What To Consider When Planning A Swimming Pool
So assuming you have the resources and the space what should
you consider before installing a swimming pool?
1. Firstly, will you use it?
Or at least use it enough to justify its existence. If your
weather isn’t consistently warm and sunny are you hardy enough? Can you be
bothered to drag a cover off the pool every time you want to use it?
2. Have you got the ideal site:
You will also need to connect services the site: water and
electricity. How easy and costly will that be?
3. What will you use the pool for?
This will influence its shape and size. If it is just for a
quick cool-off dip and a focal point to lounge around then a curved or shaped
pool is a possibility.
If you want it for serious swimming exercise then it needs to
be big enough, deep enough and ideally rectangular. This was a major factor that
put me off. A pool less than 15 metres, 50 feet long, is not a good place to
swim.
4. Are you prepared for the cost?
Not only of installation but also of on-going maintenance? Is
that something you are prepared to do yourself, or will you employ the services
of a maintenance company?
5. What will the impact be on the garden?
If visible from the house, will it be dominant and obtrusive?
A typical aqua blue swimming pool is pretty startling on a
cold, grey day and looks out of place in a traditional country garden. It may be
more inkeeping in a contemporary or Mediterranean setting.
6. You could consider a pool of a different colour
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It doesn't have to be blue. A natural stone, soft terracotta or
clay coloured lining may be far easier to incorporate in your garden design.
Will you use a traditional concrete construction, fibreglass or
one of the various vinyl liners available? These are more frequently used today.
7. Natural or Chemical?
Have you considered a natural freshwater swimming pool or
swimming pond http://www.naturalpoolsuk.com/ ? These are becoming far more
popular.
They definitely sit more comfortably in a naturalistic setting,
but this is not the only possibility. Contemporary designs can be stunning.
No chemicals are used because the water filtration is achieved
by aquatic plants. Much nicer to swim in; the only disadvantage: cold water!
8.will IT impact on the value of your house?
A swimming pool may or may not add value. It can be a selling
point or it can be a disadvantage.
Your swimming pool could put off a buyer that does not want the
bother or cost of a swimming pool.
9. What will be the implications if you change your mind?
Removing or filling in a swimming pool can be as difficult and
costly as installing it in the first place.
You can’t just fill it in and plant in that location. You will
have drainage to consider so the structure of the pool usually needs to be
removed and soil, a lot of it, imported to fill the hole.
10. So, if I haven't put you off
Find yourself a good designer and get a specification sheet
drawn up by an independent swimming pool engineer to include all the plant
machinery and the materials you want to use.
This will mean every contractor will be quoting for exactly the
same thing, otherwise it will be impossible to get a like for like quote.
This one bit of advice alone could save you tens of
thousands of dollars alone.
Consider keeping the pool a constant depth. I would recommend
4ft deep (1.2m) This is deep enough to swim in without scraping your knees and
will halve the cost of your pool both in construct costs and in heating bills.
The only disadvantage to this is that you should have a ‘no
diving policy’ for the kids, but they will soon get over this.
If you want an electronic pool cover you will need to keep the
pool rectangular, but this is also better if you want to use the pool for
exercise and games like water volleyball.
Using a darker colour on a rectangular pool can also help
disguise its use when situated close to the house. If planned well, it can be
designed to look like a formal pond when not is use.
Avoid ‘Roman Ends’ or putting the steps in the centre of the
pool as this ruins the ability to do lengths when exercising. Instead put them
to one side so you can do racing turns without them getting in the way.
Always ask to see examples of contractors previous work in real
life situations and try and talk to other pool owners to share their experiences
before you take the plunge.
Do the contractors belong to a professional body? If they do,
check to see if they are covered by an indemnity policy just in case they go
bankrupt. Some professional bodies cover the cost of finishing the pool for the
original agreed price.
Consider:
USA The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals
USA Florida Swimming Pool Association
UK BSPF | The British Swimming Pool Federation
UK SPATA
AU SPASA | Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance
Finally find an expert you can really rely on to do a good job
and deliver a swimming pool that meets or exceeds all your expectations.
