Re-shaping a 40 Year Old Pool

Barnes, London

Refurbishment projects come in all shapes and sizes, and on this project, LSPC replaced a 40-year old, 9.4 metre long kidney shaped pool which was dominating the client’s back garden. The brief was to replace the old pool with a small, family-friendly pool for the client, visiting friends and toddlers, at the same time creating much-needed new outdoor space. Aware of the client's safety concerns, LSPC suggested and then undertook the raising of the back garden by a few centimetres to the level of an existing, rather dangerous, step down from the main house and patio area. The above work had to be carried out during the winter, on a limited budget, for completion before the following summer. This gave the design and build teams only 6 months approx to design and install the new pool

The old pool shell was demolished, quite a task (involving additional personnel to meet the schedule), then LSPC carefully filled in most of the old pool area to create a level base for new garden landscaping, including the laying of a small lawn. They then built a modern 4 x 3 metre rectangular pool in the unfilled-in section of the old pool.

LSPC was able to re-use much of the existing plant equipment, which had been well-maintained over many years, reconnecting the new pool to the original plantroom. Additionally, they installed two new features, specified by the client:

The first was a Fluvo counter-current unit. This meant that despite the pool's comparatively small size, keen users could swim any number of 'virtual' lengths against the (adjustable) counter-current (a feature which can also be used for massage purposes).

The second was the fitting of a PoolLock safety cover since the client particularly wanted to ensure safety around the pool when not in use. The rectangular shape of the new pool made the option of this type of pool cover financially feasible.

The change in the pool design now provides the client with a far more aesthetically pleasing garden, whilst giving her peace of mind with regard to safety. Another benefit of the smaller pool is that the client finds it far easier to maintain than the old one in between regular professional servicing.

The client's final verdict: “I’m delighted with my new family-friendly pool and garden. Not only did LSPC manage the pool project superbly, but they completed the work on time and on budget - very impressive, especially since certain small modifications needed to be made as the build process progressed. My new pool has been much admired and enjoyed by all and sundry, particularly during last summer's heatwave!”

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