Often, space is a challenge when designing a luxury basement pool and this minimalist pool fell into this category.  Despite the residence being a large detached house, the basement space which had been allocated to the plantroom was incredibly tight, yet the end result is a charming, modern pool and spa with a high-performance plantroom equipped with an Astral Viron cartridge filter to resolve the issues of lack of space for pool drainage equipment.

Another SPATA award-winner, this level deck pool features radius corner steps into the pool.  The pool measures 12m x 5m and is 1.15m deep, it is finished with the popular Waxman California blue mosaic tiles and features Eva Optic LED underwater pool lighting.  The porcelain tile surround was completed by a third party contractor.

In addition to the cartridge filter, the compact plantroom features state-of-the-art equipment including Badu pumps, Hugo Lahme return outlets, Heatstar’s Phoenix 400 Super Plus heating and environmental control system; and water treatment is managed by a Bayrol Pool Manager compact chlorine system. 

The bespoke GMT spa is a fibreglass mosaic tiled model, also featuring Waxman blue mosaic tiles with a copper view running through the glass. The spa measures 2.3m x 1.65m with a depth of 1m - it provides cluster jet message for up to six bathers at once.  The spa runs off the same filtration system as the pool but has its own water treatment via Certikin’s Rainbow Chlorine Feeder.  A Certikin Thermalux foam throw-on cover protects the spa when it is not in use.

Awards:  SPATA Bronze Award: Inground Residential Spas & Wellness
Architect: Cu-Tec Architect

This chic ground-floor integrated pool and spa gets brilliant natural light from the surrounding windows and looks out onto expansive grounds.  The lighting is a key feature in this elegant pool hall, from the daylight to the 3x3w Wibre underwater lighting in the pool to the grand ceiling illumination, which can be adjusted to create different moods.  The client has an inviting space where the family can exercise, have fun and relax. 

One of LSPC’s classic designs, the pool is 13.5m x 4.20m.  The shallow end is 1.5m in depth falling to 2m at the deep-end.  The pool sports an Astral neck-jet water cannon on each side of the pool – these create strong waterfalls which are visually striking and fun to swim under.  Steps on both sides of the spa lead into the pool.  The 2.1m diameter spa accommodates five bathers, has an extended seatback and footwell – at seating level, the water depth is approximately 0.5 metres. Multiple jets deliver stimulating and soothing massages via standard air/water mix jets. 

The same bespoke tiling design runs throughout the spa and pool.  Large format porcelain tiles in a travertine design were cut to mosaic size and affixed to a backing sheet.  To give the tiling extra pizzazz, different shades of beige and brown tiles were combined.

Completing the pool is an Ocea automatic slatted pool cover installed in a recess floor.  The pool cover mechanism is hidden under a structural false floor panel, which is completely blended into the pool finish.  The pool cover is a light beige colour, matching the client-designed pool surround which is made of bespoke porcelain tiles. The pool cover helps to minimise running and maintenance costs as well as providing added safety by closing-off the pool when it is not in use.  When not in use, the spa is also closed-off using a Certikin Thermalux foam throw-on cover.

There is an equally impressive plant room located directly beneath the pool.

Awards: SPATA Gold Award – Inground Residential Spas & Wellness Category & SPATA Bronze Award – Residential Indoor Pool 2018
Partners: Architect: Studio Indigo. Main Contractor: Knightbuild.

Clean, modern lines create a timeless ambience for this lovely, bright family pool. Alluring natural downlighting streams from the skylight, producing a shimmering light blue hue on the water. The cream coloured feature stone wall, Lumascape underwater lights and the natural stone tile finish are in perfect harmony, creating a tranquil area for the family to enjoy exercise and leisure time.

Bathers have the option of more invigorating swimming exercise when they switch on the JetStream Triva Counter Current Training System which is discretely fitted into the pool.  The TriVa jets were designed using the latest computer simulation technology, and deliver a flat current directly under the water surface where the swimmer needs the most resistance during training - on the chest and shoulders.  The counter current unit helps to enhance swimming technique and fitness.

To complete this haven of relaxation, the 7.35m x 2.50m x 1.40m basement pool, is complemented with a sauna and steam room, and when desired music is carried around the pool hall via the Wibre underwater speakers fitted into the pool.

When swimming time is over, the bather can flick a switch to activate the attractive Ocea automatic pool cover which glides effortlessly across covering the full length of the pool providing excellent insulation. The pool cover is housed in a motorised hatch, a unique space saving system whereby the automatic slatted pool cover is discreetly housed and sealed within the floor of the swimming pool.

