Crighton’s Hydropool reported an eight-fold increase in visitors to its website after one of its swim spa installations appeared on the popular Grand Designs television programme.
Screened as the first episode of series ten on Channel Four and regularly attracting audiences in excess of five million, presenter Kevin McCloud followed a couple as they tackled an ambitious transformation of an old picture house in Lincolnshire.
While clever use of concrete dominated the house itself, The Hydropool 19’ Aqua Trainer Fx, supplied by Crighton’s of Peterborough, with quite a wide range of extras, provided a focal point in the garden makeover.
“The deal was a bit stronger than normal on the basis that Grand Designs would allow us to use the programme and their name for promotional purposes, but to all intents and purposes it was a retail customer transaction,” explains Crighton Hydropool owner Iain Crighton.
“We tried to carry out the installation on a filming day, but we couldn’t get the delivery date to fit with Channel 4,” said Iain.“I was always slightly nervous about installing under the eye of the cameras – it would make good TV if we dropped it from a great height!
“We eventually lifted the spa in over the corner of his garage and a 10’ wall, which was a bit tight, but all went well and the installation ended up being pretty text book stuff.”
Owner Gwyn wanted the swim spa as a fun and healthy activity for his two boys; a convenient fitness workout for himself and a chill out zone for his wife Kate. The couple made initial contact through Crighton’s web site, asking if Crighton’s had a swim spa they could look at and try.
Iain explains: “We always run a 19’ Hydropool Aqua Trainer in the showroom, so they arranged to visit to have a look. They came to Peterborough on the train and I collected from the station.
“On the drive in I asked what their plans were and they explained they were converting a 1920s cinema to a hous. I mentioned it sounded like something that would be on Grand Designs and the reply was – well actually it is!”
Hydropool also got a name check from the delighted owner. Iain said: “Gwyn was great because he promised he would call the swim spa his ‘Hydropool’ – I was surprised they didn’t cut that bit out!”
Iain adds: “When the owner, Gwyn, sends a text just after midnight to make sure we’re happy with the programme, you know you wish all customers were like them!”
