If happiness is as simple as a breaststroke, embarking on a pool project requires some preparation. First, you'll need to choose the type of pool, and there are many manufacturers on the market. Then you'll need to choose the pool's dimensions and equipment, and find its place in the garden. You'll also need to take into account certain unavoidable deadlines related to administrative formalities and the timescales inherent to the construction phase. Finally, to fully enjoy your pool, certain peripheral equipment can improve its comfort of use.
Choosing your type of swimming pool and its location
Choosing the right in-ground pool isn't always easy. There are many different manufacturing processes, and there are two main categories:
– Lightweight structures: steel pool structure and polyester shell pools.
– Heavy structures: This category includes pools that contain a significant amount of concrete. These include traditional pools built with concrete blocks, shotcrete pools, poured concrete pools, and modular pools.
The modular swimming pool with recycled polypropylene panels filled with concrete, straight from the Desjoyaux patent filed in 1983, has won many votes thanks to its ease of installation and its resistance over time.
Once you've chosen your builder, it's time to consider the size of your in-ground pool, its features, and the space it will occupy in your garden. The size of the pool must be consistent with the terrain and local PLU regulations.
When to build your swimming pool
Building a swimming pool can take time and it is necessary to take into account the construction phase, which can last for a longer or shorter period depending on the volume of activity of the builder's various trades.
To be able to enjoy your pool from the start of summer, it's best to have it built in advance. Starting your project between September and April ensures you'll be able to enjoy it as soon as the first nice weather arrives. Professionals are then more available, and the construction project can proceed smoothly.
Procedures and laws in force
Any construction of an in-ground swimming pool requires consultation and compliance with the PLU regulations applicable to the area concerned by the project. This document will provide you with information on the regulatory separation distances from public roads or neighbors.
- Any swimming pool with a surface area between 10 m² and 100 m² is subject to a prior declaration of work. The processing time for the application is 1 month.
- Any swimming pool with a surface area greater than 100 m² or any swimming pool with a surface area greater than or equal to 10 m² and with a fixed or movable cover greater than 180 cm high is subject to a building permit application. The processing time is 2 months.
- Only swimming pools with a surface area of less than 10 m² and not located in a heritage site, near historic monuments or in a listed site are exempt from administrative formalities.
It will also be necessary to comply with the safety law of January 1, 2004. Since this date, all unenclosed, private, outdoor in-ground swimming pools for individual or collective use must be equipped with a safety device designed to prevent drowning.
Equipment to increase user comfort
Certain equipment allows you to optimize the comfort of using the swimming pool and fully enjoy the joys of water.
To simplify pool use, there are automated treatment equipment such as salt chlorinators and pH regulators. Then there are robots that simplify pool cleaning operations.
In terms of user comfort, the heat pump allows you to bathe in water at the right temperature.
Owners who equip their outdoor swimming pool with a pool enclosure, a roller shutter or a bar cover will benefit, in addition to the safety aspect, from certain intrinsic advantages of the product:
– Temperature gain of up to 10°C thanks to the greenhouse effect of the shelter
– Protection of the swimming pool from external pollution and therefore a reduction in maintenance costs.
