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SPN JUN 2011 FinishingTouches
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
The recession has had some unexpected and positive effects on the pool industry. One has been a more urgent approach to refurbishing ageing swimming pools and to provide owners with a cosmetic make over. The use of tiling and mosaics, new style pool finishes and renderings, stonework and floorings have all been more in demand than normal as owners search for high quality yet value for money touches of poolside glamour
One impact of the recession has been the huge number of pools whose original style and glamour might have faded but whose looks have been restored with the help of quality poolside finishing’s from stone work to tiling, mosaics to ceramics, murals to new look coping, grilles and liners. Whether a new build or a refurbishment, the opportunity to add glamour around the pool to finish off projects in style has never been full of so many stylish options. It’s more than cosmetic and the finished product looks great.
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Architects can now offer clients the widest ever choice of materials from designs which mix glass,
ool tiling and pool surface finishing materials have never been a more important design element.
stone, ceramic and porcelain tile – to innovations that allow liner pools to be given the wow factor. The choices are endless. Many companies offer stonework that coupled with beautifully designed pools present an individually bespoke interior and surround that can be anything from quirky to traditional. When Deep End Pools completed their award winning concrete liner pool with black granite at the Sanctum on the Green Hotel in Cookham Dean, it took the SPATA award judges breath away.
Companies are constantly coming up with innovations that allow even potentially drab liner pools to be given a makeover. Once the domain of mainly the commercial pool market, on-site lining is growing in popularity with domestic pool
owners and to keep up with these demands there are now more choices within the colour range and the specially formulated non-slip material for every area within the pool including steps, diving blocks, and all surrounding areas. The natural look is the theme for many these days. Tiles, once mundane and functional, now reverberate with choice. Glass has become the most popular tile option in recent years. While it is expensive, it has been popular with pool architects for its ability to be moulded into various shapes, creating pebble-like abstract forms. Ceramic and porcelain tile have long been staples for pool finishing. They are the least costly and can be hand painted with intricate designs or formed into a mosaic. Textured porcelain blends well with the surrounding landscape, while glazed porcelain offers bold, striking accents. The arrival of new finishes has offered choice but mosaics still have a significant future in the decoration and finishing of pools. Tile mosaics are being fabricated in any size, shape, colour and design imaginable. Designs include; fish, shells, reef scenes, dolphins, beach balls, turtles, cartoon characters, mermaids, sports logos and the list goes on and on. Most mosaics are now available with a shadow design.
THIS: Pools that sparkle using Aqua Stone finishes RIGHT: Aqua Stone are excited to be able to offer clients a range of coloured glass finishes
NEW FOR 2011 – AQUA STONE’S NATURAL PEBBLE AND GLASS Over the last few years Aqua Stone Pool Finishes have been trialing different natural materials to incorporate with its pebble product to provide a unique blend of natural finishes that are practical and beautiful.
By Alan Lewis
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