How about a pool at home?

Love swimming and aquarobics, but haven’t the time to travel to the pool? Relax. Now, you can swim at will, right at home! While the cost of home in-ground pools is intimidating, above-ground swimming pools are an economical alternative.

Portable and easy-to-install, these pools can be accompanied by waterfalls, hot tubs, seating benches or spillover spas.

Aesthetics and entertainment are obvious advantages. But, potential for mishaps, loss of precious yard-space, high cost and effort of regular maintenance and repair besides higher electricity and water bills are deterrents.

Economy or luxury?

Still coveting a home-pool? Then, it’s decision-making-time. Above-ground swimming pool designs range from simple to elaborate. So, choose from an economy or luxury model. Buttressed pools have diagonal bracing along the sides to counter the water’s pressure. Round pools are usually buttress-free and hence ideal for smaller yards. Oval pools can be either buttressed or buttress-free.

Choose from a variety of sizes and shapes. Simple geometric shapes complementing your landscaping (squares, rectangles, circles and ovals) are recommended. Select a free-form, rocky pool for a natural garden and a geometrically-shaped one for a controlled landscape.

Choose a stylish design that your budget permits – say, a beach-like entry space or ornate stairs leading into the water. Adding a straight or curved pool slide provides lots of fun. The space available and your taste determine the optimum elevation. Select a small and secure slide if you’ve little kids.

Above-ground pools are usually installed on a firm sand-bed after clearing and levelling the land. Building an attractive wood/wood-composite deck eases accessibility by raising the surrounding surface upto the pool’s level. Install at a spot that doesn’t have telephone, power lines or trees overhead. A power-source is required in its proximity to run the pump.

Two types of liners – overlap type and the more expensive beaded one – come in different thicknesses, styles and colours. Choose a suitable filter and filter-pump.

Sand filters are the most common. The cartridge filter is an economical, low-maintenance option. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are the finest sieves and the most expensive.
Pool-grade tiles minimise the cracking and staining that exposure to water and chemicals cause.

A textured tile is less slippery than a smooth one when wet. Coordinate the colour of the waterproof tile grout and cement with the tile-colour. Automatic swimming pool cleaners do away with long hours of manual vacuuming. There are models that can be plugged in or simply placed into the water.

Choose a pool cover that’s strong and sturdy with adequate overlap-length for firm anchoring to keep dirt, debris and animals out of your pool. Solar covers warm the water with energy derived from sunlight and help retain the heat once warmed.

Arrange for proper safety measures. Make sure an adult is present when children are near the water.

Remove toys from the pool area when swimming. Build a fence around the pool and secure with gate latches. Always keep lifesaving equipment within easy reach.

Maintenance

Pools need care. Twice a week, check and maintain pH and chlorine levels. Skim leaves,
insects and other debris from the pool surface.

Once a week, ‘shock’ the pool to destroy germs, banish organic contaminants and get rid of algae. Each month, get the water tested for these levels – alkalinity, calcium, hardness and stabiliser. Clean the filter every few months. The ideal water-level is between one-third and half the way up the opening of the swim pool skimmer.

Beautify the area around your pool. Energy-efficient LEDs are recommended for outdoor lighting. Avoid trees, plants that shed leaves, needles, fruits, flowers, seeds excessively, have thorns (roses, bougainvillea, cacti....) or invasive roots or attract bees. Select low-maintenance plants that can withstand your pool’s microclimate.