Mermaid — Pools for Life, established 1981
Eight members of the Mermaid construction team in workwear beside their branded vans on site

Mermaid · A family business

The people
behind Mermaid.

A third-generation family business, led by Steven and James. From the first conversation to looking after your pool years later, there are real people behind the Mermaid name.

A family name.
A reputation to protect.

Mermaid has been family-run since 1981. Today Steven and James lead the business, carrying forward the experience built across three generations. The value of that experience is not simply the number of years. It is knowing who is responsible for your project.

Meet Steven, James and the team

The Russell family · since 1981

One family.
Three generations.
One standard.

Mermaid began in 1981 when Robert Russell and his son Mark set out to build swimming pools properly and establish a reputation for quality, consideration and professionalism.

Today Mark’s sons, Steven and James, lead Mermaid. The family name remains behind the work — and the relationship continues through maintenance and servicing long after the pool is finished.

Our family story
Mermaid representatives celebrating with award certificates at the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards 2025
The family business today.British Pool & Hot Tub Awards · 2025

What you don’t see

The best pools look effortless.
Building them isn’t.

The finished pool is only part of the story. Ground conditions, the shell and the systems behind the water all need to work together.

Mermaid pool under construction, showing reinforcing mesh, blockwork and the team working beside the house
Before the water: reinforcing mesh and the pool shell on a Mermaid build.
A Mermaid worker in branded workwear finishing a newly laid concrete pool floor
A Mermaid team member finishing the concrete floor. Work that disappears beneath the finished pool.

One connected relationship

From the first conversation.
Beyond the first swim.

Eight members of the Mermaid construction team in workwear beside their branded vans on site
The team behind the plans and the work.
Bring your ideas together
  1. Consultation

    We visit your home to understand the property, your ideas, the site and how the pool will be used.

  2. Design & Specification

    Structure, finishes, plant systems and long-term running considerations, defined clearly.

  3. Build & Project Management

    A single accountable team manages your project from excavation to finishing.

  4. Commissioning & Handover

    Pressure, soak and dye tested. We ensure everything performs and guide you through it.

  5. Aftercare

    Ongoing maintenance and support to protect your investment for the long term.

Mermaid’s completed pool in a mature Matfield garden
Matfield — still cared for by Mermaid, four years on.

Independent recognition

The work earned
the recognition.

SPATA is the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association. Its awards recognise pool projects — the work you can see here, rather than a badge alone.

Mermaid’s original award record ↗

Four years after the first swim · Matfield

“The team at Mermaid were excellent to work with from design and scoping through to implementation, working alongside our garden landscaping team, and now, 4 years on, with ongoing care of the pool. It has been transformative for our kids and is used for hours almost every day and looks as good as it did the day it was finished. Thanks guys we really appreciate what you have done.”

Mrs RMatfield · new pool & aftercare

The Matfield pool described by Mrs R, set in mature valley gardens
A garden pool that became part of family life.

Planning a swimming pool project?

A no-obligation conversation with the family who will design, build and look after it — whether you’re at the very first idea or already working with an architect.