We are currently experiencing some problems with our phone systems. We hope to be back up momentarily.  The post Phone Lines Down appeared first on Compass Pools.

We are currently experiencing some problems with our phone systems. We hope to be back up momentarily. 

The post Phone Lines Down appeared first on Compass Pools.

  Bespoke is a term that gets banded about a lot in the swimming pool industry luring potential buyers into thinking that it’s in some way better. We explore the pros and cons of a bespoke pool.    First of let’s explore what a bespoke pool is. It’s normally a design of pool specially designed […] The post When is a bespoke pool not bespoke? appeared first on Compass...

The post When is a bespoke pool not bespoke? appeared first on Compass Pools.

It was once the case that if you owned a small property, having a pool constructed was simply impractical, if not impossible. Aside from the expense of having a pool built at your home, the limiting nature of construction techniques meant that it simply wasn’t possible to get a swimming pool in a smaller property. […] The post The Best Pools for a Small Home appeared first on Compass...

It was once the case that if you owned a small property, having a pool constructed was simply impractical, if not impossible. Aside from the expense of having a pool built at your home, the limiting nature of construction techniques meant that it simply wasn’t possible to get a swimming pool in a smaller property. But as technology has advanced and swimming pool solutions have improved, it has become both possible and easy to have a pool constructed for properties of almost any size. So even if you are limited on space, you can still have the pool of your dreams.

If you are looking into having a pool built in a smaller home, it’s a great idea to do your research into different design ideas. Undoubtedly, the best pool for a small home is the pool that is most suited to the needs and requirements of its owner. There is such a broad variety of options available from stunning infinity pools to chlorine-free natural pools, you can opt for the pool that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking to get from it. Here are some top tips for choosing a fantastic pool to suit a smaller home.

A pool in keeping with your home

Some homeowners mistakenly believe that when it comes to swimming pools, bigger means better. But when it comes to a feature as expensive and important as a swimming pool, the truth is that size is not necessarily an important factor. It is worth pointing out that if you have a small home, it makes sense that you would have smaller swimming pool. While a swimming pool is a fantastic feature piece for your property, a huge swimming pool in a small house can completely overwhelm the space and feel out of place.

A smaller pool that is in-keeping with the aesthetic and size of your home is a much better idea – a small, well-designed pool will add more value to your property than one that dominates the exterior space. This is especially true if your pool will actually take over much of the garden space; some buyers will much prefer a decent garden as well as pool over a disproportionately sized pool.

So when you come to look at the different pool options available, don’t assume that the best thing to do is to use up as much space as possible. There are actually much smarter ways for you to utilise your space.

Use your space effectively

If you have a smaller space to work with, you might need to get creative with the room that is available. Some people have misconceptions about what a pool has to be, which can make them believe that a pool wouldn’t suit their property. In reality, your pool can be whatever you need it to be in order for you to get as much out of it as possible.

There is no rule, for instance, to say that a pool needs to be rectangular. Nor one that requires it to be symmetrical. If you have got an awkward garden space, a pool can be created to fit within it. If you garden is long but not especially wide, it is possible to have a pool designed that effectively acts as a swimming lane. A lap pool can fit into surprisingly tight spaces while still being a lovely addition to your home.

You might be interested in a classic pool shape such as a Roman pool or a kidney-shaped design, but if you are working within a limited space it can make more sense to opt for a freeform pool instead. This can allow you to enjoy both a larger pool in a small space, and retain a good look for your property.

What is your pool for?

Remember that there are many different types of pools that you can have constructed at your home from exercise pools to natural pools, which don’t use chlorine. While a large pool can have multiple functions and uses, a small pool typically needs to be specialised.

So to make the right decision on a swimming pool for a small home it is necessary to establish exactly what you are going to use your pool for. There are a number of different reasons that you might want to have a pool on your property. Let’s take a look at why you are interested in having a pool, to help you decide which option is best for you.

A place for a dip

It might be the case that you are just interested in somewhere to take a dip after a long hot summer day. In this case it could be that you simply need a plunge pool to get what you’re looking for.

Swimming

For many homeowners, it is the joy of swimming that convinces them to invest in a pool. If this is important for you it is best to opt for a lap pool. But what if you don’t quite have the space for a swimming lane? It is still possible! Check below for details on swimming in a small pool.

Entertaining and relaxation

You may want a pool as a feature piece for your property so you can entertain guests or relax in the evening. It could be the case that you will find you don’t actually need a full size pool at all – would a hot tub be a better option?

Add value to your home

A high quality pool can add significant value to your property. If you have got one eye on the property market when it comes to buying your pool, the most important thing is to choose a pool that fits with the aesthetic and style of your home.

Plunge pool

When you think of compact swimming pools for smaller spaces, the idea of a plunge pool comes instantly to mind. Plunge pools are larger than a spa or Jacuzzi, but not as large as a fully-fledged swimming pool. If you are only planning to use your pool as a place to go for a quick swim after work, this is a perfect option.

