BACK TO GARDEN

 

What to Consider When you Decide to Install a Swimming Pool

With families spending more time at home, keeping the kids occupied can become a chore, and one way to overcome this is to install a swimming pool that the whole family can enjoy.

26/05/2022

 

 

 

 

My next door neighbour recently ripped up his old curvy swimming pool to install a lap pool that extended across the bottom of his garden. If only this was something I had thought of when we installed our pool, but the thought of making the changes that he needed to do for the lap pool, this is a case of foresight is better than hindsight.

 

 

 

Having a swimming pool in the garden or even a lap pool, not only provides entertainment for children, it is also a great way to stay in shape, host a pool party or just sit and relax in the pool with sundowners. A swimming pool is a worthwhile investment that will increase the value of a home and there are many styles and designs to choose from that can be installed in any size garden and you can even go as far as having a custom deck installed around the pool or using a pool deck resurfacing contractor. Even a splash pool is fun for a family and a place to cool down during out hot, hot summers.

 

 

However, it's important to know that there's an ongoing cost to running a pool, from the chemicals needed to keep the water clean, to the electricity used to power the pump. According to the team from Ultra Swimming Pool Specialist, it's important to factor in the costs of running a pool when making the decision to install one. This is because the initial cost of installation can be quite high, and you need to make sure that you can afford the running costs as well. To know more about the cost of installing and running a swimming pool, you'd need to consult with a swimming pool specialist. Based on the type of pool you want, they will be able to give you a more accurate estimate.

 

 

If you fancy taking a dip in a swimming pool and chilling with family and friends, today's modern swimming pools offer low-maintenance care options and a myriad of shapes, colours and features. If you are looking for inspiration to install your own swimming pool, here are some fabulous designs to consider.

 

 

 

Curves or Straight Lines

The shape of a swimming pool is an important factor to consider for your outdoor area. A swimming pool with straight lines brings modern design that can be landscaped to fit in with a garden while a curved pool might be more fitting to wrap around existing features or be designed to show off its curves. Both curved and linear swimming pools can be customised to your specific requirements, and it is up to you to decide which you prefer and which would fit best in the garden.

 

 

 

 

Square or rectangular pools are more popular than other shapes, mainly because they add linear lines and straight edges to a modern or contemporary home. Curved shapes such as a kidney-shaped pool are more traditional in design and go well with an older home or traditional residence since these designs are considered old fashioned, but they are still a popular shape if you prefer a more casual design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lap pool can be constructed in such a way as to take up a limited amount of space in the garden and will provide hours of entertainment or exercise for the entire family.

 

 

 

 

A square or rectangular swimming pool is advantageous because it can be designed to take up less space. A lap pool, for example, can stretch from one end of a garden to the other and be positioned at the far end of the garden, or it might be better to run down the side of a garden to leave more space for children to play or for entertaining. If the installation of a swimming pool is purely for exercise and health reasons, you can even consider a 'skinny' lap pool that is narrow but long.

 

 

 

 

When deciding on the shape of a pool one cannot be considered better than the other and it all comes down to your requirements for the pool and how it will fit into your garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Size of Swimming Pool

The needs of your family and the wants associated with entertaining family and friends will largely determine the size of pool you want in the garden, as will what you can afford. Obviously, a small pool will take up less space and require less maintenance, but will it meet your needs. The larger the pool the more space required, and additional maintenance and costs related to the size.

 

 

If you are looking for a pool where you can sit back and relax on a hot summer's day, even a small pool will be refreshing.

 

 

 

 

When planning a swimming pool for children, make sure to allow a shallow play area.

 

 

 

 

You can still select the design you like and scale this down to the volume of the pool but do consider that if the pool is for children there needs to be a safe (not deep) area where they can swim and play and this also needs to be factored into the size for the pool.

 

 

 

 

Locate a swimming pool where there is light shade when children will be using the pool throughout the day.

 

 

 

 

Location, Location, Location

Where to position your new swimming pool is an important factor for several reasons.

 

• Full sun or shade?

If the pool is to be used to entertain children, will it be better in full sun or shade, or perhaps a combination of both. Keep in mind that children will probably spend the day playing in the pool and you may not want children in the sun all day long. The best location will offer a sunny spot during most of the day but a shady area at the shallow end where children can splash and play.

 

 

• Easy access to water and electricity

Unless you have a borehole or water storage tank that will feed into the swimming pool, you need to be close enough to taps for regular filling up. The pool should also be close to the property for the pump and filter to be powered. If the pool is installed too far away from the main structure, it will cost more to lay pipes and supply lines to operate the swimming pool. This also applies to any lighting or features that you want to incorporate into the pool design.

 

 

• Pool Heating

Solar heating for a swimming pool will require a structure close by where the piping can be laid for heating the pool. Alternatively, an electric heating pump will require sufficient power to operate.

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Features

If you are thinking about adding any additional features or have future plans that involve the swimming pool, the best time to look over these is during the planning stage. If it is features such as a waterfall or rock water feature, these will need to be included, as well as any plans to incorporate a Jacuzzi as part of the pool. Other ideas could include a wet bar, seating areas and diving board. The planning and design phase should include any options you want to include now or add later.

 

 

 

 

Safety Surround

Not only will any future pool require a safety enclosure that surrounds the area (check your municipal bylaws), but you also have to consider other safety elements as well. For example, a swimming pool that is designed for children needs to be surrounded by a non-slip surface.

 

 

 

 

Grass is not a must here, as both chlorine and salt chlorinators will affect grass growth and may also affect other plantings around the pool area. Non-slip paving or slabs offer a non-slip solution for around pools and there are non-slip tiles that can be used.

 

 

 

 

 

back to top