VOYA Seaweed Baths

Voya Seaweed Baths

Project Scope

VOYA mix heated mains water with cold sea water for their seaweed baths, adding to the mineral qualities of the bath and enhancing the customer experience.  The seawater is currently pumped into a tank at the rear of their facility, using a submersible pump on the seafront when tide and weather conditions permit.  An innovation to the process is possible by drilling a well to draw seawater from the salt water intrusion which is commonplace in coastal zones.  ATU Sligo carried out a feasibility study of drilling a seawater well at the VOYA facility, which included:

  • Research of salt water intrusion in coastal zones and investigation of the key parameters for the VOYA site e.g. geology & subsoils, site level, ground water conditions
  • Research of potential drilling and investigation technologies
  • Specification and costings for a seawater well and suitable pumping equipment

Company Overview

The VOYA Seaweed Baths were opened in 2000 by Neil Walton and his family, providing beauty spa treatments to the local and tourism communities in Strandhill, currently attracting 22,000 visitors a year.  Expansion plans are expected to increase this to 32,000 to 35,000 each year.

Project Outcomes

The investigation illustrated the potential for a saltwater well, within the site constraints.  We have recommended a cost effective exploratory borehole, which, if found to have an adequate yield, could then be fully developed.  Quotations for the works have been obtained from 2 regional drilling companies.  VOYA are currently in site ownership negotiations, after which they will be in a position to proceed.

Client Testimonial

“Thank you for all your help you and the Contract Research Unit (CRU)  has given to VOYA Seaweed Baths in establishing the right fit for use energy system to use at the baths. 

This was concluded from an in-depth energy audit from the Contract Research Unit (CRU) team, which we found very useful in determining what direction the company needs to go in its energy conservation. 

The level of professional service has been second to none from Mel and his Contract Research Unit(CRU) Team. We sincerely look forward to future projects with the Contract Research Unit (CRU).“