Swimming pool installation
Discussion
Hi All,
Sometime in the future, I want to get a swimming pool installed in my garden.
Apart from purchase & instal costs and running costs, what else should I be thinking about?
Are the fibre glass pools better/easier/cheaper?
Are there companies out there that do the complete job? Including stone work around the pool etc?
I'm a real novice and never had a pool, so all thoughts and feedback appreciated.
IceBoy
Sometime in the future, I want to get a swimming pool installed in my garden.
Apart from purchase & instal costs and running costs, what else should I be thinking about?
Are the fibre glass pools better/easier/cheaper?
Are there companies out there that do the complete job? Including stone work around the pool etc?
I'm a real novice and never had a pool, so all thoughts and feedback appreciated.
IceBoy
The fibregalss ones are very good as long as they have the size, shape and colour you want. With a concrete or liner pool you can have virtually any shape and depth you want but that comes at a price. Thinking back to the pool I had built in my house in France, the liner one I ended up with due to f/g not being right for my sloping ground, probably came out 25% more than f/g.
Yes, there are many specialist companies who do this, Google found all these in your area;
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=swimming+po...
Or of course you can d.i.y. if you prefer, just do a lot of reading before you start.
A few of things to bear in mind. Heating. You'll need some form of heating or you'll only be able to use it for a few weeks. Solar or Air or ground source heat pump would be the best. In fact while you're digging out it would be a good opportunity to install GSHP.
Secondly a cover of some sort. The normal floating insulated cover is cheap and barely OK but if you can afford it an enclosure where you can swim "indoors" is really good. I had one and used to swim in the rain and late at night in Oct/early Nov before it got too cold, but I didn't have heating. Thirdly, look at getting a good "pool room" where you can easily get at the pump and filters whilst they're indoors. A pit is not a good option, if it's raining you'll put it off and pits flood.
Finally, make sure you have a salt water as against chlorine pool with auto top up facility and don't underestimate the amount of work to keep on top of a pool. I'd say best part of half an hour EVERY day.
Apart from that have fun and enjoy it.
Yes, there are many specialist companies who do this, Google found all these in your area;
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=swimming+po...
Or of course you can d.i.y. if you prefer, just do a lot of reading before you start.
A few of things to bear in mind. Heating. You'll need some form of heating or you'll only be able to use it for a few weeks. Solar or Air or ground source heat pump would be the best. In fact while you're digging out it would be a good opportunity to install GSHP.
Secondly a cover of some sort. The normal floating insulated cover is cheap and barely OK but if you can afford it an enclosure where you can swim "indoors" is really good. I had one and used to swim in the rain and late at night in Oct/early Nov before it got too cold, but I didn't have heating. Thirdly, look at getting a good "pool room" where you can easily get at the pump and filters whilst they're indoors. A pit is not a good option, if it's raining you'll put it off and pits flood.
Finally, make sure you have a salt water as against chlorine pool with auto top up facility and don't underestimate the amount of work to keep on top of a pool. I'd say best part of half an hour EVERY day.
Apart from that have fun and enjoy it.
ColinM50 said:
You've got to clean the skimmers and filter, check the water chemical balance and adjust levels and of course clean/hoover the pool.
Every day ?Only if you're retired with nothing better to do than have an immaculate pool.
Mine's lucky if it gets half an hour a week. Granted I get a few comments from the wife whenever we go to a neighbours about how clear their pool is but she soon shuts up when I suggest that I'm more than happy for her to take over the maintenance. As long as it's warm and doesn't make people ill life's way too short.
ColinM50 said:
Finally, make sure you have a salt water as against chlorine pool with auto top up facility and don't underestimate the amount of work to keep on top of a pool. I'd say best part of half an hour EVERY day.
Is this climate dependant? I live in Portugal... we all have pools and most people generally see the pool man pottering about for 30 mins once a week. Even at that I just thought he was making an appearance to justify the charge 
Sufficient patio area around the pool.
A couple of loungers, a table and just four chairs take up a lot more space than one might imagine.
Also the larger the "hard area" round the pool keeps the pool cleaner, (no foot lawn contact)
You will need a solar cover to maintain heat or pool use will be limited to the under 10s who apparently have not yet developed heat sensors in their derma.
The cleaner you keep your pool the cheaper (and easier) it is to maintain, if you ignore it and it stops sparkling, then you will spend extra getting it back on track.
A couple of loungers, a table and just four chairs take up a lot more space than one might imagine.
Also the larger the "hard area" round the pool keeps the pool cleaner, (no foot lawn contact)
You will need a solar cover to maintain heat or pool use will be limited to the under 10s who apparently have not yet developed heat sensors in their derma.
The cleaner you keep your pool the cheaper (and easier) it is to maintain, if you ignore it and it stops sparkling, then you will spend extra getting it back on track.
A friend was a pool builder. He said that about a third of his work was going back after a year or so and converting pools with a dive basin into flat bottom types. Due to kids wanting to play in there rather than diving.
Depending on where you are a quick geological survey might be needed. The company that did ours specifically stated that it wasn't needed as 'they knew the area well'. Famous last words as they nearly had to resort to explosives.
