DIY FAQs |
| DIY Kits - Construction Guide |
 An introduction to planning and purchasing an All Swim D-I-Y Pool Kit |
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Why Buy a Swimming Pool?
Year after year we promise ourselves more leisure time as well as more time spent with the family - we rarely achieve it. The pace of modern life is so fast that it’s easy to neglect these things and that’s why one of the best ways to make the most of this valued time is to add a swimming pool to your garden. Pools are no longer a luxury purchase and are readily available in a vast range of designs at affordable prices. Just imagine how much fun your children would have splashing around with their friends, or how much you and your family would enjoy swimming in the privacy of your own back garden. Can I Build it Myself? Quite simply yes – An All Swim liner pool kit is within the scope and ability of an average DIY person. However, many customers use a local bricklayer for the actual building and rendering of the pool walls. At All Swim we are available at all stages of construction to extend our help and advice and can assure our prospective DIY customer that the installation is not difficult. Do I Need Planning Permission? The majority of authorities do not insist on planning permission for the building of a private swimming pool in the back garden of a domestic property in the U.K. However, if you are thinking of erecting an enclosure over the pool, then permission is required and you are advised to consult your local authority before commencement. Even though planning permission is not normally required All Swim recommend that you contact your local authority before commencement of any work in order to check the requirements of local legislation. What About My Water Rates? Apart from the initial filling, a pool actually requires very little water for its normal maintenance. What Size Pool Should I Buy? The size of pool you choose is related to the area available in your garden as well as any budgetary constraints. However, we find the most popular size of pool is 30’ x 14’. When deciding on a pool size you will need to consider such points as – access for heavy machinery, underground cables and pipes, overhead telephone and electricity wires, the water table and ground structure. Should I Buy a DIY Kit or Have the Pool Installed? This is your own choice but there is normally quite a difference in the ultimate cost. As mentioned previously the installation is not difficult and All Swim support staff are there to give help and advice every step of the way. Why choose a Liner Pool? Liner pools have opened up the possibility of pool ownership to a greater number of homeowners and such are the advances in liner materials and construction techniques that, in many cases, it is difficult to tell the difference between a liner and concrete pool – only the cheaper price tag gives it away! It is therefore, not surprising a high percentage of domestic in-ground pools are liner pools, especially as each year sees many additions to the options for plain or patterned liners. Even if damaged, a liner pool can be repaired under water and the liner itself may not need replacing for up to 10 years; but when it does finally become necessary, you can change the pool completely with a new pattern or colour. DIY: Briefly – What is Involved A pool is dug out either by a mechanical excavator or by hand, to the dimensions given in the booklet. A concrete foundation 15" wide x 6" deep is laid around the perimeter of the pool on which the pool walls are built. The pool walls are made out of 18" x 9" x 4" solid concrete blocks laid to a height of 3’6" for Hopper and Constant Slope pools (9 courses laid on their flat) and 4’2" for Constant Depth pools ( 11 courses laid on their flat). On completion of the walls they are rendered with a thin skim of sand/cement to present a smooth face to the liner. A special extrusion is fitted to the top of the wall into which the pool liner is clipped. A 2" (50 mm) layer of sand/cement is screeded to create the pool floor. When the pool shell is complete the liner is fitted and filling commenced. What is Supplied in The Kit? An All Swim Do-It-Yourself swimming pool kit includes the rapid sand filter and a correctly sized swimming pool self priming pump, fitted liner, linerlock, skimmer(s), inlet(s), outlet, pipework, valves and sufficient plumbing fittings to position the filter within ten feet of the pool, multi-water test kit, pool maintenance kit and initial chemicals. What we do not provide are the basic building materials such as cement, sand, chippings, concrete blocks or reinforcing bar, however, all these materials are obtainable locally from a builders’ merchants. For Detailed contents of All Swim Pool Kits please consult the current liner pool kit price list. NOTE: All Swim DIY Pool kits comply with the latest S.P.A.T.A standards (The Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association) relating to the supply of DIY Pool kits: - SPATA is the nationally recognised organisation, which sets the standards within the swimming pool industry and ensures that member companies maintain those standards providing the customer with the highest quality of product and service. Members trade under a code of ethics offering customers both formal safeguards and the peace of mind essential when you want to place an order. All members are carefully vetted on application and must have at least three years’ proven experience in the industry. Member’s work is periodically inspected to ensure that they comply with SPATA standards and are able to maintain the quality of work expected of them. Indoor Pools More and more of our customers decide to build their pools indoors giving a truly all year round swimming experience. All Swim can supply all the technical expertise and specialist equipment for indoor pool construction – If you are considering an indoor pool please ask for our indoor pool literature pack. Delivery The basic pool kit is normally despatched free of charge within 3 working days (UK mainland only). However, coping stones, heating systems and liners are sent direct from the manufacturer and usually take approximately 14 days. All customers are notified of approximate delivery dates upon receipt of order. Location of a Pool Once you have decided to invest in a swimming pool, the next decision is where to position it, and as always there are a few points to consider – a) The pool should be positioned away from trees so that it benefits from the sun as much as possible. A pool located in a suntrap not only helps keep the bathers warm but will also help cut heating costs. It also has the advantage that it will help to reduce the amount of work required during the autumn months. b) The proximity of the house for entertaining, changing facilities, toilets and electrical services. c) The filtration plant will require housing as well as an electrical supply - sometimes an existing building can be utilised. d) Availability of water supply – usually a garden hose to the nearest outside tap is all that is required. e) The provision of a sitting area at the shallow end of the pool. f) It is also preferable to have pedestrian access to the pool at the shallow end. g) Shelter from the wind. Running Costs Today’s pools when properly looked after, need never be emptied, except in the unlikely event of the need for major repair work. Once the pool has been commissioned for the season, the pool water must be regularly treated to maintain chemical, physical and biological standards, whilst minimising the risk of damage to pool fittings and equipment. There is a wide choice of water treatment products available to help maintain pool water safely and easily, many of which are also environmentally friendly. Taking an average 30’ x 14’ (10,000 gallon) pool, the cost of chemicals would be as little as £120 - £150 for a full year. With experience, and the help of modern technology and products, pool maintenance should take only 20-30 minutes each week in the summer. Off-season, a pool, which has been professionally closed down, may only need one or two checks during the winter months. To help you in the running of your pool, All Swim supplies a complete guide to pool water care with all pool kits. |
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ALL SWIM DIY POOL KITS AND A COPY OF OUR GUIDE TO SELECTING, CONSTRUCTING & MANAGING A LINER POOL, CLICK HERE AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETE OUR INFORMATION REQUEST FORM. |
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To ensure you buy the correct equipment to match your exact needs please call us on 0800 0268 415 for a customised quotation or email us at sales@allswimltd.com |