Project Type: Hybrid Multi-use Heated Swimming Pool / Patio
Any normal contractor would have given up at that point but after some thought, we came up with an ingenious solution…This client had a fairly small enclosed rear garden area (only 12metres x 9 metres square) which consisted predominantly of tired old grass lawn. He also had a wife and three young children. He wanted a wooden garden building to use as an office as he worked mainly from home and it was generally too noisy in the house.
His initial thoughts were to build a wooden insulated shed and convert the grassed area into a stone patio with some decking incorporated into it.
His wife’s priority however was a space for the kids to play. The kids? Well, they wanted a swimming pool. Any normal contractor would have given up at that point but after some thought, we came up with an ingenious solution. See case study pics below.
A wooden shed was constructed and the tired old lawn was taken up and digging begins.
A 3metre diameter hole was then dug out down to just below a metre in depth. A concrete base was poured, insulating material laid on top and a 50mm screed poured over that.
A circular block wall was then built up to ground level.
A polypropelene pool liner was fitted into the hole. Low voltage underwater lighting was installed and the pool was filled with water.
Decking was then laid over a strong but light aluminium framework. The patio stone slabs were cut and laid to form the patio area surrounding the pool.
Now here’s where it becomes multi functional. The decking sections and the aluminium framework can be taken up, which takes approx ten minutes, and the heated pool is ready for use.
Just to make it a bit more interesting, the pool can be emptied and a trampoline dropped in, replete with safety nets around the side.
When the kids have gone to bed and the client wants some summer evening relaxation in the garden, the decking goes back on, the lights come on and he and his wife can enjoy an evening with friends or just a glass of wine between them.