SEND School Swimming Pool & Changing Facilities – Electrical Services Installation
Project Overview Barlows was appointed to deliver the complete electrical services installation for a new or refurbished swimming pool and adjacent changing facilities within a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school.
This specialist project focused exclusively on electrical works to support an inclusive, therapeutic aquatic environment tailored to the diverse needs of SEND students. The design ensures full accessibility, safety, comfort, dignity, and therapeutic benefits, fully compliant with Approved Document M (access to and use of buildings), Sport England inclusive design guidance, and best-practice standards for accessible hydrotherapy and swimming pools.
Scope of Electrical Works
- Specialist lighting throughout the pool hall and changing areas:
- Dimmable, low-glare LED systems for calm, sensory-friendly illumination
- Underwater pool lighting with safe, low-voltage options
- Emergency and escape route lighting compliant with BS 5266
- Power distribution systems:
- Dedicated supplies for pool plant equipment (pumps, filtration, chemical dosing)
- Socket outlets, fixed equipment connections, and flexible power for hoists and adaptive aids
- Safe, IP-rated outlets in wet/change areas
- Control and automation:
- Integrated lighting and equipment controls (e.g., timed circuits, presence detection)
- Interface with ceiling track hoists, adjustable changing benches, and other assistive devices
- Fire detection and alarm systems:
- Waterproof detectors and call points suitable for high-humidity environments
- Integration with school-wide fire strategy
- Data and communications infrastructure:
- Structured cabling for AV systems, monitoring, and future smart controls
- Earthing, bonding, and equipotential systems:
- Full compliance with BS 7671 and pool-specific requirements to ensure electrical safety in wet areas
- Testing, commissioning, and certification:
- Comprehensive inspection, testing, and handover documentation to meet building control and school requirements
All installations were engineered for reliability, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and minimal visual intrusion to preserve a calm, non-clinical atmosphere conducive to SEND students’ sensory and emotional needs.
Delivery and Collaboration Works were carried out within a live school environment, with phased programming to avoid disruption to lessons and student routines. Barlows coordinated closely with the school team, architects, specialist SEND consultants, and the main contractor to ensure:
- Strict adherence to safeguarding, health & safety, and infection control protocols
- Compliance with electrical regulations (BS 7671, IET Wiring Regulations) and aquatic-specific guidance
- Safe integration of electrical services with mechanical, plumbing, and structural elements
Outcome The electrical services provide a safe, reliable, and user-focused foundation for the SEND school’s swimming and hydrotherapy provision. Students now benefit from an accessible, therapeutic aquatic space that supports physical development, sensory regulation, confidence-building, and wellbeing in a calm and dignified setting.
This project highlights Barlows’ expertise in delivering specialist electrical installations for inclusive educational and therapeutic facilities, where safety, accessibility, and sensory consideration are critical.
Client: [Relevant SEND school / academy trust] Location: [North West region / specific site as applicable] Scope: Full electrical services installation for SEND school swimming pool and changing facilities Completion: Successfully delivered to enhance inclusive education and therapy provision
