Home Swimming Pools | 5 Things You NEED To Know BEFORE You Build Your Indoor Swimming Pool!

Swimming Pools

If you have a larger than average garden and space that goes to waste a swimming pool could be a welcome addition to your property, giving you endless enjoyment in the warmer months and even in the cooler months if you consider a cover or heating system. Your friends and family will benefit from a great way to stay fit right in their back garden and no doubt any children in the family will definitely be advocates of the idea.

Should I get a swimming pool?

Swimming pools can be affordable, but in no way are they cheap, installation will cause disruption to your garden and expect to pay higher water rates and electricity bills to keep your swimming pool in a useable condition. There are a range of pool sizes and shapes on the market to suit the space you have available but a pool is not a practical idea for smaller gardens. The benefits of getting a swimming pool are obvious, you can enjoy the comfort of swimming in your own home; the privacy and freedom that this gives you is immense. A swimming pool is great entertainment for the whole family, offering a low impact exercise and a fun centre of activity that will undoubtedly draw your children away from the lure of computer games and television as they wile away hours splashing and swimming. Swimming pools are also a great way to relax, on quieter days enjoy the sunshine whilst floating on a luxurious lilo.

What type of swimming pools are there?

Swimming pools come in a range of sizes, materials and styles. Firstly you need to decide whether or not you want an above-ground swimming pool or an in-ground pool. Above-ground are cheaper to buy and easier to install, they can easily be moved and they are also safer for homes with younger children as there is less risk of a child falling in. In-ground (or submerged) pools are a permanent feature that involve digging a hole large enough for the pool structure, therefore buying an in-ground pool is a bigger commitment, although more expensive a well-built in ground swimming pool will add value to your property. In-ground pools can be built from aluminium, concrete and fibreglass. Aluminium is the cheapest pool to install but they do not last as long. Concrete pools are custom built so you can have any size and shape design, but they do take longer to build than aluminium and fibreglass swimming pools. Fibreglass pools are generally the most expensive to install, the pool is made in fibreglass, the hole is dug and then the pool is placed in. Because it comes in one piece you need to think carefully about the logistics of installation and access to your garden. Fibreglass pools are quicker to build than concrete and are lower maintenance as they require fewer chemicals and less brushing.

How much do swimming pools cost?

Swimming pools aren’t cheap, and even a DIY job will cost a significant amount of money. If you are on a strict budget then generally above ground pools are cheaper and don’t carry the installation costs associated with submerged pools. If you are looking to build an in-ground pool then you should budget around £25,000 for an in-built concrete pool, remember to not forget the cost of brickwork or decking around the pool.

Should I get heating for my swimming pool?

Considering heating for your pool will help increase the temperature of the water and therefore allow you to use it for longer periods in the year. However heating can be expensive and in the cold climate of the UK heating an outdoor pool is not particularly practical. A good compromise could be to consider solar heating panels, this won’t make your pool usable all year-round but it certainly will extend its use comfortably in the spring and autumn months and won’t vastly increase your energy bills. If you want to extend the use of your swimming pool you could also consider buying an airdome or a telescopic enclosure, which covers the pool but is large enough for you to swim underneath.

What maintenance does a swimming pool require?

As well as initial costs your swimming pool could cost between £200 and £800 a year to maintain. You will need to run a pump daily to keep the water circulating and you will need to chemically treat the water to stop algae growing. Chemicals on the market for home-use can be chlorine based disinfectants or pH adjusters. PH adjusters are great for home use as they are a lot softer on the skin and eyes than chlorine. You should use a cover over your pool at night-time and when not in use, this will stop leaves falling in that could clog up the pump and will also keep in heat. For winter months when the pool is not in use a more permanent cover can be put over it.

Investing in a swimming pool for your home will add value to your property, more importantly than this though it will allow you and your family to enjoy your garden in a completely new way. A swimming pool is a great focal point for fun, exercise and relaxation and it will be enjoyed in the summer months by the whole family.