Partners: Architect: Taylor Howes; Main Contractor: Westgreen

Our latest moving floor pool is one of many custom-designed features in a super luxury residence in London’s upmarket Primrose Hill. Designed in the image of the Maison de Vere in Paris, the striking home comes with every luxury imaginable including this minimalist subterranean pool with an inbuilt moving floor.

Moving floor pools are becoming increasingly popular because they allow the client to close the pool completely and transform the space for a different use. When the floor is lowered at the base of this pool, which has a maximum depth of 1.2 metres, it is ready for full depth swimming.  At the other end of the scale, the pool floor can be raised so that it creates a paddling pool for youngsters.  In fact, the floor can be set at literally any level the client wishes.

When the moving floor is raised to deck level, it covers the water completely providing a solid, load-bearing floor on which people can stand and walk with total confidence – the pool room is instantly transformed for other uses and in this installation, the room doubles up as a private cinema.

This minimalist design reflects the contemporary interior of the unique property, which has a distinctive “warehouse” feel, albeit enormous! The sleek, rectangular pool measures 9.81 x 3 metres and features an attractive semi level deck system.  Instead of the more conventional overflow system, the water sits just beneath the edge of the pool surface. The floor tiles surrounding the pool are natural stone and the surface of the moving floor is also finished in natural stone, ensuring a beautiful seamless interior floor throughout the room.

The pool incorporates high-quality stainless steel floor inlets that allow heated water to return to the pool, giving an even flow to the semi-level deck; the pool walls are finished with Pacelite, a cement-based lining that offers a luxury alternative to ceramic tiles.  EVA Optic high efficient LED lighting completes the picture.

As one would expect from a top quality pool, the plantroom equipment is of the highest standard including a Heatstar Phoenix heat recovery ventilation system for superior environmental control; an automatic chemical dosing system and a Triogen ultraviolet system for disinfection and excellent water quality.

Photos: Joas Souza

Every property owner wants to maximise the use of space in their home and this is especially so when that space is the basement of an exclusive property in central London where square footage comes at a premium.  

This opulent 9m x 3.7m pool is a focal point in the basement but also allows the family to reclaim the space when the pool is not in use. London Swimming Pool company designed this luxury pool with a Hydrofloors moving floor built into the base of the pool.  At the push of a button, the moving floor can be raised to any level to create different swimming depths.  When the floor is fully raised it completely covers the pool, providing a solid, load-bearing floor - the room is then transformed and can be used for other social activity.  When it’s time to swim again, the floor is quickly and easily lowered.  The client/design team on this major property renovation maximised the floor space by selecting a pool with a Hydrofloors moving floor.

In addition to the space savings, a pool that is totally closed off with a solid floor provides maximum safety, especially if there are young children or pets in the family.

This imposing pool has been designed and built with a Hydrofloors Moveable Floor system, enabling the family to switch easily from swimming to entertaining up to 60 guests in a cool, comfortable environment. 

The moving floor can be elevated to whatever water level desired, for example, from completely lowered at 2 metres for maximum swimming depth to raising it to a level that allows young children to paddle. And fully raised to deck level, the floor provides a robust, attractive floor for socialising.

Working with architect and main contractor, Janine Stone, LSPC created this 15.8m x 3.2m classic design with two magnificent Roman ends. The large format porcelain tiles were specially fabricated down to 20 x 20mm to achieve a perfect finish on the Roman ends. The steps are centred on the right side of the pool and cast into the pool wall to ensure that the moving floor glides smoothly over them. 

Features include two Hugo Lahme massage stations which are recessed, as are the Wibre 3 x 3 watt LED lights, avoiding any protrusion from the wall structure.  The pool walls are finished with 600 x 600mm elegant cream coloured porcelain tiles and the same large format porcelain tiles were used for the pool surround creating a light and seamless feel to the 75 square metre pool hall.  

The air handling system, which controls the temperature in the pool hall, is linked to the moving floor allowing the heating to set back the temperature when the pool cover is fully raised,  conserving energy.  This pool also has a chilling mode which drops the air temperature to 20 degrees, creating a lovely cool ambience for guests.

For more information and some great photos, check out our Moving Floors Flipbook Portfolio produced with Hydrofloors.

For more information on Hydrofloors moveable floors click here.

