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Pools & Spas
 
Swimming in your own pool is no longer a luxury reserved for the happy few. In 2007, there were one million three hundred thousand private pools in France. From 100 euros for an inflatable model to 65,000 euros for a traditional top-of-the-range pool, there is something to suit every budget and taste.

Before making your dream come true and becoming one of the 45,000 new pool owners in France very year, it is important to ask the right questions. Which type of pool should you choose? above ground or inground, do-it-yourself or ready to dive in? For serious swimmers or for fun and relaxation? Environment-friendly? And why not a spa? Each type of pool has different features involving different constraints and administrative requirements. Some pools are easy to install, while others require specialised workmanship. Costs vary accordingly.  Let&rsquos take a closer look before you take the plunge.

In France, 55% of all pools are above ground.  They only take a few hours to install. They don't need to be declared to the authorities if they have a surface area of less than 10 sq.m. and are not erected outdoors for more than 3 months per year. You can choose from inflatable above-ground pools, hard or soft frame pools and metal or resin wood surround pools. Less expensive than inground pools, they are often an impulse buy and the first step towards building a pool.

Inground pools are the other alternative and enhance the value of a property. Before beginning excavation, the land use plan and local urban land use regulations must be consulted. If the pool has a surface area of less than 100 sq.m., is not covered or has a cover of less than 1m80, a simple works declaration is sufficient. Otherwise, a planning permission application must be made to the local council. A ready-to-go conventional pool is installed by a professional and costs a minimum of 10,000 euros. Made of concrete, it offers highly appreciable freedom in terms of shape and surface materials.  However many models exist in the form of do-it-yourself pools. This is the most popular type of pool, with a starting price of 3,000 euros. It means that you can have a real pool at lower cost plus the satisfaction of having made it yourself. In between these two solutions is the one-piece polyester pool. Like a boat's hull, moulded in the factory, it is preferable to have a specialist install it. Its main qualities are durability and easy maintenance.

The dimensions of the pool depend on what you want to do with it &ndash train, relax or paddle with the kids. Hollywood size pools are a thing of the past in France. The latest trend is the mini-pool. The most popular size is 3.70 m by 7.50 m. Small plots &ndash 500 sq.m. on average &ndash do not explain everything. Preference goes to a small but better equipped pool. Equipped with wave balls, underwater lighting and speakers, it is perfect for having fun with the family and a drink with friends.

Lap pools are also highly prized. Attractive and contemporary, they help to keep you fit. Two to five metres wide, they vary in length from 8 to 25 metres. A good compromise is the pool spa. Both a spa with a relaxation and massage area and an endless pool, it offers the best of both worlds. Easy to install with practically no excavation work and a water temperature of 34°C all year round, its popularity is easy to understand
 
Increasing importance is being given to style and customisation. The landscape pool, similar to a pond, is very popular. Waterfalls, sand, rocks and vegetation are all used to create an idyllic environment. In general small tiles have been supplanted by uniform coatings, large sheets of slate, dark coloured liners and grey stone pool borders. The pool blends in perfectly with the garden.

But natural does not necessarily mean environment-friendly. To have an organic pool, preference should be given to solar pool heaters and non-chemical treatment. Some pools are composed of two separate but connecting areas: a swimming area and a regeneration area where the aquatic plants reside and clean the water.  The water is drinkable and doesn't need to be changed. The only maintenance required  is removing dead leaves! For a care-free installation, particular attention must be paid to safety standards.The French law of 3rd January 2003 requires that pools be equipped with one of the following four systems: a pool alarm (NF P 903007), a pool fence (NF P9006), a tarpaulin (NF P90 308) or a Pool cover (NF P 90 309).

With so many different possibilities and such a large range of prices, having your own pool is now easy. So what will you choose? A swimming pool or a Spa ?