A: We would again suggest that you use a pool maintenance professional such as Gaius Aqua to open your pool for the summer. If your pool has been professionally winterised, opening it for the summer should be fairly straightforward, however knowing the correct process for your pool is crucial and it is best therefore to get sound advice.
Below you will find examples of the most commonly asked questions we have been asked. These have been organised into easily manageable sections. Please contact us if your question has not been answered!
FILTRATION
Q: HOW DOES A CHEMICAL FREE FILTER KEEP THE WATER CLEAN?
A: The ClearSpring filter starves algae of the nutrients it needs to survive. Chemical systems kill bacteria, we stop it growing in the first place.
COST
Q: HOW DO THE RUNNING COSTS COMPARE?
A: Chemical free filtration requires lower water turnover rates which mean that our systems and pumps are not working as hard. This saves you money over time as energy usage is reduced.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES A SWIMMING POOL COST?
A: The cost of your new swimming pool will vary depending on a number of factors. These include the size of the pool required, the shape, location, if you need extra features such as fountains. Please get in touch to discuss your project.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATED SWIMMING POOL RUNNING COSTS?
A: Swimming pool running costs are dependent on a number of factors such as size of pool. The following should be considered when calculating monthly or yearly costs:
Media replacement for filters and dosing nutrients
Maintenance (weekly cleaning)
Electricity for a pump and heater if the pool is heated
DESIGN PROCESS
Q: DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MY SWIMMING POOL?
A: There are two levels of planning beauracracy in France, preliminary declaration of work or a building permit. Case 1) Neither are required if: The pool is above ground and installed for less than 3 months Or the following 3 statements are all true: The height of the walls is less than 1 meter Its surface is less than 10 m² The distance to the property line is at least 3 meters Case 2) Preliminary declaration of works required when buried or semi buried pool has the following criteria: If covered with a shelter that is less than 1.80 m high The surface of the pool must be less than 100 m² If the pool is semi-buried, the height must not exceed 0.60 m from the ground The technical room must be less than 20 m² on the ground Case 3) Building permit required In all other cases i.e. if pool is greater than 100m2, if structure over pool is greater than 1.8m high, or you require an indoor pool. Our initial site survey will confirm what level of planning is required.
Q: WHAT SIZE SWIMMING POOL DO I NEED?
A: The average outdoor swimming pool is around 10m x 5m. Indoor swimming pools are slightly smaller at around 9m x 4.5m. The rule of thumb is to mark out the swimming pool on the lawn to establish the right size for the plot.
Q: HOW DO I DECIDE ON MY POOL DESIGN?
A: We will assist you in the bespoke design of your swimming pool providing recommendations on shape, size, depth, steps, tiles and the finishing of your swimming pool.
Q: SHOULD I HAVE A LINER OR CONCRETE POOL?
A: There are advantages to both tiled and PVC lined pools, vinyl pools are quicker and more cost effective to install, whilst concrete and tiled pools are typically more durable with more flexibility in the design of the pool. The choice would therefore be dependent on your requirements and budget.
SAFETY
Q: I HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN, WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?
A: The best form of safety protection is a safety cover. In France there are various security measures which we can design in including a perimeter fence and/or an alarm water line sensor.
MAINTENANCE
Q: HOW DO I CLOSE MY POOL FOR THE WINTER?
A: Winterising your swimming pool correctly is crucial to ensure there are no nasty surprises in the Spring. Using a pool maintenance professional such as Gaius Aqua will certainly pay dividends and save you the hassle of potentially costly repairs.
Q: HOW DO I OPEN MY POOL FOR THE SUMMER?
COVERS
Q: SHOULD I COVER MY SWIMMING POOL?
A: All pools should be covered when not in use as this will reduce heat loss and evaporation from the surface and cut your running costs significantly. This is even more crucial for indoor swimming pools as evaporation from the swimming pool surface will compromise the environment in the swimming pool area. Indoor pools require air heating and dehumidification equipment and a swimming pool cover will reduce running costs and make the environmental control system more efficient.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF COVER SHOULD I HAVE?
A: There are a number of covers available – slatted pool covers, safety covers or Bubble Thermal Covers, we will recommend the most suitable cover for your pool and your requirements.
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
Q: WHAT ACCESS IS REQUIRED FOR CONSTRUCTION AND POOL EQUIPMENT?
A: Ideally an access of at least 6ft is required to the pool area for the excavator and dumper trucks for the removal of the soil. However, we are able to use smaller equipment should access be narrower.
Q: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BUILD MY SWIMMING POOL?
A: Typically once we start construction, for a basic vinyl-lined pool should take approximately 4 – 6 weeks, and a concrete pool approximately 6 – 8 weeks. Please note that these are estimates and do not allow for any unforeseen delays/problems.
