Do you dream of a pool in the garden? How about being able to enjoy the cool water at any time? Which pool surface is suitable? What must be considered when making a selection?

In a nutshell

  • The bottom of the pool must be level and perfectly compacted
  • Sharp stones and roots can damage pool liner
  • possible substrates: polystyrene insulating materials, sand, wood, concrete, rubber mats, paving stones, natural or artificial turf

The preparation

If you want to install a pool on your own property, you must first check the requirements. Where is the water connection? How much space is available? Which location is suitable? The weight of a pool filled with water should not be underestimated. Depending on the size, several thousand liters of water quickly accumulate. The nature of the subsurface is decisive for uninterrupted enjoyment of the pool.

The ground under the swimming pool must be carefully compacted. A completely flat surface must be available before assembly. Stones and other sharp objects can cause damage. The swimming pool should be able to stand upright.

Notice: Note that the water contained in the pool greatly increases the weight of the pool and the pressure on the bottom. Check the stability of the surface.

lawn

Anyone who has a lawn on the property can, under favorable conditions, place a pool on it. The prerequisite is a level surface that is free of stones and roots. The pool must not be placed directly on the lawn. The grass would rot from the overflowing water and smell unpleasant. A ground sheet is therefore required. Specialist shops offer groundsheets in various dimensions to protect the pool from water and dirt.

Benefits:

  • little preparation
  • easy dismantling

artificial grass

Artificial grass is a real alternative to natural grass.

Benefits:

  • inexpensive
  • easy and quick to lay
  • easily interchangeable
  • resilient, pressure and water resistant
  • durable
  • easy-care
  • protects against dirt from blades of grass and leaves

Notice: If you have children, artificial grass as the base of the pool has another advantage. Children who get out of the water easily slip on wood or cobblestones. That can hardly happen with artificial turf.

sand

If no level surface can be found, fine sand is suitable to level out any unevenness. Fill in a layer of fine quartz sand. Pull it straight off to create a flat surface. The thickness of the sand layer should be about two to three centimeters.

Benefits:

  • suitable for leveling out unevenness
  • easy implementation
  • comfortable for the feet

Styrodur

Styrodur elements are often recommended as a base for a swimming pool. The material is not only suitable as a base, it also contributes to thermal insulation. With a Styrodur base, you can look forward to perfect water temperatures.
Styrodur panels are used in the house to insulate all areas with high moisture levels.

Benefits:

  • smooth surface
  • pressure insensitive
  • waterproof
  • durable
  • thermally insulating
  • Assembly and disassembly uncomplicated

styrofoam

The surface of styrofoam panels is not as smooth as that of styrodur insulation materials. The small styrofoam beads are clearly visible. The material is less pressure-resistant, not as stable and resilient as Styrodur insulating materials. However, styrofoam scores as a base for your swimming pool with a significantly lower price. Incidentally, the proven styrofoam insulation material consists of only 2 percent polystyrene. The rest is air.

Benefits:

  • inexpensive
  • durable
  • easy to use
  • good insulating properties

cobblestones

Paving stones are also popular as a base for a swimming pool. The area where the pool is to be placed is paved. The disadvantage is that this solution is permanent. Changing the pool area or enlarging the pool is only possible with a lot of effort.

Benefits:

  • durable
  • pressure insensitive
  • beautiful optics

wood

The idea of using the existing wooden terrace as a base for a swimming pool is often expressed. This idea is usually not feasible due to the lack of resilience of the wooden construction. Have the statics of your terrace checked by a specialist. Wooden subfloors must be protected from moisture by floor tarpaulins.

Benefits:

  • natural looking
  • thermally insulating

concrete

It is possible to pour the pool base out of concrete. This variant can be optimized by using polystyrene elements.

Benefits:

  • durable
  • pressure insensitive
  • waterproof
  • Straightening of uneven surfaces possible

rubber mats

Various rubber mats are available in specialist shops as a base for a swimming pool. The mats are easy to snap together. They even out small bumps and create a pleasantly padded floor.

Benefits:

  • easy implementation
  • durable
  • gentle on the feet
  • Anti-slip finish on the surface
  • Protection from stones and roots

Notice: When using the rubber mats, you can usually do without a pool fleece to underlay them.

frequently asked Questions

Do I need a planning application before installing a pool?

Swimming pools that are less than 100 cubic meters do not require a permit in ordinary residential areas. Outdoor pools are subject to additional conditions. Check with your county building authority.

What tasks does a pool fleece fulfill?

Depending on the nature of the subsoil, the use of pool fleece is recommended. On a natural lawn, it provides additional protection against damage from stones or sharp objects. The fleece prevents the pool liner from reacting with the ground and compensates for small bumps.

Which location is suitable for a swimming pool in the garden?

Choose a place that is as sunny as possible. So you can use the heat of the sun to heat the water.

When can a swimming pool be set up in the garden?

When there is no longer any fear of night frosts and the temperatures are pleasant outside, you can set up the swimming pool. The best time to set up is in May, after the Ice Saints. You should plan to dismantle by the end of September at the latest. If the temperatures are too low, a swimming pool can be damaged.

Category:

Garden design