Awards: Bronze Award - British Pool & Hot Tubs Awards 2015
Gold Award - Inground Residential Spas and Health Pools British Pool & Hot Tubs Awards 2015
Partner: Main Contractor: Janine Stone

This magnificent 8m x 4m x 1.35m deep underground swimming pool was designed to enable two energetic teenage boys to indulge their passion to swim full lengths every day, whilst also creating a vibrant space for family parties and entertainment.

A small external patio allows an infusion of natural light to stream into the pool hall, coalescing with the lighting system installed in the pool to create a spectacular effect.  Lighting in the pool is produced by warm white LEDS by Wibre and is complemented by an LED multi-coloured lighting system installed in the ceiling which is linked to the stereo system.  This allows laser imagery that pulsates with the beat of the music to be projected onto the wall, creating a fantastic ambience for parties.

LSPC designed and built this luxury pool as an integral part of a multi-million pound new build by Quartet Architecture.

Awards: Gold Award - British Pool & Hot Tubs Awards 2015
Partners: Quartet Architecture; Main Contractor: Oak Build London

Our latest state-of-the-art pool is probably the most eco-friendly private pool built in the UK.  This 20 x 3 metre minimalist pool runs on a fraction of the cost of an indoor pool of equivalent size.  It is housed in an insulated building that seals in heat and the roof is covered with solar panels, providing all the heat for the pool hall and the pool water which maintains a constant 28⁰C temperature.

The pool features sleek lines with high quality stainless steel floor inlets that allow heated water to return to the pool, giving an even flow to the linier letter box surface draw system set 40 millimetres below deck level.  The low energy consumption theme is carried through to the pool lighting with EVA Optic high efficient LED lighting.

To read a more detailed account of this pool click here.

Awards: Energy Efficiency Award in the UK Pool & Spa Awards 2015
Sustainability Award in the British Pool & Hot Tubs Awards 2015
Partner:  Architect: Wolstenholme and Partners

The 20 year old fitness area was re-planned and refurbished to the very highest standard and now sports state-of-the-art equipment and pool plant. The pool was made shallower and Chinese crystallized glass tiles in white were used for the finishes.

Award: SPATA Design Award 2009
Partners: Architectural Design: Casson Conder Partnership
Building Contractor: Michael Brady
Tiles: Vetruvius

This minimalist design matches the contemporary interior of the re-built Chelsea residence. The overall emphasis is on light, with natural daylight entering from atria on both ends of the pool. Specialist halogen lighting is used throughout the pool area, along with mirrors, ensuring that this underground space feels anything but subterranean.

Award: SPATA Design Silver Award 2013 – Residential Indoor Pools
Partner: Architectural Design: LAB Architects

This bespoke sunken spa is part of a basement wellness area in a large townhouse which also includes a high tech gym, steam room and sauna. The client wanted clean lines and a luxurious space.  This was achieved with a dark colour scheme, mirrors, glass and teak wood.

Bisazza developed the complementary mosaic interior finish of the spa which features nine hydro jets supplied by Armadale UK.

Award: SPATA Silver Award 2013
Partners: Interior Designer: I M Lab, Mosaic Tiles: Bisazza

This sumptuous wellness area, built beneath a newly constructed property, combines the classic spacious Roman baths look with the very latest in luxurious materials.

The 10 x 5 metre high tech pool is finished with lustre pearl glass mosaic and stainless steel fittings. The matching tiled sunken spa features an air lounger and eight hydro message jets. The light coloured contrasting textures throughout the space creates a subtle effect and relaxing atmosphere.

Award: SPATA Gold Award 2011

This elegant indoor pool complex was constructed below the property with the help of deep piling to support the main house during the build.

The facilities include a sunken spa and sauna for the complete wellness-at-home experience. The minimalist design is achieved with clear, concise lines and columns against background greys and wave effect polished plaster.

The full length glazing of the pool provides a spectacular view over south-west London from inside the pool and the glass and circular atrium permits maximum natural light to enter the leisure area, creating a peaceful ambience.

Award: SPATA Design Silver Award 2010
Partners: Architectural Design: Holden Harper, Building Contractor: GM Developments

A truly avant-garde pool. The client wanted a pool and building which were contextual; the pool should have a strong connection with the outside, be bright even on a dull day while also exuding a sense of calm, with good acoustics.

