A pool that integrates with its natural surroundings
Baron at Bucknell (Shropshire, UK)
"A natural oasis filtered by plants and micro-organisms"
says Michael Caffyn-Parsons
- Unique selling point leads to positive travel reviews on tripadvisor
- Superior mechanical and biological products maintain pristine pool water
- Natural outdoor pool seamlessly integrates with picturesque surroundings
Setting: A chance meeting at a country inn
Surrounded by the rolling Shropshire Hills – the site of well-known landmarks including Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, The Wrekin and the Clee – the Baron at Bucknell near Ludlow in England is a traditional free house country inn considered one of the region’s finest.
Located roughly 10 minutes away from the small medieval Welsh town of Knighton, the popular pub and retreat is known for its traditional home cooked British cuisine, warm and welcoming atmosphere, and friendly attentive staff.
When Michael Caffyn-Parsons from Inspired By Water happened to stay at the Baron at Bucknell, he struck up a casual conversation with co-owner Phil Wright.
“He asked me what we did and I ended showing him our brochures and website on swimming ponds, something he had not previously heard of,” Michael recalls. “As it turns out he was considering a swimming pool as he had permission to build some luxury garden rooms.”
Challenge: Enhancing a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
As the region surrounding the Baron at Bucknell is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Phil and his wife Debra liked the idea that guests could swim in a natural system that seamlessly integrated with the rustic landscape.
Located roughly 10 minutes away from the small medieval Welsh town of Knighton, the region
surrounding the Baron at Bucknell is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
With traditional sanitisers like chlorine known to emit a strong odour and irritate sensitive skin, the couple felt a healthier swimming experience could also become a unique selling point. Consequently, the goal was to create a low maintenance, natural pool that was aesthetically pleasing to the eye and safe for guests to swim in.
Solution: Waterco’s superior mechanical and biological products
Working with colleague Tim Gunning, a natural swimming pool engineer who has managed the construction of over 100 natural swimming ponds in the UK and Europe, Michael recommended a range of Waterco’s filtration and sanitation products for the Wright’s proposed new outdoor pool.
“Equipment includes an Exotuf 30” Waterco Bead Filter, which is far superior mechanically and biologically to anything else on the market, and Aquamite 1.25 pumps which are also used to draw water through the reparation area pipework,” he explains.
“The system also includes a MultiCyclone MC 16, which we have fitted with our own automated valve so it can be flushed out by remote control.”
Waterco’s Exotuf bead filter, Aquamite 1.25 pumps and a MultiCyclone MC16 with automated valve.
The Multicyclone is a key feature of the system as it helps remove debris through the process of centrifugal filtration prior to reaching the filter. Furthermore, the addition of the automated valve on the waste ensures that the sediment bowl is cleaned regularly with minimal effort.
“The Aquamite pump is ideal for recirculation systems used in conjunction with ponds and water features due to its compact design and energy efficiency,” adds Michael.
“The range of Exotuf bead filters are the market leaders within this field due to the sturdy tank design along with the unique lateral arrangement and water distribution headers. This ensures the best mechanical and biological filtration is achieved at all times.”
Conclusion: A natural oasis filtered by plants and micro-organisms
Aquabiome Exotuf has been custom designed specifically for ponds and water gardens.
Officially opened on the 19th of May 2017, the 10m x 5m x 2m swimming pool looks like a natural oasis, where guests swim in pristine water filtered by plants, micro-organisms, and Waterco’s superior sanitation products.
Separated from the swimming area is a 50m² regeneration area where impurities are absorbed by plants as nutrients and harmful bacteria are destroyed by natural water organisms.
The natural pool’s regeneration area where impurities are absorbed by plants as nutrients and
harmful bacteria are destroyed by natural water organisms.
“We always plant a pool so there is something in flower from March to September,” says Michael. “Species include Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife), Caltha palustris (marsh marigold), aurora lily – the flowers on these turn from yellow to red in a few days – Typha minima (dwarf bulrush), Iris kaempferi (Japanese iris), Calla palustris (march
calla) and Pontederia cordata (pickerel weed).”
As one guest on Trip Adviser wrote: “The views are stunning and look even better when you are sitting in your very own hot tub outside on the decking with a glass of bubbly overlooking a natural swimming pool.”
www.baronatbucknell.co.uk
www.inspirednaturalpools.com
www.waterco.com