General Considerations
So you are ready to turn your dream home in Tuscany into an oasis in paradise. Fun in the sun with your family and friends. Sounds great, doesn't it? Here is some information with useful advice on choosing the right pool for your needs and some considerations in finding the best specialist for construction.
A swimming pool is an engineering feat in many ways. Able to support the weight of thousands of litres of water while withstanding the onslaught of sun, chemicals, tremors and more, a swimming pool can be as difficult to design and build as any home -- perhaps more so.
Yet, if built properly, a pool can last for decades with little more than routine maintenance. The sturdy materials that make up the supporting structure, smooth surface and decorative finishes of tile (at the water line) and coping (the "lip" of the pool's edge) are rugged enough to keep standing long after the popular style in pool design changes.
But if a pool is poorly constructed, it can be a headache of repeated repairs and lost swimming time. That's why getting the right person to build your pool is so important. It's the best way to ensure you'll receive a quality design and careful construction at a fair cost.
There are many factors to consider when thinking about a pool including: your budget; the size of your property; how much time and money you want to spend on maintenance; and even what part of Tuscany you live in. These are some key questions for each type of pool you might be interested in:
- What kind of pool is right for my family?
- What is the swimming pool going to cost me, including paving, landscaping etc?
- How much maintenance work do I have to do to keep it clean?
- What types and quantities of chemicals do I need to buy? - How soon can I really go swimming or how long will it take to install one?
- Who is going to service the pool after installation?
Construction Permits
You're going to need planning permission from your local town hall if you want to construct a pool in Tuscany. Generally it is possible to build a pool almost anywhere once you follow the aesthetical requirements laid out by the local Town hall. Sometimes they won't allow you to pave around the pool preferring a grass perimeter instead. There are also practical and urban planning considerations to adhere to such as water supply, drainage, stable soil conditions, access to plot, privacy, safety, exposure to wind and sun and vicinity of surrounding trees. There may also be restrictions regarding minimum distances from roads, boundaries or adjacent dwellings. In case of doubt, we generally visit the local town hall to discuss these requirements thus making sure that the planning application will be successful the first time.
Swimming Pool Types There are lots of pool types to choose from: Above-ground and In-ground pools of type Aluminium, Concrete, Fibreglass, and Steel.
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools are typically the least expensive types you can purchase. They are the summer-fun answer for those who don't want to make the larger commitment of an in-ground pool. If you aren't quite ready for permanent structure in your garden, then an above-ground may be the right solution.
Above-grounds are great for those looking for a relatively inexpensive way to provide years of family entertainment
If you decide to move, you can take your pool with you, give it to a friend or even sell it. Or you can leave it as a benefit for the next owner of your home.
Above-ground pools are quick to install … just need some help from 3 or 4 neighbours and you can be hosting a pool party after a couple of days.
You can choose from aluminium, resin or steel sidings. All three types have various benefits, ranging from rust-resistance to average life-span.
Above-grounds come in several sizes and shapes, and a variety of decorative wall patterns and decking options.
If space is a problem, an above-ground can generally be carried in a kit to your back garden and set up.
In-ground Pools In-ground pools typically come in three varieties namely:
- Concrete
- Fibreglass
- Vinyl-liner
In-ground pools are more expensive than above-ground, however they are also a permanent home improvement. They add aesthetic, as well as intrinsic, value to your home. And when it comes time to sell or rent your house in Tuscany, an in-ground pool is generally much more appealing.
In-grounds range from play pools with depths of 1m - 1.4m to diving pools with deeper depths appropriate for the divers in your family. Before you purchase an in-ground pool, you need to think about how your family will use it. Do they like to swim lengths? Perhaps a rectangular design is best for you. Or do you have a combination of swimmers and splashers? Maybe an L-shaped pool so everyone is happy? Thinking about usage and then designing with those needs in mind is the key to building a pool that your entire family will be happy with for years to come. Here are some of the options available:
Concrete In-ground Pools
A concrete pool is custom-built to your specifications by the pool specialist and engineers. It is the most common type of in-ground pool, and the initial installation generally costs less than a fibreglass pool. Concrete pools are constructed in stages, including pool layout and excavation; reinforcing steel installation; formwork, plumbing installation; equipment set; concreting; tile and coping installation; and interior finish installation. Although they take longer than fibreglass pools to construct, they have the advantage of virtually unlimited shapes, sizes and designs. A variety of interior finishes are available, including plaster, paint or pebbles. These provide you with several options to best suit your budget and desired design.
Fibreglass In-ground Pools
A fibreglass pool is factory-manufactured and then installed in one piece in your plot when your excavation is completed. Basically, a fibreglass pool resembles an enormous bathtub! Fibreglass pools are generally more expensive to purchase than concrete in-ground pools, but can save you money over the life of the pool. This is because they typically will require fewer chemicals than concrete pools. You also avoid future replastering and liner replacement costs. Unlike a plaster finish, a fibreglass shell does not change the chemistry of the water, so you often will use less acid. Because of the non-porous surface, you don't need to brush the pool nearly as often as a plaster-finished concrete pool. However, you typically do not need to brush a pebble-finish concrete pool as often as a plaster-finish pool. Once your plot has been excavated, the pool is delivered in one piece and installed. Construction time is generally therefore reduced significantly. One of the major drawbacks is transportation. An oversize transport often won't make it into your back garden and this needs to be assessed and discussed before you consider such a prefabricated pool. Fibreglass has a shock-absorbing ability that allows it to flex up to 60cm.
