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Swimming pool enclosures – how much do l need to pay?
Pool enclosures are generally, not considered to be particularly cheap.
But is it more of a question of what you will save by having a pool enclosure, not what they cost? When you consider it this way, then at least some products on the market can look exceptionally good value.
To get an idea of how this might work for you, you could have a look at doing some broad brush figures yourself. If you just approximate the following total costs over the course of a full year;
1. What is the current cost of heating your swimming pool per year? 2. What is the current cost of keeping your pool clean (this may involve labour costs, or include accessories such as filters)? 3. How much does it cost you per year in terms of chemicals? 4. Are there any other costs which you have to pay on a regular basis?
Now, if you multiply these costs by 10, as we will assume that for the purposes of this exercise, a swimming pool enclosure has a life span of ten years – although most will last much longer, particularly if you avoid the really budget type bubble enclosures.
So if we’re talking about a ten year period , how about some other areas of cost; How much does your pool cost in terms of filters, pumps, bubble covers, liners, etc over a ten year period?
Probably by now you’re feeling a bit queezy at the mounting costs. However the point being that if you could shave a relatively small percentage off this total figure, by installing a swimming pool enclosure, it would make great sense to buy one.
However the benefits of a swimming pool enclosure extend far beyond just costs savings. But we’ll get to that further on, for now we’re focussing on cost.
What about if you could buy a good quality swimming pool enclosure, for a 10 metre by 5 metre pool, for under £6,500? I’d guess you’d probably go for it on savings alone. Actually, if your pool is smaller, you can even get one for under £3,000!
But, as l mentioned, it’s not just about costs. If you also consider, how much you actually use your pool in an average year? Are you steadily using it less each year? And also what about safety & security, don’t forget it’s your responsibility.
Therefore if we add in the fact that an enclosure will mean you can use your pool whatever the weather, it’s always clean, you can open and close it in less time than it takes to roll up a bubble cover, and it’s maintenance free, then it’s probably looking like it’s time to get yourself a swimming pool enclosure.
For many people, the decision to buy an swimming pool enclosure is usually driven by a single issue that needs to be overcome, rather than taking a broader analytical approach. The type issues that seem at the top of peoples mind’s include;
“I have to reduce my pool heating bills…” “I’m forever spending my weekends cleaning leaves out of the pool…” “I want to use my pool, even if it is raining…” “I want to make my pool more environmentally friendly…” “With small children around, I need better security for my pool” Where can l buy a swimming pool enclosure from?
Up until recently, swimming pool enclosures were in the region of £20-30,000, and there was not much choice on the market. More recently, with the introduction of the new low profile enclosures, these prices have come down to more like £12-15,000. But, like most things, the internet has now changed how you can buy more or less anything, including pool enclosures. The figure l mentioned above of £6,500 is a reality. You can actually buy a really good quality telescopic, low profile pool enclosure for this price. No catches. The reason is that you can now buy directly from the manufacturers, and have it shipped direct to your home. This new direct to consumer approach has made having a pool enclosure affordable, and essential.
Swimming pool enclosure buying tips
There are many reasons for investing in a swimming pool enclosure. From cost saving, safety and security, to wanted to swim all year round. And, there’s no shortage of places to go when you’re looking to buy a swimming pool enclosure. In fact the number of products now on the market, has probably made the buying decision harder, and with the internet as a search tool, finding suppliers is not a problem, both in the UK and abroad.
But, before you go for Google, probably worth thinking about why you want the pool enclosure, and what do you hope to get out of it. Take a few moments and jot down what’s important to you. By creating a simple list of priorities for you, it ‘ll make the searching and buying decisions easier, and more direct.
In order to create your wish list, we’ve outlined what are probably the top five aspects of a pool enclosure to take into consideration. Hopefully this will enable you to define your priorities, which in turn should ensure you get the swimming pool enclosure that really suits your needs.
Our top 5 buying tips:
1. Firstly analyze your needs
2. The consider how you feel about design and aesthetics
3. Next step is do a little research
4. You should now be able to establish a clear picture on budget and what you expect for you money
5. If you know what you want, then it’s easier, and cheaper, to buy direct
Firstly analyze your needs – What’s really important
It’s probably true to say that any outdoor swimming pool looks at its best when in an open environment. After all, the reason for having an outdoor pool is to enjoy the outdoor weather, and swimming, together. This said, then probably any pool enclosure could be considered a compromise to this ideal view. But owning a pool is in reality more about using it, rather than just looking at it. Whether for fun with the family and friends, social events, or simply keeping fit, you have a pool to use and make the most of it. Therefore you want to be able to use it, not just on a few hot summer days, but all Summer, and even all year. Even if it’s cold or raining, doesn’t mean the pool can’t be used.
Also you want to keep the heating costs manageable, and not spend a couple of hours cleaning the pool every time you want to use it. Pool enclosures offer many benefits to pool owners, and these vary from person to person, however the most important thing is making more use of your pool.
