Converting a Historic Surface Well into a Sauna Splash Pool

This ambitious DIY project transformed a forgotten surface well into a charming cold plunge pool, creating the perfect complement to a standalone wood-burning sauna. The renovation showcases thoughtful design that respects the well's heritage while adding modern functionality and comfort.

Project Overview

The journey began with a neglected surface well nestled in a rugged, natural landscape. What started as an overgrown hole in the ground evolved into an inviting retreat that combines the invigorating tradition of hot-cold therapy with the beauty of outdoor bathing.

Phase 1: Site Preparation and Excavation

The initial phase required significant excavation work to expose the well's original structure. All vegetation surrounding the opening was carefully removed, and the soil around the perimeter was cleared to create a clean working area. This stage revealed the well's depth and helped determine the scope of structural modifications needed.

Further excavation created space for the concrete platform that would become the pool's foundation. A sturdy ladder was essential during this phase for safe access in and out of the deep workspace and to allow access to widening the well opening.

Phase 2: Structural Foundation

A carefully designed concrete walls were poured to serve multiple purposes: raising the water level to a more comfortable depth, creating a solid base for entry and exit, and incorporating an integrated seating area. The design features concrete block steps and a corner bench, providing both functionality and comfort. The concrete work included proper drainage considerations and smooth rounded finishing to ensure safe, injury-free surfaces.

As the concrete walls cured, the pool's basic structure took shape, complete with the addition of cleaned small rocks to be fill under the concrete slab pool deck.

Phase 3: Enhanced Access Features

The two pictures illustrate the completed concrete structure of the splash pool conversion, specifically focusing on the new integrated deck and steps.

Description of the Structure

The images display the finished concrete basin and the surrounding platform, which was constructed to convert the old surface well into a usable splash pool.

Pool Deck Access to the Deeper Pool

The creation of the concrete pool deck slab surrounding the central water basin is crucial for easing access to the deeper pool. This structure effectively raises the entry point relative to the original deep well opening, creating a wide, stable platform from which users can safely enter the water. The deck provides a manageable step down into the water, rather than requiring a large drop from the exterior edge of the structure.

Three Concrete Stairs Enabling Access

The picture below clearly shows a set of two prominent concrete steps (stairs) built into one corner of the structure. These steps are designed to enable simple access onto the main pool deck. They provide a convenient, integrated way for a person to transition from the surrounding grassy area onto the concrete platform and approach the water's edge.

Ladder Placement and Functionality

The installation was designed to allow for both secure placement and dynamic functionality.

The ladder is anchored to the bottom of the splash pool using a specific pivoting mechanism. This mechanism incorporates eye bolts embedded in a concrete block which is set into the pool floor.

To ensure the ladder could pivot while remaining securely attached, bolts were installed into the bottom of the ladder. These bolts, paired with washers, connect to the embedded eye bolts. The washers facilitate smooth rotation, allowing the ladder to pivot from its base.

This pivoting capability serves two primary purposes:

1. During pool entry and use: The ladder can be moved out of the way by pivoting it to the side, maximizing open space within the pool basin.
2. During pool exit: The ladder can be leaned over (pivoted upward) to ease the process of climbing out of the pool.

The completed installation, which includes the wooden ladder, provides easy entry into the splash pool alongside the newly constructed concrete structure and the integrated three concrete steps.

Phase 4: Finishing Touches

The finished installation features a beautiful slatted wooden deck that extends over one corner of the pool, creating a comfortable staging area for entry and exit. The custom-built wooden ladder is angled for easy access, and natural stone placement around the perimeter helps blend the modern construction with the surrounding landscape. The pool now holds crystal-clear water, ready for post-sauna plunges.

Key Features:

• 
  Raised Water Level: The concrete platform brings water to an ideal depth for comfortable cold plunging
• Integrated Seating: Built-in concrete bench provides a place to acclimate gradually or simply sit and enjoy the water
• Safe Access: Multiple entry points including a sturdy wooden ladder and stepped concrete areas
• Natural Integration: Stone placement and minimal landscaping disturbance maintain the rustic, natural aesthetic
• Wooden Deck: Provides a dry surface for towels and creates a defined transition space between sauna and pool

The Result

This conversion successfully honors the well's historical presence while creating a functional, beautiful addition to the sauna experience. The combination of modern concrete work, traditional woodworking, and natural stone creates a harmonious blend that looks like it's always belonged in this landscape. The splash pool now offers the perfect cool-down after time in the wood-burning sauna, embracing the time-honored Scandinavian tradition of contrast bathing in a uniquely personal setting.