This extraordinary result was achieved with unique materials and innovative technology.  Fully opening glazed sections disappear into the walls linking the gardens with the inside and giving the illusion that parts of the building have no means of support.  Linear slots in natural stone for water and air make the air handling system invisible and silent.

The neutral colour palette is broken up by the stunning metallic-effect mosaic of the pool which like a horizon line, appears to have no ending.

Award: Two SPATA Design Awards 2010 – Innovation and Highest Value Pool Project
Partners: Architectural Design: Paul+O Architects
Structural Engineer:  Price & Myers
Building Contractor: Laxcon Construction

Photography by Fernando Guerra

A luxurious and artistic residential leisure area, featuring a pool with an Italian tumbled marble finish and counter current swimming device.

Awards: SPATA Millennium Certificate of Merit and Sydmonton Estate Quality Award 1999
Partners: Pool Hydraulic Design: BBS Technical Services
Management Contractor: Interior plc

Overview: This 15 metre lap pool is a stunning example of how to make excellent use of space below street level where the pool forms an underground link between two properties.  The gardens were excavated and the roof of the pool hall was structurally reinforced to allow for new landscaped gardens to be laid above.

Award: SPATA Certificate of Merit 2006

The subterranean leisure area features an 8 x 3-metre pool and a 2 x 2-metre spa, providing a unique design feature on the lowest level to accommodate the metropolitan lifestyle of exercise, rest and recuperation, day or night.

To enhance the sense of swimming in a secret underground cave, a dark palette of natural stone effect finishes has been used throughout the leisure space.

A subtly concealed perimeter LED lighting system creates the illusion of natural light filtering down from above

Partners: Architectural Design: MSMR Architects 
Developer: HAB Group

This elegant 9 x 4 metre pool and wellness area is located in a large double basement development in the rear garden of a luxury re-modelled family home near the famous Abbey Road studios.

In addition to the swimming pool, the wellness area includes a fully air-conditioned gym, steam room, lounging/spa space and changing facilities, all finished in shades of sand to harmonise with the understated colour palette of the property. 

The pool/wellness area is directly connected to the lower ground floor of the main house via a spectacular designer glass staircase which complements the glass mosaic tiles in the interior of the pool. 

The lovely Italian glass mosaic tiles are transparent and required precision fixing to avoid even the tiniest imperfection – this involved drilling the 10mm thick tiles as opposed to cutting when matching up around fittings.

The staircase provides a beautiful focal point as well as an abundant source of natural light which enters via the opening from the glazed atrium.  Ambient lighting is streamed from inside the recesses within the ceiling.

The LED lights and fixtures are 316 grade stainless steel and offer an attractive contrast to the earth colours and materials used throughout. 

To accommodate vigorous exercise, a counter current unit has been installed at one end of the pool – a powerful jet against which to swim on the spot, creating an in-water treadmill.
A major project, the pool development took one year to complete and included a lengthy design and testing process of special features.  The architect introduced a stylish stainless steel water line detail for which several mock-ups in aluminium were required to achieve the exact measurements before the final template could be created for the costly stainless steel fabrication.

The pit which houses the automatic pool cover, when rolled back, is hidden behind a suspended wall above the water line and a concrete wall below the waterline, separated by a 100mm slot, for the cover to slide through.

Engineering excellence has led to a swimming pool and plantroom that looks neat and streamlined – the result of detailed planning, high accuracy and outstanding teamwork.

Partners: Architectural design: Stuart Forbes Associates 
Management contractor: Rise Contracts

An immensely challenging subterranean pool installation due to the very confined space where the pool had to be constructed.   Added to this, there was no access to the rear of the property, so the soil from the excavation had to be transported through the house and once the pool was installed, the garden was re-laid above it.

Space restrictions prevented the construction of a single plantroom, so the pump and deep bed filter were housed at the far end of the pool to one side and the balance equipment to the other with a connecting service duct in between to accommodate all water and air flow.  

Large grey slate tiles were used throughout, including the interior pool finishes, coupled with a strong blue LED lighting system in the ceiling.  All pool surround pipework was covered in concrete foam to conserve energy.   A handheld remote, which controls all equipment, was supplied.

This contemporary pool and leisure area constructed beneath the garden and linked to the house oozes luxury and Zen at the same time – a very calming and relaxing space.

The combination of rough hewn limestone on the walls with bottle green mosaic pool tiles from Italy sparkle like emeralds in sunshine, and stainless steel fittings create a unique design.

