Are you choosing a complete, prefabricated pool or building the pool from scratch? The alternatives differ primarily in terms of customization options, construction time, labour, and cost. Here we compare the solutions and go through what needs to be planned before delivery and installation.
Complete pool or site-built pool?
This option requires carefully executed excavation and ground preparation to ensure stability and proper drainage. Walls and the base slab are built on site using edge elements, reinforcement mesh, and concrete, allowing for complete customization of shape and size. However, this process is time-consuming and requires extensive work, as well as specialist expertise in construction and civil engineering, and is not recommended to carry out on your own, even if you are handy.
Another option is to invest in a complete pool. It is delivered as a finished unit, often made of materials such as fibreglass or PP plastic, which is lowered into a prepared hole in the ground using a crane. Although some preparatory and finishing work is required, such as creating a stable base and connecting the piping system, the installation time is significantly shorter and the work is less demanding. For someone with construction experience, this is a project that can be carried out on their own, which can help lower the total cost.
Plan to receive all parts at the same time
When ordering a complete pool, suppliers often offer various package solutions, which may include everything from filtration systems to lighting. It is wise to review these carefully before making a decision to ensure that all necessary components are included and compatible. The more well thought-out and complete the package is, with every detail included, the faster and smoother the pool will be ready for swimming.
Many components may already be preassembled and prepared in the pool shell itself upon delivery, which reduces installation time on site. Outlets, inlets, lighting, and steps may already be in place. In addition, the entire machine room, including sand filter, pool heat pump and automated chlorine and purification systems, can be delivered ready at the same time as the pool. This greatly simplifies the connection and commissioning of the pool system.
If a pool enclosure or other cover is desired, it is advantageous to have this in place immediately, as it helps maintain the water temperature, reduce evaporation, and increase safety. A discussion with the pool supplier is recommended to go through all the details and get help putting together a complete package that meets specific needs and preferences. This ensures a faster completion process once the pool has been delivered.
Preparation before delivery
Certain measures need to be taken before the pool is delivered to ensure a smooth installation. A hole for the pool must be excavated, with the size and depth adapted to the pool's dimensions. If the ground is sandy or the groundwater level is high, it may be necessary to pour a base slab to guarantee stability and prevent the pool from lifting when groundwater levels are high. In addition, a prepared space for the filter and pump is required near the pool, as well as routing for pipes and electricity. A well-planned placement of the equipment room is crucial for future maintenance and operation.
Many people choose to hire help to carry out this preparatory work, which includes excavation, removal of soil, installation of a load-bearing layer, and drainage at the bottom. For someone with construction experience, however, it is possible to do this yourself, which can be a cost-effective alternative.
Do you need a large or a small crane truck?
When the finished pool shell is delivered, it is lowered into the hole using a crane truck. It is therefore important to consider in advance where the crane truck can stand and how accessible the pool site is. Can the crane truck get onto the property and close to the installation site? If it has to be positioned outside the property, how far will the crane need to reach to safely lift the pool into place? Is a large or a small crane truck required, which can affect both cost and logistics? Discuss this carefully with the supplier, who has experience in finding optimal solutions and can assess which type of crane is most suitable based on local conditions.
Finishing work
After the pool is in place, it should be connected to the filtration system, heat pump, and other equipment, and the space around the pool walls is filled with crushed stone and concrete as the water is filled. This packing work is important to give the pool stability and prevent movement in the ground. Although there is some work involved in installing a pool, it is significantly less demanding and faster with a complete pool that is lifted into place, compared with building it from scratch, which gives you a faster move-in and swimming enjoyment.
Things to consider when ordering a complete pool:
- Carefully check the groundwater level and ground conditions to avoid future problems with drainage and stability.
- Contact any help needed for excavation and pouring the base slab well in advance, as this is fundamental to the pool's lifespan.
- Prepare space for the filter and pump, as well as routing for electricity and pipes, to ensure a smooth installation of the technical equipment.
- Discuss the location for the crane truck and accessibility on the property with the supplier to avoid unexpected obstacles during delivery.
- Order all pool details at the same time for preassembly, such as lighting and inlets, to streamline the installation process.
- Order sand filter, pump, and more for the equipment room in a complete package to ensure compatibility and full functionality.
