ENTRY DETAILS
The Golden Standard
Above Ground Hot Tub Project of the year (Under £10k)
A beautiful example of understated garden luxury, this limited-edition Hydropool 679 Gold Edition proves an exceptional hot tub installation doesn’t need to be complicated. Featuring Hydropool’s renowned self-cleaning system, automatic water-care dosing, superior insulation, upgraded lighting and waterfalls, this elegant above-ground installation combines effortless ownership, advanced technology and timeless design – all for under £10,000.
Why this entry deserves to win
This project deserves to win because it demonstrates that outstanding hot tub design is not defined by complexity or budget, but by choosing the right product for the customer and integrating it beautifully into their lifestyle and garden.For under £10,000, this installation delivers an exceptional level of technology and hydrotherapy. The Hydropool 679 Gold combines generous family seating and a full-length lounger with Hydropool’s renowned self-cleaning technology, which filters the entire water volume every 15 minutes, alongside dedicated circulation, advanced water care and energy-efficient insulation. The limited-edition colourway, upgraded lighting and waterfalls elevate what could have been a straightforward above-ground installation into something genuinely special. Rather than over-designing the surrounding space, careful positioning allows the spa to sit naturally within this quintessentially British garden, creating an elegant focal point that feels luxurious yet completely at home.Its simplicity is also one of its greatest strengths. There were no unnecessary structural interventions or elaborate landscaping: instead, the investment went into quality, performance, comfort and technology that the customer will be
Design information
The inspiration for this project was understated luxury. The customer wanted a premium hot tub that would complement their garden rather than dominate it, with a simple above-ground installation that felt considered, elegant and easy to live with. Working with the customer, we specified the Hydropool 679 Self-Cleaning Gold Edition in a limited-edition colourway that worked beautifully with the surrounding garden and existing landscaping. Its clean lines and timeless finish made it particularly suited to the setting, while upgraded lighting and waterfalls add atmosphere and visual impact, especially in the evening. Rather than overcomplicate the design, the decision was made to allow the hot tub itself to become the focal point. Its positioning provides easy access while retaining views across the garden and creating a dedicated space for relaxation and hydrotherapy. The result demonstrates that a successful garden wellness project does not need extensive landscaping or major structural work. Thoughtful product selection, positioning and specification can transform a relatively simple above-ground installation into a sophisticated and inviting garden retreat.
Technical information
The project specified a Hydropool Signature Self-Cleaning 679 Gold Edition, chosen because it combined sophisticated hydrotherapy, exceptionally easy water care and energy-efficient construction within a beautifully proportioned six-person spa. Measuring 213 x 213 x 99cm, the 679 holds approximately 1,150 litres and accommodates 5–6 people, including Hydropool’s ergonomically designed never-float lounger. Its corner seating provides targeted hydrotherapy to areas including the neck, back, wrists and calves, making the layout equally suited to individual relaxation and social family use. The Gold specification incorporates 41 hydrotherapy jets, powered by a dedicated hydrotherapy massage pump, alongside a separate HydroClean circulation pump. A 4kW heater provides year-round temperature control. A key reason for specifying this model was Hydropool’s patented Self-Cleaning system. Unlike conventional filtration that principally draws water from the surface, the system combines surface skimming with floor vacuuming and pressurised filtration. Hydropool states that 100% of the spa water passes through the filtration system every 15 minutes, while debris is removed from both the surface and floor. This makes ongoing maintenance particularly straightforward for the customer. The spa also features Hydropool’s Thermal Shield insulation, designed to improve energy efficiency, alongside the Pure Water system. For this limited-edition installation, the specification was further enhanced with upgraded lighting and waterfalls, creating considerably greater visual impact after dark. Unlike some of our more structurally complex installations, the challenge here was deliberately not to over-engineer the project. The customer wanted an above-ground spa that could be installed cleanly within an existing British garden without extensive excavation or landscaping. Careful positioning, base preparation and access planning were therefore essential. At approximately 1,540kg when filled, the spa required a suitable level and structurally sound foundation, while sufficient access around the cabinet needed to be maintained for future servicing. The result demonstrates the value of excellent specification: rather than relying on elaborate landscaping, the technology, hydrotherapy, self-cleaning capability, energy efficiency and limited-edition finish of the 679 Gold become the stars of the project. For an under-£10,000 installation, it delivers an exceptional combination of engineering, ease of ownership, comfort and understated luxury.
Company
The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company

























