There are several points that need to be considered when constructing a traditional swimming pool, or one with an overflow. Unless you take these steps, your modern pool project may not meet your expectations.
Infinity Overflow Vs. Zero Edge Overflow
A vanishing edge pool prioritizes water quality and aesthetics. Water circulates in all these pools via reverse hydraulics. Choosing the spillover type is primarily a matter of aesthetics.
Pools with zero edges, also known as deck level pools, have a peripheral gutter that collects water draining from all sides. The pool’s surface seems to reflect the surrounding environment, hence its name, mirror pool. For backyards with flat surfaces or enclosed enclosures, it is ideally suited.
Pools with water running over one side are perfect on sloping ground. Although cascading or trickling weirs suggest that water is spilling over in nature, it is actually collected in a channel beneath the surface.
Alternatively, why not opt for a combination of both: a magical effect for your design pool.
Discover how pool design experts can help you design stunning disappearing edge pools.
Finding The Right Pool Location
The location of your pool depends on several factors:
Depending on your lifestyle, some people like their swimming area far from their house for some serenity. Others want their pool integrated into their living space.
The profile of the land plays an instrumental role in determining whether an in-ground or semi-in-ground pool is suitable. A customized pool construction project should always adapt to its surroundings. It is most suitable to install an above ground pool on a rocky subsoil.
For English speakers living in France, this section is for you
Town halls develop Local Urbanism Plans (PLU) to determine where future swimming pools should be located in relation to neighboring residences and public roads. A local map replaces the PLU in villages. Construction of a swimming pool in a housing estate must also follow the rules of the latter.
If you want more information on the regulations in force for the construction of an infinity pool, click here.
A reinforced concrete pool, a polyester shell, or a swimming pool kit facing the sun between 10:00 and 18:00 will benefit from the most favorable exposure; however, the direction of the breeze should be considered; the north wind can significantly cool the water. Trees near the swimming corridor complicate pool maintenance.
The Different Plans And Drawings For The Construction Of Pools
It is not necessary for a pool builder to have detailed plans when constructing a rectangular or free-form pool. In contrast, concrete infinity pools or deck level pools require detailed plans for self-construction. It is possible to hire an infinity pool designer or to create your own drawings.
Both in-ground and above-ground pools can be built with shotcrete, cast concrete, or shuttering blocks. Concrete pool construction plans extend beyond sketches. As well as showing the dimensions and shape of the infinity or zero-edge pool, they also show the stairs, the sun deck, and the weir channel. This diagram shows the location and volume of the surge tank, also called the balance tank, as well as the plant room. Masons who are not swimming pool builders must be able to estimate a swimming pool’s cost and carry out masonry work based on these elements. This plan guides the earthwork and backfilling.
Note: An overflow pool construction plan should not be confused with a concrete engineer’s structural plan after a soil analysis.
All the pipes connecting the parts to be sealed (bottom drain, discharge nozzles) and the filtration system installed in the technical room are drawn. A colored document allows you to differentiate the networks for outlets from those for inlets. With this plan, a plumber, installer, or DIY enthusiast will be able to construct a hydraulic circuit for either an infinity pool or a deck-level pool. To effectively filter the water, it is key to know where the jets will be mounted (at the bottom and walls of the pool) and where the suction parts will be placed; the number depends on the volume of water, the size of the pool, and the flow rate of the filtration pump.
It is an extension of the previous plan. The pipes are drawn in their exact position of entry into the pump room and the placement of the different pool equipment is done accordingly. In addition to the pump/filter unit, there is the water treatment system (e.g., electrolysis) and the heater. It is also necessary to know the number and position of valves, solenoid valves and check valves.
Morana's advice 👇
Get your pool project started early
By planning ahead, you can carefully consider important factors such as the pool design, budget, necessary permits, and construction timeline. This allows you to make informed decisions and ensure that your pool project meets your expectations.
Work with people who know what they’re doing
Be sure you’re surrounded by professionals who know what they’re doing about pool design and construction. Hiring experts ensures that your pool project is executed with precision and attention to detail. Their expertise will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
You could benefit from our 30 years of experience!
Building Permits And Authorizations
In France, regulations differ depending on the surface of the pool, but not its volume. Inground or semi-inground pools, whether reinforced concrete, masonry, shells, or kits, are all subject to these rules.
Whenever there is a surface area of 10 m2 or more of water, a preliminary declaration of works must be filed before any development can be carried out. In cases where the building area exceeds 100 m2, a building permit must be obtained. A small in-ground pool up to 10 m² does not require any formalities. To avoid costly and time-consuming formalities, it is therefore preferable to install an overflow pool whose size is less than 100 m². This is the case for most of the private pools.
The enclosures in high versions allow swimming all year round and are an alternative to indoor swimming pools. To avoid the need for a building permit, it is advisable to choose a height of less than 1.80 m. Installing the semi-inground or in-ground pool first and the pool cover later also avoids the building permit.
For indoor pools or pools under enclosures, peripheral spillover is highly recommended. Since the water surface is at the same level as the pool deck, impurities can be carried away by the water blade, keeping the water clean.
Who's going to build your pool: you or a pool builder?
Over spilling pools can be built with a pool builder or by self-construction with their limitations in terms of cost, choice of options, and availability.
When you hire a pool builder, you entrust him with the construction method, the pool filtration and sometimes even the waterproofing and finishing coats (reinforced membrane, mosaic, or coating). Basically, we will be able to see if what we predicted will come true once the pool is filled with water. Even though there is a ten-year warranty available in France, it does not mean that it is a guarantee of longevity or durability.
Note: The basic pool liner is not suitable for deck level pools, nor negative edge pools.
Whenever you choose to build your own overspill pool, you should select the method of construction and the form work which are best suited to the site. If you wish to build a reinforced concrete pool on your own, your cheapest option would be to use lost form work. This would be concrete or polystyrene shuttering blocks. Reinforced or rigid PVC pipes are stronger than flexible pipes; they are also less expensive. Those who take pride in their work and are meticulous will be able to set up the filtration of their swimming pool. Drawings are crucial to ensuring that you have the necessary information.
Swimming pool construction: tips to save money
Avoid blowing your budget with these simple rules.
👉 Don’t settle for a free estimate, compare several.
👉 Know what you want from your infinity pool or your zero-edge pool.
👉 Purchase the materials, pool liners, maintenance products, and equipment (heat pump, submerged pool cover or not, disinfection system, etc.).
👉 Follow the work as closely as possible to avoid malfunctions (non-horizontal weir level, poorly glued pipe, watertight pool, etc.).
Therefore, Morana Water Design accompanies you from A to Z in the realization of your dream pool. This includes a preliminary project, execution plans, advice brief and information about equipment, along with online support during construction.
