Stunning Restoration of Damaged 40 Year Old Pool

Refurbishing a swimming pool that is long past its ‘use-by date’ is as exciting a design project as building a new pool. In the case of this 40-year-old freeform pool the structure had suffered from movement and cracking because it had remained empty for many years. Pools need water along with regular servicing and maintenance to preserve the integrity of the structure! London Swimming Pool Company (LSPC) was delighted to be given the task of breathing new life into a pool with quite a checkered past.

The pool refurbishment was part of a wider property refurbishment project which required a high level of coordination so that the pool refurbishment team could work ‘just-in-time’ and keep on schedule. The team worked closely with the main contractor and the pool owners to transform the damaged structure into this impressive contemporary pool. The unique shape (14m at its longest point and 7m at its widest point), profile and variable depth of the pool shell (1m-2.5m) were a challenge in terms of establishing the position of the new fittings and features.

The extensive renovation included removing the mosaic tiles, rendering the pool and installing brand new pipework. The old fittings, for example; skimmers; inlets; vacuum; main drains, and the pool lights, were replaced with stainless-steel alternatives. Instead of a tiled finish, the client chose the Alkorplan Touch Prestige pool liner from Aquaflex; a minimalist design that evokes a volcanic rock effect. The pool surround and patio have been finished in Basalt tiling which complements the liner design.

The pool liner was cut to the pool’s specification at the client’s premises and fitted perfectly to create a stylish aesthetic. Apart from the convenience of on-site installation, the liner is ideal because it eliminates any leak potential from unknown issues with the existing pool structure (such as ground movement), is very low-maintenance compared to tiles, for instance, there will be no need for re-grouting in the future and the liner comes with a 15 year warranty, providing peace of mind.

A completely new filtration and water chemistry system featuring the Bayrol Pool Manager dosing system were designed and installed in a newly built summer house-cum-plant room. The pool is heated via the client’s domestic boiler fed to a Bowman heat exchanger which was also supplied and installed by the LSPC team.

This ambitious refurbishment project is proof of what can be achieved with a very dilapidated pool – starting from scratch is not always the answer. By working together on a shared vision and bringing great craftsmanship to the challenge, the damaged old pool has been restored to its former glory for the family and their friends to enjoy.