I spend about 30-40 minutes each weekend to clean filters and skimmers, chemicals etc. Maybe a bit of netting and brushing occasionally.
Depending on where you are a quick geological survey might be needed. The company that did ours specifically stated that it wasn't needed as 'they knew the area well'. Famous last words as they nearly had to resort to explosives.
I spend about 30-40 minutes each weekend to clean filters and skimmers, chemicals etc. Maybe a bit of netting and brushing occasionally.
There are so many options, so do your research as only you decide what is right for you.
On types of finish:
Fibreglass - don't touch it, maybe easier to fit but once damaged / aged, they are very hard to get looking like new again. They just don't age well.
Liner - I've had liner pools in the past and the problem is you need to replace the liners every x years and often the liners aren't fitted that well and can look cheap which (in my opinion) is not what you want if you're going to the expense of putting in a pool.
Other - My current pool is slate lined as we wanted something different, we also reviewed welded liners (it's a thick liner they weld in pieces rather than 'hoover' in in 1 piece like a traditional liner). It's good kit but the slate tiles were only an extra £5k, so may as well have those as they look better and last longer
Heating
Agree on others re heat pumps, we have an air source heat pump and works well for use when temp is above zero (it claims to work to minus 15 but that is BS). Ideally you need 10-15 degree between outside airtemp and pool temp, we open our pool last week in April and tend to close it on the first weekend of Oct and we keep it as a nice 30 degrees quite easily during that period.
You need to do the maths and see what works for you, personally I'd advise you to overspec whatever heating you decide on as it's false economy to skimp here.
Cover
Absolute must have - I'd recommended a fully secure hydraulic cover with key operation especially if you have kids. This will retain heat and stop crap getting into the pool and reduce cleaning time. On that note, mine gets chemicals / cleaned bi weekly and is always crystal clear, no idea what the other posters have to do daily, but it just ain't required if you have a decent cover and filter set up.
This cover will cost a lot, but do not cut corners here.
Paving
Yes there are companies that will do the lot, most of the ones we got quotes from would do it (we got over 10 quotes on the last pool)
Profile of pool
Only you can decide this, I found each installer had their own pet preferred profile - 1 basically said he wouldn't do it unless it was constant depth 'so kids can play'. You need to think how the pool will be used then work round this.
I have 2 young kids (4 and 5) and our pool is over 10 foot deep at the deep end so much deeper than a normal pool. They are now starting to swim without armbands and happily swim in the deep end to the steps. If they want to 'play' we also have an extended shallow end with a steeper transition so best of both worlds.
Why did I get a deep pool? Because part of the fun of having a pool (for me) is having massive pool parties, getting pissed and diving off the diving board (yes I know irresponsible) and I didn't want anyone breaking their neck diving in by hitting it on the bottom. Also, in the summer I love getting up in the morning, putting the cover back and diving in myself, swimming to other end and repeat the dive. Don't know why, just love diving off the diving board, so a deep deep end was a must.
If all you want to do is play water polo, get a constant depth
Point to note here - deeper pool equals more water equals higher spec heating equals more cost to run.
Chlorine / Salt
Try both, people always have their favourites. I have chlorine with a UV light and it works very well. Hardly any chlorine smell and the chemical levels last 2 weeks between cleans (unless I have a pool party with lots of people in which case I get the pool man out for an interim clean / chem top up)
Other points:-
Get decent underwater lighting so you can have a good effect at night, nothing like being sat next to pool lit up at night having a BBQ on a summers evening.
Get a 'feature' - we have a sunken roman end and it just finishes the pool off and gives it a classy look (in my opinion). But I find rectangle blue liner pools dull.
Get the skimmers installed on the side of the pool you sit on, that way when sat on your table and chairs and looking at the pool, then you can't see them.
Hope this helps, happy to answer any more specific questions.
Oh, and just chop chop and do it, you'll have a lot of fun.
ETA - I have just seen you are in Maidenhead. When you're ready let me know, and I will let you cut through the pain of 10 quotes and give you the number for the best man for the job!
He was referred to me by a fellow PHer originally.
On types of finish:
Fibreglass - don't touch it, maybe easier to fit but once damaged / aged, they are very hard to get looking like new again. They just don't age well.
Liner - I've had liner pools in the past and the problem is you need to replace the liners every x years and often the liners aren't fitted that well and can look cheap which (in my opinion) is not what you want if you're going to the expense of putting in a pool.
Other - My current pool is slate lined as we wanted something different, we also reviewed welded liners (it's a thick liner they weld in pieces rather than 'hoover' in in 1 piece like a traditional liner). It's good kit but the slate tiles were only an extra £5k, so may as well have those as they look better and last longer
Heating
Agree on others re heat pumps, we have an air source heat pump and works well for use when temp is above zero (it claims to work to minus 15 but that is BS). Ideally you need 10-15 degree between outside airtemp and pool temp, we open our pool last week in April and tend to close it on the first weekend of Oct and we keep it as a nice 30 degrees quite easily during that period.
