ᐅ Experiences with RivieraPool Mini Pools C-Side Pools?

Created on: 12 Nov 2021 08:00
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Nixwill
Nixwill12 Nov 2021 08:00
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…
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Costruttrice
12 Nov 2021 08:37
I’m not familiar with these pools. But just buying one isn’t enough; you’ll need a properly prepared base and must backfill around the pool shell.

The filter seems a bit undersized to me. We switched to a sand filter after just one season, even with our small above-ground pool. First, because it worked better, and second, because it required less maintenance.

If the pool is mainly for lounging and should have a wellness feel, I would rather invest in a high-quality hot tub. Everything is built in, including the heater, and you can also install it flush with the ground and use it year-round.
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Nemesis
12 Nov 2021 09:24
You’ve definitely chosen the (price) premium category right away... it can be done much more affordably than 80,000 and still be sufficiently good and attractive. Or, as the previous poster suggests, switch to a swim spa; a smaller one measuring 5–6m x 2–3m (16–20 ft x 6.5–10 ft) might be possible for around 20,000.
Nixwill12 Nov 2021 09:36
@Costruttrice
So you think the heating isn’t included yet?
Yes, I believe “wellness character” describes it quite well. The terrace offers plenty of space for creative ideas, and the desire for a “pool” just for splashing around has always been there. Swimming is definitely not the goal.

@Nemesis
Stop, stop! We can’t talk about top-tier prices here. I simply gave a size (6x3m (20x10 ft)) back then, and that was the first price mentioned. I see the word “defensive offer” so often here, maybe I already encountered the first one. I have no clue what kind of pool the €80,000 (about $85,000) figure refers to—it only said “from” and that was that for me.
Do you have examples of such a “swim spa”? How do I find reliable manufacturers (I don’t even click on Google ads, I just avoid them altogether)?

The C-Side showed me that it can be done cheaper (albeit smaller, but that doesn’t matter) and really well complete, which is practical if you don’t know much about it 🙂.
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Costruttrice
12 Nov 2021 10:18
@Nixwill I can’t and don’t want to commit to whether it has a heater or not. I just quickly looked over it and didn’t see anything mentioned, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. I referred to the built-in heater in the hot tub based on what you wrote about the additional heat pump.

Back then, we compared DIY store models, Riviera, Armstark, and Hotspring hot tubs, and chose the latter due to its lower energy consumption and the massage jets. Such a purchase really only makes sense if you use it regularly (year-round) and want more than just bubbles; we really liked the massage functionality and didn’t have any issues over more than seven years.

Regarding swim spas, I would recommend checking out Armstark. They offer different options with integrated massage zones, separate hot tub zones that can be heated independently, or pure swimming pools. I’m not sure which other providers might be relevant, as we didn’t look into it further.

For a first overview, request brochures from various manufacturers and compare the features that are important to you. If it’s really just for a quick dip in the summer, a landscape contractor might also offer something and build a basin for you. From our experience, though, those professionals are usually busy with pool construction.
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Nemesis
12 Nov 2021 11:27
Nixwill schrieb:

Back then, I just gave a number (6x3m (20x10 ft)) and that was the first price mentioned.
Nixwill schrieb:

I have no reference at all for the figure of 80,000€; it just said "from," and that was the end of it for me.


That sounds really strange. If you told a car dealer you wanted a red car and he gave you a price, that would be a comparable conversation... well.
Nixwill schrieb:

Do you have examples of such a "swim spa," how can I find reliable manufacturers (I don’t even click on offers from Google, I usually avoid those)?


Where are you from? And what do you mean by "offers from Google"? It’s definitely worth researching beforehand; getting proper advice is another matter. Nowadays, almost all hot tub dealers also offer swim spas. I’m not allowed to share links here, but hey, just do a bit of searching 😉 For example, look up “Whirlpool-World” or “World of Whirlpools” to get an idea. Based on your description that it’s not intended for actual swimming, a swim spa or even just a hot tub might be more suitable. For the latter, you start at around 5,000 (lower end), and for 10,000, you can get something really good...