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Swimming Pools

What you need to know - FAQs

Know you'd like a pool but unsure where to start? Aquality Leisure provide a wide range of swimming pools of varying design, construction method and finish, what follows below is a brief guide to help you understand the options available and what you need to know when considering having a swimming pool.

Indoor or outdoor pool?

Depending on the type, outdoor pools can be very keenly priced, but their use may be limited. Whereas an indoor pool can be used all year round, but you need to consider the cost of a building to house it.

Do I need planning permission?

If an outdoor pool, generally no, unless within a protected area. It's always best however, to have a chat with your local council planning office just to be sure, as areas of the country can differ.

If you are considering an indoor pool, then yes, you will invariably need planning permission. Our advice would be to have an initial informal chat with an architect, who will be able to advise you of what would be required. They will also be able to advise you on the actual building to house the pool and the likely construction costs for this. Aquality Leisure can provide you with budget prices for the actual pool and any related equipment.

What are the options?

Pool design options: Skimmer or deck level? See example pictures in our Gallery section.

  • Skimmer design would be the most common, and likely to be the most practical and cost effective design. With skimmer design, the water level is below the pool surround, the pool water flows through 'skimmer' box/boxes mounted on the pool wall.
  • Deck level design pools have the water level with the pool surround, the top surface of the water flows into a drainage gully which runs round the perimeter of the pool. This can be a visually stunning design and would be considered a high end product. In this case, a balancing tank is usually required.
  • Infinity/vanishing edge design (sometimes referred to as an endless pool) is a bespoke design which incorporates a specially designed lowered drainage gully over which the water flows. This gives the visual effect of an invisible edge - all you see is a line of water. See example picture in our Gallery section.

Pool Construction Options: Reinforced concrete (sprayed concrete or concrete block), one piece GRP, panel pool system.

  • Reinforced concrete - this is a very strong and flexible construction method. Concrete pools can virtually be any shape or size, deck level or skimmer design.
  • One piece GRP pools offer very good value for money as the pool comes fully plumbed direct from the factory and can usually be installed very quickly. They are limited in size due to having to be transported by road.
  • Panel pools - usually structural polymer systems, which can be reasonably quickly installed and finished with a vinyl liner. Mostly suitable for smaller pools.

Pool Finish Options: Tiled, GRP, Liner.

  • Tiles - there's arguably nothing better than a tiled pool - however there are considerations as, aside for the cost of the tiles, this is the most labour intensive way to finish a pool. A tiled pool needs to be well looked after to keep it looking good. There is a huge choice of tiles and tile designs available.
  • GRP pools have a gelcoat finish which is very durable and comes in several colours.
  • Liner - this is a very common finish for domestic pools. The vinyl liner is quick to install, easy to maintain and comes in both a variety of colours, textures and patterns, our most popular being mosaic tile pattern. We offer a heavy duty pool lining system for unusual sizes, shapes etc.

 What size do I need? 

We can build pools of all shapes and sizes according to your wishes.

8.0 x 4.0 metres would be considered a small family pool, big enough for light exercise and for family fun, but not really long enough for swimming lengths. OPTION: A counter current swim jet can be added to allow continuous swimming - this is basically a water treadmill, designed to suspend you in a water flow, allowing you to swim endlessly.

10.0 to 12.0 metres long pools for domestic use would be more common. The width of the pool can vary, however as a rule of thumb, the width might be half the length.

13.0 to 16.0 metre long pools would be considered as fairly large domestic pools.

Over the many years we have been building pools, the largest domestic use pool we have built is 25.0metres long (see picture in our Gallery section).

Indoor Pool - Why do I need a Climate Control System?

With the level of humility in the pool hall and the difference in temperatures between inside the pool hall and outside, vulnerable areas such as external windows, roof lights or other cold bridges, may form condensation unless dry air is blown directly onto them. The main way to reduce the risk of condensation is to have a system that controls the pool hall environment and allows dehumidified warm air to be blown directly onto the external windows. Please see our Pool Hall Climate Control Factsheet for further guidance.

We strongly recommend the use of pool covers on all pools to maximise energy saving and heat retention. 

Aquality Leisure provide services to suit your needs.

  • We offer a comprehensive service, including design, supply, installation, on-going maintenance, plus the supply of water treatment chemicals and pool equipment.
  • We can provide part installation - as much or as little installation assistance as you need.
  • We also supply DIY pool kits with all you need to build your pool yourself.

Download further information from the range of SPATA Factsheets

How do I get started?

  1. Decide on the size of pool you think would suit you best.
  2. Contact an architect to discuss the pool building (if an indoor pool).
  3. Contact Aquality Leisure to discuss your ideas and for further advice.