About Us

The Origin Aqua Story

Origin Aqua was born in 2019 as the technology spin-out of Clear Water Revival Ltd – the UK’s leading natural pool business.

We believe in treating water with beneficial microbes that have evolved over 3.3bn years and improve our health and environment, rather than polluting chemicals that endure on the basis of outdated germ theory. 

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Andrew Cox (cleantech engineer) and Dave Nettleton (marine biologist) form Clear Water Revival Ltd (CWR) – the UK’s leading natural pool business.
— 2006
PhD scientists remove plants to develop a heated natural pool filtration system with microbes only.
— 2012
Seeking to reduce the (50%) planted area CWR develop a biological filter in association with Innovate UK and microbiologists at Cranfield University.
— 2011
Research with Cranfield reveals pathogens can be regulated by nutrient starvation. CWR develop their first standard in-ground pool system.
— 2013
CWR complete Europe’s first biologically filtered indoor pool (Cornwall) and its first public pool in 2015 (Belfast).
— 2014 - 2015
New PhD research at Bristol UWE reveals that good bacteria neutralise pathogens such as E.coli, Pseudomonas and Enterococcus and that certain health improving minerals inhibit colonisation.
— 2015
System size is reduced and testing at hotter temperatures in the South of France and Portugal is successful.
— 2017
Origin Aqua becomes a stand alone water technology company focussing on microbes and minerals. With over 60 systems already installed, CWR remains UK exclusive licence holder for the Origin Aqua mineral+biome system
— 2019
Inspired by European thermal springs and advancements into the human microbiome OA launch their automated mineral+biome system - designed to produce sanitised mineral water which increases microbiome biodiversity.
— 2021
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Who we are

Origin Aqua is a team of committed chemists, biologists and engineers, who believe in harnessing the power of science and nature in place of chemicals.

We started off in natural swimming ponds over 12 years ago and have spent thousands of R&D man hours and over £1m to develop mineral+biome®, the world’s most advanced microbial (natural) filter system for swimming pools. 

This could be described as the holy grail of pool water treatment. 

 

 Our Mission

We are on a mission to continually offer the most luxurious swimming experience on the market.

Our technology harnesses the power of science and nature to perpetually regenerate water and create a next generation, heated, chemical and plant free, natural pool.  This is not only great for your health, but is better for the environment and also has a positive impact on long term operation costs.

Our Values

 
 

C

Champions

Of our unique natural filtration technology

L

Leaders

In technical innovation and chlorine-free pools

E

Enhanced

Swimming experiences and pool ownership

A

Accountable

To our environment, customers & partners.

R

Reliable

Products, services, relationships & support

 
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Our Ethos

The acronym SPA stands for ‘Salus Per Aquam’, which loosely translates as ‘Health through Water’. But there is a deeper meaning – Salus was originally the Roman Goddess for safety and wellbeing (welfare, health and prosperity) of both the individual and the state. And it was only latterly (180BC) she became more a protector of personal health. 

At Origin Aqua, we aspire to be like Salus - a protector of people’s health and the environment through the provision of incredible water for an unparalleled swimming experience.

 

The Core Team

 

Andrew Cox - CEO and Founder

Role: Andrew oversees the technology development and commercial growth of the business. He has spent 20 years in clean tech development and product innovation.

Qualifications / Experience: Btec and BEng (hons) in engineering. 15 years of building clean tech businesses and leading innovative teams working on cutting edge, meaningful technology.

Vision for the future: A kinder world where we understand and respect nature - and therefore each other - in a deeper, more thoughtful way.

Hobbies / Interests: Playing saxophone and discovering new music. Walking the land, farming, and growing vegetables - Getting out on the EMTB, sustainability and care of our precious planet.

Favorite Quote: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Arthur C. Clarke

Andrew Cox - CEO and Founder

Dr Jack Lee - Lead Scientific Innovator

Role: Jack is responsible for developing exciting and revolutionary water filtration technology. He has been perfecting the Origin Aqua system since 2013.

Qualifications / Experience: BSc hons (1st class in Biological Sciences).

  • PhD Environmental Freshwater Microbiology

Vision for the future: As a trained microbiologist, Jack aims to harness the power of microorganisms for the benefit of humankind.

Hobbies / Interests: Jack enjoys wild swimming, springboard diving and astronomy. He is a musician, a cast iron chef and loves sourdough bread baking,

Favorite Quote: ‘Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it’ - Lao Tzu

‘Don’t panic’ – Douglas Adams

Dr Jack Lee - Lead Scientific Innovator
Will Futter

Will Futter – Development Engineer

Role: Since joining the team in 2021 Will has been responsible for developing Origin-Aqua’s Mineral Biome system, while bringing the teams’ bright ideas to life.  

Qualifications/ Experience: BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Design and Manufacture.  Will has a background in precision manufacturing in the aerospace industry.

Vision for the future: A sustainable, biodiverse world where the natural environment is the driving force for propelling technological progress.

Hobbies/ Interests: Will loves getting his blue mind on (wild swimming, scuba diving, surfing) and embracing the great outdoors in all its forms; especially up a mountain, or on a bike. 

Favourite Quote: “Everything is Figureoutable” – Unknown 

 "It's just the one swan actually" - Police Constable Danny Butterman

Dr Josh Steven – R&D Scientist

Role: Josh is a microbiologist specialising in water quality and treatment, his expertise has been instrumental in advancing our initiatives.

Qualifications/ Experience: BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences (First Class)

  • MRes in Microbial Biofilm Modelling

  • PhD in the Development of Biological Filtration Systems

Vision for the future:  Josh envisions a future where innovative clean water technologies, harmonising with nature, propel sustainable growth and transformative change.

Hobbies/ Interests: Josh is an enthusiastic surfer who finds joy in the great outdoors. His interests span surfing, hiking, rock climbing, and scuba diving. He has a passion for working with his hands.

Favourite Quote: “Microbiology teaches us that size is no measure of significance; even the smallest microbe can wield immense power. Microbes are the silent warriors; these tiniest beings possess the strength to spark a revolution that can have monumental impacts in the world of science.” ― Aloo Denish

Swimming has a totally different feeling - it has none of the chlorine smells or tastes and my family has none of the irritation of skin, eyes, or hair. The running costs, are also notably lower .

S. McCartney, Surrey

FIND OUT MORE

We are here to help

Please feel free to contact us and ask any questions. We’d love to hear from you.