There’s nothing we like better than a little bit Outdoor swimmingAnd while it’s lovely to head to the countryside for a spot Wild swimmingThere are few more luxuries than having a swimming pool at home.
If you’re thinking of designing your own swimming pool at home, take a look at this expert advice from director of Jack Harding. Guncast swimming poolAnd then scroll down for our favorite swimming pool ideas from the archives. And don’t forget to check us out Outdoor Furniture Shopping Guide For a range of stylish loungers and parasols.
Six tips to help you plan your swimming pool project
- Even if you don’t live in a conservation area or listed building, you will still need to get planning permission for your swimming pool.
- If you want a pool for summer, you need to start thinking about it before fall and build it by spring. Complex designs take around 16 to 20 weeks to produce.
- A cover is important for retaining heat in your pool. I would recommend an automatic cover that works at the push of a button, as manual covers are cumbersome and take two or three people to fit.
- There is a misconception that deeper is better. Flat-bottomed pools generally suit the whole family, but if you want a diving end, the minimum depth is 2.2 metres.
- Natural stones such as limestone dissolve in pool chemicals, but porcelain tiles are nearly indestructible and can be indistinguishable from natural stone.
- Chlorine is aggressive and gives the pool a chemical smell. Other primary disinfection systems, such as ozone, use less chlorine. It kills bacteria and chlorine-resistant microorganisms, and also reduces pool chemical costs.
