Feature |
Indoor Pool |
Outdoor Pool |
Availability |
Most of the year but will need air-conditioning for use in July and
August |
6 months from April to September with water heating and 3 months
without water heating |
Planning Consent in the UK |
Under new regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 many
outbuildings that could house a pool do not now require planning consent
if outside a conservation area and the garden in big enough |
Generally not required if you have appropriate space in a large garden
outside a conservation area |
Planning Consent in France |
Required if building is greater then 20 sq m. |
Notice of intent to construct (called a "Declaration
Peable") is required. Consent is granted automaticly if the pool is
> 3m from any boundary and is not in a Heritage area (Less than 4km
from an Ancient Monument) |
Building Regulation Approval in UK |
Not if the building is less than 30 square metres,
otherwise Yes |
Not required |
Building Regulation Approval in France |
Not required but builder must have decannale insurance |
Not required - many inexperienced pool installers
cannot get decennale insurance - for obvious reasons |
Advantages |
Daily use for exercise - all year round
Place for teenagers to play in
For entertainment of visitors all year round
A swim jet can be used to allow a lot of exercise in a small pool
Can be locked up to ensure that young children are safe |
Daily exercise for 6 months of the year
Place for teenagers to play in
Focus for the entertainment of visitors during the summer |
Disadvantages |
If big enough for lap swimming cost is prohibitive
Is a very attractive danger zone for adventurous toddlers
High humidity levels detract from the entertainment value
The building can be very ugly |
Outdoor pools are not very attractive to look at
in the winter
Exercise is only possible for 6 months of the year
Maintenance and cleaning required
Are a real hazard for young children playing in the garden |
Initial Cost |
£60 k ++ |
£30 to 50 k |
Running Costs |
£2000 + per annum depending on size and
heating etc |
circa £500 per annum depending on size and heating
etc |
