In Algarve region, more than 72% of swimming pools are uncovered, and 65% have no water heating. Covers play a crucial role in safety, reducing water evaporation, and minimizing heat losses. In unheated pools, usage is limited to periods when the water temperature is comfortable. In Southern Europe, where sunlight is abundant, swimming pools are typically used for a maximum of five months per year. Therefore, solar energy for water heating is strongly recommended and should be widely adopted. Maximizing solar gains to ensure a comfortable temperature for the maximum number of daylight hours throughout the year requires integrating various renewable energy systems, depending on the region, along with energy storage solutions. Additional strategies, such as minimising heat losses through the tank and preventing water leaks, are also critical for improving the energy and water performance of swimming pools. These principles guided the ECOPOOL+++ project, which aims to develop innovative heated swimming pools with reduced thermal losses and integration of smart energy and water management systems. A key aspect of this project involved constructing a prototype at the University of Algarve´s Penha Campus in Faro, Portugal, and validating the proposed solutions in situ. This paper presents the prototype in detail, along with validation task and their significance in refining the initially conceived solutions.