The swimming zone temperature is increased naturally by the circulation of water from the warm shallow margins to the deep water in the normal filtration process shown above.
Sunshine not air temperature heats the water so even on cool sunny days the water heats up quickly
INITIAL CONSULTATION
We meet up and get to know you, we consider the potential for building a natural swimming pool at the site, and we discuss topics such as:
• Pool style, size and location
• Ground conditions in pool area
• Level changes on site
• Water and electric supply to site
• Specific needs and desires
• Budget
The meeting is followed by our design fee proposal and estimated build cost, advice on specific survey requirements (complex sites), and any other information as raised by the brief (e.g. planning requirements, technical information, etc).
DESIGN
We look at many factors when designing a pool, as well as pool style, shape and construction method we imagine how it can blend into its surroundings and how its style may relate to the architecture of the house. We also consider the potential views from the pool area looking out over the landscape especially if on a sloping site.
We produce a scale plan which shows the main pool components, features and its immediate surrounds. Please see below a list of typical pool elements.
Key design elements:
• Pool outline
• Position of internal (underwater) walls, which separate planted areas from swimming zone
• Plant filter, water lily area and swimming zone
• Water depth changes across the pool
• Access points in and out of water (can be steps, ladder, or sloping beach)
• Pump house and skimmer positions
• Springs, waterfalls and underwater jets
• Indication of water flow across pool
• Position of any rock and stone features
• Deck and jetties adjacent to water edge
• Water planting
We also offer an additional drawing service, the 3D scale model - this is an excellent tool to help visualise the pool from various angles and often leads to an improved design. The 3D model is available on request.
PRESENTATION OF THE CONCEPT DESIGN
We endeavour to present the plan in person so we can gain your immediate reaction to our proposal; we welcome your interaction within the design process, and don’t want to control the end result. We give some basic rules, but since the rules are simple you can go massive with the idea, we find people want to be able to take something and build on to it.
Any comments you have at this stage are taken seriously, and we take time to make the necessary adjustments to ensure your requirements are met.
The next stage for us is to give a set of working plans to any building contractors, and technical equipment installers. We can give a full list of these drawings on request.
This is for anyone who is a keen builder, knows a good contractor or is on a reduced budget. We guide you from start to finish and supply all the necessary drawings and technical information needed, plus phone support.
Please see below a list indicating the normal construction stages to give an idea of the type of work involved. You are free to do as much of the build as you wish; we can come in and give assistance at any point during the build.
TYPICAL BUILD STAGES FOR A NATURAL SWIMMING POOL
1 Test dig to establish ground conditions
2 Site clearance, removal of top soil, create level pool area
3 Mark out pool on ground from setting out plan
4 Excavate pool area and remove soil
5 Construct swimming zone wall
6 Shape and profile planting beds
7 Construct pool edge
8 Liner installation (specialist contractor required)
9 Install skimmer and filter system pipe work
10 Install planting substrate and filter media
11 Carry out water planting
12 Fill pool
13 Run system and test equipment
It is recommended that we make at least three site visits during the build at key stages, to ensure work is being carried out correctly and to the required standards.
EARTH DUG
The most cost effective method suitable for pools sited on open level ground, pool profile formed from existing subsoil.
WALLED SWIMMING ZONE
Gives a well defined swimming area and is suitable in confined spaces and near to buildings, shallow margins and earth shaped.
ALL CONCRETE
Great for sloping sites, unstable ground and can be used in building modern geometric designs.
POOL CONVERSION
A conventional pool can be transformed into a natural pool, either by building an internal dividing walled area for plants or by turning the immediate pool surrounds into a shallow planted area.
