Into the blue

If you are struggling through the UK winter and are lucky enough to have a holiday home in the sun, or you live somewhere sweltering year round (lucky) - why not enhance your home by adding a swimming pool - TheMoveChannel pools resources and checks out the different options...

Choosing to have a swimming pool put in is a big decision. Not only are they something of an investment, they are large and will Change the appearance of your outside space considerably.

One of the obvious things to bear in mind when you choose your pool is the size of your garden, and how best to use the space. Pools come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from round to oval, rectangular and kidney-shaped designs.

Other things you will need to weigh up are the benefits of an in-ground pool versus an above ground pool.

As a general rule, in-ground pools tend to be more expensive, since they require a pit to be dug into the land. That said, they are typically less visually intrusive than an above ground pool because the water is at ground level.

There are four basic types of swimming pools; concrete pools, fibreglass pools, vinyl pools and above-ground pools. 

By far the most permanent and expensive pool is the concrete pool, which can cost £10,000 or more, depending on how elaborate you wish your pool to be.

The installation begins with the contractor excavating the site. Many owners place ceramic tile around the perimeter of the pool, and down below the water line, to give a clean, finished look.

Expect this process to take around 12 weeks to finish, and expect your garden to be a mess until the process is finished.

The fibreglass pool is a cheaper option, and is a one piece insert that is placed into the ground. For this type of installation, you must have room for a flat bed truck and a crane to access your property. Installation of a fibreglass pool is far quicker than with a concrete one.

Above ground pools

Installing an above ground swimming pool in your garden is relatively simple and very fast. There is often no need for the complex ground work that an in ground pool would require. Today's above ground swimming pools are robust, economical and surprisingly easy to assemble, and are ideal for properties that don't have room for an in-ground pool.

Many of these larger pools are fitted with decking for sunbathing and pool lounging, and many accessories are available.

One of the nicest features of an above-ground pool is that removing the ladder helps to insure that unattended small children or pets will not fall into the pool.

The best part about above ground pools is their flexibility. These structures can easily be moved if you ever decide to sell your home, and because above ground pools are not permanent structures, you will not be required to get planning permission.

This means the moment you decide on a pool, you can buy one without having to worry about whether or not your project will be given the green light.

If you are looking for a pool that will match well with your current landscape, wooden pools blend in nicely.

Metal framed swimming pools, on the other hand, are more flexible and easier to install. Splasher pools are the most inexpensive option of the three and are a great choice for pool owners with small children.

A metal frame pool can cost as little as £150, whilst wooden above ground pools cost usually cost upwards of £2000.

The website www.gardenadventure.co.uk has an above ground metal framed pool available in three different sizes, starting at £189.

Finding the right pool for you is simply a matter of deciding your needs and your budget.

Picture by cadmanof50s