Explore how insulated concrete formwork (ICF) creates strong, thermally efficient swimming pool shells — and the design and construction details that make a successful installation.
Over 20 years of specialist experience
Poolbuild.co.uk has more than 20 years’ experience designing and building swimming pool shells using Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF). From private outdoor pools to indoor pools and bespoke hydrotherapy projects, we combine practical construction knowledge with specialist pool design to create robust, well-insulated structures.
Reinforced concrete strength with built-in insulation
ICF uses insulating forms that remain in place after the reinforced concrete core has been poured. The concrete provides the structural strength, while the insulation helps reduce heat loss through the pool walls.
For a swimming pool, successful ICF construction depends on much more than assembling the forms. Reinforcement, concrete placement, bracing, waterproofing and finishes must work together, with careful detailing around every fitting and junction.
Designed around the complete pool
At Poolbuild.co.uk, we understand these requirements and plan the shell around the complete pool installation from the outset.
We coordinate the shell design with the pool’s circulation system, waterproofing, finishes and equipment. This includes provision for:
- Skimmers or deck-level overflow channels.
- Inlets, suction fittings, lights and pipe penetrations.
- Integrated steps, benches and specialist access arrangements.
- Automatic cover pits and associated openings.
- Wall-to-floor junctions, coping and pool surround interfaces.
- Suitable backgrounds for waterproofing and tiled finishes.
Planning these details early helps avoid costly alterations and makes the transition from shell construction to pool installation more straightforward.
Quadlock expertise and advice on alternative systems
Quadlock’s modular arrangement offers flexibility when developing pool wall details and coordinating the concrete core with structural requirements. Our long-standing experience allows us to advise on practical assembly, bracing and the integration of specialist pool components.
Our extensive experience with Quadlock includes adapting the system to suit pool depths, wall thicknesses, steps, cover pits and deck-level overflow arrangements. We can also advise on other ICF systems, including Nudura, Polysteel and comparable brands, assessing their suitability for the proposed pool and coordinating the construction details with the project’s structural engineer.
Where a project proposes Nudura, Polysteel or another ICF brand, we assess the system against the pool’s requirements. Form dimensions, concrete core options, reinforcement access and finishing methods vary between manufacturers, so the construction details must be developed for the chosen system.
Whether we are constructing the shell ourselves or supporting a main contractor already using ICF elsewhere on the project, we bring specialist pool knowledge to the design and build process.
Specialist support from concept to completion
Established in Cheltenham in 1997, Brookforge Limited, trading as Poolbuild.co.uk, designs and builds swimming pools across the UK and Europe. We can provide early design advice, coordinate with architects and structural engineers, construct the ICF shell and deliver the wider pool installation.
Planning an ICF swimming pool? Contact Poolbuild.co.uk to discuss your project, your preferred system and the right approach to construction.