Swimming pools and spas are often the signature amenity in hotels, casinos, multifamily developments, and student housing communities. Attracting guests, tenants, and buyers, well-designed aquatic amenities can enhance property value and support revenue generation.

However, delivering a high-quality, long-lasting pool is a complex undertaking that demands close coordination of design, engineering, fabrication, installation, and regulatory requirements. Consequently, it is important to partner with an experienced aquatics provider that can help streamline project delivery and ensure that the finished pool system achieves both the architect’s vision and the owner’s performance expectations.

Selecting the Material

The process begins with selecting the right material. While concrete was traditionally the material of choice, the benefits of stainless steel pools are now well known throughout the industry.

Choosing a Partner

Once the pool material has been selected, architects and owners must choose the right project partner and manufacturer.

A typical project delivery process is often fragmented, involving multiple stakeholders, handoffs, and limited coordination. An architect may develop a preliminary concept that is then passed to an engineer for code compliance review. The design is subsequently routed through the general contractor and pool subcontractor. With so many handoffs and disconnected responsibilities, the process can lead to increased costs, extended schedules, and a finished product that falls short of the original vision.

Alternatively, architects can partner with a fully integrated company that supports every phase of the project, from conceptual design through installation. This includes 3D visualization, BIM support, aquatic and MEP engineering, vessel fabrication, installation, and project management.

Bradford’s fully integrated design-build process minimizes delays, improves coordination, and delivers a high-quality system backed by a 25-year guarantee. This streamlined process offers several advantages, including:

• Precision engineering. Precisely engineered vessels are fabricated using advanced manufacturing and welding processes, helping streamline installation while minimizing the need for field modifications.
• Time and labor savings. Prefabricated vessel systems can be installed more efficiently than site-built alternatives, resulting in shorter schedules, reduced labor requirements, and greater project predictability.
• Reduced liability. Leak-tested prior to commissioning, stainless steel vessels provide enhanced durability and reliability compared with concrete pools, which can be susceptible to cracking, water intrusion, and structural degradation over time.
• Simplified plumbing. Delivered fully pre-plumbed to stub-outs, these systems are engineered to improve accessibility while reducing on-site labor, coordination challenges, and installation complexity.
• Lower structural loads. Significantly lighter than concrete pools, stainless steel vessels require less structural support, freeing up valuable space and simplifying installation. This can be particularly advantageous for renovation projects and rooftop applications where weight and space constraints are critical design considerations.
• Reliable watertight performance. Structural integrity under hydrostatic pressure is verified, and weld quality is rigorously tested to help ensure long-term watertight performance.

Design-Build Advantages

Engaging the pool manufacturer early in the design process can help ensure that the architect's vision is accurately translated from concept to completed installation. For example, if a project team opts to take advantage of Bradford’s wide range of support services, the design-build process brings the aquatic provider on board from day one.

Through aquatic design, the full mechanical system is optimized for energy efficiency and reviewed for code compliance, permitting, and approvals.  Next, the factory-controlled fabrication process produces vessels built to exact project specifications, supporting a high level of quality, accuracy, and finish.

The aquatic installation process includes water supply, drainage, filtration, and mechanical systems; integration of pumps, heaters, filters, and controls; and coordination of electrical, mechanical, and control components. Training and ongoing technical support help ensure optimized performance, reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced safety throughout the life of the system.

To learn more about the wide range of services and support Bradford offers, and to view an extensive portfolio of aquatic projects, visit Bradford Products.