Use your imagination Build a pool for next summer

A look at the selection criteria

A swimming pool is an investment. Before making your choice from among the many existing models, seek professional advice and take the time to consider the following points:
The use of your pool: there's a big difference between a lap pool and a family pool. Choose according to your desires and the use you plan to make of this new place for relaxation or fun.
Your budget: the price will obviously depend on the process you choose. The structure of the pool and its construction process will have an impact on the total cost. A custom-built pool will inevitably cost more than a single-shell pool that arrives ready-made in your garden. This is the trade-off for your total creative freedom! Your location: the relief of the land and the geological composition of the soil are constraints not to be overlooked when it comes to setting up your pool. Earthworks may need to be taken into account when calculating your budget. Orientation: opt for a sunny spot to get the most out of your pool without getting cold. Choose a location sheltered from the wind and, above all, from prying eyes. It's essential to maintain your privacy while swimming. Integration with the environment and style of your home: To enhance the value of your property, your pool must be in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Choose the right materials for your outdoor fittings.

Navigating between different materials

Several choices are available. The various construction techniques include poured concrete, panels to be assembled or shells to be laid. Each solution has its advantages and disadvantages. To help you make your decision, remember that the more you know about a few key principles, the more successful your pond will be.
Durability. Concrete offers the best guarantees of durability. Cast, shotcrete, reinforced concrete or formwork can all be used. The advantage is that the structure remains less sensitive to ground movements than hulls, for example. Not that hulls don't perform well, but in the event of cracks, the pool "takes on water"! Polyester is the most widely used and least expensive material, proving to be highly resistant, rot-proof and perfectly watertight.
Unlike concrete pools, polyester pools can be installed in less than a week. Although pool shell installation is quick and easy, it must be carried out by professionals. The main disadvantage of a concrete pool is the construction time, which takes between two weeks and two months.
Expect to pay a minimum of €20,000 for a traditional concrete pool and €30,000 for an infinity pool. If you're on a tighter budget, you can find a polyester shell pool for as little as €10,000!

It's possible to have a pool in the city!
The XXS-size pool has all the advantages of a large one. In concrete or kit form, round or rectangular, it can be fitted with a wide range of accessories (counter-current swimming system, massage nozzles...).

Peace of mind all year round

To get the most out of your pool, you'll need a variety of equipment: heating system, cover or tarpaulin? With a heat pump or solar panels, you'll be able to swim more often, but the investment won't be the same! Don't forget the cover, which is an essential investment both for safety and to protect the purity of the water. A roller shutter is the practical solution for preserving water quality and ensuring safety. It's less expensive than a pool enclosure. In fact, pool enclosure prices vary according to height and operating system. It all depends on whether they are fixed or sliding. A fixed system will require real construction work.

Swimming pool safety
Swimming pools must comply with certain standards, and there are a number of approvals that must be respected to reduce the risk of accidents in swimming pools:
- Standard NF P90-306 for protective barriers,
- Standard NF P90-307 for pool alarms,
-NF P90-308 standard for safety covers and hooking devices,
- NF P90-309 standard for pool shelters.

Stéphanie Swiklinski