibreglass pool supported daily rehabilitation, long-term weight loss, and improved well-being. His experience highlights how backyard pools can become an integral part of a customer’s everyday routine, helping them meet their health and wellness needs.

A health wake-up call

Before his pool became a catalyst for change, Votraw was living a busy and stressful life. He worked long hours. He had a young daughter at home. Like many adults, he often put his own needs to the side. He was not eating well or sleeping enough, and he rarely exercised.

Votraw did not realize how much this was affecting him until a strange and painful health problem sent him to the hospital. He developed chronic hiccups that would not stop. For days, he struggled to eat, drink, or sleep. Doctors told him the hiccups were connected to stress and other health problems he needed to address.

This was the moment that made everything real. Doctors warned that if he did not slow down and take care of himself, things could get worse. Votraw wanted to be present for his daughter, he wanted to be active, and ultimately, he wanted to feel better.

When he left the hospital, he made a promise to change his habits. He adjusted his diet and made healthier lifestyle choices. He tried to add simple movement back into his daily routine. But what he really needed was something he could do every day that did not feel overwhelming or painful.

This is where his backyard fibreglass pool became the answer.

A pool becomes a daily rehab setting

Not long after his hospital stay, Votraw had a fibreglass pool installed in his backyard. His original plan was to spend more time with his family and find relief from the heat. However, once he started using the pool, he realized it could support his recovery in a deeper way.

He began very small, swimming laps for only 10 minutes at a time. He did not track speed or distance; his only goal was to show up in the pool each day and move his body, which quickly became part of his routine. It was low stress, low impact, and easy to keep up with because the pool was only steps away from his back door—no special equipment or gym membership necessary.

The pool gave him privacy, comfort, and a way to stay consistent, which is the most important part of rehab or lifestyle change.

Over the next 400 days, Votraw used his fibreglass pool almost every single day. The results were major. He lost more than 45 kg (100 lb), his strength improved, and his confidence grew. He slept better and had more energy for work and for his family.

For Votraw, the pool was not just a nice feature in his yard. It became a simple, effective space that helped him rebuild his health one day at a time.

Why fibreglass pools work well for rehab and wellness

Votraw’s experience shows how fibreglass pools support both physical and emotional well-being—a context that can help trade professionals frame the tips in the next section.

Low-impact movement

Swimming and water exercise are gentle on the body. Water takes pressure off joints and muscles, which is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with injuries, weight concerns, arthritis, or mobility issues. They can move without pain or strain.

Easy, everyday access

Customers who have a pool just steps away from their home are more likely to use it. There are no gym fees, long drives, or crowded facilities, and most importantly, no discomfort. This makes consistency possible, which is the most crucial aspect of rehabilitation.

Supports daily habits

Since the pool was easily accessible and simple to use, Votraw swam almost every day for over a year. This steady routine is what helped him make real changes.

Smooth and comfortable surface

With a smooth, gentle surface, fibreglass pools are easy on the skin and need fewer chemicals. A pool that feels good to use makes people want to get in the water more regularly.

Supports stress relief

Rehab is not only physical. It also involves mental well-being. Swimming helps reduce stress and clear the mind. In this instance, Votraw noticed he felt calmer, happier, and more focused after regular swims.

Lessons for builders, retailers, and service pros

For builders, dealers, service pros, and retailers, Votraw’s story provides a real example of how a fibreglass pool can be more than a recreational purchase. It can become a wellness tool and a daily part of a customer’s health routine.

Here are ways the industry can use rehab-focused messaging to add value:

Position pools as wellness tools

More homeowners want ways to feel better, recover from injuries, manage weight, and reduce stress without leaving home. A fibreglass pool supports all of these goals. Pros can highlight:

• Low-impact exercise
• Swimming laps
• Stretching and mobility work
• Stress reduction
• Easily maintaining daily habits

Recommend rehab-friendly design features

If customers mention wellness goals, pros can suggest features such as:

• Wide steps for daily stretching and balance exercises
• Bench seating for water therapy
• Tanning ledges for gentle movement
• Long, open swim lanes for laps
• Railings or handholds for stability

These details help homeowners feel safe and supported when owning a pool.

Emphasize ease of use and ownership

Fibreglass pools are easy to maintain and last a long time. For customers dealing with injuries or health issues, simple upkeep is important. A pool that requires less work is a pool they will actually use.

Share real customer stories

People trust real experiences. Stories like Votraw’s can help customers picture how a pool might fit into their own health routines. It shifts the conversation from recreational to long-term personal value.

Build long-term customer relationships

Wellness-focused buyers often invest more overtime. They may purchase heaters, covers, swim-current systems, or other upgrades to support their routine. This creates opportunities for long-term service and customer loyalty.

Pools and the growth of at-home wellness

Across the country, more people are turning to at-home options for fitness, therapy, and daily movement. Pools fit naturally into these trends because they can support:

• Injury recovery
• Chronic pain management
• Heart health
• Stress relief
• Weight loss
• Balance and mobility work
• Confidence through steady movement

This presents the pool industry with a significant opportunity to address genuine, year-round needs, rather than just seasonal fun.

A story that makes an impact

Votraw’s transformation took time, effort, and daily commitment. His fibreglass pool gave him support, access, and comfort every step of the way. His experience reminds us that pools can change more than the look of a backyard—they can change a person’s life.

For the industry, the message is clear: building a backyard pool can also support an individual’s journey toward healing, physical strength, improved mobility, and long-term wellness beyond recreation alone.

Author

Mike Fox is vice-president of product for Latham Pool Products fibreglass business unit. With more than 20 years of experience in the pool industry, Fox has been a catalyst in driving awareness, adoption, resulting in the overall growth of the fibreglass pool sector. Prior to his focus in fibreglass, Fox served as director of FP&A, product director, and U.S. sales director over his tenure at Latham Pool Products inc. Prior to joining Latham, Fox served as director of finance at General Electric (GE) (energy business) and consulting manager with Arthur Anderson Boston.