BUYING GUIDE


SO WHAT WOULD


USE A SPECIALIST! n The only place to start is to see an


accredited swimming pool retailer or contractor for help and advice. You may be very good at DIY but pool building and hot tub installation are


very skilled and specialist jobs n The swimming pool regulatory body is SPATA – the Swimming Pool and Associated Trades Association and for hot tubs it’s BISHTA – the British & Irish Hot Tub Association. Both are respected organisations which vet members and constantly check their work to ensure their methods and standards of workmanship are of a consistantly high and acceptable quality. Call 01264 356210 or visit www.spata.co.uk or


www.bishta.co.uk n SPATA advises getting three estimates in writing. An accredited contractor will expect this. Make sure you are given a breakdown of all the costs involved and what payment terms are expected. Most contractors will expect a deposit and an amount deferred until the


job is signed off n Make sure your contractor has fully up to date insurance in the unfortunate event that anything in or around your property is damaged during the construction of your pool


or installation of your hot tub n All SPATA pools are automatically enrolled in what’s called the SpataShield Bond and Warranty scheme. This can under the right circumstances provide cover for the public employing SPATA members to build new domestic pools or spas (where the value of work is under £150,000)


We take a look at the available options...


Supported metal framed or ‘splasher ‘pools The next step up is a metal frame pools which normally comprises a one-piece liner which hangs from a tubular frame and is easy to install.


Inflatable PVC pool This is the starting point for all pools – easy to assemble but surprisingly tough and reliable these pools are really just a step up from the paddling pools. They are made from heavy gauge PVC, are easy to assemble and long lasting and can still provide a first swimming pool ‘experience’. It is important to remember these pools are not large paddling pools and are not designed to be empted and refilled when you feel like it – you’ll find that most are supplied with simple filters and electric pumps to clean and circulate the water.


As their name suggests, they are really designed more for fun and splashing around than swimming but are perfect for older children and families. These semi-rigid pools are very much for seasonal, warm weather use and should definitely be taken down over the winter months. They are unlikely to last beyond 10 years but at anywhere from £100 up to £1,000, they still represent pretty good value for money over their useable lifetime and like the inflatable pools, can come with basic filtration equipment plus extras such as ladders, debris covers and surface skimmers. They are usually found in sizes of 8 – 20 feet but some are available that are over 30 feet in length.


Intex framed pool. Ideal starter kit


20 WHAT POOL & HOT TUB


WWW.WHATPOOLANDHOTTUBMAG.CO.UK


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