Creating harmony in our lives is every person’s desire, and with our ever increasing busy lifestyles, adding the pleasure of water at home can provide the dream lifestyle and that ultimate feeling of paradise!
The design of a swimming pool (indoors or outdoors) will materially depend on the requirements of the potential pool owner and the use to which the pool is going to be put. If the requirement is to use the pool for exercise, then the length measurement is all-important (although a counter current unit can often be installed to reduce the size of the pool). If the pool is to be constructed in a building, the width is important (as the width of the pool will determine the width of the building, including the pool surround to walk on). The construction cost of the width of the building is much more expensive than the length, due to the span over the void below.
The design process can be made easier by working with a member of the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA). Whether you have (or have not) worked on a pool project before, the expert advice and assistance in the design process that you will get from working with a SPATA member can help in numerous ways to not only streamline the project, but ensure that the timescales and budgets are met with the overall assurance of quality from using a SPATA member. Some SPATA members are designers and some undertake the whole project, but ensure that whoever you work with has Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance. Consideration to relevant pool standards is a must, both for commercial and domestic pools and SPATA members work to SPATA Standards (which take into account or signpost other relevant standards).
Creative Freedom
For many years, it has been the norm that the rectangular proportions of 2:1 for length to width provides a good visual balance and appearance and is ideal for exercise. Depending on space availability, the length can be extended and the width reduced. As this shape is relatively simple to construct and therefore relatively cheaper than curved structures, it is also very popular!
Once the decision is made to go away from a rectangular or square shape, the variations in shapes are endless. For example, some clients (and architects) want something unique and personalised, such as a pool in the shape of a guitar, grand piano, ‘figure of eight’; L shaped, kidney shaped, Y shaped, kite shaped, pools incorporating spas, fountains and water falls. Access to the pool will also depend on the use. For example, a Roman end step feature in the width of the pool may preclude the swimmer from easily turning and, therefore, a ladder (or ladders) may be more appropriate. Alternatively, if space permits, a side step bay may be the answer.
In terms of safety and usage, there may be equipment that needs to be factored in from the offset. Planning and building these features in will help retain the aesthetics of the pool that could be lost by ad hoc additions at a later date. Again, the shape and positioning of the pool is a factor that could affect these added features.
The only way to illuminate the pool water is to have underwater flood lighting. Lighting around and outside the pool will not illuminate under the water. Equally fibre-optics and small, spa type lights are excellent for illuminating steps under water or providing a light feature, but not full illumination. The decision to incorporate a swimming pool or spa into your build project can be made easier by talking to wet leisure industry experts exhibiting at the 2016 SPATEX Pool, Spa & Wellness Show. Now in its 20th year, the number one wet leisure show SPATEX, runs from Sunday 31 January to Tuesday 2 February 2016 at the Jaguar exhibition hall, at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Register free online today at www. spatex.co.uk. With so many pool design options available, it makes great business sense for construction and architectural professionals to partner up with companies who are members of SPATA, promoting industry standards, working to a Code of Ethics and offering invaluable experience in the wet leisure field.
To find out more about SPATA and its members visit www.spata.co.uk.