Swimming Pools

 

Swimming pools are one of the most popular features of a home. Many home buyers specifically look for them when buying a home.

 

If your home doesn’t already have a swimming pool, you should consider installing one as it will make a huge difference to the value of your property.

 

Because these pools are installed rather than built they are more economical than in-ground pools. The most basic above-ground pools, requiring no filtration equipment will cost as little as a few hundred Rand to R2 000. Larger, more elaborate above-ground pools with filtration equipment will cost anything between R10 000 to R20 000, excluding extras like decking, landscaping and accessories. Above-ground pools can be installed in a matter of hours or a few days.

Design and construction costs generally make in-ground pools more expensive to build. In-ground pools with minimal paving start at around R25 000. More elaborate designs will cost anything between R40 000 to R100 000.  The choice of pool design, building materials, patio materials, landscaping, lighting and extra features such as fountains are all cost factors to consider when constructing a pool. An in-ground pool takes anywhere from three to twelve weeks depending on the complexity of the project.

 

Swimming pools come in a variety of materials, some requiring more maintenance than others. The largest maintenance expense is a pool's interior finish. Vinyl lined pools last approximately 15 years, painted concrete needs a new coat approximately every five years while a plaster finish may last 10-15 years.

These swimming pools have been available for many years and remain a popular choice. Once the hole has been dug and steel reinforcing placed in position, the entire inside surface is sprayed, at high pressure, with a cement/sand mixture. Once the gunite has cured (after about 5 days) the shell is finished with marble plaster (marbelite) which is available in a number of colours and is also watertight. Installation takes about 2 weeks and is easy to maintain.

Concrete swimming pools are constructed by packing concrete onto the steel reinforcing. A mixture of cement, washed river sand and stone is used. These swimming pools are usually finished with marble plaster and are extremely strong. Installation takes about 4-6 weeks and is easy to maintain.

The main advantages of a factory-made fibreglass swimming pool (moulded in one seamless piece) are speed and convenience. The shell is delivered to the site, is quickly and simply installed and because of its ultra-smooth surface, is easy to clean. These shells traditionally come in blue, but today one is able to order them in black or white too. It takes about 1-2 weeks to install and requires maintenance.

 

Comparatively inexpensive, vinyl-lined swimming pools have come a long way since the introduction of the above-ground PVC swimming pools. Computerised equipment is able to produce a tough, long-lasting vinyl lining that will fit any shape. The basic pool structure is either built with bricks and blocks, with modular galvanized steel panels or with glass fibre reinforced cement panels. Installation takes about 2-3 weeks and requires some maintenance.

 

 

Before installing a swimming pool it is important to establish the main objective for having a pool. Do you just want to cool off on a hot summer’s day or will you be using your swimming pool to swim laps every morning?

 

Play Pool:A play pool is typically no deeper than 1.5 meters. Play pools are generally built for cooling off and relaxing in.

Freeform Pool:A freeform pool is a lagoon style or natural looking pool. It usually has a rock feature and is built to mimic an oasis.

Geometric Pool:Geometric pools usually have straight lines or a consistent radius and are typically more traditional looking. A geometric pool can be more formal and upscale looking.

Lap Pool:Lap pools are typically narrow and long to facilitate exercise and swimming for health and fitness.

Infinity Edge Pool:Infinity edge pools are designed to look like the pool extends all the way out to the horizon.

Perimeter Overflow Pool:This would be a pool where the water level in the pool is the same as the top of the decking around the pool. Around the pool perimeter is a channel that the water drains into creating a visual masterpiece.

Spool:The word spool is a combination of spa and pool. Spools are typically just oversized spas.

 

An alternative to the traditional chlorine or chlorinated pool is available. Salt-chlorinated pools that use salt instead of chlorine have become a popular choice for homeowners when installing a new pool. Salt chlorinated pools are not chlorine-free pools, it uses a chlorine generator that produces chlorine.

 

To convert your pool from a chlorinated pool to a salt chlorinated pool is fairly simple. A salt chlorinator system consists of three major items; the power supply controller, the chlorinator cell and the transformer. These items can either be bought in a DIY kit with easy to understand instructions or if you prefer, can be fitted by most pool contractors.

 

The advantages of a salt chlorinated pool includes being healthier for you, less expensive to maintain and is better for the environment. Pool maintenance is also easier, so you're able to keep your swimming pool looking great with much less hassle. The water in a salt chlorinated pool feels much softer on your skin.

 

Safety is a number one concern for pool owners. Proper enclosures and supervision are a must at all times to ensure the safety of children, pets and wildlife that may wander near the pool. Many specialty safety products are available on the market, including water alarms, safety covers and personal safety accessories like life jackets and pool floats.

 

Non Slip Materials: Ensure that the area around your pool is built from non-slip material (paving is ideal) and that there is safe access both into and out of the water via steps or a ladder.

Fencing: Your wall or fence around your pool should be at least 1.2m high and constructed in a way that small children can’t climb through or over it. The gate should be a self-closing one.

Safety Covers:Safety covers are tight-fitting covers that are pulled taut around the pool's perimeter and held in place with hooks or stakes located around the pool. These covers withstand huge weights and allow rain water to drain while keeping debris out.