CONCRETE SWIMMING POOLS

Its 38˚C in the shade and there is no shade around the braai area and as you glance around your garden with a sweaty brow, the though of a shimmering blue pool flashes through your mind with you in it enjoying the cool velvety waters rippling over your body, and you make the instant decision to bring those visions to reality. In some cases the positioning of concrete swimming pools will be governed entirely by where there is sufficient space, however, one should look at the position of existing trees, as the leaves falling into the water add to the organic matter which has to be neutralised, which in turn means more chlorine.

Constructing a concrete swimming pool:

Constructing a concrete swimming pool involves digging a hole and inserting a frame or shell to support a custom-made concrete liner. These supports normally take the form of steel or glass-re-inforced cement modular panels or a plastered shell made of cement blocks. Proponents of the concrete pool point to a number of advantages over and above the cost aspect, not least of which is that the concrete cannot crack irrespective of ground movement. Obviously in the event of an earthquake or in areas with a high water table, then it would crack. Although the liner cannot crack, it can be torn or cut by sharp objects, and that concentrated chlorine, particularly the granular type, will discolour the concrete. Concrete swimming pools have smooth surfaces which means that there is nowhere for algae to gain a hold and that water maintenance will be easier. The quality of any pool shell is determined by who is making it and SA Pools are swimming pool experts at building pools with a wealth of information for you regarding installation.

Design of pool:

Another consideration will be the design of your concrete swimming pool, and as most people find a less formal shape more exciting, that will ultimately be the shape you take, as secretly, most people want to show off with the looks of their pool rather than having a practical shape, however if one really does want to use the pool for swimming a good few lengths every day, then it would be better to go for the rectangular shape.

Heating systems:

If you want to carry on swimming all year round then SA Pools can advise on heating systems which are usually -

• electric element – this is the least efficient option as your electricity bill will sky rocket;
• a heat pump – it uses a quarter of the power needed by an electric element;
• solar panels – this is the most economical as they do not involve any running costs, but remember that when it has been raining for a couple of days, your pool won't be heated!

Filtration:

A sand filter is a popular choice for filtration and can be enhanced by the use of liquid flocculants which coagulates fine particles into coarser particles which are more easily trapped by the filter. Whatever filter you have for concrete swimming pools, make sure that nothing impedes the flow of water to the pump and filter.

Clear, sparkling, trouble-free concrete swimming pools will stand you in good stead when it comes to looking to improving your home.