You need to do the maths and see what works for you, personally I'd advise you to overspec whatever heating you decide on as it's false economy to skimp here.
Cover
Absolute must have - I'd recommended a fully secure hydraulic cover with key operation especially if you have kids. This will retain heat and stop crap getting into the pool and reduce cleaning time. On that note, mine gets chemicals / cleaned bi weekly and is always crystal clear, no idea what the other posters have to do daily, but it just ain't required if you have a decent cover and filter set up.
This cover will cost a lot, but do not cut corners here.
Paving
Yes there are companies that will do the lot, most of the ones we got quotes from would do it (we got over 10 quotes on the last pool)
Profile of pool
Only you can decide this, I found each installer had their own pet preferred profile - 1 basically said he wouldn't do it unless it was constant depth 'so kids can play'. You need to think how the pool will be used then work round this.
I have 2 young kids (4 and 5) and our pool is over 10 foot deep at the deep end so much deeper than a normal pool. They are now starting to swim without armbands and happily swim in the deep end to the steps. If they want to 'play' we also have an extended shallow end with a steeper transition so best of both worlds.
Why did I get a deep pool? Because part of the fun of having a pool (for me) is having massive pool parties, getting pissed and diving off the diving board (yes I know irresponsible) and I didn't want anyone breaking their neck diving in by hitting it on the bottom. Also, in the summer I love getting up in the morning, putting the cover back and diving in myself, swimming to other end and repeat the dive. Don't know why, just love diving off the diving board, so a deep deep end was a must.
If all you want to do is play water polo, get a constant depth
Point to note here - deeper pool equals more water equals higher spec heating equals more cost to run.
Chlorine / Salt
Try both, people always have their favourites. I have chlorine with a UV light and it works very well. Hardly any chlorine smell and the chemical levels last 2 weeks between cleans (unless I have a pool party with lots of people in which case I get the pool man out for an interim clean / chem top up)
Other points:-
Get decent underwater lighting so you can have a good effect at night, nothing like being sat next to pool lit up at night having a BBQ on a summers evening.
Get a 'feature' - we have a sunken roman end and it just finishes the pool off and gives it a classy look (in my opinion). But I find rectangle blue liner pools dull.
Get the skimmers installed on the side of the pool you sit on, that way when sat on your table and chairs and looking at the pool, then you can't see them.
Hope this helps, happy to answer any more specific questions.
Oh, and just chop chop and do it, you'll have a lot of fun.
ETA - I have just seen you are in Maidenhead. When you're ready let me know, and I will let you cut through the pain of 10 quotes and give you the number for the best man for the job!
He was referred to me by a fellow PHer originally.
Don't undersesitamte the time involved. Not much when going well. A ballache when broken. Ours is currently off as the sand filter is bust and needs me to get time to work out how to replace an internal part and than actually do it.
We use a chlorine free system called Blue Crystal that works well.
Finally this place is run by a PH'er http://poolsuppliesltd.com/ and is where I get my bits from.
I'm desperately trying to remember his PH name, but it's completely slipped. Hopefully he'll be along to wave shortly as he's a great chap.
We use a chlorine free system called Blue Crystal that works well.
Finally this place is run by a PH'er http://poolsuppliesltd.com/ and is where I get my bits from.
I'm desperately trying to remember his PH name, but it's completely slipped. Hopefully he'll be along to wave shortly as he's a great chap.
foliedouce,
Thanks for the advice there! Much appreciated.
I am on the hunt for our final house. My boys are now 9 and 12 and confident swimmers.
I have seen a couple of properties with pools but the majority are obviously without.
When I find the right house, if there is no pool, I will be in touch!
Thanks once again for your advice.
Iceboy
Thanks for the advice there! Much appreciated.
I am on the hunt for our final house. My boys are now 9 and 12 and confident swimmers.
I have seen a couple of properties with pools but the majority are obviously without.
When I find the right house, if there is no pool, I will be in touch!
Thanks once again for your advice.
Iceboy
surveyor said:
Finally this place is run by a PH'er http://poolsuppliesltd.com/ and is where I get my bits from.
I'm desperately trying to remember his PH name, but it's completely slipped. Hopefully he'll be along to wave shortly as he's a great chap.
Thanks for the reference I'm desperately trying to remember his PH name, but it's completely slipped. Hopefully he'll be along to wave shortly as he's a great chap.
Yep, we've been in the pool industry for 35 years, and do everything from retail, service/maintanance, to refurbs and new builds, or if you're too far from us we can supply absolutely anything you need to for your build.
This is the kind of work we do... (before and after)
Transformed into...
Click the link above posted by surveyor, and drop me an email... I'm always happy to help and talk through options.
Obviously, PH discounts apply.
Jon
Edited by Dr Interceptor on Friday 8th May 14:48
No worries Iceboy – trust me, if you get one, you will have so much fun with the family in the summer, not to mention the parties
Dr Interceptor- How about a PH discount code for chemicals?
Haven’t got a sunny photo for some reason, but have a night time one just after it was finished
Dr Interceptor- How about a PH discount code for chemicals?
Haven’t got a sunny photo for some reason, but have a night time one just after it was finished
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