Having a pool at your house can be a great luxury, especially during those hot summer months. It can be an area for relaxation, for exercise, or a focal point for social gatherings. However, a pool is also a significant investment, both in terms of initial cost and ongoing maintenance. In this guide, we’ll look at how you can design a pool that’s not just a beautiful addition to your home, but also requires minimal maintenance.
Consider the Design of the Pool
Before you start building a pool, it’s crucial to consider the design. The design will significantly influence how much work is needed to keep the pool clean and functional. A poorly designed pool can result in a lot of time, effort, and money spent on upkeep.
Rectangular pools are the easiest to maintain. This is because their simple shape makes it easier for automatic pool cleaners to navigate and clean the entire area. Pools with lots of curves or irregular shapes may have areas that are difficult for automatic cleaners to reach.
Depth is another factor to consider. Deeper pools require more water and chemicals to maintain. Unless you’re planning on diving or doing other water activities that require a deep pool, consider making your pool shallower to reduce maintenance costs.
Choose the Right Materials
The materials you choose for your pool can also impact how much maintenance it will require. Some materials are more durable and resistant to the elements, reducing the need for frequent repairs and renovations.
Concrete is a popular choice for pools because it’s durable and can be formed into any shape. However, concrete pools will require resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, which can be a significant cost.
Fiberglass is another option. Fiberglass pools are factory-moulded and then installed in your yard, which can make the installation process faster. They’re also smooth, which can reduce the amount of algae that sticks to the pool walls. On the downside, they are limited to the shapes and sizes offered by the manufacturer.
Build a Natural Swimming Pool
A relatively new concept in the world of pools, natural swimming pools, use plants and natural systems to filter and clean the water. This means fewer chemicals, which can not only save you money but also make the pool more environmentally friendly.
Natural swimming pools are designed to mimic natural bodies of water, with a swimming area and a separate regeneration area where plants clean the water. The plants create a healthy ecosystem in your pool, filtering out impurities and reducing the need for chemical treatments.
However, building a natural pool can be more complex than a traditional pool, as you’ll need to carefully balance the ecosystem to keep the water clean. You’ll also need a larger area, as the regeneration area typically needs to be roughly equal in size to the swimming area.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
While building a pool is a significant project, it’s possible to do it yourself if you’re handy and have the time. DIY can save you a considerable amount of money. However, you’ll need to carefully plan and manage the project, which can be a complex task.
If you’re considering going the DIY route, there are plenty of resources available to guide you through the process. This includes books, videos, and online forums where you can ask questions and get advice from people who have done it before.
On the other hand, hiring a professional pool builder can ensure that the job is done right, saving you time and potential headaches down the line. However, this will obviously add to the cost of the project.
Incorporate Pool Maintenance Features
There are several features you can incorporate into your pool design that can help reduce the amount of maintenance required.
For example, installing a pool cover can help keep debris out of the pool, reducing the amount of time you’ll need to spend cleaning. It can also help reduce evaporation, saving on water costs.
A robotic pool cleaner can also be a worthwhile investment. These devices can automatically clean your pool, saving you from the tedious task of manually vacuuming the pool floor.
Finally, a saltwater system can reduce the need for adding chlorine to the pool. Saltwater systems convert salt into chlorine, keeping the pool clean without the need for you to manually add chlorine.
Designing and building a pool that requires minimal maintenance is a significant project, but with careful planning and the right decisions, it’s an achievable goal. And the reward – a beautiful pool that you can enjoy without hours of upkeep – is well worth the effort.
The Importance of Planning Permission
Before you start constructing your swimming pool, you need to be aware that planning permission might be required. This is particularly true if you live in a conservation area or if your property is a listed building. In the UK, planning permission for pools is not always necessary, but it is crucial to check with your local council to be sure.
Planning permission is a legal requirement that ensures that any new construction, including swimming pools, hot tubs and pool houses, does not negatively impact the local area or its inhabitants. If you fail to get the necessary permissions, you could be forced to demolish the pool and could also face hefty fines.
Since each council might have different rules, you should always check with your local authority before starting the pool construction. Also, consider hiring a professional, such as a blue cube pool specialist, who is familiar with the local regulations and can guide you through the process.
Remember, even if you don’t need planning permission for the pool itself, you may need it for additional features such as a pool house or a fence around the pool area. Also, if you decide to heat your pool, you may need to comply with the UK’s energy efficiency regulations.
Designing a Luxury Swimming Pool
Designing a luxury swimming pool is not just about the pool itself but also about the surroundings. Since the pool will become a significant feature of your garden, it needs to fit seamlessly into the rest of your landscape design.
For a luxury swimming pool, consider designing a pool area that includes a plunge pool or a hot tub. A plunge pool is a shallow pool that is ideal for cooling off in hot weather, while a hot tub can provide warmth and relaxation all year round.
Consider incorporating a pool house into your design. A pool house can provide a convenient place to change, store pool equipment, and even offer a place for guests to relax. It can add a touch of luxury to your pool area.
You might also want to consider adding a living pool to your design. A living pool is a natural pool that uses plants and microorganisms to purify the water. They can create a beautiful, tranquil atmosphere in your garden, making it feel like a natural oasis.
Also, consider the materials you use in your pool area. For instance, you might opt for high-quality stone for the pool edge or stylish wooden decking for the surrounding area.
Conclusion
Designing a low maintenance swimming pool in the UK involves several factors, such as selecting the right pool design, choosing durable materials, and considering natural swimming pools as an option. However, before you start building, it is essential to ensure that you have obtained the necessary planning permission from your local council.
Even a luxury swimming pool that requires minimal maintenance can save you both time and money in the long term. It’s about making smart choices during the planning and construction phase. From considering the shape and depth of the pool, the materials used, and incorporating pool maintenance features, with all these elements, you can design a pool that will give you all the benefits of a luxury swimming pool with a fraction of the effort.
Remember, whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional for your pool construction, ensure that every detail aligns with your vision of a perfect, low-maintenance pool. After all, a well-designed swimming pool can enhance your property’s appeal and provide endless enjoyment for you and your loved ones for years to come.