Author: Catherine Saunders

Tiled in beautiful Honister green slate, mined in the Lake District, this state-of-the-art swimming pool seamlessly merges into its hillside surroundings. Affording stunning views of the Edge Hill escarpment in Banbury, it’s the skilful work of Northamptonshire builder, Mosaic Pools.

The client’s remit was to build a swimming pool into one of the tiers of their extensive and impressive four-tiered garden.  The detailed brief included an infinity edge pool, measuring 11m x 5m and tiled in Honister green slate – chosen for its eye-catching colour and texture.

The question was where to place it. In order to keep it within the confines of the second top tier, it meant the pool would be very close to the house.  It was therefore decided to build the pool on the third tier and put an infinity edge partially on one side plus the end of the pool to give it a more aesthetic and realistic appearance.

MD Of Mosaic Pools, Steve French says: “This gave us the opportunity to tile the outside walls below the infinity edge of the pool using the slate which was also used to line to make a slate trough, before the water enters a balance tank hidden below ground and then returning to the filtration system.”

Steve adds: “The pool is packed with Certikin equipment. The Roldeck cover with its solar slats looks stunning on this pool as well as being functional, retaining the heat when the pool is not in use. The Tri Salt unit and Blue Lagoon UV keep the pool’s water in pristine condition and the Aquaspeed pump and Lacron filter deliver the reliability that has been proven over many, many years of using these units in our pools.

“I choose Certikin as my supplier because I know my customers will be getting the best, highest quality goods in the marketplace,” says Stephen. “It’s my belief that if you buy cheap, you buy twice but, in any case, Certikin goods are not overpriced. Based in Milton Keynes, I am only 45 minutes away from Certikin in Witney so it’s handy for dropping by to pick up some last-minute pieces of equipment or chat over a technical problem. The technical back-up is second to none and gives great peace of mind and I
have always found the company and its personnel to be very fair.”

Mosaic’s shopping list:

The pool bears testament to how Certikin equipment, combined with craftmanship of this calibre, produces a standout pool. From its ProPac heater and LED Quick Change white lights to its Roldeck cover and stainless steel fittings, it proudly bears the Certikin hallmark. Here’s some of its highlights:

Aquaspeed pump and Lacron filter

Exclusive to Certikin, the new generation Aquaspeed, launched last year, fits perfectly into the original Aquaspeed footprint and pipework connections so is ideal for retro fit as well as new installations.

Suitable for salt chlorinated pools, the pump has a solid clear lid for simple inspection of the basket and comes complete with quick connect unions for ease of installation and a 316 high grade mechanical seal. The single piece fibreglass filled pump body (UV stabilized and corrosion resistant) ensures maximum strength and durability. It features a hydraulically efficient impeller and diffuser design for maximum hydraulic output whilst minimizing turbulence.

The range also includes the Aquaspeed 100 ECO-V pump. With all the features and benefits of the renowned Aquaspeed, this new model brings variable speed economy to an industry favourite. Crystal clear, sparkling water is the most important feature of any pool and a Lacron filter is a super efficient way to ensure perfect water quality. Boasting a 30-year proven track record, the filters are pressure tested to 60 psi (4 bar).

Blue Lagoon UV

The Blue Lagoon UV system is the perfect disinfection solution for guaranteeing sparkling clear water for high end pools like this one. UV systems are better for the environment and are thus becoming increasingly popular.

Designed to disinfect pool water safely and efficiently, the Blue Lagoon system keeps bacteria, mould, and algae at bay, and pool water crystal clear and inviting. UV sterilisation offers amazing disinfecting and battles bacteria without damaging the pool. It reduces chlorine and chemical requirements by 80% – better for those with sensitive skin, removing strong odours and at the same time, saving money.

Roldeck cover

Crowning the pool is a Roldeck automatic cover with solar slats. The made-to-measure Roldeck is the Rolls Royce of slatted covers in terms of heat insulation, evaporation control, durability and aesthetic appearance. It is manufactured in interlocking sections similar to a Venetian blind and ticks the following boxes:

Mosaic Swimming Pools & Spas 

t. 01280 843101 | w. mosaicswimmingpools.co.uk

 

This impressive deck level concrete pool, brimming with Certikin equipment, is the workmanship of Sunderland pool dealer Whitewaters Ltd. It certainly turned the heads of the SPATA judges this year when they awarded it a Silver in the Residential Indoor Pools category £125,000 to £150,000 category.