Partners: Building Contractor: John Camping
Interior Designer: Charlotte Crosland

This large 12 x 5 metre is part of a luxurious leisure area which includes a bespoke spa in natural stone, with steam and sauna pods finished with bronze mirrors.  Powerful underwater LED lighting brings maximum shimmer to the iridescent Jazmin glass mosaic pool interior.

Partners: Building Contractor: Curzon Developments
Mosaic Tiles: Waxman Ceramic Tiles

We were commissioned by the architect to design and build this stunning 8 x 4 metre pool and 2.5 x 2 metre spa within a newly re-modelled family home, providing the family with their very own leisure space.  Built into the end wall are two Fastlane counter swim unit, which create a current in the pool that mimics a smooth flowing river.

Partner: Architectural Design: Red Square Creative Consultants

An exquisite pool and spa area features breathtaking finishes designed by Craig Bragdy, swimming pool mosaic specialists.

Partne​rs: Hydraulic Design: BBS Technical Services
Mosaic Designer: Craig Bragdy

The pool and spa both have lights and stainless steel flow fittings, UV and automatic dosing and medium rate filtration.

The finishes are porcelain tile and mosaic glass. The coping was highly bespoke and a template exercise was carried out in timber before the semicircular coping detail was water jet cut off site to suit radius.

Partner: LTSR

The leisure area is located on the third level below ground and required a 22 metre excavation.  The installation combines the latest in technology to offer a stunning and comfortable space for exercise, relaxation and entertainment.   

The pool features a moving floor which can be set at different levels in the water, including at full depth for swimming, shallow for young children to play and splash and completely raised to provide a large floor space for social gatherings and entertainment. The ability to transform an area in this way is particularly useful in properties in the heart of London where space is at a premium.

The understated internal pool finishes in shades of cream come to life via rows of contrasting white and colour changing underwater LED lights.  A dry bonded black slate wall adds interest and texture along one side of the pool and is replicated on the opposite wall as a backdrop to the spa.

The custom built spa features six hydrotherapy jets and six calf massage jets and is finished with black and silver Italian mosaic to match the leisure area’s elegant colour scheme.

Awards: SPATA Design Award 2013
Partner: Management Contractor: AP Arcon Construction

An exclusive design and installation, the pool features a moving floor set in an arched wood-finished enclosure.  The pool functions both as a large leisure pool with adjustable depth, accommodating children of different heights and swimming abilities, as well as a concert hall when the floor is raised. 

The innovative buoyant floor technology allows a pool area to double-up for multiple uses, for example a dance floor, function hall, cinema, meeting and conference room facility, a terrace – the possibilities are endless.  Pools with moving floors are particularly beneficial where space is limited.

Award: SPATA Gold Winner 2006

Partners: Architectural Design: Michael di Marco Architect
Pool hydraulic Design: BBS Technical Services

The original pool was built in the 1970s and closed in 2008 on safety grounds as it was in a very poor condition after so many years’ service.  This extensive refurbishment contract turned into a complete re-build as the pool shell needed to be re-aligned and re-enforced and the pool hall extended to accommodate a bigger plantroom.

The fresh, bright pool and surround finishes along with the new arched wooded ceiling featuring eight skylights have turned the pool complex into a very inviting place with the added therapeutic benefits of a sauna.

The new high tech equipment provides not just great water and air quality for bathers, but also minimum maintenance and meets the stringent health and safety requirements for public pools.

Before the renovation, only a handful of residents used the facility, and now 75% of the 40 households enjoy the pool several times a week.  The head of the pool committee said: “The project has brought the community of the estate closer together.”

Residents appreciate the improvement to their lifestyles and have also welcomed the increase in the value of their properties arising from the dramatic transformation of the pool and spa complex.

Partner: Architectural Design: Michael di Marco Architects
 

This old, sub-standard pool and spa underwent a metamorphosis, emerging from its renovation as a beautiful, serene, inviting space.  The project entailed the complete overhaul of the 4,000 square feet pool to complement the quality of design and high level finish of the rest of the property.

The warm, clean look was achieved by using natural stone on the floor and walls combined with black mirrors and dark stained wood panels setting of the new mosaic tiles in foggy blue in the pool.

The lighting system enhances the effect – it is dimmable and fitted in recesses in the pool surround to wash down the stone strips.

The air handling system was replaced and was replaced and all air outlet grilles were powder coated to blend in with the colours of the walls.

Partner: Architectural Design: Markcam Associates