THE KNOWLEDGE
of the work yourself and can prove to be a cost-effective way to achieve your dream pool. Once you have decided
on the type of pool and the location, you can start to think about getting permission for the installation. Most above- ground pools will not require the completion of a déclaration préalable de travaux; the forms can be downloaded or obtained from your local mairie. The French government
website provides up to date rules and regulations on pool installation (
service-public.fr/ particuliers/vosdroits/F31404) and a drop-down menu will guide you through the process and show exactly what paperwork will be required depending on the property location and the specifics of the proposed installation.
Under French law, you must install pool security such as an alarm or a cover You will also need to decide
process the applications they are still going to be helpful in terms of explaining what is required and generally guiding you through the process. They will also know if any
How much space do you want around your pool for sun-loungers and so on?
Since January 2022 all such
declarations must be done online and this has made things slightly more complicated. It is not always easy to know exactly what is being asked for; in most cases this will include information such as a photo of the plot, details such as the volume of the pool in cubic metres, material specifications, liner colour, a drawing/sketch of how the pool will look when installed, a site location map (usually aerial showing where it will be in relation to your house and surroundings – you can get a copy from the mairie as they keep these on file), a 3D site layout plan and a cross-sectional view showing whether the land is flat or on a slope. But don’t be daunted! Although the mairie no longer
local restrictions apply so a visit early on in the planning process is highly recommended. They will be able to advise too on matters such as the locations, types of materials that will be accepted and so forth. Once you have submitted the application, you should receive a response within a couple of months. However, certain times of year may be much busier so it makes sense to apply for permission well before you plan to start the construction process as not having planning permission will delay installation.
on the type of security measure you plan to install. All domestic pool installations must have an alarm, solid cover, security fence or a high-profile pool cover. A high-profile cover has the added benefit of significantly extending the swimming season. Your choice of security system will depend on where the pool is and probably, the intended users. Alarms are usually the cheapest option but they don’t provide the same level of reassurance for parents or grandparents as a fence or solid cover.
Top tip
Apply for planning well in advance. The system can
be slow and if you don’t have the official go-ahead, this
could mean losing your time slot with the installer. Pool
installers oſten run to a very tight schedule as work can
be weather dependent and losing your slot could mean that you can’t enjoy your pool in the summer.
MAINTENANCE MATTERS You also need to think about pool maintenance and heating and factor these into the budget. Pools require almost daily maintenance throughout the swimming season, skimmers need to be emptied and filters and PH levels checked. Automatic cleaning devices (a robot) save a lot of time and while these are an extra cost, most pool owners swear that the initial outlay is more than worthwhile. Opting for a retractable
cover as part of your pool security system can make a big difference to maintaining water temperature as well as keeping the pool cleaner. However, they do take up quite a bit of
FIND OUT MORE Read our guides to French property on
frenchentree.com
extra space meaning you lose some pool space and they are expensive. It may be better to opt for a heating system (such as a heat pump) and a different security system. Clearly, there’s no ‘one
size fits all’ when it comes to choosing and installing a swimming pool. The decision- making processes and getting planning permission can seem as though they are taking forever but it is essential that you take your time and consider every aspect of the process, design, construction and pool equipment. Get all these elements right and you will be enjoying your pool for years to come. ■
A swimming pool will guarantee visits from family and friends!
NEXT MONTH
La Rentrée: back to work and school aſter summer
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: July/August 2023 89
© SHUTTERSTOCK
© SHUTTERSTOCK
© SHUTTERSTOCK
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