Swimming pool design

For execise or relaxing, from plain blue to tropical paradise, the range of different swimming pool designs can be overwhelming. So find out more about pool design here.

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swimming pool design

Swimming pools are no longer the small boring water ponds that occupy a part of your garden for occasional summer use. Pools come in all kinds of designs - the sky‘s the limit. You can choose an inground or an above ground swimming pool with sports or play equipment and you can surround your pool with decking, plants, with islands and even with an integrated jacuzzi.

Basic swimming pool types

First of all, there are two types of swimming pools: inground swimming pools and above ground swimming pools. While the latter require significantly less construction work – no hole has to be dug in the ground - the inground swimming pool is much more versatile and can more easily be fitted into your landscaping plan. Above ground swimming pools are mostly round or oval shaped and can be surrounded by a deck or patio. Inground swimming pools can come in a variety of shapes, from classic roman design to individually designed free shapes with areas for different purposes and even islands. The next important decision is the depth of the swimming pool: inground pools are available in almost any depth, usually people have a gradual slope providing a shallow and deep end. Above ground pools are limited to one depth.

Swimming pool equipment

Almost any pool equipment you could imagine can be found. Counter-current systems for swimming, poolside barbeques, lights, sound systems and slides can be combined with pool heating and relaxing surroundings for your swimming pool. You make the area around your pool more attractive by adding plants, a deck with umbrellas and deck chairs or a shower. It is advisable to plan ahead when you design your swimming pool: installing things like underwater lights is much easier and cheaper while the pool is still under construction.

Swimming pool installation

Installation of above ground swimming pools is relatively easy. They basically have to be set up on level ground and the amount of work necessary depends on the size and on the complexity of the desired swimming pool. Inground swimming pools require a lot of work depending on their size, but they are much more durable and versatile than above ground pools. First, a hole with roughly the shape of the swimming pool has to be dug with heavy machines, then the substructure is installed, this includes the plumbing and electricity for pumps and lights. Then the swimming pool will be finished with the material you choose: concrete, vinyl or a one-piece pool made of fibreglass. The whole pool installation can take between six and ten weeks.

Costs for a swimming pool

Prices for an inground pool range from around £2,000 for smaller, more regular models, up to around £10,000 for large, more individual swimming pools. This does not include installation by a professional pool builder, that will cost from around £3,000 for small vinyl lined pools up to £20,000 for large concrete pools. Unusual equipment like slides will be a little extra. While being the more expensive choice, inground pools can last for a long time. Above ground pools will cost around £500-3000 depending on their size and specifications, and can either be suitable for DIY installation or can easily be set up by a pool installer.