An Aqua Technics Aspen 10.4m × 3.6m one-piece pool designed to sit naturally within an established garden. The Platinum finish, Fossil Pearl surround and Bali waterfall create a calm, natural setting, while a HydroStar swim jet provides dedicated exercise within the compact design. An automatic solar slatted cover, inverter heating and automatic water treatment complete this premium family pool.

We believe this project is a strong contender for One-Piece Pool of the Year because it demonstrates both the quality of the Aqua Technics product and how a one-piece pool can be individually designed around a client's home, garden and lifestyle.The Aspen itself provides a strong technical foundation. Its composite construction incorporates graphene technology for increased flexural strength, alongside structural ribs, supported steps and seating and a reinforced edge beam. Pool ColourGuard® and MicroTech technologies provide additional protection to the surface and support its long-term appearance.But what makes this installation stand out is how we built around that product.The clients wanted to swim for exercise without installing an excessively large pool, so the HydroStar 180 counter-current system was incorporated to provide continuous swimming. The automatic dosing, inverter heat pump and solar polycarbonate cover were then specified to make regular ownership as straightforward and efficient as possible.Visually, the Platinum pool finish works particularly well with the Fossil Pearl surround and established garden. The Bali waterfall adds another dimension without making the overall design feel overly complicate

The clients wanted a pool that provided plenty of space for family use and exercise without overwhelming their established garden. After considering several Aqua Technics models, we recommended the Aspen for its simple symmetrical shape, constant 1.5m depth and integrated steps and seating. As swimming for exercise was important, we incorporated a HydroStar 180 counter-current system, allowing continuous swimming without requiring a larger pool. The Platinum finish was chosen for its softer, natural water colour and paired with Fossil Pearl copings and paving. A Bali waterfall adds movement and sound, helping the pool feel part of the garden rather than simply placed within it. The clients were particularly protective of their existing landscaping, so the orientation, construction method and access were carefully planned to minimise disturbance and preserve the mature garden surrounding the new pool.

The installation comprises an Aqua Technics Aspen one-piece swimming pool measuring 10.4m × 3.6m with a constant water depth of 1.5m. The Aspen was selected for its symmetrical contemporary design, practical internal layout and ability to provide a substantial swimming area without requiring an oversized footprint. Integrated steps and seating provide areas for entry and relaxation while leaving the main body of the pool available for swimming. To increase the exercise potential of the pool, a HydroStar 180 counter-current swim system was incorporated. This allows the client to swim continuously against an adjustable current, providing dedicated exercise within the 10.4m pool length. The Aqua Technics shell incorporates graphene technology throughout its composite structure. The graphene-reinforced laminate increases flexural strength, while full-sized structural ribs, fully supported steps and bench seating and a wider edge beam contribute further structural integrity. The seven-layer composite construction also improves osmotic resistance and provides additional protection against water transpiration through the laminate. The pool is finished in Aqua Technics Platinum and incorporates patented Pool ColourGuard® dual-surface technology. This protective surface system is designed to improve resistance to UV and chemical exposure and preserve the colour and high-gloss appearance of the pool. MicroTech antimicrobial protection is also incorporated within the pool surface, providing additional protection against bacterial growth alongside the pool's normal water-treatment. Filtration is provided by a Zodiac 24" media filter paired with a Zodiac FloPro 1HP single-speed circulation pump. The hydraulics comprises two 63mm suction outlets with safety grilles, one Technics & Applications stainless-steel weir-type skimmer rated at approximately 9m³/h and two 63mm Ocean return outlets with stainless-steel covers. Suction and return pipework has an internal diameter of approximately 55mm. Water quality is managed by a Hanna Instruments BL-122-10 automatic pool controller, providing automatic monitoring and control of pH and chlorine. This was selected to reduce day-to-day manual intervention and provide more consistent water conditions for the client. Heating is provided by a Polytropic Master Inverter L+ air-source heat pump. Its inverter operation allows output to adjust according to heating demand rather than continually operating at maximum output. A Technics & Applications automatic solar polycarbonate slatted cover was installed to reduce evaporation and heat loss while also contributing solar heat gain in suitable conditions. Automatic operation makes covering and uncovering the pool straightforward for regular use. A Bali waterfall provides an additional water feature, introducing movement and sound while complementing the natural character of the surrounding garden. One of the main considerations during construction was protecting the client's established landscaping. The garden was already beautifully finished and the clients were understandably cautious about damage from machinery and construction traffic. Ground-protection mats were used throughout affected areas and we worked closely with the client's team to manage access and protect the existing garden. A further issue arose when our electrician became unexpectedly unwell on the day the final electrical connections were due to be completed. The client's local electrician was available to assist, so our director provided remote technical support and guidance, allowing the installation to be completed without unnecessarily delaying the client. The finished installation combines the structural and surface technology of the Aqua Technics one-piece shell with efficient filtration, automatic chemical control, inverter heating, an automatic solar cover and a dedicated HydroStar counter-current system.

XL Pools Ltd