Hello everyone,
I’m curious if anyone here has experience with C-Side pools.
I’m seriously considering whether we should install one of these (let’s call it a mini) pools alongside our house. My girlfriend has always dreamed of having a pool—nothing big, just something to relax in during the summer.
I tried to schedule appointments with local pool builders, but I was pretty much laughed at. The next consultation wasn’t available until February (this was early October), and a pool measuring 6 by 3 meters (20 by 10 feet) with a standard basic setup starts at around €80,000. So, I initially gave up on the idea and have recently started looking into smaller options again because I’d really like to fulfill this wish for her. That’s when I came across these C-Side pools yesterday.
They seem nice, and the prices are fairly transparent on their website. I’ve done some research here as much as possible and keep coming across the same topics: covers and heating. Specifically, for heating, they offer an optional heat pump with the “standard” version. In the “Style” version, the heat pump is no longer shown, but there is no clear information about what exactly is included to justify the higher price.
My point is, I’d prefer not to spend more than €20,000 (I already think that’s a lot for such a small tub), and the effort shouldn’t be too complicated. Ideally, I’d like everything in one package—just dig it in, and that’s it. Or does anyone have another recommendation that could meet this requirement?
Have a great Friday…
I’m curious if anyone here has experience with C-Side pools.
I’m seriously considering whether we should install one of these (let’s call it a mini) pools alongside our house. My girlfriend has always dreamed of having a pool—nothing big, just something to relax in during the summer.
I tried to schedule appointments with local pool builders, but I was pretty much laughed at. The next consultation wasn’t available until February (this was early October), and a pool measuring 6 by 3 meters (20 by 10 feet) with a standard basic setup starts at around €80,000. So, I initially gave up on the idea and have recently started looking into smaller options again because I’d really like to fulfill this wish for her. That’s when I came across these C-Side pools yesterday.
They seem nice, and the prices are fairly transparent on their website. I’ve done some research here as much as possible and keep coming across the same topics: covers and heating. Specifically, for heating, they offer an optional heat pump with the “standard” version. In the “Style” version, the heat pump is no longer shown, but there is no clear information about what exactly is included to justify the higher price.
My point is, I’d prefer not to spend more than €20,000 (I already think that’s a lot for such a small tub), and the effort shouldn’t be too complicated. Ideally, I’d like everything in one package—just dig it in, and that’s it. Or does anyone have another recommendation that could meet this requirement?
Have a great Friday…
Thanks for sharing your "sources of information"! I will definitely dig into them... By "Google offers," I meant the ads there—I always get the feeling they are bait from some Eastern European providers with questionable (low) prices. I have zero trust in that, but it would probably be different if I knew more about the subject or the brands.
Thanks to you, though, I now have a few brands that make searching easier! Thanks already! Links don’t work here, but having the brand names is already a big help... I just don’t want to buy cheap and regret it later. I’d rather lower my expectations and be happy if it lasts a long time. And when I read that you can get something really good for 10,000€ (about 11,000 US dollars), it motivates me even more!
Thanks to you, though, I now have a few brands that make searching easier! Thanks already! Links don’t work here, but having the brand names is already a big help... I just don’t want to buy cheap and regret it later. I’d rather lower my expectations and be happy if it lasts a long time. And when I read that you can get something really good for 10,000€ (about 11,000 US dollars), it motivates me even more!
So, I browsed through the mentioned websites and manufacturers, and I have to say that I couldn’t find a swim spa anywhere for less than €20,000, not even close—and that doesn’t even include installation or setup.
Over the weekend, we also visited an exhibition where two of the C-Side pools were on display. The sales representative initially gave us figures that didn’t sound too bad, but when we started talking about the additional required equipment and installation, the minimum price immediately jumped to around €30,000. Another dealer told us on the phone that he has never sold a C-Side pool for less than €35,000.
So, it seems impossible to get a decent pool within a €20,000 budget, even if it’s just a small pond-size pool.
I’m about to start looking into building one myself, which is supposed to be much more affordable (I mean not just somewhat, but massively cheaper). Of course, that would be a “project” rather than a “we’ll just do this quickly” thing, but on the other hand, it could also become a new hobby (probably one that lasts for years 😀). It’s an option I first need to really familiarize myself with by reading up on the effort involved and watching some YouTube videos to back it up...
Over the weekend, we also visited an exhibition where two of the C-Side pools were on display. The sales representative initially gave us figures that didn’t sound too bad, but when we started talking about the additional required equipment and installation, the minimum price immediately jumped to around €30,000. Another dealer told us on the phone that he has never sold a C-Side pool for less than €35,000.
So, it seems impossible to get a decent pool within a €20,000 budget, even if it’s just a small pond-size pool.
I’m about to start looking into building one myself, which is supposed to be much more affordable (I mean not just somewhat, but massively cheaper). Of course, that would be a “project” rather than a “we’ll just do this quickly” thing, but on the other hand, it could also become a new hobby (probably one that lasts for years 😀). It’s an option I first need to really familiarize myself with by reading up on the effort involved and watching some YouTube videos to back it up...
This is our Oasis Platinum Swim Spa, 4.4 x 2.3 m (14.4 x 7.5 ft). The price included the concrete slab and lifting mechanisms for the heavy covers.
This is at one end; we had the two covers sewn together and made some stainless steel fittings like this.
At the other end. The two covers slide in and then fold down. There are also premium models with hydraulics, but those are very expensive.
In addition, there is a heat pump (at least in our case), and solar energy helps as well. The chemicals are not exactly cheap either. In my country (Australia), there are additional costs for a safety fence, and I have to register it with the authorities (costs involved) and pay an annual fee for an inspector who visits once every 5 to 10 years.
Delivery and installation (by crane) add to the costs as well.
If I had children, I would choose a pool; for adults, a swim spa. In winter (3 months), I stop using it because the surrounding temperature is too cold for me.
Nixwill schrieb:
So it seems impossible to get anything decent with a pool budget of 20,000€.I completely disagree and have actually had different experiences.
Also: you should first clarify exactly what you want. If, as you say, you don’t really want to swim, then you don’t need a swim spa with counter-current jets; a regular hot tub would be sufficient. That said, with just two minutes of searching I found plenty of swim spas in the 15,000–20,000€ range, mostly from solid to good manufacturers like Wellis, for example.
H
hampshire16 Nov 2021 15:05Since we didn’t know how to integrate a swimming pool or swim spa into our rocky hillside without spending a six-figure amount, we decided to save on the water feature. At the furniture fair in Cologne, we happened to pass by a Softub booth. Nice people (and very good salespeople) at the stand, we were in a good mood, and so we spontaneously went for it (the house wasn’t even built yet). The insulation seems very solid, and with the 900W heating motor, the small hot tub stays warm even in winter without running continuously (I know, I’m an environmental sinner!). I haven’t regretted it for a second. I mainly earn my living by thinking, and thinking works especially well in the hot tub when creativity is needed. In that sense, the home office hot tub has already paid for itself many times over. 😉 It’s just not for swimming.