Pool Building
How it all started
It all began back in 2007 when a pool contractor approached me and invited me to join their team, working on the installation of pools, and from that moment, my career in this industry truly took shape. Since 2007, I have had the privilege of installing over 400 swimming pools throughout the UK and Ireland, gaining invaluable experience along the way.
My formal training began in Italy with Myrtha Pools, a company renowned worldwide as the leading installer of Olympic and Competition pools. To further expand my expertise, I then completed additional training with Astral Pools in Spain, another global leader in Olympic-standard pool installations. The industry quickly captivated me, the variety and challenges of the work meant that no two days were ever the same. One day I might be involved in shuttering and groundwork, the next installing bespoke pool panel systems, or honing my fine carpentry skills to create a luxury sauna.
Before long, I decided to take the leap and establish my own business. My focus shifted toward innovative design improvements and solving complex problems on site. I designed my own unique pool panel system and embarked on a journey to create bespoke stainless steel one-piece pools. This dedication and innovative approach opened doors to working with many prestigious clients across the UK and Ireland, allowing me to continue growing and refining my craft in this dynamic industry.
The next chapter of my journey is using my skill set to Consult and offer a standard form of Tendering and procurement to the pool industry. This will offer a level of transparency and offer full project formal specification that will ensure the client gets the pool and associated equipment that they want.
It all Goes Swimmily
Things to consider when installing a pool
When considering building a swimming pool, you need to carefully evaluate several important factors to ensure the final result meets both functional and aesthetic requirements. These include the pool design and pipework layout, turnover and circulation rates, as well as the anticipated bather volume to determine appropriate capacity. Water temperature control, incorporation of special features, and the use of a heat-retaining pool cover are also crucial considerations. Safety measures, floor design, and the inclusion of a secondary channel for wastewater management should not be overlooked. Additional elements such as washdown systems, floor finish and slip resistance, wall and interior finishes, ceiling design, glazing, and ducting all play vital roles in the overall environment. Environmental management systems, mechanical and electrical installations, DMX lighting with sequencing options, and the accommodation of both wet and dry traffic areas need to be planned carefully. Facilities like changing rooms, washrooms, plant rooms, and systems for water treatment, filtration, chemical dosing, and safe storage of chemicals contribute to operational efficiency. Effective water sterilisation methods, conveniently placed feature control panels and switches, as well as comprehensive pool control panels ensure smooth pool functionality. Considerations for backwashing, routine maintenance, reliable chemical supply, sufficient access points, and adherence to health and safety regulations are equally essential to achieve a successful and sustainable swimming pool project.
Sauna v’s Steam Room
Sauna V’s Steam Room
Health Advantages of a Sauna:
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Regular sauna use can help enhance circulation and lower blood pressure.
Muscle Relaxation and Recovery: The dry heat soothes muscle tension and aids recovery after physical activity.
Detoxification: Sweating helps expel toxins from the body.
Stress Reduction: The calming heat promotes relaxation and reduces cortisol levels.
Skin Health: The heat opens pores, improving skin cleansing and complexion.
Enhanced Immune Function: Frequent use may help boost the immune system by increasing white blood cell production.
Health Advantages of a Steam Room:
Respiratory Relief: The moist heat helps clear congestion, easing breathing issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Skin Hydration: The humidity moisturises the skin, improving elasticity and preventing dryness.
Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief: Steam can loosen stiff muscles and joints and alleviate pain from conditions like arthritis.
Improved Circulation: Promotes blood flow similarly to a sauna but with the benefit of added moisture.
Stress Reduction: The warmth and humidity help relax the body and mind.
Enhanced Detoxification: Steam induces sweating, aiding in the removal of impurities.
Why Install Both a Sauna and Steam Room:
Installing both a sauna and a steam room provides a comprehensive wellness experience, catering to diverse health needs and personal preferences. A sauna’s dry heat suits those seeking intense sweating and cardiovascular benefits, while the steam room’s moist heat is ideal for respiratory health and skin hydration. Together, they offer a balanced approach to relaxation, detoxification, and therapeutic effects, enhancing the overall value and appeal of your wellness space for both private and commercial use.
Ice Therapy and Cold Plunge
Ice Therapy ad Cold Plunge
Ice therapy, cold plunge pools, and wild swimming offer numerous health advantages that are deeply rooted in the benefits of exposure to cold water. One of the primary benefits is the significant reduction of inflammation throughout the body. When immersed in cold water, blood vessels constrict, which helps to decrease swelling and alleviate muscle soreness, making these practices particularly effective for recovery after strenuous physical exercise.
Additionally, cold immersion stimulates the autonomic nervous system, which promotes improved blood circulation. Upon exiting the cold environment, blood vessels then dilate, flooding the areas with fresh, oxygenated blood. This process aids tissue repair and contributes to enhanced overall cardiovascular health.
Cold exposure also triggers the release of endorphins and adrenaline, natural chemicals that can uplift mood and help reduce stress levels. Regular cold water swimmers often report a decrease in symptoms related to anxiety and depression as a result. Furthermore, wild swimming and cold plunges encourage the development of mental resilience and increase tolerance to physical and psychological stress, fostering a greater sense of well-being and mental clarity.
From an immune perspective, consistent cold exposure can lead to an increase in white blood cell counts, boosting the body's ability to resist illnesses and infections. Lastly, cold therapy has been found to improve sleep quality by encouraging relaxation and reducing the hyperactivity of the nervous system in the period leading up to bedtime.
In summary, ice therapy, cold plunges, and wild swimming provide comprehensive support for physical recovery, cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and immune system function, all through the unique and powerful benefits that come with exposure to cold water.