This project proves that a swimming pool does not need to be large to make a statement. Measuring just 6.1m x 3.1m, with depths from 1.0m to 1.8m, the Caesar provides a surprisingly versatile swimming space within a compact footprint. The standout choice was the Moonlight finish, a deep grey with a subtle glitter within the pigment that gives the water a beautiful glisten in changing light. Surrounded by planting, the pool feels completely at home within the garden rather than imposed upon it.

This project deserves recognition because it demonstrates what can be achieved with a smaller swimming pool when the model, colour and setting are all chosen correctly.At only 6.1m x 3.1m, the Caesar is one of the more compact pools we install, but nothing about the finished project feels insignificant.The Moonlight finish is particularly successful. Its dark-grey pigment and subtle glitter create a changing appearance as sunlight moves across the water, while the surrounding flowers and established planting prevent the contemporary pool from feeling foreign within the garden.Its compact dimensions also haven't compromised its usefulness. A variable depth from 1.0m to 1.8m gives the family a genuinely versatile pool within a relatively small footprint.Behind the appearance is the same Aqua Technics construction technology found throughout the wider range, together with automatic top-up, UV treatment and an automatic Coverseal to make ownership straightforward.We see many impressive award entries built around scale. This project is the opposite...It is small, considered and beautifully positioned, and proves that sometimes a 6.1-metre pool can make just as much of a statement as one twice its size!

The clients came to us wanting a pool that was small, smart and visually impressive, without taking over their garden. We arranged for them to visit an existing Aqua Technics Caesar installation. Seeing the proportions in person immediately confirmed their decision. At 6.1m x 3.1m, the Caesar provided the compact footprint they wanted while its variable depth of 1.0m–1.8m still created a proper swimming pool rather than simply a plunge pool. Colour became an important part of the design. The clients selected Moonlight, a rich dark-grey finish containing a subtle glitter pigment. In sunlight, the surface develops an attractive shimmer and gives the water a completely different character to a conventional bright-blue pool. Rather than competing with the existing garden, the surrounding planting was allowed to soften the installation. Flowers and greenery sit immediately alongside the contemporary pool, helping it settle naturally into its surroundings. An automatic Coverseal was selected to provide safety and heat retention without compromising the clean appearance of the finished garden.

The Aqua Technics Caesar measures 6.1m × 3.1m, with a variable depth of 1.0m–1.8m and an estimated operating volume of approximately 25m³. Filtration is provided by a Behncke 18" media filter paired with a SPECK 0.75kW circulation pump. We select equipment from established manufacturers such as Behncke and SPECK because reliability, hydraulic performance and long-term availability of replacement components are important considerations for us when specifying a pool. The system is designed around an approximate circulation flow of 8m³/hr, providing a turnover of approximately 3.1 hours and a filtration rate of approximately 49m³/m²/hr. This provides effective circulation and filtration while remaining appropriately sized for the relatively compact 25m³ pool volume. Hydraulically, the pool incorporates an Astral stainless-steel front-access skimmer, safety-grilled low-level suction outlets and Ocean return inlets. Suction and return pipework has an approximate 55mm internal diameter, selected to provide sufficient flow capacity while limiting unnecessary friction losses. The positioning of the suction and return points promotes circulation throughout the pool and reduces areas of poorly circulated water. An automatic top-up maintains the correct operating water level, helping ensure consistent skimmer and filtration performance without requiring regular manual intervention. Water treatment combines an offline chlorine feeder with an 80W Filtreau UV system providing secondary treatment. UV was incorporated to support the primary disinfectant, improve water quality and reduce reliance on chlorine alone. The pool is protected by an automatic Coverseal, selected because it combines safety with a discreet appearance particularly well suited to this compact garden. When closed, it also reduces evaporation, debris entering the pool and heat loss. The Aqua Technics shell itself incorporates nano-graphene composite technology, a material approximately 200 times stronger than steel by weight, within its laminate construction to enhance structural performance. Pool ColourGuard® provides additional protection against UV and chemical-related colour degradation, particularly important with the dark Moonlight finish, while Microtech® antimicrobial protection is incorporated within the surface to inhibit microbial growth. Together, the specification was deliberately designed around quality, reliability and ease of ownership, ensuring that although this is one of our smaller installations, the engineering behind it is not compromised.

XL Pools Ltd