What Are The Best Water Fountains For Gyms?

The UK’s best water fountains for gyms are those designed for busy commercial settings. The most important criteria being hygiene, high capacity, durability, and quick bottle refilling.

We know first hand from working with gyms in the UK that members want immediate access to chilled, clean water with zero queues, no contamination concerns, and without single-use plastic bottles.

For this reason, our preferred solution for most gym facilities is a mains-fed water fountain or bottle refill station that includes an integrated drinking fountain.

Benefits of plumbed-in systems include an uninterrupted supply of filtered water, less running and delivery costs, and better resilience during peak demand.

Why Mains-Fed Water Fountains Are the Best Choice for Gyms

One common thing we hear from gym owners and facility managers is how their hydration points experience huge, concentrated usage spikes. There’s a big influx of members before work, a lull, then an even bigger influx after work and during classes. Bottled water coolers are just not viable in this context.

As an alternative, water fountains that are mains-fed connect to the building’s supply pipe and filter water on demand.

Advantages of this set up are:

• No more heavy water bottles
• Less chance of running out during busy periods
• Lower running costs in the long run
• Eliminates single-use plastics

These factors make mains-fed water fountains the no-brainer solution for gyms focused on member wellbeing and sustainability.

Key Features for Wanted For Gyms

There are many different types of water fountains and dispensers that are fit for use in gym environments.

In general, those with the following features are the most gym-ready.

Bottle Filling Station

This is arguably the most important piece of equipment for water fountains in gym settings. This is because members tend to bring their own large sports bottles, which they want to refill quickly and easily between sets.

Benefit for gyms: Fast, splash-free filling reduces queues and encourages hydration.

Example technologies:

• Elkay EZH20 Filtered, refrigerated Bottle Filling Station and Water Fountain
• Elkay EZH20 Surface Mounted Hands Free Bottle Filling Station
• RiverFS Water Fountain
• RiverWM Water Fountain

High Capacity & Flow Rate

In fitness environments, you need units that can serve a high volume of users (dozens or hundreds) per day without issues.

Benefit for gyms: Consistent supply of chilled water during peak demand.

Specifications:

• A typical unit can provide 60 litres of chilled water per hour
• Capable of serving 10–150+ users per day

Contactless / Hands-Free Operation

Members are understandably hygiene-conscious in fitness environments. Having touch-free dispensing is a significant improvement.

Benefit for gyms: Fewer shared contact points means less germ spread.

Contactless Examples:

• Infrared sensor-activated dispensing
• Foot pedal operation
• Touch-free bottle detection systems

Product Examples:

• Elkay EZH20 In-Wall Mounted Hands Free Filtered Bottle Filling Station
• Elkay EZH20 Surface Mounted Filtered Refrigerated Hands Free Bottle Filling Station

Advanced Water Purification

Offering members safe, great tasting water will make them more inclined to drink regularly, supporting better hydration and performance.

Benefit for gyms: Safer, better-tasting water (no bad odours, mineral deposits, etc. ).

Purification technologies:

• Firewall® UVC technology
• UVC LED filtration systems
• Multi-stage carbon filtration

Antimicrobial Protection

A feature on some high-end gym water fountains is an antimicrobial protection layer applied to key touch points and internal surfaces.

Benefit for gyms: Slows mould, mildew and bacterial growth between cleans.

Example technology:

• BioCote® antimicrobial protection, typically paired with UV purification.

Multiple Water Options

Although chilled water is the main requirement, some facilities benefit from having different types of water available.

Options can include:

• Chilled/cold water
• Ambient (tap) water
• Hot water (for staff areas only)
• Sparkling water

Having multiple water options allows you to cater to a broader range of members and locations.

Durability & Vandal-Proof Design

Equipment in gyms is subject to high traffic and use, water dispensers should be no exception.

Benefit for gyms: Less maintenance, downtime and longer-lasting equipment.

Typical features:

• Heavy duty stainless steel construction
• Impact-resistant panels
• Vandal-resistant connections and dispensers

Types of Water Fountains Best for UK Gyms

Now that we’ve covered features, let’s have a look at some recommended unit types for gyms in the UK.

Mains-Fed Water Coolers / Dispensers

Description:

Plumbed in units that filter and chill water on demand. These often look similar to modern office water coolers, but are built with more powerful cooling and purification.

Best suited for:

Smaller gyms and studios, or gyms looking for a secondary hydration point alongside bottle refill stations.

• RiverFS Water Fountain 
• Blizzard Water Fountain
• Oasis Versa Water Fountain

Wall-Mounted Units (Surface or Recessed)

Description:

Space-saving units that can be mounted directly to the wall, keeping high-traffic corridors and walkways clear.

Best suited for:

Keeping exercise and changing room floors uncluttered, as well as corridors and communal areas.

• Elkay EZH20 Surface Mounted Bottle Filling Station
• RiverWM Water Fountain

Summary: How to Find the Best Water Fountain for Your Gym

In summary, the best water fountains for gyms in the UK are mains-fed, single use plastic free systems with bottle filling stations, a high flow rate, and improved hygiene features (contactless operation, antimicrobial, etc. 

These units give reliable chilled water supply, minimise plastic waste, and help gyms align with member expectations.

A specialist water dispenser supplier such as Thirsty Work can make sure you get a gym-ready solution that’s right for your facility, needs, and budget, while being future-proof and cost-effective. Get in touch today to discuss your options.