Architectural Integrity Meets Primal Wellness: Engineering a Sauna for Optimal Health and Durability

As professionals in the building environment, we know that true quality emerges when design decisions are made with both aesthetic beauty and structural resilience in mind. I recently completed a project that perfectly illustrates this principle: a deeply integrated sauna structure designed to withstand extreme conditions while offering profound health benefits.

The Challenge of Placement and Access

Building on a difficult site demands meticulous planning and execution. The location of this sauna required significant manual site preparation. Due to the rugged terrain, moving all necessary building materials was a challenging logistical feat, emphasizing the premium placed on every element chosen for the final structure.

Constructing the Perfect Envelope: Defying the Dew Point

When designing a space defined by intense, fluctuating humidity - like a sauna - the issue of the dew point becomes paramount. Condensation forming within the wall cavities leads directly to rot and mold, compromising both the building's longevity and occupant health.

Our crucial design decision to combat this involved constructing robust, layered wall assemblies that deliberately encourage airflow between the building layers. This controlled ventilation system ensures a perpetually dry building by carrying away moisture vapor before it can condense within the envelope. This preventative measure is fundamental to promoting a durable and structurally sound building for decades. Visible elements of the construction include vertical stud framing and insulation materials integrated into the wall structure.

Performance Through Precision Materials

We selected materials not just for their looks, but for their commitment to performance:

Custom-Milled Rhombus Siding: The exterior features unique custom-milled rhombus siding. This deliberate profile enhances the building's aesthetic appeal while serving as an effective rain screen, supporting the ventilation strategy and rapid drainage.

Triple-Glazed Windows: Windows are often the weakest thermal link. To mitigate heat loss and maintain a high level of energy efficiency, we specified high-performance, triple-glazed windows. This choice minimizes thermal bridging and ensures internal glass surfaces remain warm, further preventing condensation risks inside the heated space.

The custom milled rhombus siding was not only aesthetic, it was also the least expensive.

The Heart of the Ritual: Heat, Cold, and Restoration

The interior is designed around the powerful, transformative experience of the heat and the stones. A moderately sized stove capable of holding a substantial volume of volcanic stones dominates the space, crucial for generating rich, intense löyly (steam). Heating the space is a manual process, requiring tending to the firebox to achieve the desired temperature. Three large spoonfuls of essential oil infused water poured over the hot stones brings the temperature up in 3 - 5 degree bursts.

Adding essential oils to the water before pouring over the hot stones provides additional wellbeing.

The sauna and the associated features are intended to work together as a holistic wellness facility. The structure is integrated with a separate, adjacent cold feature, built by converting the properties legacy surface well. The below-grade concrete structure and ladder is designed for a splash or cold plunge - that is situated a few steps from the sauna building. A deep breath and quickly lowering yourself into the 6'6" pool allows you to emerge into a different dimension.

The Thermal Cycle for Deep Wellness:

The full restorative experience involves cycling between the heat and the cold. Based on traditional practices, the cycle emphasizes a deep heating step followed immediately by a rapid cooling phase.

A suggested cycle involves:

1. Heating: Spending time in the intense heat of the sauna.

2. Cooling: Transitioning directly to the cold plunge or splash pool for up to three minutes.

3. Rest: Resting outside for another 5 to 10 minutes before returning to the sauna.

This cycle is typically repeated three times to maximize circulatory benefits and promote relaxation. Taking the opportunity the sit and relax in the cool air, or by an outdoor fire, and breathe deeply further enhances the experience.

It should be noted that while the existence of the heated sauna and the cold plunge structure is supported by the sources, the specific timing, duration (3 minutes in the pool, 5-10 minutes outside), and repetition count (3 times) for this wellness protocol are details that need to be considered by the user. Know your body and how it responds to heat and cold cycles. Good to consult with your physician before using a sauna and cold pool.

Sunset and views from the sauna are outstanding. And the deck provides enough space for laying about and completing a few yoga postures.

The colour of the wood burning firebox always adds to the ambience and provides enough light to choose a few more pieces of wood organized under the interior bench seats.

The dry summer months also provide an opportunity to maintain the lands around the sauna and splash pool.

This project demonstrates that successful architecture transcends mere shelter; it is about engineering environments that actively support health, durability, and a profound connection to beneficial natural rituals.