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The watchdog for swimming pool standards is SPATA.
This is the Swimming Pools and Allied Trades Association. The Institute of
Swimming Pool Engineers can also provide advice. Pools can be constructed
in three ways:
a) Above-ground pools are kits erected on the ground. Kits prices can be
as little as £1750 for a 4-5m diameter x 1.6m high pool. They can be
filled from a hosepipe in about three days. The major drawback is that their
lifespan is only about 5 years and they can easily be damaged as the sides
are thin membranes.
b) The cheapest in-ground pools require careful excavation and ususally
incorporate brick or blockwork walls with a thick screeded concrete base.
A liner is placed into the void and this retains the water. In addition they
require pipework for the filtration system. In-ground pools can be constructed
from kits. These include the flexible pool liner, a structure for supporting
the liner independent of the blockwork walls and an in-built filtration system.
Costs start at about £2000 for a 10m x 5m liner type pool but this
does not include any perimiter paving or pool cover. Clearwater has
information on building these.
Expect to pay at least £8000 for an in-ground pool complete with heating,
filtration and perimeter paving. This should last at least 10 years.
c) An alternative to the in-ground liner system is the glass fibre pool
that can be sunk into the ground. This may be a faster to install but the
lining is heavy and will need to be craned into position. This costs more
than an equivalent liner pool - perhaps £12000 - and its main drawback
is they are difficult to repair if the glass-fibre is damaged.
d) The most expensive option is the bespoke in-ground pool. A 10m x 5m pool
built in concrete could cost £25,000 and even a painted concrete pool
could cost well over £15,000.
Guidelines:
- Make sure the installer can provide evidence of good quality work
- Check credentials with SPATA
- Get several quotes
Heating and covers:
A standard 10m x 5 m pool could cost £50 per week but this can be
reduced by using an air heat pump. Cleaning and maintenance will cost another £20
per week. See our section on pools to get details of installers, equipment
and heating systems. Covers are essential for outdoor pools to reuce heat
loss. These will cost about £200 for a 10m x 5m pool.
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