The swimming pool in the garden for private use

When designing a private garden pool, the fundamental considerations are in terms of position, size and shape as needs vary.
When positioning a pool, it is necessary to ensure that it is sheltered from the prevailing winds and possibly placed near the kitchen, to be able to supervise the children, and the living room in which it can become a suggestive backdrop. When designing the surrounding greenery, it is good practice to use evergreen vegetation, as deciduous leaves could damage the system.
A swimming pool should generally have a minimum width of 2,5 m and a length of at least 5,25 m.

TYPE
Based on the function attributed to the pool we can have different conformations that will be different depending on the shape, size and depth depending on whether it is:

• Competitive activity
• Playful and recreational activities
• Diving and Underwater Activities
• Rehabilitative, educational and thermal uses, through 
• Specialist health check-up
• Multifunctional, meaning it allows the simultaneous use of different activities and uses
• For children (shallow depth)

To ensure hygiene, public swimming pools are equipped with a filtration system that uses chemical products to help maintain the level of bathing water; they are also equipped with a system to heat the water and keep it at the same temperature.

PRIVATE POOLS

In general, when designing a swimming pool, it is necessary to take into account the area in which it is placed, considering:

GENERAL FACTORS

• Type of Users 
• Shape (square, circular, irregular)
• Depth
• Color

TECHNICAL FACTORS

• Pressure drops in the recirculation system
• Filtration times

Depending on the type of pool to be built, whether for recreational or competitive purposes, we can distinguish it based on the material it is made of. Pools are generally built in:

• Reinforced Concrete
• Prefabricated Steel
• Prefabricated panels

Waterproof concrete basin, (double-layer cast-in-place, single-layer broken concrete, prefabricated elements)
Generally, concrete structures require more attention during construction than other types.
In this case, a concrete slab of about 15-20 cm will be built first, with walls of the same material. This structure will then be covered with a special finish that can be chosen based on both aesthetic and functional aspects. 

The internal lining of the pool can be made of plastic, ceramic or water-resistant paints and plasters that allow the creation of a waterproof film, resistant but at the same time flexible and elastic.
There are various types on the market, with different colors and finishes.
Less frequent is the painting for example in chlorine rubber, colored coatings based on cement. In all cases however it must have precise standards to guarantee a correct stress to the water pressure, it must be anti-slip and be resistant to chemical products for cleaning and hygiene of the water.

Polyester tank, this type is very rare and is generally used as prefabricated; it is rarely built on site. This type in most cases is not self-supporting and requires support such as lean concrete.
Tank with waterproof lining, which includes a load-bearing structure in masonry, concrete, steel (also above ground) or buried.

The above ground swimming pool

Above ground pools are an alternative that does not require much construction and excavation work. This type is generally used mostly to build smaller pools. The advantage of an above ground pool is both the extremely fast construction time and the lower costs compared to underground pools, considering that they have standardized dimensions and shape.
In the case of the construction of removable above-ground pools, the advantage is ensured by the reduction of the time required to complete the authorization procedures, which are mandatory for permanent structures.
It is good practice to evaluate the specific regional and municipal regulations regarding the request for authorization such as DIA or Building Permit.
The most economical option is the removable above ground pool as it consists of a load-bearing steel structure that supports a sheet that is resistant to both chemicals and UV rays.
As a more robust and durable option, you can opt for a wooden or steel pool, although they are more expensive than the PVC one.

The underground swimming pools

In-ground pools can be customized in shape and depth, in this case they have higher costs in terms of construction and require invasive work compared to above-ground ones.
In fact, it is a substantial modification of the property and as such requires authorization from the local authorities who define the principles and details for issuing the concession.
Underground tanks can have different types of coating that varies according to the aesthetic aspect in relation to the color and finish of the materials that give the water a certain reflection and therefore influence the final result.

FLOORING and EDGING

When building a swimming pool, special attention must be paid to the design and construction of the external flooring. This has the task of meeting the requirements of cleanliness and hygiene and safety in terms of anti-slip properties. 
There are various solutions on the market such as:

• Wood
• Marble
• Natural stone
• Cement
• Ceramics and terracotta

Ceramics, even following modern pre-printed ones, are able to aesthetically emulate any finish, guaranteeing adequate hygiene and safety standards in relation to the surface roughness paved.
Below is a useful diagram for a more informed purchase.

The flooring solutions from an aesthetic point of view are different and vary greatly depending on the manufacturers, whether they are ceramic or wood. 
The border can also be made with a grassy layer, in this case it is necessary to take into account both the chemical agents contained in the water, which could damage the grassy vegetation, and the frequency of use of the pool, when choosing the species.

SHAPES, DIMENSIONS AND DEPTH

Depth 
The depth and type of shape of the pool bottom are variable, in general we can find four types of bottom:

Piano, That is, the entire surface has the same depth
Inclined, in this case the depth begins at approximately 50 cm and gradually slopes further to the desired depth.
With a spoon, this type is used to facilitate diving and ensure greater depth on one of the two sides with a greater depression than the other.
"U", where the deepest part is in the center.

WATER FILTERING, REPLENISHMENT AND RENEWAL SYSTEMS

When designing a swimming pool, the water filtration and purification system plays an important role and requires maximum attention.
It is necessary to ensure correct water recirculation, regular emission with good cleaning of the surface of the tank using a skimmer or overflow channel.
For filtering we can use gravel (depth filter with fan for washing air), diatomaceous earth, surface filter and foamy synthetic material.
To eliminate algae, you can use chemical products such as chlorine or, alternatively, chlorine-free products based on copper sulphate.
 
References: Architect's Manual
Cover photo: Bernard Hermant on Unsplash