STAMPEDE FOR THE ONE-PIECE

One-piece, prefabricated swimming pools are surging in popularity across the UK. Their streamlined production and installation processes cater to homeowners seeking quicker, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional concrete or tiled pools. While concrete and even block and liner pools require months of onsite construction, one-piece pools can be installed in as little as a week, meaning homeowners enjoy their pools far faster than with traditional concrete builds that stretch to several months. The non porous, gel-coated fibreglass or composite surface of one-piece pools resists algae and bacteria with owners and operators spending less time and money on cleaning and chemical treatments. While initial investment might be comparable to other types of builds, the long-term savings from lower maintenance, less frequent chemical use, and no resurfacing or re-lining ,make one-piece pools more economical over time

Homeowners benefit from a wide array of shapes, sizes, colours, steps, built-in seating, tanning ledges, lighting, and spa jets, offering both functional customization and visual appeal. Some models also integrate energy-efficient features like insulation, heat pumps, and automated covers. Insulated shells help retain heat more effectively than concrete, decreasing heating costs. Despite overall challenging market conditions, high maintenance costs and energy bills causing some caution among homeowners. A pivotal new collaboration between HTP Group, Sterck Pools and Ocea UK, looks set to redefine the exciting development of the one-piece pool market in the UK.

The strategic partnership unites Sterck Pools’ renowned expertise as a trusted polypropylene pool manufacturer with HTP Group’s robust UK network for sales, distribution, and aftercare.

The cooperation will also benefit from for all associated pool industry goods supplied through the consistently emerging Ocea UK. Sterck Pools [pronounced sterick] and Ocea UK are part of the CF Group, one of Europe’s leading pool suppliers. This extensive group also includes industry-established manufacturers. “This powerful affiliation ensures we’re offering products built with the highest quality materials and precision engineering,” comments Lewis Salvidge, founder of the Bristol-based HTP group. “How we build swimming pools has changed and the modular era is upon us,” Lewis says. “It cuts down labour, wet trades and weather dependent building works, meaning we can install a one-piece pool and have it full of water in as quickly as five days.” Lewis says that during his 27 years in the water leisure sector, he has witnessed massive changes from remote and AI controlled plant rooms to robot cleaners that all ease the strain of swimming pool maintenance. Lewis adds: “The trick is using the right product and you know that we get what we pay for, therefore buy from the knowledge and experience not from the price.”

PEACE OF MIND

“Our new product range from Sterck pools brings additional peace of mind by using exceptional German materials made to the highest grades of durability (higher than the competition) without compromising quality.” Fully recyclable, Sterck’s Polystone® pools are UK resistant offering protection from weathering and chlorine and are easy to clean with very little maintenance required. Out of the same stable as Starline, Sterck’s motivation is to offer people a life full of luxury, fun, sportsmanship and freedom by producing a solid, luxurious and sustainable Dutch product. The polystone® PG material, has a long lifespan and can be sustainably recycled after use. Together, Ocea UK, HTP Group and Sterck Pools are committed to delivering the next level in one-piece pool supply to the UK market. “HTP has the experience, why not ‘tap’ into us and see how the Sterck pool system can change your business and your customers’ lifestyle.” One-piece pools arrive factory-made and are delivered as a complete unit. Once the site is excavated, installers simply drop the pool into place, connect plumbing and electrical systems, backfill, and finish— cutting installation from what can take months (for concrete) to just days or weeks. Because fabrication happens in a controlled environment, the product quality is consistent and not impacted by weather conditions. This minimises onsite complications and uncertainties that installers commonly face with concrete builds. Installation requires fewer labour and less specialised construction onsite, leading to reduced labour costs and more efficient use of crew time—beneficial for both installers and clients.

With fewer days on site and less mess, installers can deliver excellent customer experiences with less disturbance to homeowners – strengthening reputation and satisfaction. Fibreglass or composite shells are durable, smooth, and resist algae and chemical damage. Installers face fewer callbacks for repairs or resurfacing. Manufacturers like Aqua Technics now offer graphene-reinforced one-piece pools—stronger, lighter, and longer lasting—allowing installers to position premium, durable options to clients. Manufactured in Australia by the same family business for over 49 years, Aqua Technics’ dealers can secure exclusive territory rights. Plentiful stocks of the most popular models in the most popular colours are held in stock at the Aqua Technics UK distribution centre in Ashford, Kent.

This means very rapid delivery and installation times for UK dealers can be achieved. Pools are fitted out in Ashford with a choice of options the consumer has specified. The pools are then tested before being shipped out.

PRE-FAB PLANT ROOM

Similarly, prefabricated plant rooms are manufactured and comprehensively tested and shipped out on the same purpose-built, crane-equipped truck as the pool. The pool installers simply have to run an electricity supply to the plant room and connect pipe runs between the pool and plant room as part of the delivery process. Aqua Technics Pools UK dealers benefit from a comprehensive programme of dealer sales and marketing support, and product training; as well as a consumer PR campaign, to help dealers get as many sales as possible. With some remaining territories available, applications from prospective dealers across the UK and ROI are welcomed by the Aqua Technics UK team. Because one-piece pools require crane delivery and adequate access, homes on narrow streets or tight gardens might find logistics challenging, limiting feasible size choices. Although there’s diversity in models, bespoke designs (unlike fully custom concrete pools) aren’t feasible. If unique geography or size is needed, options may be limited. Transport limits mean pool dimensions are capped (often around 10 m × 3.7 m × 1.5 m), so very large or uniquely shaped pools require alternative
solutions or sectional builds.

PRICING TIERS

A recent estimate from Checkatrade (via The Sun) puts the overall installed cost of a typical garden swimming pool in the UK between £85,000 and £220,000, with smaller plunge pools starting around £7,500 to £25,000. Maintenance is usually £45–£85 per month. A well-kept pool could boost your home’s value by about 4.5% (~£12,000), while poor upkeep can drop value by nearly 20%. The UK one-piece swimming pool market is on the rise, driven by homeowners’ desire for convenience, durability, and modern aesthetics. For installers, these pools offer streamlined, risk-reduced projects. Homeowners enjoy a fast, stylish pool with lower upkeep and running costs. What is more, with added revenue platforms, like pool rental for swim schools, home investments in one-piece pools can be both pleasurable and profitable.

COMPANY CONTACTS

Aqua Technics
Tel. 03300437061
E. dorian@aquatechnicsuk.com
www.aquatechnicsuk.com

Sterck Pools
Ocea UK
Tel. 01993 707910
E. sales@oceauk.com
www.oceauk.com

HTP Group
Tel. 01774 037839
E. sales@htpgroup.co.uk
www.htpgroup.co.uk