Our Design & Installation Process

Indoor Self-Build Swimming Pools

I. This is not DIY - so what does Self Build mean?

The Client acts as Project Manager and lets sub-contracts to several Trade Contractors - although many Clients muck in and do quite a lot of the work!

The Client will appoint the builder/tradesmen, regularly check on progress, ensure appropriate payments are made, decide on finishes and the pool equipment options etc.

They must also make sure that an experienced builder is appointed as the Site Manager and the Building Inspector Notices are sent on time.

If you already have a Builder that you trust or are a Builder and want to build a pool for your Client this approach is just what you need !

The Benefits of Self-Building your new Pool

1. Control of the Pool Installation Schedule
2. Control of the Quality of the Pool Equipment
3. Control of the Type/Quality of the Pool Hall Floor & Ceiling finishes
4. Choice of the type of Disinfection System
5. Choice of the Type of Pool Safety Equipment
6. Save about 40% on the Total Pool Cost

How does it work in practice?

Bluepools becomes your Specialist Pool Consultant & Expert Advisor and will stand alongside you throughout the entire project from Concept to Completion.

The comprehensive set of Design Drawings & the Specification that we provide are essential in Self-Build Pools as this eliminates the risk of getting something wrong.

Bluepools also provides all the pool equipment from top quality suppliers so that the pool Self-Builder does not have to worry about the nitty gritty of making sure that all the parts fit together properly and pool installation is not delayed because some vital part is missing.

Some Clients may still be nervous of something going wrong. Bluepools provides a guarantee that if any of the pool equipment is not suitable to ensure swimming facilities meet current domestic pool industry standards, we will immediately replace all the deficient parts. This is in accordance with our "Clear Clean Water" principles.

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Bluepools provides a comprehensive Folio of detailed drawings and installation instructions and will provide advice and guidance to the Self Builder and/or his sub-contractors throughout the project.

II. Planning Consent

Unless your property is in a conservation area, planning consent will not be required because it will probably come under the Permitted Development Regulations. Under which the maximum eaves height of the pool hall is 2.5m with a maximum ridge height of 4m.

This might sound quite limiting but the height reference is from existing ground level and if the level is reduced a higher building can be provided.

This may require some consideration of the drainage around the pool hall but it may be neccessary where required roof tiling needs a steep sloping roof that will increase the ridge height.

An Outdoor Pool does not require Building Regulation approval whereas an Indoor Pool does. However, as the pool hall will not be lived in it is mainly the insulation that is important.

III. Control of Costs

The Process we use is set up with the sole objective of ensuring the installation of a first-rate pool at an affordable cost. This also allows the Client to choose from a full range of products from UK pool equipment wholesalers.

The total cost of an Indoor Pool & Pool Hall is further dependent on the area of glazing and the quality of the interior/exterior finishes to the pool hall and roof. Bluepools will advise the Client on the pros and cons of all the many available options.

IV. The Design & Installation Process

This is a step by step explanation of our design and installation process for indoor pools. The process for outdoor pools is simpler and described here.

STAGE 1 - CONCEPT DESIGN AND ESTIMATE

• Bluepools visits the site for a Site Meeting with the Client to identify the detailed requirements, take the necessary measurements, photographs and utility location details.
• Bluepools considers the requirements, develops outline 3D sketches and pool plans then emails these to the Client for comment.
• Bluepools incorporates the comments and provides a revised sketch.
• This continues on an iterative basis until the Client is completely satisfied and approves the Design.
• Bluepools then provides a Preliminary Estimate of the Cost of the complete Pool Installation (this will include an estimate of the cost of wall and roof finishes, any special foundations, retaining walls, paved areas and underground plant rooms etc).
• Bluepools provides a quotation for the Detailed Design Fees and the supply of the specialist pool equipment (from Indoor Pool equipment specialists that provide the equipment guarantees).
• The Client now has fixed prices for the pool equipment and an estimate of the cost of the whole pool project.

STAGE 2 - DETAILED DESIGN AND QUOTES

• Bluepools undertakes the detailed building and pool equipment design and provides the documents that may be required for pricing by Builders / Trade Contractors.
• Bluepools undertakes the detailed structural design and provides a Folio of drawings for Building Regulation Approval (Indoor pools only) including structural design calculations and steel reinforcement schedules.
• The Client obtains quotes from Trade Contractors for the supply of building materials, the pool hall construction, the pool installation and the installation of the pool equipment.

STAGE 3 - INSTALLATION

• Client places the orders with the Trade Contractors and with Bluepools for the pool equipment.
• The Building Control Inspector is commissioned to inspect the work for compliance with the Building Regulations.
• The Self-Builder / Trade Contractors install the pool and Bluepools provides the pool equipment and a "Help Desk Service".
• The Trade Contractors are paid stage payments after each stage of the work is complete.
• Bluepools visits the completed works to check that everything has been installed properly and supervise the installation of the liner, the filling of the pool and the commissioning of the equipment.

V. Considerations

How does this benefit the Client?

• Background knowledge and experience is required when purchasing equipment - particularly for items like liners and to avoid any costly site delays becuase parts don't fit and have to be re-ordered.
• Bluepools provides impartial advice to the Client on the advantages and disadvantages of each product from the point of view of cost, efficiency and life expectancy.
• The Client will receive a copy of all equipment orders and details of manufacturer warranties. This provides a safeguard for the client to contact the manufacturer directly if Bluepools are not able to.
• Bluepools checks that everything has been installed properly and then supervises the installation of the liner, the filling of the pool and the commissioning of the equipment.
• There is a simple division of responsibility. The Client is responsible for all the building and installation work. Bluepools is responsible for the Specification and capacity of the Pool Equipment.

The Method described above will provide a reliable budget for the total cost of the pool installation before the Client is committed to the Project. It also eliminates the Risk involved in paying a Pool Installation Contractor up to 25% of the Total Pool Cost before they even start on site.

VI. Bluepools Fees

Concept Design: Normally £1500 + VAT and is due before "Stage 1" commences.

Detailed design: A small perecentage of the total cost of the pool equipment + VAT. The Detailed Design Fee will depend on the design/structural complexity, the services provided during the Quotation Process and the Scope of Work.

Would you like to receive a detailed Bluepools Proposal for the Concept & Detailed Design for your pool?

Then click the contact button now!