QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Is planning permission required for a swimming pool?

What factors should be considered when siting the pool and associated plant?

What is required regards water supply and drainage?

How can I maximize safety?

What are the options for pool heating?

What access for machinery is needed during construction?

What do I need to know about keeping water clean?

Planning Permission

A private open air swimming pool in the back garden of a domestic property in the UK does not usually require planning permission unless the property is listed, sited in a conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty or the pool is to have a permanent enclosure, when planning will certainly be required. We recommend that you contact your local authority in order to check the requirements of local legislation before proceeding with construction.

If the pool is to be enclosed or it is to be used for commercial purposes then both planning permission and building regulation approval are required.

Pool Location

Ideally site the pool well away from trees to avoid leaf debris. Trees, fences and walls may reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the pool area.

Ensure that NO electrical cables, water pipes, gas pipes, sewage pipes, underground phone lines or other obstructions run under the proposed location of the pool.

The filter plant should be enclosed and sited as close to the pool as possible, to protect it from the elements, help pump efficiency and reduce the cost of pipe work. The filtration plant should be installed on a level base, ideally at water level (avoid installing your filtration plant more than 300mm (12”) above water level), if this is not possible then no higher than the surrounding paving to avoid difficulties when priming the pump.

Availability of water supply

It is important that there is the facility of good water pressure near by and also a suitable discharge point for the disposal of waste water when regularly back washing the filter.

Safety

In the interests of safety the access to the pool should be from the shallow end and we also suggest that the pool area should be fenced off or safety cover installed to minimise the possibility of accidents occurring when the pool is unattended.

Heating

The availability of an adequate oil, gas or electricity supply to the heating unit should be considered. Also, the provision of an oil or gas tank if required. If a heat pump or electric heater is to be used then the electrical supply should be checked to ensure it will accept the additional load.

Access for construction

During construction you will need to consider access for a digger or mechanical excavator to the pool site. You may also need a dumper to dispose of any surplus soil not required for installation or landscaping.

Pool and Spa care

It is of vital importance to keep water clean and free from bather pollution and bacteria etc. If left untreated, these pollutants build-up in the water to cause discomfort and risk infection to the bathers. With regular dosing and testing, your water should be safe and fresh at all times.

The most widely used disinfectant (sanitiser) for domestic pools in the UK is chlorine. When chlorine is used on a regular basis, this product will ensure that any nasty micro-organisms and algae are eliminated.

As well as sanitised it is important to keep the balance of your pool water correct by testing the PH, Total Alkalinity and Water Hardness.

The PH is the name given to the relationship between acid and alkali. Because the human body is sensitive to acid and alkali it is necessary to make sure that the water we swim in is controlled properly otherwise it will cause skin and eye irritation. Also if the PH level is too low then the water will have corrosive tendencies and if it is too high it will form scale. Incorrect PH levels will also result in inefficient disinfection.

Total Alkalinity is the amount of alkali in the form of bicarbonates and hydroxides present in the pool water. Total Alkalinity affects and controls the PH and if the TA is too high the PH will be difficult to adjust and if the TA is too low this will cause an additional problem of making the water corrosive.

Water Hardness depends on the amount of dissolved calcium in the pool water. High levels will give rise to scale formation with low levels causing corrosion to pool surfaces.

Water testing can be done by ourselves either on site or at the shop, or by yourselves with the use of simple testing equipment. If you prefer not to use chlorine we have several alternatives, including Revacil, Bromine and Oxygen in stock if you prefer.

You can sit back and relax when you know that your friends and family are bathing safely and by following some simple rules.

• Always thoroughly read and follow the instructions on the container
• Never mix chemicals in the same container and ensure that any containers used for storage or mixing are free from any contaminants.
• Store all chemicals well away from children and animals. Always keep them locked in a secure location.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Always add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.

All chemicals required to keep your water clean, clear and disinfected are always in stock with free advice for those of you who are a little unsure what to do!