Lesley Holdsworth, brand director for Jacuzzi UK looks at the whirlpool bath market…

Few independently researched figures are available on the whirlpool bath market and the latest figures relate to 2008, during which period whirlpool bath sales saw a decrease of 23% on 2007. 

Whirlpool baths are still the largest product group in this indoor wellness sector with reported sales of 90,000 pieces worth £33 million. 

So, in line with general economic trends, overall the indoor wellness market has seen a decline since 2008, although sales trends seem to show the very top end and the bottom end of the market fairly constant.

The bulk of the volume is at the bottom end of the market, pro rata the top end has surprisingly held its own thanks to constant innovation of functions in the digital areas and improvements in design that set these premium products apart from budget items.

Jetted steam cabins enjoyed a 10-year run of growth up to 2008 when the volume dipped below 10,000 pieces after a decline of 16% on 2007 volumes. A further recession-fuelled decline of 15% is expected for 2009, leaving the market worth about £12m at manufacturers' selling prices. The twin or combination products market also enjoyed a four-year run of growth before 2008 and then declined at a similar percentage as shower/steam cubicles leaving a market volume of about 1,000 pieces worth £1.2m.

However, the past two years have seen the top end of the market making great strides in innovative product developments. The electronic era has also ushered in a new and more colourful styling of control pads. In addition, at the top end of the market, steam cabins with showering jets have seen a move away from the white plastic cabinets to more contemporary streamlined glass cabins, this is a trend that DIY stores are making moves to emulate at the bottom end too.

Looking ahead in the total wellness market, we should see an increased requirement for hydrotherapy products. The indoor market may be slower to grow than initially predicted, but with a choice of whirlpool baths, and showering/steam cabins available to suit almost any bathroom size and budget and the benefits of hydrotherapy becoming more widely promoted, I believe this area will see considerable growth.