So, once you’ve defined what’s most important to you, you’ll then be able to decide on what elements of a pool enclosure you will compromise on and which ones you will not.
Design and aesthetics
What looks good versus what performs well
In the main, swimming pool enclosures are all of similar structure, being a strong, but lightweight framework, generally in an aluminum alloy, with transparent or translucent panels in between, of either Plexiglas, or Polycarbonate.
The main consideration from a design and aesthetic perspective is the choice between low profile enclosures and standard height enclosure.
The main benefit from the low profile enclosures is that they are more discreet, both when opened and closed. The other major benefit of the low profile enclosures is that the heat retention is far more effective, as there is less air space between the pool and enclosure roof. This is also of greater benefit when it comes to heating the pool through sunlight, as more heat energy is used to heat the water, not the air space.
With regards to the standard height enclosures, the benefits here are more about actually creating a room space where you can actually walk around the pool, yet still keep under cover.
Research
What to search for
So having considered what’s important regarding your pool usage, and enclosure design style, it’s time to do a little research on what’s available. Apart from just going to the search engines for answers, it’s always worthwhile getting a view point from either your pool installer, or maintenance company, as well as asking around any friends who may have also considered an enclosure. When looking on Google or Yahoo consider being specific with your search term, such as ‘low profile swimming pool enclosures’
Budget
You don’t need to spend over
Swimming pool enclosures can play an effective role in providing safety and security for your swimming pool. Owning your own swimming pool is great, but does require you to take on some level of responsibility towards safety.
In many countries, including the UK, the responsibility for safety and security of your pool is yours alone, so you need to know how you can be prepared, and prevent any accidents. And whilst there are not the legal regulations in the UK forcing pool owners to take precautions, it’s clear that you should make sure your pool is safe, not only for your family, but also for friends and guests, particularly if your house is rented out.
However, in France this situation is very different, by law you must provide an effective safety barrier for your pool, or face a hefty fine. The options for doing this range from installing a pool alarm, through to fencing your pool off, and also by installing a lockable swimming pool enclosure. And whilst the enclosure is the most expensive option, it does also provide many other valuable benefits.
The facts about pool safety
There’s very little in the way of recently published data on swimming pool safety. However here’s a quick snapshot of some of the key findings from a piece of research carried out in the USA.
Every year in the US, more than three hundred children under five years old, drown in residential swimming pools, usually owned by their family. And, in addition to this, more than two thousand children in that same age group are treated for submersion injures.
Another peice of research provided the following statistics; Seventy five percent of submersion victims were between one and three years old. And of the group, sixty five percent were boys. Also within the group it was identified that toddlers, in particular, were a high risk group, as they can often do something unexpected as their abilities change daily.
A rather surprising addition to this was that sixty five percent of the children were not even expected to be at or in the swimming pool, and yet they were still found there.
Of all the accidents, sixty five percent happened in a swimming pool which was owned by the child’s family, and thirty five percent happened in a pool owned by friends or relatives.
The thing about pool submersions involving children, is that they happen quickly. It’s possible that a child can drown in the time it takes to make a quick phone call. Indeed seventy five percent of accident victims had been out of sight for a mere five minutes or less.
Swimming pool enclosures and alarms
Secure your pool
Your swimming pool should always be secure, whenever it is not in use. At a minimum level you should install a pool alarm. These simple devices work in a number of ways, but probably the most common is the pressure sensor type. A good one of these will probably cost you around two hundred pounds – they are easy to install on your pool edge, and subsequently require little maintenance, and probably a battery change once a year. This can be even less frequent if you go for a solar powered one.
As an alternative, and particularly smaller children and those just starting to walk, you should consider the personal wristband type alarm. These, simple wireless devices, easily attach securely round the wrist of your child (or pet’s collar). Then if the wristband is submerged in water, a 100Db alarm immediately goes off at the base station. The base station for these alarms work off a rechargeable battery, and therefore they are totally portable, and consequently great for taking on holiday, or to friends houses, or on a river boat, canal boat or by a lake.
The next level of safety you could consider is a barrier of some sort. There are three possible options for this. A fixed pool cover or winter cover, a fenced pool surround, or finally a swimming pool enclosure.
Of the three options above, the swimming pool enclosure is probably the most expensive. However if you consider all the other benefits a pool enclosure has, then it seems the enclosure would come out on top. It will help heat the water in your pool, keep out debris, reduce chemical usage and evaporation, and if you heat your pool, it means you can use your swimming pool all year round. And keep it safe and secure.
Once you have set up your swimming pool, you need a number of essential supplies to make it look beautiful and function smoothly. Some of the supplies that you use merely add to beauty and convenience, while others are necessary to keep the pool clean and functioning well.
