Are you thinking of adding a swimming pool to your home? Understanding the swimming pool construction process is essential before diving in. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps involved in creating your dream oasis.
From choosing the right type of pool to planning and design, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the construction process. If you want to add a swimming pool to your home in Sussex or Surrey, our expert team can help. Get in touch for a free consultation and to understand the options available.
Types of swimming pools
Standard/traditional swimming pools
Standard swimming pools are typically rectangular and built using various materials, including concrete, fibreglass, and eco-friendly materials such as HeatForm. The construction process involves several steps, such as excavation, plumbing installation, and pouring of the pool’s foundation.
Natural swimming pools
Natural swimming pools, also known as eco-friendly pools, offer a chemical-free and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional swimming pools. With their unique design and filtration system, natural swimming pools provide a refreshing and sustainable way to enjoy the water.
At Hydrocare, we offer HeatForm swimming pools made from 100% recycled plastic and use up to 50% less energy. We can also install air or ground-source heat pumps to make the pool more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Indoor swimming pools
If you’re considering adding an indoor swimming pool to your home, you’ll enjoy year-round swimming and the convenience of having a pool in your own home. With an indoor pool, you won’t have to worry about the weather affecting your swimming plans.
Initial considerations before building a swimming pool
Are you thinking about building a swimming pool? Before you add an indoor or outdoor swimming pool, there are a few essential factors to consider.
Where to build a swimming pool
When deciding where to build a swimming pool, consider available space and proximity to utility lines. You want to ensure you have enough room for the pool and additional features like a deck or patio. It’s crucial to check for underground utilities to avoid potential damages or disruptions during construction.
Budgeting
Budgeting for your swimming pool can be a challenging task, but it’s essential to carefully consider your financial resources before making any decisions. Here are four key aspects that impact the cost of your pool:
- Pool size: The size of your pool will significantly impact the overall cost. Larger pools require more materials and labour, resulting in higher expenses.
- Pool type: The type of pool you choose also affects your budget. An inground swimming pool tends to be more expensive than an above-ground pool, as it requires excavation and additional construction work.
- Additional features: Consider the additional features you want for your pool, such as lighting, landscaping, and changing rooms. These add-ons can significantly increase the swimming pool cost, so prioritise what is most important to you.
- Maintenance and running costs: Consider ongoing maintenance expenses when budgeting for your pool. This includes chemicals, cleaning equipment, water testing kits, and potential repairs. Make sure to factor in these costs to ensure you can properly maintain your pool in the long run.
Permission and regulations
To ensure compliance with local regulations and receive the necessary permission, you should consult with your local government before starting any pool construction. Each local council may have specific rules and requirements for constructing a swimming pool. You can avoid any potential legal issues and ensure a smooth construction process by consulting with them.
When instructing a professional swimming pool company, they’ll be able to help you with all of the permissions and regulations needed to ensure it’s compliant. At Hydrocare, we project manage the whole pool build, meaning you don’t have to worry about applying for various permissions; we’ll sort this out for you.
Planning and design
After settling on the location and type of pool, several crucial pool design elements must be considered.
- Factor in the primary use of the pool, whether it’s for leisurely family swims, athletic training, or an aesthetic feature for your property. This decision can dictate its size, depth, and shape.
- Safety should be paramount, especially if children or elderly members frequent the pool, necessitating features like non-slip surfaces or a pool cover is an important consideration.
- Integrating the pool’s aesthetic with the larger landscape or home architecture is vital, ensuring it feels like a natural extension rather than an afterthought.
Steps in the construction process
Discover how to build a swimming pool; this step-by-step guide focuses on traditional concrete swimming pool construction methods; if you’re choosing a HeatForm or fibreglass pool, these steps may differ slightly.
Site survey and preparation
The first step in building a swimming pool is conducting a site survey to assess the area and determine the necessary preparations. Before digging can start, evaluating the site for any potential obstacles or challenges that may impact the construction process is crucial.
Excavation
Excavation involves digging a hole in the ground to create the shape and size of your swimming pool. This step involves using heavy machinery like diggers to remove the soil and create a level surface.
Laying the foundation
Laying a level foundation is crucial in a swimming pool build as it ensures structural integrity and prevents uneven settling, which could lead to cracks and potential leaks in the pool over time. A properly levelled foundation contributes to the pool’s aesthetic appeal and longevity.
Waterproofing
A waterproofing membrane must be applied to your pool’s concrete foundation to ensure a watertight seal. This crucial step will protect your pool from leaks and damage, ensuring its longevity and functionality.
Installing plumbing and filtration systems
A professional pool designer will design a plumbing and filtration system that meets your needs and requirements. They will guide you in selecting the appropriate pipes, pumps, and filters. Once the layout is finalised, they will proceed with the installation.
Finishing touches
This is the exciting part when your pool starts to come to life. Your chosen construction company will begin to add your patio or decking and work on any landscaping you’re having done. Your pool lighting will also be added at this stage, as will any other aesthetic additions. You can start to think about the right seating and sun loungers to complement your pool.
Filling the pool
The final step is to fill the pool. Your swimming pool builders will fill the pool with water and add chemicals or saltwater solutions to ensure it is clean and safe.
Duration of the construction process
It’s essential to consider the duration of the swimming pool construction process before making any decisions. Building a pool requires time and planning, so it’s crucial to clearly understand how long the process may take.
You can expect your pool build to take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Remember that these durations can vary depending on various factors, such as the size and complexity of the pool, weather conditions, and any unexpected challenges that may arise. By having a realistic timeline in mind, you can plan accordingly and ensure a smooth construction process.
Start your swimming pool construction journey
Ready to add your swimming pool to your home? Speak to our team today about our indoor and outdoor pools in Sussex. We can help you understand, design, and construct your dream pool. Contact us on 01444236578 or enquiries@hydrocare.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
