Pool Party
That first jump into the crystal clear water of your own swimming pool is a treasured moment. But how do you choose a pool appropriate for your needs and available space?
Location
The position of your pool will influence the feel of the immediate area. Think about whether you require shade, wind or privacy and consider the views of the surrounding landscape. Try to fit your pool somewhere that will encompass all your aesthetic requirements. An L-shaped house with the pool nestled centrally in the angle of the L will reinforce the connection between indoors and out.
Form or function?
Will you use your pool for exercise or entertaining? For exercise, a rectangular or lap-style pool is ideal. A pool bar and stools are great choices for entertaining. Add a gazebo nearby or use a covered veranda for al fresco dinners. Lighting within and around your pool will create atmosphere and a stunning focal point after dark, when the element of water will take its magical effect.
Pools can create stunning features in or outside homes. The top floor, exclusive, split-level suite in the Nhow Milano Hotel in Italy surprises with an eccentric and private 16-metre swimming pool with a glass bottom that doubles as the liquid ceiling for the suite’s living room below, giving unique lighting.
Exercise pools and resistance swimming
In recent years, these new small swim systems (usually about 2.5m x 5m) have gained popularity. The swimmer swims in place, either against the push of an artificially generated water current, or the pull of restraining devices.
Infinity pools
An infinity or negative edge pool appears to go on forever, blending into the sea or landscape beyond. Particularly impressive when the invisible edge appears to merge with the ocean or sky such as when located on the side of a hill or mountain. The visual effect of the water overflowing and extending to the horizon or to ‘infinity’ is stunning to behold and creates a beautiful illusion.
The overflowing effect is enhanced when the edgeless parts of the pool are located over high ground that drops away.
An infinity pool is also admired for its reflective ability, looks stunning at night and creates a wonderful romantic environment. In reality, the edge of the pool is below the water level, the water spilling into a trough from where it is pumped back into the pool.
Splash
Water can be both exhilarating and therapeutic. Do not forget the soothing effect the sound of water has. Create a splash with waterfalls or jets spraying arcs over your pool. A garden can be transformed aesthetically with calming trickles and cascades of moving water, ensuring a comforting and relaxing effect.
The edge
Take a look at Patricia Jordan’s gardening tips (page 44) and remember to landscape the area surrounding the pool with lush trees, shrubs or flowering plants. Integrate the pool and landscaping so both relate to the home’s architecture.
Size
Length: Most pools in the world are measured in metres and world records are only recognised when swum in 50 metre pools. This is due to the fact the shorter the pool, the faster the time for the same distance, as the swimmer gains speed from pushing off the wall after each turn at the end of the pool.
Depth: The depth of a swimming pool depends on its purpose. A casual, relaxing pool starts from 1.0 to 2.5 metres deep. If it is for diving, a pool may go from 3 to 4.5 metres. A children’s pool may be from 30 cm to 1.2 metres deep.
Types of Pool Heating
Pool Boiler: Oil or gas-fired boiler, usually sited in a pool plant house nearby. They are simple to install, operate and maintain.
Electric Heater: The pool water is pumped through the heater, fitted with a thermostat to pre-determine pool water temperature. Expensive to run, so it is worth using off-peak rates, if possible, but cheap and simple to install.
Heat Pump: This device extracts heat from the surrounding air and diverts it into the pool water. Its energy source is electricity and it can produce up to four or five times the amount of energy it consumes. More suitable for hot climates where temperatures are higher. Installed in or near the plant room.
Solar Systems: Environmentally concerned pool owners are comforted by the fact that solar energy is renewable and non-polluting. But solar pool heating systems do require a large initial investment. A properly-sized system, with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, can pay for itself in about three years. South facing solar systems require fewer panels than east or west facing ones.
A solar heating system used in conjunction with a pool cover, which results in energy savings of about 70 per cent can increase the amount of months of your swim season. A back-up heater may be required to boost the temperature.
Filtration
Pool water must be filtered to remove solid particles and provide a clean, clear and sparkling pool. Outdoor pools especially need good filtration to remove leaves, sand and other debris. Water is drawn from the pool by an electric pump, forced through a filter and returned to the pool.
