bluepools

Swimming pool site investigation

Bluepools recommend that a site investigation is undertaken before the contract is signed to avoid any nasty shocks after pool construction has commenced. The site investigation will identify whether the proposed pool location is in natural ground or made ground, whether the soil will be susceptible to deterioration by rain, whether the excavation is below the natural water table, whether the soil is diggable by the proposed excavator and whether the soil can be used as fill around the pool.

If made ground is encountered several options are available; move the pool, excavate the made ground and fill with concrete or a compacted granular material, provide a reinforced concrete slab to the base of the pool.

If the soil is susceptible to deterioration with water or if the excavation is below the water table, then it may be wise to delay the pool installation until a drier season.

If hard rock is encountered it may be necessary to use a bigger machine and/or breaker.

If the soil is not suitable for use as fill, it may necessary to dispose off site.

Bluepools will undertake a site investigation for a pool for about 500 EUR (depending on locality). If a pool order is subsequently placed with Bluepools, then this sum will be deducted from the deposit. You will then have complete peace of mind in the knowledge that Bluepools will then assume all risks associated with ground conditions.

Swimming pool heat pumps

Heat pumps for swimming pools come in many different shapes and sizes. The unit pictured here on the left is a European slimline unit and takes up less space. The components are of the latest technology and are squeezed into a small unit.The air flows in through the rear and out through this face. See zodiac website for further details.

The one pictured on the right has a similar heat output to the one above and is a tried and tested design manufactured in Britain from quality components. The air flows in through this face and out through the rear. See calorex website for further details.

This one pictured on the left has a higher heat output than the ones above. This is a very high quality unit with a titanium heat exchanger and is manufactured in Florida. The air flows in through the sides and out through the top. Due to the constraints in the placement of the heat pump (heat and head losses), it is located in a visible area of the garden and will be screened with potted plants. It is fitted with a security device to reduce the risk of theft. See Jandy website for further details.

Swimming pool complete. Indre, France

Our third installation of 2005 was completed in June. The pool is 11.5m x 5m and has a pale liner with matching pale blue roman end. Here we have a combination of decking to soften the impact in the garden and a large seating area in paving slabs. The client was delighted with the pool's visual impact. The pool was only partially filled at the time of this photo so a minor repair could be carried out.

Swimming pool complete. Dordogne, France

Our second installation of 2005 was completed in May. The pool is 10m x 5m with a deluxe liner and roman end. The client opted to surround the pool with pressure treated softwood decking to soften the impact of the pool in his garden.

Swimming pool complete. Charente-Maritime, France.

Our first installation of 2005 was completed in April. The pool is 8m x 4.5m with a deluxe liner and roman end. The pool is fitted into a corner between the barn and house and will provide an extension of the living area once the client's house renovations are complete. The walls will be re-pointed using traditional materials. The exact size of the pool was co-ordinated to match the size of the margelles (coping stones) to give a pleasing flush finish with all joints lining through. Margelles and dalles (paving slabs) are Ardoise Jaune by CaraTerra. The client will fit his spa behind the heat pump to cover the pipes.