Plunge pools can be loaded up with features to ensure a great swimming experience, and this can be customised entirely to your taste. From water features and waterfalls to massage jets, plunge pools can have all the functionality of a normal swimming pool, with the added advantage that they fit in a much smaller space.

Lane swimming in a small pool

One thing that can put homeowners off the idea of buying a smaller pool is that they want to be able to actually swim in their swimming pool. Obviously a smaller space can make it difficult to enjoy a swimming in the same way as a full-size pool. But that doesn’t mean you need to abandon the idea of getting a pool altogether – innovative technology offers a solution that allows you to do as much swimming as you like in the smallest of pools.

Fastlane by Endless Pools pumps a steady flow of water at you. As you swim against the current, the jet will keep you in the same place. It provides the feeling of natural swimming but you aren’t actually moving. With 52 different speed settings, the flow can be made stronger or weaker to suit your swimming pace, allowing you to effectively have lane swimming in a small pool.

The hot tub option

It might be the case that for your needs, you don’t actually need a full size swimming pool at all, and a hot tub would be just as good. A hot tub can be a great option if you have always wanted a pool but lack the space. Far more space efficient than a pool, and requiring a far less arduous building process, a hot tub is ideal for relaxing or even entertaining guests.

Naturally, it is not quite the same as having a pool, but this can be a suitable replacement for those properties that really don’t have the available space for a swimming pool.

Inside or outside?

This leads on to another decision that you will need to make about your pool – will it be indoors or outdoors? The vast majority of home pools are installed outdoors due to factors like cost and complexity. And this is certainly the case when it comes to smaller properties too (unless you have a large supply of interior space and relatively little outdoors).

If you are going to opt for an outdoor pool it could also be worth looking into a covering to make it possible to use the pool in any weather. This will certainly add to the cost of the overall project, but it can provide the pool with more usability.

In ground or above ground?

Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that if space is a factor in your decision, you could look into both in-ground and above ground options. It may be the case that an above ground pool can be constructed in way that makes a better and more creative use of space within your garden. Yes, this can typically be a more expensive option than simply having the pool built in an excavated hole in the ground, but it can make it possible to have a pool that is closer to what you are looking for.

Three key benefits for a smaller pool

Many homeowners looking into getting a swimming pool constructed will be limited by the physical space available to them. Still, you might be tempted to opt for a larger pool over a smaller design when it comes to the actual construction process. But it is vital here to remember that just because it is bigger, it doesn’t make it any better. In fact, many homeowners are finding that there are benefits in choosing a smaller option. Three important benefits of a smaller pool are:

1 – It’s cheaper to build

There’s no doubt that one of the major benefits of smaller pool is that it is much cheaper to build. And it’s not just the cost that you need to think about – there will be a shorter construction time, meaning less disruption to your property over the course of the build.

2 – It’s more environmentally friendly

If you are interested in remaining as ‘green’ as possible and reducing your carbon footprint, there’s no denying that a smaller pool is the better option. Small pools use less water and fewer chemicals than their larger counterparts. This makes it an obvious choice if you are interested in protecting the environment.

3 – It’s easier to maintain

One of the real challenges of owning a pool is the level of maintenance that is required. If you are interested in a pool that is easier to drain, faster to clean and uses fewer expensive chemicals, then it will definitely make sense for you to choose a small pool.

If you would like to learn more about pools for small homes, the team of expert pool builders at Compass Pools would be happy to provide you with details. With our years of expertise, we have worked on pools both big and small for properties of all sizes, and we would be happy to pass on our knowledge to you. Get in contact with us today.

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Compass pools the UK’s largest one piece pool installer has pipped the competition to the post with two key prestigious awards.  Compass has received an award in the two most important categories “residential indoor pool of the year” along with “residential outdoor pool of the year” The two projects highlight Compasses leading technical and design […] The post Compass pools cleans up at the 2017 Pool Awards. appeared first on Compass...

Compass pools the UK’s largest one piece pool installer has pipped the competition to the post with two key prestigious awards. 

Compass has received an award in the two most important categories “residential indoor pool of the year” along with “residential outdoor pool of the year”

The two projects highlight Compasses leading technical and design prowess in the UK market. 

The judging was put through 3 stages with Compass shining through against the stiff competition of over 200 entries. 

Receiving the awards at the glittering ceremony from Michelle Dewbury the enigmatic winner of the hit business TV show The Apprentice.  

Alex Kemsley Technical director at Compass comments. “These two awards only firms our abilities in the UK pool market as we strive to deliver the best to our customers”

Look out for our deep dive into these project case studies in the coming weeks. 

If you would like a quote on your new compass pool give us a call on 01444 400621

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    We get handed plans every day of the week of indoor swimming pools designed by architects with some minor and some major omissions and errors. So we have put together a list of the most common ones.   Is the plant room adjacent to the pool room for air extraction?  Is the plant room […] The post The 11 most common architect errors in indoor pool design appeared first on Compass...

