We all know that the weather in the UK is a bit hit and miss. So, you may not have thought about having a swimming pool in your garden. Or you could have quickly dismissed the idea because you don’t think it’s worth it. But with simple versions starting from around £3,000, installing a garden swimming pool doesn’t need to be a pricey pipe dream. And there are more benefits than you might think to having your own pool.
In fact, if you’re one of the many families attempting to fill and empty an inflatable pool each summer or are one that makes regular trips to the local leisure center or beach, then it could make a lot of sense. To help you weigh up the pros and cons of building a garden swimming pool, lets take a look at the benefits, types and considerations involved.
What are the benefits of garden swimming pools?
The first benefit is that a garden swimming pool adds value to your home. Although there’s a lot of debate around whether a swimming pool does add value, it undoubtedly will if you live in an affluent area that’s popular with families. However, value shouldn’t just be measured in monetary terms. After all, this may be your forever home.
The true value of a pool comes from what you get out of having it. And there’s little question that a swimming pool can have a positive impact on your family’s life. For starters, it promotes healthy living by increasing the amount of exercise you get. And if you’re currently travelling miles to go to a public swimming pool, it’s going to make it much easier to get enough exercise each week.
In the summer, there will be no need to plan visits around when the pool is quiet and if there’s a heatwave, you’ve got a handy place to cool off. Kids find swimming pools great fun to play in but they can also be a good place for adults to relax and unwind too. Water is known to be good for mental health. It soothes us and boosts our mood. So, how handy would it be to just open the back door and take a dip when work gets too stressful?
What type of swimming pool should I build?
The first thing to decide is whether you want an above or below ground pool. As there’s no need for digging and as they can be bought as a kit, above ground pools are typically cheaper and easier to install. However, they don’t have the same luxurious feel as a below ground pool. These can be edged with attractive decking or tiles, making them look more like a chic hotel pool.
If you’re happy with an off-the-shelf size or shape of pool then a steel or fiberglass version will be simplest to sink into the ground. But if you’re after something a little more bespoke, you may want to go with a concrete version. With this type of pool you can build different sections to different depths, so it suits various activities such as lounging, paddling and swimming.
The size of your garden and the function of the pool might determine the type you choose. For instance, if you don’t have the space for a full-size pool, you might go for a plunge pool instead. These can be built with steps and an integrated bench, so you can sit in the pool and relax. This makes them great for wellness routines and cooling off in hot weather. But if you’re more of an active type, then you may fancy a lap or resistance pool instead. Both of these enable you to swim and exercise without needing a full-size pool.
Another option is to build a natural pool. Instead of using chemicals and filters, the pool water can be managed with biological filters and aquatic plants. Often known as swimming ponds, they’re a more natural-looking pool that you can surround with lots of tall plants and grasses to create a peaceful and wildlife-friendly oasis.
What should I consider before installing one?
Of course, before you make any decisions about having a garden swimming pool, it’s good to consider a few important factors. The first is the availability of swimming pool specialists in your area. Even if you decide to install it yourself, it’s worth consulting the experts to be sure you’re going with the right pool option and are siting it in the best place.
You should also bear in mind that there will be maintenance and running costs associated with a swimming pool. So, you need to be sure you have the budget for these. There may also be added extras to consider. For instance adding pool heating or an enclosure will make it better for all-weather use. You may also need covers fitting for safety when it’s not in use.