The crowning glory of this beautiful pool is Certikin’s Roldeck automatic cover and, roll back the cover, there’s plenty of evidence of the company’s other market leading equipment too. Under construction for over two years, the pool was completed on Christmas Eve. A Christmas present to his family, the owner wrote to Whitewaters’ MD Mick Guthrie saying: “We are delighted with the finished product and since christening it on Christmas day, we find ourselves swimming at every opportunity. The workmanship is of the highest quality and everything you said you would do was carried out in a timely manner with no fuss.”

Mick takes up the story: “The client used his in-house joiner and his part-time assistant to build the pool hall which meant the project was long and spanned two and a half winters. The pool’s location on an exposed rural site on top of the Pennine Hills created the inevitable access problems but it was all worth it as the result is stunning and bears testimony to the fact that it was executed to an extremely high standard. We’re proud of it and so are the owners!

“By moving the pool away from the centre of the pool hall, we were able to create a large seating/entertainment area at one end of the pool whilst still allowing a spacious bar area and lounging area on either side of the pool. We are particularly proud of the 5m wide water wall – a textured splitface stone feature wall which, with the water cascading down it, creates a soothing effect. This is operated by an independent pump circuit that can be switched on/off to suit.

“The pool overflow detail was cut from 40mm limestone and creates a slick double slot detail whilst still offering the capability to lift sections out for cleaning and maintenance. Both pool and spa are tiled with a vibrant pearlescent blend and the pool halls are clad with natural travertine.”

Certikin equipment featured in the pool includes the Vision filter, Blue Lagoon domestic UV disinfection system, stainless steel fittings and the Roldeck. Made-to-measure, it is the Rolls Royce of slatted covers in terms of heat insulation, evaporation control, durability and aesthetic appearance. It is manufactured in interlocking sections similar to a Venetian blind. Fully automatic, the Roldeck comes with a touch pad switch and remote control for easy operation. The touch screen control also allows the control of the pool LED lights.

An extensive range of slats is available. The Roldeck’s standard PVC slats come in white, blue, cream, grey, solar and transparent (with a slight blue tint). The solar model, with a black base, collects heat from the sun and transfers it directly into the water, greatly reducing heating costs. The translucent slats allow under water lighting to shine through. Plus of course, there is the brand new Eclipse range which is available in solar blue, solar clear, solar aluminum look, lagoon and ocean.

Whitewaters installed a Calorex Variheat complete with touch screen  control, to look after the heating and environmental control of the pool hall. It is an incredibly versatile environmental control unit that takes care of heating, humidity control, ventilation and energy recovery, which can be tailor-made to suit almost any plant room. Typically, for every unit of power that a Calorex Variheat consumes, it will convert more than twice this amount to usable heat. The potential energy savings are huge. In fact, compared to traditional heat and ventilation, considerable energy cost saving can be made and corresponding CO2 emissions can be dramatically reduced.

Mick concludes: “We were delighted to win a Silver SPATA award for this beautiful pool, to sit alongside our other SPATA awards plus the EUSA award we won last year. Industry recognition is vital as is, of course, customer satisfaction.”

0191 551 2048

whitewaters.co.uk

NIVEKO has long been regarded as the gold standard in one-piece pools, thanks to its  unique winning combination of craftmanship, style and durability.

For a pool up and running within a matter of weeks, the NIVEKO wins hands down. That’s not all… in looks, it is easily the equal of the most luxurious tiled concrete pools – as Mermaid Pools illustrate with this beautiful pool they installed in Kent.

Going in just six weeks from the excavation of the hole to filling the pool with water, this NIVEKO pool more than matched the owner’s brief for a speedy installation of a high quality, state-of-the-art pool, in keeping with the modern new house, and falling within the allotted budget. The client wanted the pool for family entertainment and to swim lengths. Steve Russell of Mermaid Pools says: “Given that he was keen to have the pool built and operational in time for summer, we introduced the concept of the one-piece pool and had no hesitation in recommending the NIVEKO. We are particularly impressed with the NIVEKO’s attention to design and detail. It’s a pool that shouts luxury and draws the eye. The client hadn’t considered the one-piece pool option and needed some persuasion, but the excellent, very informative NIVEKO brochure, plus its speed of installation, soon won him over. The decision was made to opt for a 9m x 3.7m constant depth freeboard pool, with a modern corner step and underwater pool lighting.”

