Practical XL-Trainer 110 Outdoor Pool New Forest, Hampshire
The Brief
The client was quite open to different pool suggestions, eventually opting for a XL-Trainer 110 FB in Smokey Quartz measuring 11m x 4m with a depth of 1.1m that sloped to 1.8m in the deep end. He wanted a pool that could be used for regular swim sessions and would be more convenient than traveling to his nearest public pool.
With no budget in mind and limited knowledge of the pool process, the team spent some time with the client to ensure he got a pool that best matched his needs. The main restrictions came in the form of planning permissions – the pool had to be behind the house and no more than 20m away from the building. Luckily this fed into the convenience that the client wanted.
The Design
We dug and removed the soil before installing the pool with ABS fittings. Granite coping was added to help maintain the traditional, natural style of the New Forest, while a comfort cover helped to keep dirt and debris out of the pool, while maintaining the water temperature. The client chose a freshwater UV, along with PVC solar slats and a large heat pump to help maintain the perfect temperature.
Finally, three white lights and a pretty waterfall feature gave the pool the attractive aesthetic that the client loved. The plant room sits behind a small fence next to the summer house at the end of the pool, hidden from view but very accessible. The location of the summer house makes the perfect place to sit and look out over the sparkling clear water and the gorgeous leafy surrounds.
The Challenges
The New Forest is a conservation area, so, to keep installation time to a minimum, the pool had to be built within the constraints of those restrictions. To prevent needing planning permission, we installed the pool at the rear of the house and within 20m. Luckily, there was plenty of space to accommodate this requirement.
The weather was another issue. The installation began in February and constant rains slowed the project and made the ground quite soggy. The team persevered and the build took seven weeks in total, with no loss of quality.
The Outcome
The pool has been in almost constant use since it was installed. The client’s wife swims in the pool daily and they have had no end of friends and family visit for a dip in the water.
The client said: “We chose Compass for the good products and the good sales team. They had good knowledge and were not too pushy. I am pleased with the pool and the service. The people carrying out the works have always been lovely.”
