EXPERT
keep clean and causing a tripping hazard. A new pool terrace to match
Before
the new margelles is a very effective makeover, but it doesn’t come cheap. It’s easy to underestimate the cost of the pool surround, however, this can be a very expensive project, especially if you don’t have a salvageable concrete base to work from. It isn’t necessary to use a pool professional for this work and you may find a local builder who is able to give you a more competitive price for it.
Replacing an old pool terrace can be expensive; a local builder may be able to give you a competitive price though
the pool wall, which also provides a soft touch to the floor and walls for users. Over time, the varnish wears
off and the liner material becomes porous resulting in stains and weakening. If a liner is very old, the weight of the water can sometimes pull it out of the rail that keeps it in place. The liner will sag, particularly in the corners, and in very neglected cases along a whole width or length. Having a new liner installed
starts at about €5,000 and a 10-year guarantee usually comes as standard. It’s worth noting that liners can only be fitted in the warmer months – usually from March to September; ideally in temperatures of around 18 degrees or above, allowing the material to be nice and pliable. A liner replacement is not
a last-minute job and needs to be planned in with your pool professional. The water will need to be drained and measured, and time allowed for the manufacture of the new liner, which in the peak season could take up to six weeks. If it is not a liner pool and is
instead an aged, prefabricated pool, the fibreglass material might have signs of osmosis and refurbishment might not be an option. Osmosis in fibreglass is caused by prolonged exposure to water, chemicals and UV rays. This weakens the pool
structure, manifesting itself as blisters to the inside surface
Cracks in a fibreglass swimming pool Old surrounds may start to crumble 56 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS:March/April 2025
“A renovated pool can look as good as new and you can choose how it will look – it doesn’t have to be all done at once, you can take your time”
of the pool. Also, look out for hairline cracks particularly in the corners and steps, as these are usually a sign of movement. For both situations, the best option is to consult a specialist in fibreglass lining who will assess whether this damage is historic, and offer advice. It is possible to undertake
DIY repairs to this type of swimming pool, though there’s no guarantee that this remedial work will last.
EDGING YOUR BETS All pools are framed with coping stones ‘margelles’ that sit on top of the pool wall. On new ones these have a flat profile, however, old pools
generally have a raised-profile margelles. This style can show the pool’s age; even if it has a new lining, the tired old margelles can let it down. The raised margelle is
called galbée and is made from reconstituted concrete, which has a life of around 30 to 40 years until they start to crumble. You could replace the worst offenders or start afresh and replace them all. As a DIY job, this will cost around €1,000, or if you pay a professional it’ll start at €2,000. Likewise, your pool
surround may be made of the same material, and it may start to crumble, looking unsightly, being difficult to
NEW FOR OLD The kit that was installed with the original pool should have been upgraded by now. You might now have a variable speed pool pump, which runs according to your pool usage. There is no need for a pump to be going full pelt at 8 o’clock in the morning if you don’t get up until noon! You don’t have to use
chlorine, you can have a salt pool and swim in clear soft water at all times, without the worry of controlling the chemical balance – let the machine do it all for you. With bluetooth and wifi
control for your filtration and lights, you can have peace of mind – being able to keep a check on the water quality from your phone. Your pool will never be green again!
LOOK TO THE FUTURE You have inherited the pool and avoided the initial outlay, so maybe indulge yourself with the makeover. A renovated pool can look as good as new and you can choose a style you like. It doesn’t have to be all done at once, you can take your time. As long as the pool is
watertight and the filtration system is working, you can spend as long as you want thinking about exactly what you want to do next. You might even decide that you quite like it as a pond and sit back and let the wildlife have their fun instead! ■
Julia French runs Pristine Piscines in southwest France Tel: 0033 (0)632 10 39 92
pristinepiscines.fr
© PRISTINE PISCINES
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
