A swimming pool is the ideal feature in any summer-loving household but diving in and making the final decision can be a daunting task.
The purpose of your pool will have a major influence on what kind of pool you should install. Will you be using your pool to train to join the Olympics, or just to lay next to while you soak up some vitamin D, or is it going to be the central hub of entertainment for your children this summer? There are many factors to consider before installing your pool. Here is a list of considerations to make which may influence your final decision.
The Location
The site at which you plan to install your pool is very important. You will need to decide on the size, depth and shape of your pool. If you plan to have your children playing at the pool while you stay indoors, we highly recommend that you situate your pool in a position that you can see from inside the house. It’s also best to place the pool in maximum sunlight to keep the water warm. Large trees surrounding the pool will create too much shade and require a lot more cleaning with all those leaves falling in the Cape Town breeze.
Your Budget
When considering your pool installation, determine a clear budget. If you want to decrease your long-term costs, be sure to consider all your options. Some concrete pools involve constant maintenance, requiring acid washes every 3 – 5 years and plastered every 10 – 15 years. Vinyl-lined pools can wear down after time, resulting in punctures, so you should budget for repairs every 5 – 10 years. Fibreglass pools are low maintenance, never require re-plastering and often come with a structural warranty. See our post on fibreglass pools vs gunite pools for a more detailed comparison.
Pool Type: Traditional Concrete or Fibreglass?
Traditional concrete pools are typically thought of as being the strongest, most durable option, however technology advancements have resulted in fibreglass pools being the more popular choice.
Fibreglass pools require the least amount of maintenance on a daily or weekly basis. They are installed quickly, reducing overall costs, and installation can even be DIYed. Concrete pools on the other hand take longer to install—approximately 3 months—and are prone to algae growth due to its porous nature. Many companies coat their fibreglass pools with a gel coating allowing for algae to be easily wiped off. Fibreglass also maintains water quality with fewer chemicals than other pool types and repairs are done underwater, saving you from draining the water from your pool—this is ideal considering the water crisis in the Western Cape.
Concrete pools offer more flexibility in terms of shape, size and depth by allowing more customisation of the pool’s design. The interior can also be finished with marble plaster, tiles, pebbles and swimming pool paint among many other options. A similar thing can be said should you get your fibreglass pool from a company like Pools for Africa who have over 65 pool designs, 4 different colours and 2 mosaic design options. Once you’ve chosen your pool type, it is very important that you purchase your pool from a reputable company who has extensive industry experience.
The Pool’s Surroundings
What will go around your pool? Fencing, paving, landscaping or a pool deck? You’re really only limited by your imagination and budget. It’s important to remember that your pool will become your central entertainment area. People spend more time lounging beside the pool than in it so you should ensure that you allow for enough space to do so. Also ensure that the surrounding environment is conducive for relaxation—no one wants to sit under complete shade with birds dropping berries on their head. You will therefore need to consider what type of pool deck area you want to surround your pool – concrete, tiles, wood? The deck area will need outdoor furniture for optimal relaxation as well as lighting to add ambience to those midnight dips. See our post on ideas for upgrading your pool area.
Installing a pool can be a lot of work but with these considerations in mind you’re one step closer to enhancing your outdoor entertainment area. Installing a pool can also add value to your property both in the monetary sense and in terms of quality of living.
