ᐅ Pool equipment: where to plan for it in case of future pool installation

Created on: 30 Apr 2019 18:24
S
Solveigh
Where should space for the pool equipment be planned if the outdoor pool is to be installed only after the house is completed or possible later?

In the basement with conduit pipes to the pool area? In a separate pool house? In a shaft near the pool?

What is the required space for such equipment?
rick20182 May 2019 11:20
Then you will need a separate heat pump for the pool.
To raise the temperature of 1 m³ (35 cubic feet) of water by 1°C (1.8°F), you need about 1 kW of energy.
That means, for your pool of approximately 44.8 m³ (1,581 cubic feet), even without losses, you would require around 224 kW to increase the temperature by 5°C (9°F). In reality, it will be more due to heat losses through the walls and floor, and especially through the surface. Therefore, a good cover is essential. It should be kept closed at night and during windy conditions. Otherwise, you can easily lose 2–3°C (4–5°F) overnight.
You will need substantial heating capacity since you won’t want to spend two weeks heating the pool and you also have to compensate for losses.

I would recommend building the equipment room at the same time and installing the connections. This should be financially manageable and will make things much easier when you install the pool a few years later.
S
Solveigh
2 May 2019 12:28
Thank you, Rick! We will start researching pools then. Are there any good websites where complete beginners can get information?

A cover is mandatory anyway since there are children in the house. Are covers that float on the water sufficient as fall protection? I really don’t like those hall-like structures that slide over the pool.
rick20182 May 2019 12:50
There are also forums dedicated to pool construction, for example at Poolpowershop.
Indoor pools have slightly better thermal properties but I don’t really like them either.
Good floating covers are walkable, so nothing happens if a person or animal accidentally steps on them. However, you should still consider whether additional safety measures are necessary, especially if small children who cannot swim yet are around. The pool might occasionally be uncovered (e.g., during cleaning with a robot), and the kids could run out into the garden...
There are big differences in quality and price when it comes to covers. Polycarbonate is the most expensive but also the most durable.
The reel can be placed either outside or inside the pool. That depends on aesthetics and cost. The drive can be manual or electric.
Ready-made pools that come as a package with equipment usually have undersized filters.
When it comes to pumps, investing in high-quality products pays off due to longer lifespan and lower electricity consumption (e.g., Speck Badu).
I think a pool with a liner makes the most sense for you. Tiles are not ideal for our climate. Stainless steel is out of the question due to cost.
For a liner pool, I would recommend a saltwater system. It’s great for the skin, doesn’t irritate the eyes, and is easy to control. You just need a certain salt concentration in the water, which then produces chlorine.
Proper planning of water inlets and outlets is important. If you have any questions, I might be able to help, as I’m quite involved in this topic right now.
There might also be a pool builder in your area. You already have an idea of the size. I would suggest visiting them and being transparent about your plans. Ask for a non-binding quote or advice on what preparations make sense. The timing for the project is still uncertain. A reputable company should have no problem with this. The advantage of a local provider is that you have a contact person nearby if you ever need assistance.
S
Solveigh
2 May 2019 16:17
Great, Rick, thanks again for all the tips!

I will gladly reach out to you if I have any further questions. Do you already have a pool builder lined up? You would probably be located west or slightly northwest of us, if I’m not mistaken? Here by the lake (for some reason?) there are a few, so I will do some research.