Breaking new ground in Newfoundland and Labrador’s construction industry, the West End Oasis is the first ICF pool built in Canada’s easternmost province. Located in St. John’s, this 612-square-foot luxury pool and integrated spa was completed after 49 weeks of construction, with an ICF installation time of only 28 days. Built by Grant Cooper of Cooper Custom Homes using Nudura ICF systems, the $336,000 project utilized 663 square feet of ICF forms.

The fully computerized and automated mechanical system created extreme complexity in satisfying electrical requirements around water. “All metal, including each piece of rebar, had to be grounded,” explained Nudura’s Elise Vue.
One challenge involved the wall-to-floor connection detail. The team selected the RX-101 bentonite waterstop to waterproof the joint, which required staying completely dry until concrete pouring. This involved building a shelter over the entire pool during construction.

Complexity & Craftsmanship
The project required exceptional coordination between multiple trades. “There was a well-choreographed dance between the excavator, plumber, and electrician to coordinate and install the maze of plumbing pipes and electrical conduit exiting the pool at different elevations leading back to the mechanical control room,” said Vue. “Each run of pipe/conduit needed to be installed in lifts, backfilled with sand, tamped, then repeated, all while being inspected at each lift.”

The ICF construction demanded exceptional craftsmanship standards. “All the ICF walls needed to be perfectly square and plumb to facilitate the install of the tile and landscaping pavers/coping stone,” said Vue. “There was no forgiveness for bulges or bows since the ICF surface was directly parged and waterproofed for the finished pool liner. Careful craftsmanship throughout the project achieved the desired aesthetic.”
The spillover troughs in the spa and water feature wall required laser precision during installation. “Each spillover trough… had to be pre-installed in line with one another with laser precision, otherwise, water flowing through them would do so at different rates and there would be no way to correct that after they were encased in concrete,” said Vue.

Energy Efficiency
The ICF construction delivers significant sustainability advantages for pool operation. “Operating costs for this pool are significantly lower than they would’ve been with alternative construction methods as a result of the insulation value provided by the ICF walls,” said Vue. The team paired a high-efficiency heat pump water heater with the ICF construction to maximize thermal efficiency.
The superior insulation properties enable the homeowners to “easily keep the water at a comfortable temperature,” resulting in extended pool usage from June through September. This energy efficiency translates directly into reduced operating costs and environmental impact compared to traditional pool construction methods.

Architectural Excellence
The West End Oasis features numerous architectural elements that create a sophisticated backyard retreat. The rectangular geometry and elevated square spa provide a timeless design with clean lines and edges. Custom precast concrete coping stones cap the spa and deep-end water feature walls, serving dual purposes as both aesthetic elements and functional bench seating.
The integrated waterfall spillovers allow water to cascade into the main pool, creating calming sounds and added tranquility. Two sets of stairs provide convenient access at both shallow and deep ends while the contrasting white pool liner with dark glass and porcelain tiles creates a luxurious aesthetic.

LED underwater lighting and surrounding landscape illumination set the perfect ambiance for evening enjoyment, creating what the project description calls “a much-needed escape” in a neighborhood with closely situated homes.
“The contractor had a difficult time finding other builders in their area with experience building ICF pools,” said Vue. “This challenge highlighted how using ICFs for in-ground pools is really pioneering the industry.”
As the first ICF pool in Newfoundland and Labrador, the West End Oasis has generated substantial regional interest. The project’s success earned recognition from the Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA-NL), winning the BERG Awards for Renovator’s Choice.
Perhaps most impressive is that this complex project was completed by a builder with no prior pool construction experience. “Stakes were high but everything worked out flawlessly,” said Vue.

The homeowners’ satisfaction confirms the project’s success. They “were thrilled with the result, which far exceeded their expectations.”