5 Swimming pool myths

You’ve got a garden and want to make the most of sunny days, particularly by installing a swimming pool. But you’ve got a lot of doubts, and you’re afraid you’re making the wrong choice. Here are a few reasons why you should consider the advantages of above-ground pools, i.e. those that can be installed directly on the ground without the need to dig foundations.

Myth¹: “It’s too expensive!

FALSE! Unlike in-ground pools, above-ground pools don’t require any earthworks. There are several models of above-ground pool to suit different budgets. The cheapest are inflatable and freestanding pools; for around a hundred euros, you can have access to a reasonably sized pool, and for an even lower price, smaller pools are available. If you’re prepared to invest a little more, you can consider kit pools. Made from wood or steel, they are easy to assemble. Above-ground pools are therefore accessible to all budgets and represent a much smaller investment than in-ground pools.

Myth²: “It’s too complicated!

FALSE! Having a swimming pool, whether above-ground or not, requires regular maintenance to keep the water clean and enjoyable. But don’t be put off by this task, as there are many simple and cost-effective solutions. The main thing to do is to use a landing net to remove debris from the surface of the water every day. This only takes 5 minutes and helps to improve water quality. It’s also a good idea to use a pool vacuum or filtration system. Simply switch it on and it will filter the water on its own. To prevent the appearance of mould, it’s essential to treat the water chemically, with products such as chlorine or bromine, although there are also environmentally-friendly solutions. Pre-measured kits can be purchased if you don’t want to handle the products yourself. If necessary, you can call in a professional to look after your above-ground pool. Finally, during the winter, it’s important to cover your pool to protect it, or to drain it.

Myth³: “My electricity bill will go through the roof”.

TRUE/FALSE! Owning an above-ground swimming pool involves costs, mainly related to maintenance. Although these costs are real, they need to be put into perspective. Firstly, they are not as high as you might think. It’s true that electricity consumption increases because filtration equipment requires energy, but this increase remains moderate. You can opt for equipment with low energy consumption, so the increase in your electricity bill will be minimal. What’s more, these regular costs need to be compared with expenditure on other leisure activities. If you stayed by your pool all afternoon, you could instead have gone to the local swimming pool, the cinema, or taken the car to the beach. In this case, you would also have had to pay for petrol or the pool entrance fee, which can become significant in the long term. In the long term, therefore, your maintenance costs will remain fairly reasonable and shouldn’t be a hindrance.

Myth⁴: “It’s risky!

TRUE/FALSE! One of the concerns most often raised is the danger of accidents or drowning.

There’s no doubt that a private pool presents more risks than a public pool where professionals are on hand to supervise the area. However, while parents’ vigilance over their children is essential, there are a number of devices that offer valuable assistance. For example, your pool can be covered when not in use, or fitted with an alarm that goes off when no-one is supposed to be in the water. So if someone falls into the pool, the alarm goes off and you can react quickly. On the other hand, an above-ground pool is also an excellent way of introducing your children to the water and helping them learn to swim at an early age.

Myth ⁵: “It’s not pretty”.

FALSE! Above-ground pools are often perceived negatively because of their appearance. It’s true that inflatable pools may seem out of place in a pretty garden, but today there are many pools designed to blend harmoniously into your outdoor space. These include wooden or steel swimming pool kits with wooden linings, which are also easier to maintain. There are also some very attractive inflatable spas.