One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from customers is: “How durable are the walls of the ondaFlo pool?” You ask about their sturdiness, resistance to intense play and large waves. We could answer by describing the Drop-Stitch technology and PVC material, but we decided to do something much more compelling.
We put our largest garden pool to the test with a professional jet ski.
See what the test looked like - watch the reel on ondaFlo’s Instagram.
The largest ondaFlo pool and an unusual guest
For the experiment, we chose the ondaFlo Ø 4.5 × 1.2 m model. We invited Krzysztof Paździur - a three-time Polish freestyle jet ski champion and GKM RaceGang competitor, who performs dynamic turns, jumps and spectacular stunts on a daily basis. This time, he had a round garden pool measuring just 4.5 meters in diameter at his disposal.
A carbon-fiber jet ski powered by an engine producing approximately 200 HP entered the water. The sight of such a machine in a backyard pool alone suggested that this would be no ordinary test.
The test lasted all day. We regularly topped up the water because it spilled over the pool during the most intense maneuvers. Each successive run allowed us to observe the behavior of the walls, seams and the entire structure.
One twist of the throttle and the calm surface disappears
Even the first harder twist of the throttle turned the calm water surface into a true force of nature. The mass of water moved in one direction, then struck the opposite wall. The pool tilted, and moments later the reflected wave pushed out the other side.
The walls bent under the pressure of successive impacts, while the entire structure worked together with the accelerating water. Every turn brought new waves and whirlpools. In such a small space, everything happened right next to the competitor and the pool edge, over which water spilled again and again.
Not just waves: the force of the jet and machine impacts
The waves were the most spectacular part, but an additional durability test came from the water jet expelled by the jet ski’s jet pump. This system is responsible for its propulsion and rapid acceleration. In a pool measuring 4.5 meters in diameter, the jet hit the wall almost immediately, and under its pressure the entire structure literally shook.
These were unusual loads, completely different from those experienced during swimming or playing in the water. Even a dozen or so people using the pool could not reproduce the concentrated jet generated by such a propulsion system.
The limited space also left little room for maneuvering. Several times, there were direct impacts between the machine and the walls. The pool therefore had to withstand both the force of the waves and water jet, as well as contact with the jet ski.
What did the pool look like after the test?
Afterward, we observed only visual traces of contact between the jet ski and the material. The seams remained intact, the pool did not lose pressure, and we found no structural damage. It still fulfilled its function and was suitable for normal use.
Krzysztof summed up the experiment in these words:
“If this pool withstood a 1200 on a 160 pump, it will handle more than one party.”
That is exactly why we conducted this test: to answer the question about durability not only with words, but also with images and a report from a real-life trial. The result applies to this specific unit and the experiment that was conducted.
What makes it possible? Drop-Stitch technology
In ondaFlo pools, the material layers are connected by numerous fibers. Thanks to Drop-Stitch technology, inflation creates rigid walls that do not require a metal frame. You can learn more about their construction in our article about Drop-Stitch technology.
However, a description of the construction does not show everything. That is why we decided to demonstrate it in action, during a test that went far beyond everyday swimming.
Do not try to repeat this test at home. Do not use a jet ski in the pool. The demonstration involving the competitor went beyond the product’s intended use. Use the pool in accordance with the operating and maintenance instructions.
The model used in the test was the ondaFlo Ø 4.5 m inflatable garden pool. Check its specifications or explore the other ondaFlo garden pools.
