SWIM WITH THE TIDE
What to consider if building your own pool
SWIMMING pools in this country had a niche marketplace, until 2020. According to Charlie Wells of buying agent Prime Purchase they were largely seen as a negative aspect to a property, something that required too much maintenance or represented a hazard to young children. Today, sentiment has completely changed. ‘More efficient ways of heating and, of course, the experience of lockdown, means that demand for pools has rocketed,’ says Charlie. But it’s not possible to chalk their popularity entirely up to the pandemic. There’s also a greater awareness of the benefits of swimming either for full-body fitness or for its powers of relaxation and meditation.
INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Unless in an area of outstanding natural beauty, green belt, conservation area or a listed building, outdoor pools don’t generally need planning permission. Indoor pools, however, are subject to the usual controls. The addition of a pool hall could be considered as permitted development, but this is nuanced and constantly evolving, so you should always check with your local planning authority. There are three main construction options: a waterproof reinforced concrete shell; a PVC liner; and a fibre glass or ceramic moulded shell, which is lowered into a pre-excavated hole.
INDOOR VS OUTDOOR
Once it was a given that indoor pools would see more use, but recent events have changed perspectives. Pool designer Guncast has seen a 150% increase in demand for outdoor pools, says design director Andy Carr. He adds that high-tech, space-saving solutions are also popular, including those with moving floors. ‘But it’s important to think about how you plan to use the pool: is it a year-round spa experience you’re after, or is it more for summer entertaining? Would you prefer an outdoor oasis at the end of the garden, or facilities that are easy to dip into every day?’
MINERAL WATER POOLS
Demand for natural pools has increased hugely over the last five years as new, more practical and flexible technologies have been brought to the market allowing natural water swimming in any pool whether indoors or outdoors, heated and covered and without the need for organic plants. The latest versions lead to lower running costs, too, due to lower water turnover frequency. ‘Clients typically don’t like the idea of swimming in harsh chemicals which damage skin and can cause health problems,’ says Joel Scott of Bristol-based Clear Water Revival.
NATURAL PONDS
Popular with people who don’t want the natural landscape interrupted by a pool, or those who prefer the idea of wild swimming, natural swimming ponds combine function and aesthetics. ‘The installation costs are at least on a par with a conventional tiled pool, starting at around £70,000. However, due →
to being unheated, nor needing to be covered or artificially filtered, the running costs are minimal, mostly limited to preventing leaf fall and vegetation decomposing in the water,’ says Cate Statham, senior chartered building surveyor at Knight Frank. The main concerns are around safety – just have a think about fencing before committing.
WATER CLEANING OPTIONS
Chlorine is still the most widely employed solution for keeping the water clean. It’s inexpensive to buy and easy to use but there are alternatives including ionisation, ultra-violet and active oxygen treatments, which can be used to assist or complement chlorine. Salt-water pools use electrolysis to produce just enough chlorine to disinfect the water, but they cost more to build as the mechanism for cleaning the water is more complicated.
BUILDING COSTS
Costs to install an outdoor swimming pool vary significantly. For a no-frills in-ground pool, a PVC liner option will cost from £35,000. Ben Horne of Middleton Advisors estimates a traditional outdoor pool to cost between £85,000 and £150,000. Two approaches that will help keep costs down are opting for a prefabricated design and keeping the pool at one depth. A fully tiled natural pool with an automatic pump and an air-source heating system will start at £150,000. Compass Pools estimates from £180,000 to build a medium-sized indoor pool with a cover.
UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE
Generally, an indoor pool is more expensive to run and that’s down to the simple fact that most outdoor pools are put to sleep during the winter, although it’s often a good idea to keep the heating and cleaning systems ticking over at a low level throughout the cooler months. They then take between two and three weeks to recommission in spring. Indoor pools require servicing every two weeks to check chemical levels, backwash and carry out routine maintenance (this can be done by owners or professionals).
LANDSCAPING TIPS
Safety around a pool is paramount so making sure that the surrounding surface is non-slip is essential, says landscape designer Marcus Barnett. ‘A generous border of hard landscaping around the pool allows for sun loungers and the ability to walk without worrying about getting to the edge.’ He recommends using the same paving used elsewhere in the garden but with a suitable non-slip finish such as bush-hammered or flamed. ‘We often tie in the planting to the rest of the garden. If trees are required, plant those that do not drop fruit or leaves throughout the summer.
URBAN POOLS
If building a pool in a town or city garden, bear in mind that they still need to be one metre from your neighbour’s boundary and must adhere to the 50% rule (they can’t take up more than 50% of the overall size of your plot once you’ve deducted the footprint of the house, says Jack Simpson of Nomad Developments). ‘Fibre glass shells on concrete foundations are the most cost-effective way to have a below-ground pool in a city environment (it’s roughly 50% cheaper than a concrete and tile version). But think about access before embarking.’