Services
Concept to Completion
Swimming Pool Design can guide you through the whole process from initial feasibility and design advice to technical recommendations and interior design.
Feasibility Study
We are often approached for recommendations at an early concept stage when advice is needed across all aspects of design, location, facilities and budget.
An SPD specialist will visit the site and discuss the brief in order to produce a detailed report. This will include initial proposals with plan and elevations, also a summary of all points relevant to the project – both pool and building related. Cost comparisons are drawn from recent similar indoor pool projects together with a fee proposal for the initial stage of the SPD works.
Design Development
Following the presentation of a Feasibility Study Report, clients will usually commission SPD to provide detailed proposals to develop the scheme to their precise requirements and be suitable for submission of Planning and (if relevant) Listed Building Applications to the Local Authority.
We arrange a survey of the site to establish details of the property including location of existing buildings, levels and services. The design proposed within the Feasibility Study Report will be developed and detailed: attention will be paid to the individual areas within the pool building, the interface with surrounding buildings, also facilities to be included within the scheme. These often include the pool itself, a whirlpool spa, sauna or steam (maybe both!), changing, shower and W/C facilities.
Adjacent rooms often include a kitchenette, gymnasium, home cinema, or conservatory. A recent scheme also included a single alley for ten pin bowling!
The Design Development phase will develop the scheme through sketches to computer generated drawings including elevations and sections suitable for the Local Authority submission. This stage is particularly important, as it establishes the basis of the scheme, which will be constructed in due course.
Local Authority Applications
SPD have considerable experience and expertise regarding Local Authority Applications for swimming pool projects, which will ensure that the proposal is appropriately presented including all background information.
We work with an experienced Planning Consultant who will investigate Planning Approvals within the geographical area of the proposed scheme, also similar Approvals which may have established a precedent.
Particular attention is paid to the Local Authority Local Area Plan, the designation of the site (whether Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Green Belt etc), as these will also influence the Local Authority decision.
The status of the dwelling in question is established, including previous extensions and alterations. Our Planning Consultant provides a Letter of Support which will be included within our application documentation.
In addition, justification is provided as to the specifics of the proposed scheme, including the suitability of proposed materials and the appearance and design of the indoor pool building.
Once an Application has been completed and submitted, SPD liaise with the Local Authority to clarify any queries and ensure that a decision is achieved in the quickest possible time. We also maintain close contact with clients and provide regular progress reports regarding the current status of the Application.
Client Liaison following Planning Approval
Once Planning Approval has been granted, we will discuss the scheme in detail with clients. We will establish the precise specification for pool and (optional) spa, including size, depth, fittings, steps, lighting, pool covers and pool configuration, also whether pool overflow is to be freeboard or level deck.
Additional water-related facilities will also be discussed, including the options of a swim exercise jet or volcano feature within the pool, fibre optic and LED coloured lighting also spa options including air beds and underwater massage jets, as well as other options which are available.
The structural support for the building will be discussed as to whether a discreet steel frame is recessed within the structure of the building, or an exposed decorative Green Oak frame.
Specifics for the interior design will also be discussed, including finishes for pool, spa, floor, walls and ceiling, the changing and adjacent rooms, and lighting.
Site Survey
Once Planning Approval has been achieved, it is necessary to establish specific information regarding ground conditions.
A mini bore hole ground investigation will establish soil conditions, depth of water table and other influencing factors, including tree roots, depth of the footings of surrounding buildings, underground obstructions and services.
If geothermal groundsource heating is required, a geological report is commissioned to establish the likely soil conditions at a depth of up to 100m. For further information, see The Deeply Boring Company Ltd pages on this site.
Structural Engineering
Once relevant site information has been assembled, our pool design technician will liaise with our structural engineer and commission the structural engineering relevant to the project. This will include the detailed design for foundations and footings and the structural detailing of the building and any other relevant structural detailing.
Detailed Technical Working Drawings
The basis of any successful building project is to ensure that the building and all facilities are intricately detailed to provide contractors with precise design requirements to ensure fixed cost quotations are provided. We have developed our expertise over many years and the various SPD personnel associated with the project will have completed a number of similar challenging projects.
