Having a pool in your backyard is a dream for many. While many consider it unattainable, it’s a possible dream: there are numerous solutions, suitable for all budgets and needs. It’s natural to think that if you have a small backyard, fitting one in is a challenge.
Historical notes on the swimming pool
Their popularity began in the early 20th century, with numbers fluctuating over time, reflecting the economic boom of the period. Their presence in homes was synonymous with well-being and affluence, so much so that America has the highest number of bathtubs in the country, followed by France. They have often been the backdrop for art, cinema, and even architecture, appearing in both films and paintings. They have also been the subject of studies by great designers such as Rem Koolhaas.
How to get the pool of your dreams
The first thing to do, even with a limited budget, is to rely on good planning, which combines both aesthetic and practical aspects and is able to anticipate any inconveniences and spending limits.
Designing a swimming pool in the garden
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A detailed study of the space and shape of the pool is vital to get off to a good start. The contrast of the blue pool and the green grass will transform your garden into an oasis of relaxation and pure enjoyment.
From a design perspective, it’s important to understand the nature of the terrain on which you intend to build the pool. For example, avoid building too close to trees, given the problem of root growth. The hardness of the soil must also be considered; if it isn’t compact enough, it could lead to subsidence. Finally, any natural slopes of the terrain must be considered.
Characteristics to Consider During Design
Below are the key points for a successful pool.
The location of the pool, considering distances, the orientation of the house and garden, and any existing vegetation;
The dimensions: based on the available space, the average number of people using it, but also the amount of water and system you intend to have;
Shape: Depending on whether it’s used for sports or recreational purposes, the shape can vary significantly, being more or less regular and traditional.
Depth: When designing a pool, varying depths are always considered. For a family pool, the minimum depth is 120 cm, up to a maximum of 180 or 220 cm if a diving board is planned.
Accessories: These depend on the user’s needs, but the most common ones to consider when designing the pool are access ladders, any poolside showers, and any poolside waterfalls.
The recycling system is essential for recovering pool water, cleaning it with filters, and recirculating it.
How to choose the size of your pool
To meet everyone’s needs, there are different types of pools: standard, large pools, lap pools, mini-pools, and urban pools. Each pool has its own standard dimensions.
Standard pools:
Pool with a surface area of 21 square meters, or 7×3 meters;
Pool with a surface area of 32 square meters, or 8×4 meters;
Pool with a surface area of 36 square meters, or 9×4 meters;
Large pools:
Pool with a surface area of 200 square meters, or 20×10 meters;
Pool with a surface area of 72 square meters, or 12×6 meters;
Pool with a surface area of 40 square meters, or 10×4 meters;
Lap pools:
Pool with a surface area of 18 square meters, or 6×3 meters;
Pool with a surface area of 15 square meters, or 5×3 meters;
Documents needed to start the work
From a legislative standpoint, the specific regulations for building a swimming pool vary from region to region. In any case, a formal application must be submitted to the Municipality. The type of application required is a DIA (Information Notice of Commencement of Work), which must be submitted within 30 days of the start of construction. This must include drawings showing the pool’s location, materials and colors used, and distances from the property and its boundaries, in compliance with the building regulations in force in your municipality. Before undertaking a project of this size and cost, it’s a good idea to inquire about any landscape restrictions in your area that may be relevant for environmental, architectural, historical, or hydrological reasons.
Costs to be incurred for the construction of a swimming pool
As mentioned, costs can depend on multiple factors: size, shape, and the materials used to line the sides. It can also depend on stylistic elements, the filtration system, the pool edge finishes, and the soil conditions where it will be installed.
So how much does it cost to build a swimming pool?
To give a rough estimate, starting with a small in-ground pool (3.5 meters per side and 1.2 meters deep), made of blue PVC and with a traditional sand filtration system, the price is approximately €3,000. This price, however, does not include any external cladding and the pool deck.
Types of swimming pools
The market offers various pool solutions: in-ground, above-ground, freestanding, and whirlpool. Design and construction costs vary depending on the pool and its size.
In-Ground Pools
Building an in-ground pool, as we’ve seen previously, involves a bureaucratic process that undoubtedly increases construction time. Added to this is the time required for architects to design the pool, who will need to conduct one or more site visits to present a design that can accommodate both the landscaped areas and the pool within the same space. Construction involves excavating the site for the pool, laying the foundation, laying the floors and side walls, installing the water filtration and reuse system, and choosing the materials for the pool’s floor and walls.
Above-Ground and Rigid Pools
Above-ground pools are an excellent alternative to in-ground pools. These are made with rigid panels made of various materials: steel, wood, composite material, or, for a more modern look, resin-coated steel. Their practicality lies in the fact that they can be left in the garden year-round; there’s no need to dismantle them in the winter. Unlike the above-mentioned pools, these types of pools do not require a permit for construction, which reduces costs and bureaucratic procedures that can slow down, if not halt, construction.
They also offer a much more affordable price, and given their widespread availability, they are available in all shapes and sizes. They also feature a fixed filtration system.
Materials for swimming pools
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As mentioned, swimming pool materials can be varied: wood, stone, PVC, and resin.
Wooden Pool Lining
Wood is an excellent, natural material, primarily used for exterior cladding, both for above-ground and in-ground pools, because it blends seamlessly with the space and surrounding nature. The wood types used are treated to be water- and aging-resistant. Furthermore, this material requires virtually no maintenance over time.
Among the most commonly used wood types is rattan, a particularly flexible wood used for furniture such as armchairs and seats. Synthetic rattan is used for swimming pools to create natural pool surrounds that are resistant to sun and weather.
The Use of Marble in Swimming Pools
A second popular material is marble, especially in in-ground pools. The wide range of marbles available allows you to customize the pool surround and sunbathing area to your liking. Furthermore, marble is highly water-resistant and virtually indestructible.
PVC Pool Lining
The most widely used and widely used material is PVC, thanks to its attractive appearance and affordable price. This material is favored over others for its excellent ductility: it adapts to all types of pools, adapting to different shapes and sizes. It is a sturdy material, resistant to tearing and weathering. This material has also made a significant leap in aesthetics, becoming available in a variety of colors and offering greater customization options.
Ceramic as a Pool Lining
Ceramic is the most classic material used for pool linings. It is prized for its durability and the multitude of solutions it offers. Compared to PVC, this solution requires longer production times and higher costs, but it has the advantage of being much more durable and offering a much more striking aesthetic.
A Natural-Effect Pool
If you’re looking for a natural look, two pool linings are suitable: natural stone and a mixture of pebbles, mortar, and paint.
The use of natural stone is a relatively new solution in recent years. Those who choose stone slabs do so because they seek an aesthetic effect that best harmonizes with the surrounding environment and the natural landscape. The most commonly used stones are slate and quartzite, which do not absorb excessive water and are considered non-slip. For these characteristics, they are often used for solarium or poolside cladding.
The second type of material used for a natural effect is to use special blends of pebbles, stones, and quartz. The result is a sticky mixture used like plaster on the pool walls. Once installed, the resulting effect is a smooth, homogeneous wall.
Alternatively, paints can be used. This is probably the most adaptable solution for most surfaces and shapes, and is available in any color. They are composed of epoxy-based resins that resist wear and tear and withstand contact with water.
In conclusion, the dream of a pool in your garden is no longer an impossibility. Of course, there are many factors and variables to consider, but with the help of industry experts and designers, you can transform your garden into an oasis of pure relaxation.