Some of the most common swimming pool supplies include:
* Vacuum pumps
* Cleaners
* Filters and cartridges
* Bristle brush
* Garden hose
* Skimmers
* Ionizers
* Testing kits
* Pool Liners
* Lighting (optional)
* Pool heaters (optional)
* Thermometers (optional)
* Pool covers (optional)
A good filter system is essential for a clean swimming pool. The most common kinds of filters include Diatomaceous Earth Filter, Sand Filter and Cartridge Filter. Cartridge filter is generally used in smaller pools. When dirty, you just need to pull the cartridge and wash it clean with a hose.
Vacuum pumps, bristle brush, skimmers, hose and cleaners help keep the pool clean. They take care of larger pieces of debris.
How often you clean the pool depends on how frequently the pool is used and by how many people. To rid your pool of microscopic organisms, you need to use Ionizers and chemical purifiers. Ionizers release ions into the pool. These kill algae, bacteria and harmful organisms. Thus they reduce the amount of chemicals you need to use in the pool water.
Chemicals like Chlorine, Acids and water clarifiers are added to pool water to keep it germ-free. Chlorine and Bromine kill algae, bugs and other plant life in the swimming pool. Bromine is most commonly used in indoor pools.
NOTE: Before adding any kind of chemicals into water, it is recommended that you speak with an expert and find out exactly what kinds of chemicals you have to use. Always handle chemicals with gloves.
Testing kits play an important part in pool maintenance and safety. You can test the pH level of the water using the kit. You can also check if the chemicals in the water are within recommended levels.
Pool covers and safety covers keep the pool clean and safe. They are mandatory in public pools. Though they are not essential in private pools, experts recommend the use of one.
Proper heating and lighting give your pool its individual character and make it more enjoyable. You can use a thermometer to ascertain the optimum temperature of the water.
Swimming pool enclosures can play an effective role in providing safety and security for your swimming pool. Owning your own swimming pool is great, but does require you to take on some level of responsibility towards safety.
In many countries, including the UK, the responsibility for safety and security of your pool is yours alone, so you need to know how you can be prepared, and prevent any accidents. And whilst there are not the legal regulations in the UK forcing pool owners to take precautions, it’s clear that you should make sure your pool is safe, not only for your family, but also for friends and guests, particularly if your house is rented out.
However, in France this situation is very different, by law you must provide an effective safety barrier for your pool, or face a hefty fine. The options for doing this range from installing a pool alarm, through to fencing your pool off, and also by installing a lockable swimming pool enclosure. And whilst the enclosure is the most expensive option, it does also provide many other valuable benefits.
The facts about pool safety
There’s very little in the way of recently published data on swimming pool safety. However here’s a quick snapshot of some of the key findings from a piece of research carried out in the USA.
Every year in the US, more than three hundred children under five years old, drown in residential swimming pools, usually owned by their family. And, in addition to this, more than two thousand children in that same age group are treated for submersion injures.
Another peice of research provided the following statistics; Seventy five percent of submersion victims were between one and three years old. And of the group, sixty five percent were boys. Also within the group it was identified that toddlers, in particular, were a high risk group, as they can often do something unexpected as their abilities change daily.
A rather surprising addition to this was that sixty five percent of the children were not even expected to be at or in the swimming pool, and yet they were still found there.
Of all the accidents, sixty five percent happened in a swimming pool which was owned by the child’s family, and thirty five percent happened in a pool owned by friends or relatives.
The thing about pool submersions involving children, is that they happen quickly. It’s possible that a child can drown in the time it takes to make a quick phone call. Indeed seventy five percent of accident victims had been out of sight for a mere five minutes or less.
Swimming pool enclosures and alarms Secure your pool
Your swimming pool should always be secure, whenever it is not in use. At a minimum level you should install a pool alarm. These simple devices work in a number of ways, but probably the most common is the pressure sensor type. A good one of these will probably cost you around two hundred pounds – they are easy to install on your pool edge, and subsequently require little maintenance, and probably a battery change once a year. This can be even less frequent if you go for a solar powered one.
As an alternative, and particularly smaller children and those just starting to walk, you should consider the personal wristband type alarm. These, simple wireless devices, easily attach securely round the wrist of your child (or pet’s collar). Then if the wristband is submerged in water, a 100Db alarm immediately goes off at the base station. The base station for these alarms work off a rechargeable battery, and therefore they are totally portable, and consequently great for taking on holiday, or to friends houses, or on a river boat, canal boat or by a lake.
The next level of safety you could consider is a barrier of some sort. There are three possible options for this. A fixed pool cover or winter cover, a fenced pool surround, or finally a swimming pool enclosure.
Of the three options above, the swimming pool enclosure is probably the most expensive. However if you consider all the other benefits a pool enclosure has, then it seems the enclosure would come out on top. It will help heat the water in your pool, keep out debris, reduce chemical usage and evaporation, and if you heat your pool, it means you can use your swimming pool all year round. And keep it safe and secure.
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