When people visit a spa, they expect the ultimate in relaxation. You’ve got the stunning setting, luxury treatments and welcoming staff, but what about the sound in your spa?
With high humidity levels and acoustically reflective surfaces, spas are challenging environments to create great sound. Read on for our expert advice on how to tackle these challenges.
Enhancing acoustic comfort
There are a lot of hard surfaces as well as mechanical and electrical infrastructures to consider in the spa environment. Vibrations from the pool plant, ventilation systems, etc. are all aspects that can detract from the desired calming visitor experience.
Look at ways to control the acoustic comfort of the spa through architectural design. Straying away from large open plan spaces, and instead opting for half-height or full-height dividing walls in the space can enhance both acoustics and visual aesthetics.
Fine-tuning your features
Breaking down your space also provides an opportunity to fine-tune speaker and lighting placement, creating a more intimate atmosphere than can be achieved in a large open space. Also consider investing in acoustic friendly materials such as rugs, pillows and non-permanent installations like these acoustic absorber panels.
To enhance the overall luxurious experience, consider sourcing ecological, sustainable, renewable, and green materials. Eco or living walls are a great option, with an attractive characteristic style that naturally absorbs sound.
Use a distributed audio solution
Use a distributed audio solution to ensure an even and subliminal audio coverage throughout the facility. Consistent, non-intrusive background music is key to the overall customer journey for a 5-star experience. This allows the audio to become a subconscious experience, subtly triggering your key senses.
Getting this right takes experience. Talk to our team for expert advice on audio solutions for spas.
Invisible speakers
For a truly premium feel, consider at invisible speaker products. Amina invisible speakers, for instance, are built into the wall and completely hidden from sight. This provides an obvious aesthetic benefit but can also improve the quality of sound in an acoustically challenging environment.
“Amina DML (Distributed Mode) loudspeakers use microscopic vibrations to generate acoustic energy. This leads to an even and smooth response throughout the entire space, enabling much better retention of clarity, detail and intelligibility in an acoustically challenging space than is possible with conventional loudspeakers.”
Babs Moore | Sales Director, Amina Invisible Speakers
These types of concealed speakers also require very little to no maintenance. They are protected behind a barrier of plaster and paint from the moisture-rich environment typically found in spas and pools.
Underwater sound experiences
To create an all-encompassing experience, consider using underwater speakers in spa pools. Underwater sound is becoming more popular and can enhance your relaxing customer journey.
Using good quality water-resistant speakers is also vital to extend your sound delivery into saunas and steam rooms – a must for any operator looking to deliver luxury. Speakers like these must be calibrated precisely to perform well in each environment, so audio engineers should be involved in the setup of the space.
Speaker choice
Ensure you choose an audio system that can deliver the range of frequencies recognised as having health and relaxation benefits.
Music playlists and soundscapes should also be thoroughly considered and designed to bring together the visual and auditory sensations into one, harmonious experience. There are experts to help with this too. Companies like Music Concierge specialise in helping premium brands create bespoke playlists that complement their spaces.
Talk to the experts
If you’re looking to create a new spa or upgrade an existing one, professional technical assistance can transform that space into an incredible destination.
Get in touch today to talk to our talented team. They will be more than happy to talk you through the available technologies to create an oasis of relaxation your visitors will love.