3, 2, 1… Dive in - mosquito.be
Formerly reserved for the wealthy classes, the swimming pool has become an (almost) common object in our gardens. Figures from the Belgian Swimming Pool Association show that their number has doubled in five years. A phenomenon due, among other things, to repeated heat waves and rising temperatures which, each year, push a few more Belgians to dig or install their swimming pool. However, their price has not decreased, as explained by Arnoud Dulière, manager of AMP Piscines. “The swimming pools have remained at the usual prices, he notes, but the range of products has expanded and there is also a clear reduction in the size of the pools.” Order books are therefore overflowing and stocks are running out quickly. “A lot of people come on a whim, says Arnoud Dulière, who is already working on the 2022 preseason. You have to take the time to think so you don't regret anything.” As you can imagine, installing a swimming pool is not nothing and you have to think of everything... do not always offer advice from professionals in the sector. Because when it comes to choosing a swimming pool, there are many possibilities. The proof…
The tubular pool
Available in all DIY stores, even supermarkets, this is the entry-level pool. Two brands hold the leadership: Intex and Bestway. How much does it cost? The first models are at 80 euros and for the larger ones at 2,500 euros. The advantages Simple to install (some are ready in 30 minutes), it takes up little space, requires no fitting out and is available in a lot of sizes. There are regular off-season promotions. Cons It is not very resistant over time – we are talking about 4 to 5 seasons of use. Another weak point: this kind of pool is supplied with very few accessories such as the ladder or the cover. You should also know that water treatment systems are generally not very efficient. Finally, the dismantling phase – essential at the end of the summer – turns out to be painful.
The metal pool
Essentially intended for use above ground, the metal model (also called “steel”) is an acceptable compromise for those who, not too fussy about aesthetics, want a swimming pool without spending too much. How much does it cost? The basics are around 700 euros and for the top of the range, the bill can climb up to 5,000 euros. The advantages Delivered in kit form, it is easily and quickly assembled by everyone. It does not require a concrete slab, a layer of stabilized sand is sufficient. The disadvantages The structure requires space, knowing that it is essential to install struts to support the whole. It takes 2 meters of additional width. The shapes are also limited. Good to know: unless you opt for a top-of-the-range model, the lifespan is estimated at 4 or 5 years for sealing, while the structure resists ten years.
The concrete swimming pool
The Rolls-Royce of swimming pools. It is dressed either with a liner or with tiles. However, this is not recommended due to the Belgian climate which could eventually cause expansion and leaks. How much does it cost? It is not accessible to everyone. You will not find any estimate below 40,000 euros. The advantages Its structure guarantees a durability of 40 to 50 years. Add to that the infinite customization in terms of its shapes and depth. The disadvantages The budget! You also have to take into account the construction time. It lasts for at least one month, provided the weather is good…
The wooden swimming pool
Octagonal, square, round or rectangular, available in several sizes. Its lifespan is estimated at around fifteen years but depends on its placement – possible above ground, semi-buried or buried. Aesthetic, it fits into most environments. How much does it cost? The average budget is between 1,500 and 12,000 euros, not including installation and additional equipment. Due to its water volume, it must be installed on a concrete slab, an additional cost. Advantages Delivered as a kit, it is relatively simple and quick to assemble. You can easily add an interior staircase. The disadvantages Available at an affordable budget, it is a victim of its own success and is often difficult to find in stock. The nature of fir wood (which works) does not always offer impeccable finishes.
The shell swimming pool
Its structure, made up of a single piece, is molded in the factory. How much does it cost? Installed by a professional, it is necessary to plan at least 30,000 euros for a “ready to dive” product of quality and durability. The advantages Extreme longevity (30 years) and infinitely repairable hull. Provided you buy it from a professional, as Arnoud Dulière explains: “It is complicated to find a good coquiste. When buying, it is essential to check the experience of the latter and to be wary when offering a lifetime guarantee”. For the placement of such a model, the duration of the construction site is reduced, we are talking about two weeks, finishes included. Easy to clean, the hull is economical in cleaning products. The disadvantages Before placing an order, it is imperative to check the accessibility of the land. The shell is limited in size. You will not find any deeper than 11 meters, with a maximum depth of 1.80 m. Also beware of deadlines: for an order placed in December 2020, delivery is scheduled for September 2021.
The natural swimming pool
It is based on the principle of lagooning: the water is naturally filtered using plants and living organisms. These are either on the edges of the pool or in a second one. How much does it cost? It is difficult to give an average cost, which varies according to the plants chosen. For a correct model, 8 m by 4 m, we are considering an amount of 50,000 euros. The advantages With perfect aesthetics, it is more eco-friendly than its competitors and promotes biodiversity. You can add certain fish that clean the walls and bottoms. Disadvantages Given its nature, this pool does not offer clear water and cannot be overheated, otherwise the plants will be damaged.
The container swimming pool
The concept comes from Australia and consists of recycling shipping containers. The variations are almost endless, as Fabian Bernard, head of Australia Piscines, explains: “In our workshop, we cut the containers and assemble them at the customer's request. If the latter wants a V-shaped pool, it is possible”. How much does it cost? The basic model fluctuates around 15,000 euros – filtration included -, but without investment costs. Some models can reach 50,000 euros. Advantages Ecological and durable (about twenty years), this kind of pool is mobile: if it is placed above ground, it is possible to move it to another place without altering its solidity. It is almost "ready to use" and does not require days of work in the heart of your garden. Finally, these models adapt to any type of terrain. The disadvantages Access to technical equipment is sometimes not easy because of its positioning in the extension of the swimming pool. Transported by truck, these containers are placed in the gardens using a crane. And crane fees can be quite high depending on the accessibility of the terrain.
What you need to know
EquipmentMost swimming pools come with basic water treatment equipment. Depending on the budget, the cartridge purifier can be replaced by a sand filter, which is more effective in retaining impurities. Biological pools (without residual chemicals) are popular, even if this type of system requires a different design of the pool and greatly increases the final bill.
The coverIt covers the pool. You can opt for a solar cover, or even a bar cover. This is “four seasons” and generally secure to French standards.
The most affordable cleaning system is the manual vacuum cleaner, effective for small and medium-sized surfaces, but you can also consider buying a remote-controlled robot.
The heating systemDemocratic and less energy-consuming, the first heat pumps are available at around 800 euros.
RegulationsIn the Walloon Region, according to the territorial development code, you do not have to apply for an urban planning permit, provided that the swimming pool is the only one on your property, is invisible from the street and does not exceed 75 m². In Brussels, it must be uncovered, be at least 2 meters from neighbors and not exceed 20 m². Left to the discretion of each municipality, the annual tax generally amounts to 250 euros for swimming pools of less than 100 m² and 500 euros for those greater than 100 m². Models under 10 m² are exempt.
The address bookwww.australiapiscine.comwww.amppiscines.bewww.defiletdeau.be
