The freeboard swimming pool, also widely known as the skimmer pool, has been the most popular pool construction method in the UK as it enables a more cost effective option than deck level or infinity edge pools. This design allows the pool to be finished in vinyl liner which is both less expensive than tiles and a lot quicker.

In freeboard / skimmer pools, the water level is usually regulated around four to six inches below the pool surround. There are now specialist high water line skimmers available in the market now that allow you to fill the pool up to only an inch below the edge, but there would always be a gap (freeboard) in the water level and pool edge, hence the name. The skimmers are active suction boxes sitting on the edge of the pool and drawing off surface debris and body oils.

The freeboard swimming pool is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications and can be designed around modern and traditional surroundings. Generally the top edging is finished with edge tiling, than the top of pool wall is also a border or strip of tiles, while the lower half of the walls and the floor can be finished in tiles or plaster.