1. Is the plant room adjacent to the pool room for air extraction? 
2. Is the plant room on an external wall for intake and exhaust ventilation, if not is there a route for at least 200mm ducting? 
3. Is the plant room dimensions at least 15% of the pool water area (domestic pool) or 25% for commercial for the filtration and air handling equipment, with a minimum size of 2.5 x 2.5m ?
4. Has routes for ducting been considered back to the plant room for air handing,  a cross section area of at least 0.13m2 for domestic will be required for ducts to every piece of glass. 
5. Has floor coverings, drainage and falls been considered along with drains to waste for the pool room splash out? 
6. Has a drain to waste been considered for the plant room for filter cleaning? 
7. Has a suitable LPHW source been considered with sufficient flow and return temperatures for heating of the air and water?
8. Has cold bridging been eliminated to stop condensation damage?
9. Has suitable waterproof wall and ceiling covering been considered for example a stretch ceiling and aquaboard. 
10. Has gyms and entertainment areas been designed out side of the pool area. This area is going to be 30 degrees and humid!
11. Are there two door separating the pool area and living spaces. You dont want those pool smells getting into the living space! 

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At Compass Pools we had a record breaking year and introduced several new products that you will see featured in pool design trends of 2016. We picked up a raft of awards at the Uk Pool and Spa Awards with many of the hottest new trends featured in the award winners. With a full year ahead of us, and the depths of […] The post 2016 Swimming Pool Design and Technology Trends appeared first on Compass...

At Compass Pools we had a record breaking year and introduced several new products that you will see featured in pool design trends of 2016. We picked up a raft of awards at the Uk Pool and Spa Awards with many of the hottest new trends featured in the award winners. With a full year ahead of us, and the depths of winter hopefully behind us, we look towards the summer and what the top trends and prediction in pool design and technology in 2016 and what you could install on your new pool project.  1 – Everything Eco. With the cost of energy constantly fluctuating consumers and choosing to invest their capital in energy saving products. The two main ones being Eco pumps that alter their speed and thus energy consumption depending on their time of day and pools required energy. The second being variable speed heat pumps or inverter heat pumps as they are sometimes called. Heat pumps have gained a lot of traction in 2015 as the prefered method of heating a pool with 96% of consumers choosing to heat their pool this way as they extract free energy from the ambient air, giving up to 5:1 return on your energy costs. Inverter heat pumps work on the same principle as the variable speed pump but control the heating of your pool instead. They can save up to 30% of the cost of running a pool. Check out our award winning Eco pool from the Pool and Spa Awards. 2 – Hands off Automation. With pool owners being more “time poor” most people want to be swimming in their pool and not cleaning it. Several options exist to cut this down to a minimum. These include, auto dosing which automates the water chemistry in your pool. IQ to allow your pool to be controlled from an iPad and full remote controls to control you pool cover as well as the lights and water features remotely. 3 – Pool Beach. Most first time pool buyers have young children. The BeachLine from Compass was introduced to give both children and adults a shallow area to play, sunbathe or just have a glass of wine on. A natural stone shelf submerged under just 10 cm of water makes it the ideal area for fun and relaxation. 4 – The Highend One Piece Pool. One piece pools or more specifically fibreglass pools have historically been seen as a cheaper option, that can be plagued with problems like osmosis and fading. But with the latest in high tech composites, like carbon ceramic, used in the space program being introduced, these pools have evolved. They offer beautiful bi luminite finishes, and gives a quick clean installation because everything is made in a factory. Not a muddy building site leaving less room for quality issues and industry leading warranties that will put any liner or concrete pool to shame. 5 – The One Piece Plant Room. Plant rooms are inherently complicated pieces of kit and are essential the engine room of the pool. They are dependant on so many factors to be perfect so it seems almost crazy to try and assemble them in a shed or garage. With water and electrics combined there is no room for error and do you really want the first time you test it to be on your new pool? After all,  You wouldn’t try and build your new car engine in a £500 garden shed would you! With this in mind Compass have introduced the one piece plant room. A composite cabinet that is assembled on our own production line and even tested as if it was connected to your pool. 6 – FreshWater Pools. With many parents concerned about the use of chlorine in pools, from stinging eyes, horrible smells and health concerns. The FreshWaterpool has made some real traction in 2015. This system uses Philips ultraviolet technology, combined with pearl filtration and antibacterial one piece pool shells to give water as clean as tap water. We predict that 2016 will see the majority of installs having this feature. 7 – Safety, Safety, Safety. This should be at the top of your list, with safety around the pool our main concern too. We predict several new innovations will play a key part in the decision making of every prospective pool buyer, especially those who are parents. For this reason every Compass Pool has safety designed right into the shell. Automatic covers have ledges built in that will support the weight of an adult. All critical surfaces have anti-slip textures, Pools with a deep-end have under water ledges allowing children and adults to stand. Filtration systems have entrapment prevention devices for your peace of mind. Everything is considered when you choose a Compass Pool.

Summer 2016 and beyond. If 2016 is the year that you are going to dip your toe in the water with your new pool project please get in contact early on. We have a 3-6 month lead time from point of order to ready to swim. So to ensure you get a full seasons use out of your pool you will need to be placing an order before the end of February.   Why not drop us an email back and have a full quote drawn up. Just hit the reply button now.

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