Design Philosophy

Swimming pool, spa, and sauna design requires careful planning, adherence to safety standards, and selection of appropriate materials to ensure functionality, durability, and a relaxing user experience. A cohesive design should also consider the overall aesthetic and available space, whether for a private residence or commercial facility. 

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Swimming Pool Design 

 

Structural and technical aspects 

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• Construction type: In-ground pools can be constructed from concrete, which is highly durable and customizable, or with steel or fibreglass tanks using liners, which may be a more cost-effective option.

• Ground conditions: A thorough soil analysis is essential before installation to account for the soil type and water table, which can affect the pool's structure.

• Energy efficiency: Incorporating insulation material within the pool shell for indoor pools can significantly improve heat retention and comply with building regulations.

• Circulation and filtration: For a commercial pool, the system must be sized for the bather load. This includes sizing the volume for the minimum turnover rate and the proper filtration system for sanitation. 

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Safety and user experience 

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• Pool surrounds: The paving or decking around the pool must be non-slip to prevent accidents, even when wet. It should also be a contrasting color to the water to ensure the pool edge is clearly visible.

• Access: Safe access is critical and can include built-in steps, a gradual slope, or ladders.

• Lighting: Underwater lighting is necessary to illuminate the pool water, while general pool hall lighting should be accessible and minimise glare.

• Depth: For multi-use pools, a sloping gradient is useful. For teaching, a depth of 1.0 m to 1.35 m is common, while 1.8 m is advisable for life-saving practice. 

 

Spa and Hot Tub Design 

 

Technical and safety considerations 

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• Water capacity: Commercial spas must be capable of filtering the total water capacity within 15 minutes and often require a minimum of 250 litres per bather seat.

• Electrical safety: Due to the risk of electric shock, spas and hot tubs require a dedicated, hard-wired supply protected by an RCD (residual current device). An isolation switch should be located at least 2 meters from the tub.

• Location: Sufficient space, typically 2–4 feet, is needed around the hot tub for safe access and maintenance. The location should also be at least 3 meters from any overhead power cables.

• Ventilation: For indoor installations, proper ventilation is necessary to manage high moisture levels.

• Foundations: The structure must be placed on a firm, flat surface, such as a concrete base, that can support the significant weight of the tub and water. 

 

Design and experience 

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• Features: Integrated hydromassage jets and benches can enhance the user's therapeutic experience.

• Material: Materials must be durable and water-resistant. Concrete pools can be finished with non-slip tiles.

• Aesthetics: Options include above-ground or sunken installations, and spas can be integrated seamlessly with the pool area. 

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Sauna Design 

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Layout and space planning 

 

• Bench layout: Since heat rises, saunas should be designed with an upper bench where users can fully experience the heat. An optimal layout includes an upper bench 900mm and a lower bench 450mm from the floor, with an optimal ceiling height of 2100 mm.

• Space per person: A general rule is to allow at least 600mm of bench space per person.

• Location: Saunas do not require plumbing and can be placed almost anywhere, though positioning them near a shower for a cool-down rinse is a traditional practice. 

 

Materials and construction 

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• Wood: High-quality, durable woods are essential for the interior. Cedar, aspen, and thermally modified wood are popular choices for their resistance to moisture, heat, and decay.

• Flooring: Hard, non-absorbent, non-slip flooring like tile or sealed concrete is recommended for easy cleaning and hygiene. A floor drain is also advised.

• Insulation: Proper insulation is critical for heat retention and energy efficiency. The ceiling is particularly important to insulate. 

 

Technical and equipment 

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• Heating element: The choice between an electric or wood-burning heater impacts the design and energy source. Electric heaters are more common for home use and require a specific power supply.

• Ventilation: A well-designed ventilation system is crucial for a comfortable and healthy sauna. This includes an air inlet near the heater and an outlet on the opposite wall.

• Lighting: Indirect LED or coloured lighting can create a relaxing atmosphere.

• Heater placement: The heater should be surrounded by a protective casing and placed with safety clearances in mind. 

 

Integrated pool, spa, and sauna facilities 

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• Cohesive design: When combining these features, design and material choices should create a seamless and luxurious experience, such as using complementary tile, wood, and lighting.

• Logical flow: The layout should support the natural wellness circuit of warming up, hydrotherapy, and cooling down, with changing and shower facilities designed for this sequence.

• Holistic wellness: The overall design can incorporate other wellness features like steam rooms, specialized lighting, and architectural elements to create a complete personal or commercial retreat.

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The core philosophy of home leisure design focuses on creating intentional spaces that enhance well-being by balancing aesthetics, functionality, and personal reflection. Beyond just filling a room with entertainment products, modern home leisure design integrates play and relaxation seamlessly into the home's overall design narrative.

 

Core principles of home leisure design

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Integration over isolation

Instead of relegating leisure activities to a forgotten basement or spare room, this philosophy weaves them into the home's main design. This reflects the modern blurring of boundaries between work, relaxation, and play, particularly as more people spend time at home. 

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Focus on wellness and sensory engagement

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Leisure design prioritises mental and physical well-being through intentional and multi-sensory elements. 

• Tactile and textured materials: Natural fibers, wood, and leather can create a grounding, calming environment and improve comfort.

• Layered lighting: Using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting can create different moods and highlight features, making a space more inviting.

• Sound and acoustics: Considering how sound travels in a room is important for both lively gatherings and quieter, reflective moments. 

 

Durability and quality

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A focus on high-quality, long-lasting products is key to this philosophy. This extends beyond just functionality to aesthetic longevity, rejecting the idea of planned obsolescence and viewing high-quality furniture as a sound, long-term investment. This principle also aligns with growing sustainability concerns among homeowners. 

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Adaptability and flexibility

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Home leisure spaces are designed to evolve with changing lifestyles. 

• Multi-functional furniture: Tables that convert from dining to gaming surfaces or incorporate concealed storage are valued for their practicality.

• Flexible layouts: Smart layouts and open-plan designs can be easily reconfigured to accommodate work, social gatherings, or quiet relaxation.

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Personalisation and storytelling

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The design should reflect the unique personalities, passions, and history of the people who live there. By incorporating personal collections, mementos, art, and custom finishes, a space feels authentic and comfortable. 

 

Intentional analog experiences

In a digital-first world, home leisure design intentionally creates spaces for analog activities to provide balance and encourage face-to-face interaction. These activities offer a "digital detox" that can be restorative for well-being. 

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Harmony with nature

 

Inspired by organic design, this approach seeks to harmonise the indoors with the outdoors. 

• Connection to the environment: Expansive windows, natural light, and the use of natural materials like wood and stone can blur the lines between inside and out.

• Eco-conscious choices: Selecting eco-friendly materials and designing for energy efficiency not only aligns with sustainability but also creates a more comfortable environment.