Refurbishment of an existing residential indoor swimming pool

The project

CSPAS was appointed to refurbish an existing 8 x 4 metre indoor swimming pool as part of the full renovation of an Alderley Edge residential property.

Working directly for the property owner, we were asked to design and install a contemporary pool that complemented the high end finish of the renovated property. To this end, we decided upon a design-led approach to produce an aspirational swimming pool with a luxury, contemporary aesthetic.

Work completed by CSPAS

In preparation for the installation, the pool was stripped back to its shell, re-rendered and waterproofed. The pipework, lighting and plant were all fully updated to current specifications to ensure maximum performance.

A Heatstar air management system was installed. We specified this leading brand system for its state-of-the-art energy saving technologies and environmental control.

We installed an in-floor, automatic slated pool cover system. Critically, the system prevents water evaporation by up to 90% and heat evaporation by up to 70%, generating significant energy and cost savings for the client. The slated pool cover also prevents dirt and debris from falling into the pool, and provides a safety barrier when the pool is not in use. Hidden away within the pool floor, the automatic pool cover system doesn’t spoil the swimming pool’s minimalist, sleek aesthetic when the system is not in use.

Design and installation expertise: large profile tiles

We were tasked with designing a pool that would complement the contemporary, striking interior of the pool room. The neutral palette, soft lighting and minimalist furnishing required a pool that embodied the refined, natural and understated surroundings and focus on wellbeing. The client opted for large 800 x 800mm format tiles throughout the pool so that the pool sides merged seamlessly with the floor, giving a sense of uninterrupted, open space. This is a design finish that is becoming more popular but one that requires specialist design expertise, craftmanship and technical experience because large tiles are more complex to install.

Whereas a traditional style pool has overhang copings with a bull nose edge, the large format tiles we used have a mitred edge along the side where the pool seal meets the floor. This mitred edge offers cleaner, contemporary lines and minimalist detailing. The client chose black, anti-slip detailing on the step tiles to make them stand out.

Using large format tiles also allows for the entire pool room to be tiled in a single material which is how the seamless aesthetic and design cohesion between the pool and surrounding space is achieved. This also saves clients the quandary of choosing both a separate mosaic and a complementary coping stone for the pool.  

For easier ongoing maintenance and the durability of the pool, using larger tiles produces fewer grout lines which reduces the chance of staining or wear.

Project challenges

Refurbishing the pool within a full property renovation required scheduling and working in collaboration with other contractors on site, and meeting mutually acceptable timelines. Through clear communication and flexibility we were able to accomplish this to support the flow of the project and our fellow contractors.

Detailed planning was required for updating plant, lighting and pipework within the existing pool shell and plant room layout, as well as for the installation of the automatic in-floor pool cover. Our expertise allowed us to do this without any issues or delays.

The precision installation of the large format tiles required meticulous preparation, handling and alignment to achieve a flawless finish, which our team of professionals was able to expertly deliver.

Project results

The project was successfully delivered, meeting and exceeding the client brief. The pool continues to be maintained by CSPAS, and we are delighted that the quality of our work on this project instigated a longstanding relationship with the client. We are looking forward to working on a new project in the near future.

Client testimonial

“CSPAS refurbished my indoor pool five years ago. During both the planning and build stages, the team were professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Not only did they transform the space beautifully, but the pool has continued to run flawlessly ever since, helped by regular maintenance from the team, who keep everything in perfect condition. Their reliability and professionalism have made the whole experience stress-free. I am now consulting CSPAS again for a new outdoor spa area.”

Andrew, Alderley Edge.