What makes an award winning pool?
When making any purchasing decision these days, we’re truly spoilt by the wealth of online resources we can use to check up on a brand or supplier’s credentials. From TripAdvisor to Facebook, there are dozens of platforms consumers can peruse that contain verified customer feedback and can give consumers a good idea regarding the culture and the reputation of the brand in question.
Social media, however, is not particularly tangible. What is, however, is a recognised industry award. Because, if a company has been honoured by its peers as one of the best in the business then you know you’re going to be getting a product or service you can trust.
Awards are not simply an excuse for the team to have a good night out and for the industry to pat itself on the back; they set a company apart. Indeed, even being nominated can serve as a testament to a company’s work ethic, dedication and unique speciality. This is particularly true in an exclusive area such as luxury swimming pools and within that sector, London Swimming Pool Company (LSPC) is arguably in a league of its own. LSPC has won more than 50 coveted design awards in its 30-plus years of business, including four gold awards at the 2019 UK Pool & Spa Awards.
LSPC Managing Director, Jamie Smith, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our awards, of course, but we also understand that it’s important for our clients to understand exactly why our pools are held in such high esteem. So, when we’re putting together an award-winning pool, these are the key factors we always put first.”
It looks good – Whether you’re building a basic lap pool or a luxury pool to rival the extravagances of the top 10 most luxurious homes in the UK, it must look like it was always meant to be a part of the environment. It’s all about the design – does it pull from a specific era or does it achieve its own unique modern ambition? Of course, a lot of the look will depend on the available space, so it’s important to bring the design team in early to ensure the best use is being made of the space available.
It prioritises the plant room – Perhaps one of the greatest challenges with any bespoke pool is finding the right space for the plant room. Functionally, it’s a vital aspect of the pool that is often overlooked in favour of the more glamorous, aesthetic values. But the plant room is just as important as the shell of the pool itself. Of course, the space required for the plant room will depend on the type and size of the pool, but regardless, it’s always a consideration that needs to be made – once built the pool will need to be regularly serviced to keep it in great shape and that means making the plantroom easy to access and work in.
It feels right – As well as space considerations, creating a stunning, award-winning pool is also about the ambience of the space. An elegantly designed pool that harmonises effortlessly with the design of your home not only makes a statement but it provides an opportunity to luxuriate, relax and have fun. It’s also important that the aesthetics match the lifestyle of your family and that any modern conveniences (moving floors, for example) are only used when they make sense (to accommodate different levels of swimmer, for example), not simply for the sake of it.
It’s functional – Creativity is a wonderful thing, but functionality is just as important. Traditional, in-ground concrete pools continue to be some of the most popular pools for a reason - they work and they are adaptable to almost any situation. In homes where space is limited, basement pools remain popular because it’s often the only space available, particularly in major city centres. Functionality should also take performance and cost-efficiency into account. An inadequately designed pool can be a drain on the environment and your energy bills, so it must be built with form and function in mind.
It’s honest and safe – Clients being totally transparent about their budget from the get-go really helps us to design and build their dream pool. Luxury effects and water features might look incredible but will add a significant amount to the final budget. LSPC is scrupulous about pricing with clients which ensures a happy outcome for everyone. And finally, and perhaps most pertinent, safety is always a primary concern of any modern swimming pool worth its salt, award-worthy or otherwise. Thankfully, LSPC’s award-winning designers know exactly how to design functional, attractive and safe pools that will feel like the natural heart of your home.
London Swimming Pool Company specialises in swimming pool design, construction and refurbishment - if you need advice on a new pool, contact us for an initial discussion – there’s no substitute for expert advice. London Swimming Pool Company has won more than 50 awards for the design, build and refurbishment of swimming pools.
