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What to consider when including a swimming pool in a residential project

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We all like to have a swimming pool nearby, especially if it is in the building in which we live or, at least, in the residential area or urbanisation. For this reason, it is becoming more and more common for the residential projects incorporating swimming pools as part of their common areas or as part of a set of differentiating elements in high-end housing. However, integrating a swimming pool into a project is not just a matter of reserving a space on the plan. I wish it were that simple, but from a technical point of view, it requires a pre-planning that takes into account aspects of construction, installations and site coordination. We are here to help you and clarify some doubts.

When these factors are analysed from the outset of the project, the execution of the work is much smoother. Last-minute adjustments, interference with other trades and decisions that may affect the budget or the construction schedule prior to delivery to the client are avoided. For this reason, more and more construction companies are opting to define very well how the pool will be incorporated in the early stages of the project.

Let's look at what are the determining factors or what you need to take into account for including a swimming pool in a residential project:

Location of the swimming pool within the residential project

It is nothing new that the location of the swimming pool within the plot is an important decision as a good implantation allows to take better advantage of the solar orientation, to organise correctly the exterior areas and to facilitate the later maintenance.

It is about finding the perfect balance between construction, design and functionality. The location chosen for the installation of the swimming pool not only influences the final aesthetics but also conditions the way in which the work will be executed and how the space will be used once the development is completed.

Factors to consider before defining the location of a swimming pool

Before fixing the final position of the swimming pool, it is advisable to study several technical aspects that may influence the development of the work:

  • Solar orientation and wind exposure.
  • Natural slopes of the terrain.
  • Surface water drainage and disposal.
  • Relationship with landscaped areas and common spaces.
  • Access for machinery during execution.

Taking these factors into account from the outset helps to avoid having to take improvised solutions when the work is already underway.

Construction of the swimming pool basin

The choice of the pool construction system is one of the most important points of the project. The pool shell must offer stability, geometric precision and a reliable base for the waterproofing and finishing systems.

There are different construction solutions, but they must all meet the same criteria: durability, ease of execution and control of the process on site. At EP Elements we are experts in the construction and design of expanded polystyrene or EPS pools.

EPS structural systems for swimming pools

In the case of EPS structural systems, such as those developed by EP Elements, the pool is configured in two possible ways: from a standard prefabricated structural base that defines the pool from the start of the project or from a customised glass design of the pool in the same material (EPS). The customised design option is normally chosen to achieve original results that are completely adapted to the location we were talking about.

This type of EPS solutions has a number of advantages from a construction point of view:

  • Precise geometry of the vessel from the initial stage.
  • Easy to integrate stairs, benches or seating areas.
  • Reduction of time-consuming and complex manufacturing steps.
  • Greater control of the installation process.

For builders, working with defined structural systems facilitates planning and reduces uncertainty during execution.

Planning of hydraulic installations

A swimming pool works thanks to an internal technical system that must be designed correctly from the start. This is vital and must be taken into account. The pipes, filtration systems and water treatment are part of an installation that must be integrated with the rest of the project's infrastructure.

When these elements are planned in advance, the work usually progresses on schedule and unnecessary modifications are avoided at a later date.

Technical elements to be foreseen in swimming pool projects

In any residential swimming pool it is advisable to define from the outset aspects such as:

  • Water delivery and suction system.
  • Location of skimmers or overflows.
  • Bottom drain.
  • Hydraulic pipelines.
  • Technical room or purification room.

The space for the equipment must be accessible, functional and allow for easy maintenance once the pool is in operation.

Waterproofing and final coating

Watertightness is one of the most sensitive aspects of swimming pool construction. For this reason, waterproofing must be carried out on a stable structural base that allows the system to be applied continuously and without weak points. In our company we take great care in this phase, both in the previous design and manufacture as well as on site. In both cases we carry out leakage tests to ensure that everything works perfectly.

Typical finishes for residential pools

In addition, the type of final cladding also influences the way in which the glass is resolved as a whole. It is not a task that we at EP Elements carry out, but rather it is the client who is in charge, but these are some of the claddings that have been used the most in residential developments that we have carried out:

  • Gresite or vitreous mosaic.
  • Reinforced PVC sheet.
  • Continuous cladding.

Organisation of on-site execution

As with other elements of a project, the swimming pool must be integrated into the general planning of the work. The preparation of the ground, the installation of pipes or the placement of the structural system are part of a sequence that should be coordinated with the other works and trades that will be involved.

When this phase is well defined and there is clear planning, the only thing left to do is to execute! And believe us, the execution becomes more predictable and incidents during the work are reduced if all these factors are taken into account.

In short, including a swimming pool in a residential project is simple as long as it is approached with a technical approach from the outset. Analysing the location, the construction system, the installations and the site planning allows to develop more efficient projects and with greater control of the construction process. At EP Elements we work together with construction companies and developers providing EPS structural solutions designed for ease of execution and to ensure a reliable end result.

If you are considering incorporating a swimming pool in your next residential project, you can contact our team at contact form and study together the best solution for your project.