Wearth Group | Vieure: Spisea designs a unique floating natural swimming pool, the first of its kind in France
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Vieure: Spisea designs a floating natural swimming pool
Spisea, a subsidiary of Wearth Group and a specialist in complex floating installations, has designed and built a floating natural swimming area in Vieure (Allier, central France), the only one of its kind in the country. The project illustrates the group’s ability to develop floating infrastructure that combines technical requirements, innovative practices, and protection for ecosystems.
In the heart of the Bocage Bourbonnais area, between Montluçon, Moulins and Vichy, Vieure’s lake and its surrounding area are undergoing the next step in their development. On this 65-hectare site, which boasts 33 hectares of water, a modular structure is transforming access to swimming in a natural environment. It includes a 25-meter swimming pool meeting French competition standards as well as a paddling pool for younger children. Both pools allow users to bathe in the lake’s clear waters, with no chemical water treatment.
To ensure users’ health and safety, the teams have integrated several technical solutions: frequent water changes, the option of a closed circuit with chemical-free UV treatment, and complete draining if necessary. The pool has also been fitted with accessible adaptations for people with reduced mobility.
A project supported by our company Spisea
A project with modularity at its core
What makes the Vieure pool truly unique is its modular design. Spisea has developed a system that allows part of the swimming area to be transformed into a secure events platform. The paddling pool can be covered for use as a terrace area, creating a space capable of accommodating up to 200 people. The large pool can be isolated with removable railings, ensuring an easy transition between swimming pool and events venue.
This dual use—swimming during the day, events in the evening—is a first in France, making this a true innovation. The entire structure remains in place year-round to limit operating costs and ensure the facility lasts for decades.
The project also demonstrates social and societal innovation. Vieure’s new natural swimming area is an accessible public place, including for people with reduced mobility. It’s designed as a cooling space to bring generations together in a context of increasing heatwave phenomena. The facility also encourages people to learn to swim and provides access to a community-focused leisure space.
Budget management, regulatory compliance, and overall engineering
« Beyond the technical design aspect, Spisea and Wearth Group have created a cost-effective project, which reduces operating costs and the investment needed. Building a natural swimming pool is 20 times cheaper than a traditional municipal swimming pool, and operating costs are 3 to 6 times lower. » Quentin Bresson, Director of Public Affairs at Wearth Group.
The group was also responsible for factoring in and managing regulatory constraints related to this type of hybrid facility. Its ability to combine engineering, compliance, and operations into an overarching vision is a strong demonstration of the group’s expertise
The aluminum equipment is manufactured in the group’s plants, strengthening the project’s industrial and environmental cohesion.
A sustainable vision for waterfront areas
Following similar projects in Ottawa and Paris, the Vieure pool is further proof of the group’s ability to roll out innovative, accessible, and sustainable infrastructure that meets contemporary practices.
The project demonstrates that environmental and technical innovation can emerge anywhere, provided it is based on solid industrial expertise and a clear vision: making water into a shared, respected central space.
Find out more about natural pools and waterfront development solutions:
spi-sea.com