Rethinking the swimming pool

ReCreation’s above-ground approach to designing and construction swimming pools is changing how aquatic facilities are delivered

or decades, the delivery of public swimming pools has followed a familiar model excavation, reinforced concrete tanks and lengthy construction programmes carrying significant cost and programme risk That traditional model is under pressure Capital budgets are constrained, carbon reporting expectations are increasing and much of the UK pool estate, much of it built before 2000, is approaching the point where major refurbishment or replacement is unavoidable Against this backdrop, ReCreation, a leisure development partner founded by Olympians Adrian Turner, Steve Parry and Rebecca Adlington, is challenging the default “dig and pour” assumption

By combining end-to-end development expertise with above-ground modular pool technology supplied by AstralPool UK, ReCreation is delivering high-quality aquatic facilities with shorter programmes, reduced construction risk and, in many cases, a lower carbon footprint

For Adrian Turner, the case for above-ground pools is both professional and personal As an Olympian and Commonwealth swimmer, he has competed in some of the world’s leading above-ground facilities and understands first-hand that performance and user experience need not be compromised That perspective underpins ReCreation’s approach making it easier for communities to deliver and sustain high-quality water space—not only for elite performance, but for everyday public use

Why above ground An alternative to the traditional concrete tank

Above-ground pools have historically been associated with temporary or lower-spec installations However, modern modular steel-panel systems, such as AstralPool’s SkyPool technology, are engineered as permanent structures capable of meeting both commercial and competition standards

These systems use hot-dip galvanised steel panels and are designed for long-term operation, with manufacturer warranties of up to 20 years on structural components For ReCreation, this fundamentally changes the risk profile of delivery by reducing reliance on deep excavation, complex ground conditions and extensive concrete works

In practice, the advantages over traditional in-ground construction often include ● Reduced capital costs, driven by lower groundworks and material requirements ● Shorter construction programmes, limiting disruption and exposure to inflation ● Lower embodied carbon, through reduced concrete use and site disturbance ● Greater site flexibility, particularly in constrained or challenging locations

● Long-term durability, suitable for permanent public leisure facilities

These benefits are already being realised across a growing number of UK projects

Designed for longevity

A common misconception is that modular or above-ground pools are temporary In reality, modern steel-panel systems are engineered for long-term use, with corrosion protection, defined structural warranties and maintainable design principles

ReCreation’s approach also prioritises accessibility for maintenance, simplified structural interfaces and reduced reliance on hidden elements – addressing many of the long-term challenges associated with ageing concrete pool infrastructure

Early adoption by Swim

This approach was adopted early by Swim, reflecting confidence in the model from an operator focused on learn-to-swim and pathway provision

Through Swim, the focus remains on access, participation and long-term community benefit—an emphasis that aligns with ReCreation’s aim to protect, enhance and future-proof the UK’s swimming infrastructure

Briefing

A partnership-led model

Central to this approach is collaboration ReCreation acts as an integrator, aligning funding, design, planning and delivery, while AstralPool UK provides specialist modular systems and water treatment expertise

This partnership model enables a more efficient route to delivery, demonstrating that new aquatic facilities do not need to be prohibitively expensive, high-risk or environmentally intensive

The future of pools is already here

As local authorities and operators respond to ageing facilities, rising construction costs and increasing demand for accessible water space, the need for alternative delivery models is clear

ReCreation’s above-ground approach offers a practical, scalable and lower-risk solution – balancing cost, programme, carbon and whole-life performance

For Turner, it is ultimately about protecting the future of swimming itself widening access to high-quality facilities and ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to participate, compete and thrive

Discover how ReCreation can support your next leisure project ● info@therecreationgroupcouk ● 0161 764 2224 ● wwwtherecreationgroupcouk

Delivery in practices UK case studies

Becontree Heath Leisure Centre (Barking and Dagenham) 50m annex pool A well known example is the 50m annex pool at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre ReCreation designed and delivered an above-ground 50m pool alongside the existing centre, allowing the main building to remain operational during delivery

The annex pool was delivered for less than £25m and included the pool hall plus supporting areas (including plant and changing provision) It is often referenced as an early UK example of using modern modular methods to deliver an Olympic length pool at a cost point that would be difficult to achieve with a conventional in-ground concrete tank

Astral Pools UK provided the modular pool structure and supported water treatment design and delivery, working with ReCreation through design, manufacture and installation

Lichfield Leisure Centre and The Dukeries repeatable delivery At Lichfield Leisure Centre and The Dukeries, ReCreation has applied the same core principles reduce construction risk, shorten delivery timescales where possible and plan for long-term operational sustainability

The wider takeaway is that above-ground modular pools can be delivered as a repeatable solution, adaptable to different sites, budgets and community needs

Rainham Leisure Centre doing more with a constrained budget At Rainham Leisure Centre, ReCreation delivered an integrated community facility for around £8m, bringing together a range of elements often seen on higher value schemes The approach contributed to the project achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating, highlighting the impact that design choices and construction approach can have on operational and environmental outcomes

While the scheme is not an aquatics-only project, it is a useful reference point for how ReCreation applies modern methods and specialist partners to manage cost, energy and programmes