ALDI brings spa pool to the Forty Foot ahead of Bank Holiday weekend

Need one of these!

As early morning sea swimmers entered the Irish Sea, ALDI brand ambassador Eric Roberts was seen relaxing in the Spa Pool just metres away - enjoying 40°C heated water and 100 high-powered bubble jets.

The scene created a striking contrast between endurance and indulgence, cold shock and instant comfort - raising the simple question: when it comes down to it, which do people actually prefer?

In a light-hearted on-site poll of 10 regular swimmers, Eric Roberts asked: “On a tough day, would you ever be tempted by a warm spa soak instead of the icy plunge?”

While cold-water swimming remains a much-loved ritual, 60% admitted they’d be tempted by a warm soak every now and then – showing that even the most dedicated dippers enjoy a little comfort too.

When the question turned to home comforts, the mood stayed playful. Asked, “If this was in your garden tomorrow, would you still be hitting the sea?”, opinion was divided, highlighting that while nothing replaces the Irish Sea, having the option to unwind in warm bubbles close to home certainly has its appeal.

The answers reveal a telling contradiction at the heart of Ireland’s wellness habits: the cold may be the commitment, but the heat is the reward.

Designed for at-home use, the new Intex Spa Pool €299.99 heats up to 40°C for full-body relaxation, features 100 high-powered bubble jets for massage-style comfort, and is sized for 2–4 adults, making it suitable for both recovery and everyday unwinding.

Whether it’s the invigorating shock of cold-water swimming or the restorative comfort of heat, recovery is personal - and now more accessible at home for all to enjoy.

The Intex Spa Pool is available in stores nationwide from May 3^rd.