Frequently, indoor pool projects are completed based on works being commissioned from suitable specialist contractors who themselves have successfully worked on past indoor pool schemes. SPD have arranged contracts, on behalf of clients, with suitable specialist companies including structural frame, glazing, timber frame specialist, mechanical, electrical etc.
This has been found to be an important element contributing to the success of an indoor pool project and, working closely with contractors who have proved successful on past projects, is a contributory factor to the success of our pool schemes.
The package of detailed working drawings will be developed over the course of an 8 to 10 week period, which will include close liaising with clients to ensure that they are fully conversant with the precise proposed design.
Pool Related Detailing
Together with the technical detailing for the pool building, we develop a similar package of detailed working drawings relating to all the pool items.
Pool
The most suitable method of construction for the pool shell must be addressed. This will depend upon considerations such as whether the pool includes variable depth, level deck water, a motorised pool cover etc.
The pool is detailed as to shape, size, depth, configuration (whether freeboard or level deck), steps, pool fittings, underwater lights and also whether the pool is to be covered when not in use and, if so, whether this cover will be manually applied or motorised.
Spa
A spa positioned adjacent to the pool with higher water temperature (approximately 38°C) than the pool is a popular option. It is particularly enjoyable progressing from the pool to the warmer water of the spa, which offers both hydrotherapy and relaxation. The most suitable method of construction for the spa will be assessed, also the required features and facilities will be agreed with the clients.
Sauna
Many indoor pool schemes now include a sauna, which clients will often have enjoyed within commercial health spas. The pleasantly warm, dry, pine-scented atmosphere creates glowing skin and a sense of relaxation. Saunas have proved a popular facility over many years.
Steam
Recently, steam facilities have become ever more popular. Steam is provided through a remote steam generator with the steam room walls and floor being clad in mosaic tiles, stone or bookmatched marble.
Change and W/C Rooms
The design of pool changing rooms has developed to reflect the superlative shower and sanitary fittings that are now available. Many are designed with a contemporary feel including a stone floor, stone or mosaic-clad walls, multi-jet shower, conveniently positioned heated towel rail, seating with drawers for storage beneath and high level shelving for towels, drying facilities for swim suits etc. SPD have developed an expertise with regards to the specifying of these areas and can provide illustrations of past installations.
Gymnasium
Increasingly, indoor pool schemes have included a highly specified gymnasium. SPD will work closely with a gymnasium equipment specialist to detail the infrastructure and finishes including rubber carpeting, wall mirrors, appropriate lighting etc.
Adjacent Rooms
Many indoor pool schemes have combined a cinema, kitchenette and glazed walkway link to house. SPD will provide the intricate detailing for these areas, including all finishes.
Air Handling
SPD have developed particular expertise as to the design and detailing of air handling within pool rooms to ensure a warm, dry and pleasant atmosphere is achieved. A sound-attenuated air handling unit and ducting will be specified, including developing a detailed plant room layout.
Air handling will also be detailed for other areas, including air conditioning for the gymnasium and cinema and ventilation for changing rooms.
Electrical and Lighting
SPD will detail all electrical requirements for the pool areas. Lighting is a particularly important ingredient contributing to the success of an indoor pool.
Lighting is divided into zones which can be controlled individually. Zones can be dimmed and/or combined to provide "Scenes of Light" to fully enhance the pool room. This can include differing levels of light within the various lighting zones depending on the use of the pool room. For example, pool lights will be brighter and surrounding lights dimmer when bathing is in progress. A different "Scene of Light" will be required when the pool room is in "Display Mode".
Four push button controls enable the selection of the preferred lighting scene with a timed, slow fade when the building is vacated. This ensures lighting controls are simple. Overall electrical requirements will be assessed, including whether an electrical upgrade to the property is required.
Geothermal
Working closely with The Deeply Boring Company Ltd, SPD have developed specific expertise regarding the integration of ground source heating within indoor pool schemes. Ground source heating will ensure economical heating costs and usually provides a pay back within seven to eight years or less. For further details see The Deeply Boring Company Ltd pages on this site.