Case Study: Historic School Pool Renovation – Kingsway Junior School, Watford
- Jennifer Clarkson
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Client Brief:
Kingsway Junior School in Watford entrusted Traditional Pools with the restoration of their original outdoor swimming pool—first built in 1963. The brief was to make the pool fully functional for modern use while preserving its historic character. The goal was to ensure the school could continue teaching generations of children the vital life skill of swimming, safely and reliably.
Scope of Work:
This project involved a full renovation of a long-standing concrete pool, addressing both structural wear and outdated equipment. We were also asked to lay the groundwork for a future indoor pool building, making the refurbishment a strategic part of the school's long-term development plans.
Project Highlights and Upgrades:
Draining and Deep Cleaning:
The project began by fully draining the pool and jet washing the entire surface to remove decades of built-up staining.
Pipework and Shell Fittings Replacement:
All original pipework and shell fittings were carefully removed and replaced with modern, durable components designed for long-term performance.
Pool Surround Restoration:
We lifted the entire surrounding slabbed area to access the ground beneath for essential updates and groundwork.
Footings and Trenching for Future Indoor Building:
Concrete footings and trenching were installed to support future plans to enclose the pool within an indoor structure—future-proofing the investment.
Installation of New Infrastructure:
New shell fittings and pipework were installed to modern standards, ensuring proper flow and ease of maintenance.
Slab Relaying with Original Materials:
To retain the pool’s original charm, the original slabs were carefully re-laid, preserving the character and heritage of the site.
New On-Site Pool Lining:
A fresh, durable pool lining was installed on-site to provide a watertight, low-maintenance finish with a clean, modern appearance.
New Stainless Steel Handrails:
Upgraded handrails were installed to meet modern safety and accessibility standards.
Filtration and Water Treatment Upgrades:
The system was modernised with AFM® (Activated Filter Media) for superior water quality, as well as a new filtration pump and an automatic pH and chlorine dosing system for consistent, balanced water chemistry.
The Result:
What once was a tired, ageing facility is now a fully operational and modernised school pool—ready to serve students for years to come. The renovation combines modern safety and filtration systems with careful preservation of the pool’s historic materials and layout.
By working with Traditional Pools, Kingsway Junior School has not only revived a vital learning space but also laid the foundations for a future indoor facility—ensuring swimming remains a core part of their curriculum.
Are you looking to transform your dated pool area? Contact our friendly team to start your journey towards your dream swimming pool:
01733 319222
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