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A pool with a centrepiece feels like a holiday
Scroll through any holiday brochure and you’ll spot them. A shimmering pool wrapping around a little planted island, or a sun deck floating in the middle of the water with loungers on it. It’s a look that says relaxation, and it’s easy to see why people fall for it.
Lots of homeowners ask us about island pools when they start planning. In this guide we’ll explain what they are, the different styles, what they involve to build and look after, and the questions worth asking before you decide.
We’ll also be honest. We install one-piece pools, and we don’t build islands in the water ourselves. So we’ll share some simpler ways to capture a similar feeling with a one-piece pool, and where it makes sense to talk to other specialists.
What we mean by an island
An island is any raised area inside the pool, surrounded by water on all or most sides. It might be planted, paved, used for seating or simply decorative. Some are small and sculptural. Others are large enough for a table and chairs.
Why the look is so popular
Part of the appeal is the sense of escape. An island breaks up a large sheet of water and makes the pool feel like a place to explore rather than just swim in. It also gives the garden a strong focal point, which looks wonderful in photographs and from upstairs windows. For many people, it’s the memory of a favourite holiday that sparks the idea.
Island pools come in several different styles
The word covers quite a range of ideas. Knowing the main styles helps you picture what might suit your garden.
The planted island
A raised bed in the middle of the pool, planted with palms, grasses or evergreen shrubs. It softens the water and gives a lush, resort style feel. The planting needs careful choice, because anything that drops leaves or needles will end up in the water.
The sun deck island
A flat, paved or decked area set just above the waterline, with room for a lounger or two. Swimmers can climb out and relax right in the middle of the pool.
The bar or seating island
Popular in hotels and resorts, this has built-in seating around the edge, sometimes with a table or bar in the middle. It’s designed for sitting in the water with a drink and chatting.
The sculptural island
A smaller feature, perhaps a single tree, a sculpture or a stone set on a plinth. It acts as a focal point rather than a place to sit. These are often the most practical option, because they take up less water and need fewer services.
The fire or water feature island
Some designs include a fire bowl, a fountain or a spill feature on the island. These add movement and drama, especially at night with lighting.
What building a pool island involves
An island looks effortless, but there’s a lot going on beneath the surface. It’s worth understanding the implications before falling in love with the idea.
Structure and waterproofing
An island is a structure standing inside a body of water. It has to be strong, stable and completely waterproof. Where it meets the pool floor, the joint must be carefully designed so water doesn’t find its way through. That usually means a bespoke, built on site pool with a structural engineer involved.
Water flow and circulation
Water needs to move around the pool evenly to be filtered and treated properly. An island creates a barrier that can leave quiet areas where circulation is poor. Designers usually plan extra returns and careful pipework to keep water moving all the way round.
Services to the island
Lighting, planting irrigation, fire features or fountains all need power, water or drainage. Getting those services safely onto an island in the middle of a pool needs careful planning and qualified professionals.
Space
An island takes up water. To keep enough swimming space around it, the whole pool usually needs to be larger. That means a bigger garden, more excavation and more water to heat and treat.
Time on site
A bespoke pool with an island is usually built in place, step by step. That tends to mean a longer build, with more trades involved and more time for the weather to have its say. It’s worth planning your garden, and your summer, around a realistic programme.
Rules and approvals
Large or complex pool projects may need planning permission, and structures and electrics will need to meet the relevant regulations. Always check with your local council and building control before committing to a design.
Living with island pools day to day
Once built, an island brings some extra jobs to your routine. None of them are difficult, but they’re worth knowing about.
Cleaning around the island
Robotic and automatic cleaners work best on open, simple pool floors. The base of an island, its corners and any steps can need extra brushing by hand. Algae likes quiet corners, so these areas need attention.
Plant care
Soil and water in the pool don’t mix. A planted pool island needs good drainage within the bed, plant choices that stay tidy and regular maintenance so leaves and soil don’t spill into the water.
Covers
Covering a pool keeps heat in and debris out. Standard automatic covers need a simple, rectangular pool to run over. An island makes covering the pool much harder, so heat loss and debris can be a bigger issue.
Heating
A larger pool with more surface area takes more energy to heat, and without a cover it will lose warmth faster. It’s worth thinking about how often you’ll use the pool and when. A heating system sized for the pool, paired with sensible habits, makes a real difference to comfort through spring and autumn.
