Property for sale and real estate in Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany
Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany
Properties in Central Italy
Swimming Pools
What could be nicer than having your own private pool in the garden. When the weather is hot and the water is cool there is nothing quite like it.
Here we cover the pros and cons of various different sorts.
Public Pools
First of all consider the cost, maintenance and space needed for your own pool. There may be several really nice public pools locally that don't need any attention from you and work out a lot cheaper.
Drinking Pool
What on earth is this? Well, if you only want to cool off in the heat of the summer with a few friends and not practice for the Olympics then a really small pool with underwater seating and a ledge around the edge for your glass of wine is an excellent idea. It takes up less space, is easier to heat and maintain and it costs a lot less than a full-size pool. A simple pump and filter will be needed and a removable wooden cover would keep it clean when not in use. It can also be built indoors, and heated for use in the winter. If you have a spare barn or ground floor stables then this can be a good use of space that otherwise would be difficult to convert. Of course, there are specially made jacuzzi or spa pools for just such a purpose but they can seem quite expensive, but usually a lot less than a proper pool. Consider it!
Links
Jacuzzi Europe - the original spa company
Above-ground swimming pool
This is our temporary pool, which was featured in the TV programme 'House Trapped in the Sun'.
Swimming pools sitting on top of the ground have advantages and disadvantages. They are cheap. Expect to pay about 2,000 euros for one 4.5m dia x 1.5m deep as shown in the picture, complete with skimmer, filter and installation. They don't need permission as they are considered a temporary structure, ie. one that can be taken down in a couple of hours. However, whatever you do to disguise them they never look as slick as a proper pool and jumping in and diving can cause problems. You have to climb up a ladder to get into them. The sun does tend to heat them better though as the sides will also absorb a little heat. Of course this also means that on a chilly night they will lose more heat too.
Links
Technypools (in English), the supplier of the swimming pool shown above.
Acquaport (Perugia) suppliers of above and below ground pools.
SPEI - Suppliers of this type of pool.
King Outdoor Store - excellent range of above ground pools in Italy.
In-ground swimming pool
There are four ways of building a pool in the ground. You can do it in reinforced concrete (cemento armato), as a metal box, from polystyrene blocks (polistirolo) or even fibreglass (vetro resina).
Reinforced concrete
With reinforced concrete you are unlimited in the design and shape of your pool. They are more expensive but obviously more permanent. Permission will be needed but generally this is granted provided you want to put it in a sensible position. Plans will need to be drawn up by a registered geometra and presented to the council for approval and calculations will need to be submitted with this to show that it meets all the criterium. If the pool is built this way you should be able to either tile the interior or paint it with special paint. Cost about 30,000 euros.
Links
Acquasport (Perugia) suppliers of above and below ground pools.
SPEI - Suppliers of this type of pool.
Metal box
This may sound a bit crude but is actually quite sophisticated. The panels come in lengths of about one metre and bolt together. They are also bolted down to a bed of reinforced concrete. A plastic liner sits inside, just like a concrete pool, and other than a metallic sound when you tap the side you cannot tell the difference. Of course, if you want a really fancy design then a concrete pool may be a better idea, but curved panels can now be bought which can create some interesting shapes. Permission to build will still be necessary. Cost about 18,000 euros.
Links
Del Taglia a company with an excellent website (in Italian) for this type of pool.
Polystyrene blocks
This is a new method of building a pool and quite innovative. Hollow polystyrene blocks are built up rather like Lego to the required shape and size with steel rods through them. Concrete is then poured into the cavities to form a rigid structure. There are obvious insulation benefits too.
Links
SPEI - Suppliers of this type of pool.
Natural Pools
These are quite a recent idea. The water is cleaned by a planted section of water and they look much more like a garden pond.
Links
Natural Swimming Pools - A company that specialises in this type of pool.
Fibreglass
If you don't need, or have space for, a large pool then a fibreglass one may be the answer. It comes in one piece rather like a boat with the smooth side internally and is up (down) and running in no time. Steps, skimmer and drain are usually all built in. We have yet to find a supplier in Umbria, but we know they exist. We'll keep you posted.
Liners
Liners come in a variety of colours these days and include sandy shades, marble and mosaic tiles. They also come in different textures and qualities which will therefore determine the life of the liner. Expect one to last about 15 years before it needs replacing. Your swimming pool company will have a swatch to choose from.
Paving
The choice is endless here, crazy paving, terracotta, ceramic, etc. It is a good idea to raise the paving slightly around the pool which will stop most of the leaves, dust, paper, etc. blowing into the water. Remember to ensure that your paving is not slippery when wet and keep it free of algae with a pressure washer or a good scrub down.
Surroundings
Try to keep a lawn below the immediate edge of the pool to stop wayward grass cuttings blowing onto the surface and use a mower with a good collection system. Trees should be kept away from the edge, especially deciduous ones, not just because of the leaves but they may also shade the pool and stop the natural heating by the sun.
Safety
It is important to ensure that your pool is protected from accidents. It is wise to put a fence around it, or around your property as a whole. Alternatively, for small pools and spas you can cover with decking and hinge it to one side or lift it off. This will not only stop visitors and children from falling in but also animals such as dogs, hedgehogs, etc. If it is to be used by the public, i.e. guests, then the pool must be a maximum of 1.4m deep all over otherwise a lifeguard must be in attendance during use. Children must be supervised and you need to be aware of potential dangers such as your house cleaner bringing her child along and not supervising it properly while working. Remember to include it in your house insurance and get cover for accidents.
Water
Take into consideration your source of water. Ideally you need a well or a spring so your water will be virtually free but you can have it delivered by tanker. Be aware of local laws regarding use of mains water. With correct treatment you can use the same water for many years, only emptying if the liner needs changing, and just topping up from time to time.
Maintenance
This is a big topic but very important. We don't want to go into too much detail here but you will need to consider cleaning and water treatment. At the very least you will need a water test kit, chlorine, algaecide and additive for winter storage. A stiff brush attached to the pump and a net will also be required. Your filter will need backwashing from time to time to clean it.
Heating
Most pools in Italy are heated purely by the sun. You can however extend the use for a month or more at each end of the summer by heating with gas, electricity or, best of all, solar panels. Heating may also be necessary if your pool is in the shade for part of the day.
Changing room
If you don't want wet children and adults trekking through the house then build or create a changing room with a drying rail for towels and swimsuits. A toilet and washbasin are also a good idea as this will stop people trekking through the house dripping water everywhere. Wooden slatted panels on the floor helps stop people slipping too. Consider making the room into sauna to double up the use of this in winter.
Shower
It's a good idea to provide a shower to rinse off near the pool or even in the changing room if you can. A simple system can be employed to heat the water a little by running it through a solar panel first.