Vinyl Liner In-ground Pools
A vinyl-liner pool is furnished to the installer in kit form. After excavation, the panel walls are bolted or fastened together and supported at the bottom by a concrete footing. The vinyl liner is spread over the interior of the pool and covers the excavated floor and panelled walls. It is connected to the top of the panel walls by a vinyl rib at the outside edge of the liner.
Pumps, Filters and Water Quality Pumps
A pump should be able to circulate pool water at least every 24 hours, but every 8 hours is preferred.
Most existing pool pumps are oversized for the size of the pool and plumbing, which reduces filter effectiveness and causes more wear and tear on plumbing. For the average 1-1/4 inch to 1-1/2 inch plumbing pipes, a pump of only 1/2 hp is necessary. Many pool owners have bigger pumps, which dramatically increases electrical pumping costs.
Filters
Current cartridge filters are now almost as effective as diatomaceous earth filters, are much easier and safer to maintain, and require very little water for cleaning.
Water Quality
Proper chemical balancing can prevent and cure most water clarity problems.
When is it appropriate to drain your pool water? Here are some guidelines:
When the water that is being added to your pool is consistently hard. This is more likely to happen during drought years when the water is being drawn off the bottom of the reservoirs. On the contrary, rainy years provide additional soft water.
When the total dissolved solids (TDS) get too high.
Water quality problems often can be solved by draining only a portion of the water.
Dispose of your pool water properly in accordance with the planning application. Remember dumping pool water without taking precautionary steps to reduce chlorine to allowable values is illegal. In case of doubt, contacting your pool specialist or town hall for instructions.
Construction Process
Access
Often parts of fencing or hedges needs removing to gain access to the plot with excavation machinery.
Top soil
All top soil will be removed and heaped on one side of the plot.
Layout
The outline of your swimming pool will be set out (usually spray painted)on the ground as per plan by the pool specialists. Any alterations to the swimming pool layout must be made at this point. Your approval of the layout should be made before the company starts excavation.
Excavation
The swimming pool is excavated. The actual hole will be somewhat larger than the finished dimensions of the pool in all directions. Forming material will be placed around the outer edge of the pool. This ensures correct dimensioning. Excavated soil is generally removed from site. Any requests to leave the soil on site should be made before excavation. For rock or scale a surcharge is applicable as heavier rock breaking equipment is required.
Plumbing and Equipment Set
Non-corrosive schedule 40 PVC with schedule 40 fittings on the plumbing should be used throughout the pool. The plumber will place and set the equipment per your plan.
Reinforcing Steel
For concrete pools, steel reinforced will be placed throughout the pool structure. Concrete spacers insure the steel is not against the wall or the floor of the pool. This system allows even distribution of concrete under and above the steel. The pools is designed by a professional engineer to insure the structural integrity for the life of the pool.
Electrical
Wiring will be run from your electric panel to the equipment. Then from the equipment to lighting in the pool. Electric wiring and all grounding should meet building standards. Ground fault interrupter devices will be installed for protection against electric fault.
Concreting
For all pools constructions, a concrete base slab (15cm to 25cm) is poured. For concrete pools, walls are typically about 15cm thick. Water curing is critical and must be done by spraying the pool shell with water up to four times a day for four days during warm and hot temperatures. Two or three times a day in cooler weather. This is done to prevent premature curing and to minimize shrinkage cracks in.
Decking and Coping
The decking that surrounds your pool can be concrete, brick, stone, or many other materials. All coping should cantilever 3cm into the pool. Stone materials will vary in thickness. Concrete decking around the pool should be 10cm minimum thickness. Expansion joints are used to control cracking of the concrete.
Tiling
If tiling is included in the design of the pool it will be installed at this phase. One row of 15cm x 15cm decorative tile will be installed around the pool perimeter and any other areas indicated on the design drawing. Tiles are generally frost proof and recommended for swimming pools.
Acrylic Deck Application
If the pool deck is to have an acrylic overlay applied to the concrete, it is done at this time. The process takes about one day in the summer and two days in the winter to set up.
Clean-Up
All construction debris will be cleaned up in both the interior and the exterior of the swimming pool. Clean-up is a preparation for the plastering phase and will be coordinated just prior to the plaster date.
Fencing
If the exterior fence was taken down, it will be put back up at this time.
Interior Finish - Plaster
Plaster is applied in two coats then hand troweled to a non-slip waterproof surface. In white pools, small colour tiles should be placed periodically on the steps and benches for safety. When the plaster is complete the pooled is filled until it hits the centre of the 15cm tile at the top edge of the pool.
Start Up
When your pool is complete and filled to the proper level, a start up professional will start your pool equipment. At this time all equipment will be started. You need to be present about an hour later for instruction, explanation and demonstration for your new swimming pool. Be sure to schedule the time. |