Safety
An island can encourage jumping and climbing, and it creates hard edges within the water. Clear house rules, careful design of edges and steps, and supervision of children are important. Our guide to swimming pool safety has lots of practical ideas.
Servicing
Any pool runs best with regular servicing. Pumps, filters, lighting and any features on an island all benefit from a professional eye. We offer aftercare, servicing and repairs for the pools we install.
Ask these questions before choosing island pools
A little honest reflection at the start saves a lot of second thoughts later. These questions help you work out whether an island is right for your home.
How will you really use the pool?
If you mostly want to swim lengths, an island may get in the way. If the pool is mainly for relaxing, lounging and entertaining, a centrepiece may suit you better. Think about a typical week, not just a summer party.
How much upkeep are you happy with?
- Are you happy to brush corners and edges by hand?
- Will you enjoy tending plants beside the water, or would you rather not?
- Are you comfortable with a pool that is harder to cover?
Who will use it?
Young children, older relatives and confident swimmers all use a pool differently. Think about who will be in the water most, and whether an island makes the space safer, busier or harder to supervise.
How does it fit the garden?
A large, elaborate pool can dominate a medium sized garden. Stepping back to look at the whole outdoor space, including lawn, terrace and play areas, helps you find the right balance.
Getting the island feel with a one-piece pool
Here’s where we can help in a different way. Many of the things people love about island pools can be created around a one-piece pool, without building a structure inside the water.
Create an island around the pool
Instead of an island in the pool, think about an island of garden around it. A raised planted bed at one end, a bold group of palms or grasses, or a paved sun deck along one side can give that lush, resort style frame. The water stays simple and easy to cover, while the surroundings do the talking.
Use a sun ledge or wide steps
Many one-piece pools include generous steps or a shallow ledge. These give you a place to sit or lie in the water, much like a sun deck island, but built right into the shell.
Add a focal point
A sculpture, a feature tree or a fire bowl placed at the end of the pool gives the eye somewhere to rest. Reflected in the water at dusk, it can be just as striking as a feature in the middle of the pool. Our guide to pool water features shares more ideas.
Frame the pool with a terrace
A wide terrace along one side, with loungers, a parasol or a sail shade, gives you the relaxed poolside living that makes resort pools so appealing. Add a couple of tall pots with palms and you’ll be surprised how quickly it feels like a holiday.
Choose a shell colour that sets the mood
The colour of the pool shell changes how the water looks. Pale shades give a bright, tropical turquoise, while deeper greys and blues feel calm and modern. Seeing samples in daylight helps you choose the right atmosphere for your garden, and it’s one of the easiest ways to add a holiday feel.
Light it well
Lighting transforms any pool. Underwater lights, uplighting on planting and soft lighting around the terrace create a relaxed, holiday atmosphere after dark. We can include lighting as part of your pool project.
Keep it easy to live with
A one-piece pool has a smooth, non-porous surface that’s easy to clean, and a simple shape that works well with an automatic cover. That means warmer water, less debris and more time enjoying the pool.
Talk to us about bigger ideas
If you’ve set your heart on a true pool island in the water, we’ll give you an honest view of what’s involved. Talk to us about your ideas, and we’ll help you weigh up whether a one-piece pool with a beautifully designed surround could give you what you’re looking for. Our guide to pool shapes may help you picture the options.
Island pools questions we get asked a lot
Does an island need a bigger garden?
Usually, yes. The island takes up water, so the pool needs to be larger to leave enough swimming space around it.
Can you put a cover on a pool with an island?
It’s much harder. Standard automatic covers need a simple shape to run over, so an island usually rules them out.
Are islands hard to keep clean?
They add corners and edges where debris and algae can collect, so they tend to need more hand brushing.
Can a one-piece pool have an island?
One-piece pools come as a single shell in set shapes, so they don’t include an island in the water. You can create a similar feel with planting, decking and lighting around the pool.
Can I add a pool island later?
Adding a structure to an existing pool is a major job and not usually practical. It’s much better to decide at the design stage.
What plants suit a pool area?
Choose tidy plants that don’t drop lots of leaves, such as ornamental grasses and certain palms, and keep them a sensible distance from the water.
Bringing the spirit of island pools to your garden
A pool with a centrepiece is a wonderful thing to dream about. Understanding what it involves helps you decide whether a true island is right for you, or whether a simpler pool with a beautiful setting would suit your family better.
If you’d like to talk through your ideas, we’d love to help. You can explore our full range of pools for inspiration, and we’ll give you a tailored quote once we’ve seen your garden.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
