Outdoor Pool Design
The design process for outdoor swimming pools is entirely different to indoor pools because the cost is not directly related to the pool size but diverse other factors.
Key Design Considerations
What will you primarily use the pool for? Relaxation, exercise, entertaining? How much area is available for the pool and its surroundings and most importantly is their access for diggers and dump trucks?
Is an external entertaining area with kitchen and dining facilities required? Oak timber frame and rendered ICF are often used to provide these facilities as well as showers and changing rooms.
The more trees and vegetation there are near the pool, the more work there will be in cleaning leaves on the pool floor that can start to stain within a day or so (it depends on what sort of leaves they are – walnut are the worst). An automatic floating cover will afford some protection because the leaves can be blown off the cover with a blower before opening it.
Pool CoversRectangular is the way to go because they are the most useful shape and odd shapes can kill the value of your house – cheap structures do this as well. Freeform is a definite no because an automatic floating cover cannot be fitted to them.
Infinity edges can create a stunning visual effect, blending the pool with the horizon if you have a house on a hillside - but does come at quite a cost!
Infinity EdgeCompact and perfect for cooling off, ideal for smaller spaces and now particularly useful when fitted with a counter-current unit.
The area of decking around the pool will have a significant effect on the overall cost. Settlement in the gap between the pool wall and the side of the excavation must be avoided by using a 100mm reinforced concrete slab to bridge the gap. Timber or composite decking is available. Softwood timber decking can splinter and so must be avoided. Natural stone, concrete or ceramic tiles are available in endless types and varieties and cost.
The pool will cost a lot less if there is space on the plot to spread out the excavation arisings. This needs to be planned before the project starts as if the builder is allowed to undertake this on an ad-hoc basis it will be a disaster.
Consider fencing, hedges, or other elements to create a private oasis.
Enhance the pool's atmosphere with underwater and deck lighting.
Extend the swimming season with a pool heater or solar cover.
If you have young children or pets you must prioritize safety with a cover, alarms, non-slip surfaces and access steps without dangerous corners.
Pool SafetyPool Kit Supply
Bluepools does not provide the same nationwide support service for outdoor pools that we do for indoor facilities because it is not necessary unless the pool is particularly large or is for commercial use.
However, we do provide standard designs and pool kits for self-builders or contractors that are building a pool for their Clients. If you want to purchase one of these kits just fill in the enquiry form with the pool size and depth and we will provide a quotation for the following:
- Polyblok forms for the pool walls
- A bag or in-situ liner
- Through the Wall Equipment (inc. skimmers, inlets, floor outlets, vacuum point and LED lights)
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Flexible pipework suitable for buried use
- Pool pump, filter and plant room pipework
- UV cell and backup chlorinator