6 essential points to consider before launching your swimming pool project

1 – Urban planning rules

There are several points to consider before starting the construction of the in-ground swimming pool.

IMPLEMENTATION

The first question to ask yourself when you want to start a swimming pool project is: "Where should I put my pool?" While it is advisable to choose a sunny location free of vegetation (to avoid polluting the future pool), it is necessary to consult the Local Urban Planning Plan (PLU) of the municipality.

LOCAL URBAN PLANNING PLAN

This document, available at the town hall, indicates the separation distances to be respected with the neighborhood and with the public highway. It is therefore more prudent to ensure that your project can take place where you want it. This will also allow you to determine the size of the pool and the dimensions of the beaches (depending on the available space).
Some swimming pools located in a protected area will also have to comply with color requirements (liner, paving)

2 – Type of construction

Once you have familiarized yourself with the town planning regulations, you can consider the type of construction you want. You will need to choose between a traditional masonry pool (which requires a technical room to house the sand filter), a shell pool (which requires easy access since it can be delivered in one piece to your land) or a modular kit pool which offers great freedom of shapes and dimensions (permanent formwork panels assembled together, reinforced and filled with concrete).

3 – Administrative formalities

Any construction of an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool (if it is intended to remain in place year-round) as long as the size is greater than 10 m² requires a prior declaration of work or a building permit.

THE PRIOR DECLARATION OF WORKS
It concerns constructions whose dimensions are between 10 m² and 100 m².

A BUILDING PERMIT
A building permit is required for any swimming pool larger than 100 m² or for any swimming pool (regardless of its size) covered by a shelter with a height greater than 1.80 m.
Acceptance times are between 1 and 2 months for the prior declaration of works and 2 months for the building permit.
Mini swimming pools smaller than 10 m² are exempt from administrative formalities.

More information on the administrative formalities to complete before building a swimming pool.

4 – Peripheral accessories

The length of the swimming season is always linked to the region where the pool is located. For example, in the south of France, the swimming season is longer than in the north.
To extend your swimming season, whatever your region, certain equipment is recommended:

• Heat pump,
• Pool shelter.

When it comes to pool maintenance , you can opt for a hydraulic or electric robot that will clean the pool for you.

5 – Pool maintenance

A well-maintained pool is a fun pool.
It is necessary to devote approximately 1 hour per week to maintaining your swimming pool:

• Addition of water treatment products,
• Checking pH and chlorine levels (or any other disinfectant)
• Pool cleaning.

It's important to understand that regular monitoring of pool parameters and cleaning will ultimately help limit the time spent in the pool. It goes without saying that having an autonomous electric or hydraulic robot will simplify the users' task.

6 – Safety device

Since Law No. 2003-9 of January 3, 2003 relating to swimming pool safety, all buried or semi-buried swimming pools must be equipped with a safety device meeting current safety standards:

• NF P 90-306: swimming pool barrier,
• NF P 90-307: swimming pool alarm,
• NF P 90-308: swimming pool cover,
• NF P 90-309: swimming pool shelter.

4 types of devices corresponding to 4 budgets (from immersion alarms to residential pool enclosures) can be chosen by future owners to protect access to their pool.