A 2.6m × 1.8m Aqua Technics Nova eight-seat inground spa, designed as an overspill feature alongside the client’s Aqua Technics Royale pool. The spa shares the pool filtration system but can operate independently at the press of a button, heating to 40°C for hydrotherapy. Careful integration of the spillway, granite copings and cladding created a seamless connection between pool and spa.

We believe Willow Farm deserves recognition because of how successfully the Nova spa has been integrated with the adjoining Royale pool, both visually and technically.This was the first Aqua Technics spa installed by XL Pools, and the project required careful planning to achieve the correct relationship between the spa, spillway, pool and surrounding finishes. The granite copings and cladding required particularly precise installation to create a seamless finish and ensure the overspill operated correctly.The eight-seat spa provides the best of both worlds. During normal operation it works with the pool filtration and creates an attractive overspill feature. At the press of a button, it can operate independently and heat to approximately 40°C, providing a dedicated space for hydrotherapy and relaxation.The project was completed alongside several other contractors, which presented coordination challenges, but our team worked around these without compromising the finished installation.The result is a spa that doesn't look like an addition to the pool; it feels like it was always intended to be there. The client is delighted with both its appearance and functionality, and it has become a well-used part of the family's ou

The aim was to integrate a substantial eight-seat spa alongside the client’s Royale pool without making it feel like a separate addition. We selected the Aqua Technics Nova Spillway Spa, designing it so the water could overflow directly into the pool and create a visual connection between the two. Granite copings and cladding were carefully detailed around the spa to continue the finishes used throughout the wider project and complement the Georgian-style property. Function was equally important: although integrated with the pool filtration, the spa can be switched to operate independently and heated to approximately 40°C, providing a dedicated hydrotherapy space when required. The result gives the family two very different ways to enjoy the same leisure area – swimming and entertaining in the pool, or warm-water relaxation and hydrotherapy in the spa.

The installation comprises an Aqua Technics Nova one-piece spillway spa measuring approximately 2.6m × 1.8m, with a water depth of approximately 1m and operating volume of approximately 3m³. The Nova provides seating for up to eight people and was selected to provide a substantial hydrotherapy and social area alongside the client's Aqua Technics Royale swimming pool. The spillway configuration allows the spa to overflow directly into the pool during normal operation, visually and hydraulically connecting the two installations. At the press of a button, the spa can be isolated from the main pool and operated independently, allowing its water temperature to be raised to approximately 40°C. This provides the client with a dedicated warm-water hydrotherapy environment without requiring the swimming pool itself to be maintained at spa temperatures. This was also the first Aqua Technics Spillway-spa installed by XL Pools, requiring our team to carefully plan its integration with both the associated Royale pool and the surrounding finishes. Al was a bit foreign to us so it was slightly daunting. The shell incorporates MicroTech antimicrobial protection within the surface, providing additional protection alongside the residual disinfectant. Pool ColourGuard surface technology also provides increased resistance to the effects of water-treatment chemicals and UV exposure, supporting long-term colour and surface stability. Filtration is provided by a Zodiac 24" media filter paired with a Zodiac FloPro 50M 0.5HP circulation pump. The system provides approximately 12.5m³/h circulation flow. With an approximate spa volume of 3m³, this provides a turnover of approximately 0.4 hours. The hydraulic system incorporates four 100GPM suction outlets, a front-access skimmer and two Certikin CKSS318 eyeball return fittings. Suction and return lines have an internal diameter of 55mm. The hydraulic set up was particularly important for providing the flow required while incorporating appropriate suction safety and redundancy. Water treatment is provided through a Certikin in-line chlorine feeder, offering a straightforward method of maintaining the required residual disinfectant, as well as a Filtreau 80W UV system. Heating is provided by a Zodiac PX50 MD12 air-source heat pump. The independent operating arrangement allows the spa to be isolated and heated to approximately 40°C when required, rather than maintaining this temperature continuously. Heat retention is supported by a tri fold hard top cover, reducing heat loss when the spa is not in use and providing additional protection. One of the most demanding elements was achieving the required finish around the spa itself. The Nova needed to integrate accurately with the granite copings and surrounding cladding while maintaining the correct levels for the spillway into the swimming pool. This required careful setting out and attention to finished levels to ensure the overflow was enough to miss the cladding, while maintaining a clean visual connection between pool and spa. Coordination with other contractors working on site also presented challenges. Our team worked around their activities and maintained communication throughout to keep the installation progressing and avoid compromising the spa installation. The completed project provides two operating modes: integration with the main swimming pool for normal filtration and visual overspill, and independent operation when the clients want to raise the temperature and use the Nova specifically for warm-water relaxation and hydrotherapy. This flexibility was central to the specification, giving the clients the visual benefit of an integrated pool and spa while retaining the performance and usability of a dedicated spa.

XL Pools Ltd