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Swimming pools and spas

Swimming in your own pool is no longer a luxury reserved for the happy few. In 2007, there were one million three hundred thousand private pools in France. From 100 euros for an inflatable model to 65,000 euros for a traditional top-of-the-range pool, there is something to suit every budget and taste. Before making your dream come true and becoming one of the new pool owners (45,000 in France every year), it is important to ask the right questions. Which type of pool should you choose? above ground or inground, do-it-yourself or ready to dive in? For serious swimmers or for fun and relaxation? Environment-friendly? And why not a spa? Each type of pool has different features involving different constraints and administrative requirements. Some pools are easy to install, while others require specialised workmanship. Costs vary accordingly.  Let&rsquos take a closer look before you take the plunge.

In France, 55% of all pools are above ground.  They only take a few hours to install. They don&rsquot need to be declared to the authorities if they have a surface area of less than 10 sq.m. and are not erected outdoors for more than 3 months per year. You can choose from inflatable above-ground pools, hard or soft frame pools and metal, resin or wood surround pools, Cheaper than inground pools, they are often an impulse buy and the first step towards construction.

Inground pools are another alternative and enhance the value of a property. Before you begin digging, you will need to consult the land use plan and local town planning regulations. If the pool has a surface area of less than 100 sq.m., is not covered or has a cover of less than 1m80, a simple declaration is sufficient. Otherwise, you will need to get planning permission from the local council. A ready-to-use conventional pool is installed by a professional and costs a minimum of 10,000 euros. Made of concrete, it offers considerable freedom in terms of shape and surface finish.  However many models exist in the form of do-it-yourself pools. These are the most popular of all and have a starting price of 3,000 euros. You can have a real pool at lower cost plus the satisfaction of having made it yourself. In between these two solutions is the one-piece polyester pool similar to a factory-moulded boat&rsquos hull. Its main qualities are durability and easy maintenance. It is best to have it installed by a professional.

The dimensions of your pool depend on what you want to do with it &ndash lap, relax or paddle with the kids. Hollywood size pools are a thing of the past in France. The latest trend is the mini-pool. The most popular size is 3.70 m by 7.50 m. Small building plots &ndash 500 sq.m. on average &ndash do not explain everything however. The preference is for small but better equipped pools. With the addition of wave balls, underwater lighting and speakers, they are perfect for having fun with the family or a drink with friends.

Lap pools are also highly prized. Both attractive and contemporary and reminiscent of a river canal, they help to keep you fit. Two to five metres wide, they vary in length from 8 to 25 metres. A good compromise is the pool spa. A combination of a spa with a relaxation and massage area and an endless swimming pool, it offers the best of both worlds. Easy to install with practically no excavation work and a water temperature of 34°C all year round, its popularity is easy to understand.

Increasing importance is being given to style and customisation. Freeform pools are designed to resemble a natural rock pool. Waterfalls, sand, rocks and vegetation are all used to create an idyllic environment. Small tiles have been supplanted by uniform coatings, large sheets of slate, dark coloured liners and grey stone pool borders. As a result, the pool blends in perfectly with the garden.

But natural does not necessarily mean environment-friendly. To have an organic pool, you need to invest in solar pool heaters and non-chemical treatment. Some pools are composed of two separate but connecting areas: a swimming area and a regeneration area where aquatic plants reside and clean the water.  The water is drinkable and doesn&rsquot need to be changed. The only maintenance needed is scooping up dead leaves! For true peace of mind, particular attention must be paid to safety standards. The French law of 3rd January 2003 requires that pools be equipped with one of the following four systems: a pool alarm (NF P 90307), a pool fence (NF P9006), a tarpaulin (NF P90 308) or a pool cover (NF P 90 309).
With so many different possibilities and such a large range of prices, having your own water world has become a realistic goal. So what will your choice be? A swimming pool or a spa?

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