Foxfield SEN School in the Wirral secured funding to relocate and rebuild their facilities, with two pools at the heart of the brief — a dedicated hydrotherapy pool for therapeutic and sensory use, and a separate swimming pool for general teaching and recreation. Both needed to serve a student body with a wide range of physical, cognitive and sensory needs, every day of the school year.
Designing two pools side by side, each with different temperature, filtration and ventilation requirements, demanded careful engineering. The hydrotherapy pool needed to run at 35°C with full sensory provision, while the swimming pool operated as a standard teaching pool. Both had to deliver dignified, independent access for students with mobility needs, while meeting the operational and safety standards expected of an institutional facility.
We specified both pools at a constant 1.2m depth with level-deck edges and long-step entries for confident, unassisted access. The square 5.6m × 4.4m hydrotherapy pool runs at 35°C — proven to stimulate the immune system, improve digestion and reduce the body's sensitivity to pain. A DMX-controlled colour-change lighting system adds sensory benefit. The 10m swimming pool sits alongside, sharing ventilation and water treatment infrastructure.
The finished facility gives Foxfield's students access to both therapeutic and recreational water in a single visit. The hydrotherapy pool delivers warm-water benefit alongside sensory lighting, while the 10m swimming pool supports broader teaching. Bespoke handrails, automatic slatted covers and high-mounted air-sock ventilation keep the rooms safe, efficient and comfortable across the school day. See how we design and build hydrotherapy pools for schools and specialist settings, or explore our commercial swimming pools work.
Photography from across the build, capturing the construction shell, the finished pool, and any integrated features.
Every Preston Pools commission begins with a conversation. We will visit your property, listen to your vision, and help you understand what is possible within your space and budget.