Following the light trimming of some trees for access, the pool was delivered on the back of a lorry and the installation went to plan. Steve says: “The pool is encased on all four sides by 300mm thick steel reinforced concrete; the floor is a 200mm thick vibrated steel reinforced plinth, the build tolerances on the floor are 1mm, this is an extremely tight tolerance. This installation will stand the test of time!

“To achieve the contemporary finish we chose a white shell, white cover and a contrasting border coping stone in black flamed granite. We then advised the installation of synthetic decking as the client wanted to keep the pool and surround as maintenance free as possible. Certikin supplied a Lacron filtration tank, Calorex Pro-Pac 16 heat pump, pipework and a Roldeck Easy Cover.”

Steve adds: “The client was over the moon with the end result saying: ‘Great service from a great team. Super happy with this once in a lifetime pool.’

For further details on the range of NIVEKO pools from Certikin visit certikin.co.uk or email info@certikin.co.uk

01580 753031

mermaidpools.co.uk

Devon undeniably gets more hours of sunshine than much of the British Isles but it is still subject to the whims of an unpredictable climate. So, for this Tiverton pool owner, looking to get the most out of the family’s new swimming pool, installing a Certikin Aquacomet enclosure, with all its flexible options, was a no-brainer.

Somerset based pool builders, Purepools, were given the brief to create a good family-sized indoor pool at a farm overlooking the stunning Lowman valley. Located on the hillside, it affords breath taking views of the surrounding countryside but the downside is its exposure to the elements. Installing an enclosure to maximise the pool’s use was a decision made at the outset.

Manager of Purepools, Stewart Skinner says: “The site is subject to strong winds so swimming without some sort of enclosure would, on most days, be unpleasant. I had no hesitation in recommending Certikin’s Aquacomet enclosures as I have fitted them in the past using their team of installers and it has been a very straight-forward process. They look good, are robust and are highly versatile. They have a superior build quality when compared to others in the marketplace. I like Certikin products because you know you’re buying quality and everyone is very supportive should you need some advice or back-up. This support and technical back-up is so important to a busy pool builder.

“For this site, I chose a lean-to telescopic enclosure which opens from the middle. The garage was converted to make a changing room which the pool adjoins. The whole project took about six  months from start to finish, and features a large amount of Certikin equipment including Certikin’s revolutionary OC-1 Filtration Media which I am now recommending for all my pools, a Multicyclone, titanium Bowman heat exchanger, oil-fired boiler, two Vaporex through the wall dehumidifiers with air-heater batteries, Rainbow feeder for bromine tablets, plus all Certikin fittings such as lights, top-up unit, etc.”

Delighted with the result, the owner says: “I am over the moon with it! My two teenage boys enjoy hours of fun in the pool and it is a good focus for family entertaining.  Thanks to the enclosure, the pool season is greatly extended and we could, if we want, swim all year. Sitting in the enclosure is as pleasant as swimming. If I close all the windows, the greenhouse effect takes the enclosure up to 40 degrees C even in April on a sunny day. I expect my heating costs in the summer to be negligible. Furthermore, it is both child and pet safe. You can simply lock the sliding doors. There are no drafts and swimming is a pleasure. I recommend a pool enclosure as the perfect home swimming solution.”

For further details on the range of Certikin Aquacomet Enclosures visit certikin.co.uk or email info@certikin.co.uk

01278 732993

purepools.co.uk

“A family hub for summer entertainment” – that’s how the Simpson family of St Ives describe their beautiful pool, designed and installed by Cambridgeshire pool dealer, Aqualeaf. However, with two young children they naturally didn’t want to compromise on safety so they chose Certikin’s highly versatile Walu safety cover.

“We’ve always dreamed of having a swimming pool as a focus for family entertainment in the heart of the garden. Big enough and deep enough to swim and do lengths in but shallow enough for adults and children to play in,” says Dan Simpson.  “The team at Aqualeaf have done a tremendous job. I can recommend them 100% and that goes for their first rate after-care service too.

“In the summer, the kids are never out of it. It gets almost daily use throughout March to October. From our experience I would say that pools are far easier to maintain and look after than people think. As long as you have the right equipment and the right information, they are a doddle.”

Taking just six weeks to complete, the beautiful 8m x 4m x 1.4m deep pool features a host of Certikin equipment including a Calorex Pro-Pac 16 Heat Pump, Vision Glass Filter and Certikin sealed beam lights and all pool fittings.

