It has never been easier and more affordable to have a home swimming pool constructed for you. There is estimated to be more than 200,000 private pools across the UK and that number is growing annually. If you are interested in being one of the 2,500 homeowners that choose to have a pool installed every year, you will need to make a decision: which pool architect will design your pool? You will likely have a large range of options available, so here are some tips and advice to help you make that decision.
Opt for excellent local understanding
When choosing between architects, the first thing to ensure is that the business has extensive experience working in the local area. Building a pool can be a very complicated process and it is important to have an architect that understands how to get the job done. From a pool building perspective, this means having knowledge of the local soil and how it reacts during the digging stage, as well as how well it supports a pool’s weight. Additionally it can be helpful to have a pool builder that understands how to gain local planning permission, and potential slip ups.
Choose pool architects that have completed multiple projects in your local area – don’t be afraid to ask for references and case studies so that they can show you swimming pools that they have built nearby. Of course, it is best if you have any personal recommendations, but it can also be further visiting review sites which can give you a better understanding of the business that you are going to be working with.
Think of your pool as an investment
Just as with any kind of home improvement project, you will have a budget to work with in order to have your pool installed. Of course, getting value for money is paramount and while you want to have a great job done on your pool design and construction, you don’t want the work to break the bank. So when you come to choose your architects, you should definitely get a number of different quotes from separate pool builders. And it’s natural to be more impressed by those who quote the work at a lower price.
But it is vital to remember that your pool is as much as investment for your property as it is a feature for use – a well-designed, beautifully built pool can add serious value to your home. On the other hand, cutting costs and cutting corners could leave you with a pool that doesn’t match the quality of the rest of your home.
Ultimately, the point is that you should choose your pool architects purely on the basis that they quote you a lower price. Think of the pool being built as an investment – choosing the right architect will ensure you get the money back in the value added to your home.
The time factor
One question that you really need to establish from your pool architect is how quickly they can complete the job. It is worth pointing out that traditional pool builders that specialise in concrete pool construction typically work to a much slower schedule than those they are able to provide one-piece swimming pools – these are fibreglass or carbon ceramic shells which can be lowered into an excavated hole.
If time is a factor in getting the pool built, consider working with architects that can offer one-piece pools. These types of pool are often cheaper than the traditional concrete construction too, so there may be many benefits for you.
Can they provide everything you need?
Finally, remember that not all pool architects offer the same kinds of services. Some are actually landscape architects rather than pool designers and there may be some benefits in choosing them over a traditional pool builder. However, some architects focus purely on one type of pool construction which might not be what you are looking for.
For example, it may be the case that you have your heart set on a natural pool that doesn’t use chlorine or other harmful chemicals. It may be the case that some architects are unable to provide this service. Ensure that you know exactly what your architect can and cannot do before you commit to using them.