Aqualeaf Director, Paul Carman says: “We constructed a seat at each end of the pool approximately 60cms wide and half a metre depth with a non-slip liner. This allows people to sit in front of the jets or just relax and chat!”

Topping the pool off is Certikin’s Walu manual safety cover in light grey which is as smart as it is hard working.

Paul says: “The Simpsons chose the Walu Starlight manual safety cover because there’s two young children in the family coupled with the fact that it has a contemporary sleek appearance. It comes with the added bonus of requiring no roller on the pool deck. The Walu sits snugly on the poolside rather than floating like a solar blanket, so large debris is kept out of the pool. From a cost point of view, it is considerably cheaper than other automatic safety covers on the market, while also getting rid of the need for both a winter debris and solar/heat retention blanket because the Walu does both jobs!”

For further details on the range of Walu Safety Covers visit certikin.co.uk or email info@certikin.co.uk

01223 930291

www.aqualeaf.co.uk

When the Wilkinson family moved into their beautiful home in Saffron Walden they wanted a swimming pool that would enhance and not detract from the stunning house and landscaped gardens. This eye-catching pool, hallmarked with the Certikin stamp and built by Cambridgeshire pool builder, Aqualeaf, more than fitted the bill.

We approached Aqualeaf with a brief to create a pool which is long enough to swim in but one that wouldn’t dominate the garden or take up too much space. Its prime purpose is to provide our children with a source of fun and exercise,” says Ian Wilkinson.

MD of Aqualeaf, Paul Carmen, says: “It’s fair to say that the house and gardens of this particular property are, by anyone’s standards, simply stunning so we knew we were looking to create something special. We installed a 9.5m x 4m x 1.5m deep liner pool in just six weeks and I understand the pool has more than met the Wilkinson’s expectations. Indeed, Ian concludes: “Aqualeaf have done an excellent job and we look forward to a long hot summer to put the pool through its paces.”

The Wilkinson’s Certikin shopping list included pool fittings plus:

The filter with Vision

Highly durable and reliable filters, bobbin wound using the latest in fibreglass winding technology.

The patented 10 inch lid offers ease of maintenance

Hydraulically balanced laterals provide 15% more efficiency in filtering and backwashing saving water and back wash time.

Suitable for use with a diverse range of medias including glass and sand

Available in both top and side mount versions.

A ten-year full tank warranty for residential installations.

Dolphin puts in a top performance

The Dolphin Supreme M400 robotic cleaner delivers top of the line performance with the absolute minimum in effort and hassle. The Supreme models have a unique triple-active brushing system which eliminates algae and bacteria, reducing the need for chemicals. They provide reliable filtration in all pool conditions and have an exclusive, dual-level filtration system. Advanced technologies deliver precise scanning and cleaning efficiency all the way to the water line, in minimal time and without manual intervention. A gyroscopic navigation system inside maintains stable navigation and ensures maximum cleaning efficiency.

The M400 comes with a 18m cable, swivel, caddy and active brushing with combination bushes. It has a 2.5 hour cycle and carries a 36 months warranty.

The Pro-Pac packs a punch

The Pro-Pac Y range has an Intelligent, electronically controlled defrost that allows the units to operate reliably in air temperatures as low as -15 °C!

High efficiencies: Pro-Pac heat pumps are designed to provide an industry leading coefficient of performance, saving CO₂ and reducing operating costs.

Titanium full flow heat exchanger.

High efficiency, sound insulated, rotary (PP 8 and 12) or scroll (PP 16 and 22) compressors.

Fully ERP compliant

Digital display controls which enable easy adjustment of the pool water set point temperature and clear symbols show the actual water temperature and operational status of the unit.

Smart pool pump control – Pro-Pac can synchronise a pool pump to run only when the pool requires heating, significantly cutting down on pool pump running time. Used with a time clock that operates the pool pump for a block period, minimum pool water turnover rates are maintained.

Small footprint – the Pro-Pac range is designed with space in mind.

Three-year on-site parts and labour warranty, together with a ten year anti-corrosion warranty on the Pro-Pac casing.

Pro-Pacs also comply with the size requirements for permitted development rights (models 8 – 22).

Designed in the UK for the UK climate

Fully supported by a nationwide service network

01223 930291

www.aqualeaf.co.uk