Backyard swimming pool construction: the process detailed
In the Hesse region of Germany, many homeowners have transformed their backyards into personal oases with their own mini swimming pools. Whether you're considering joining this trend or are already a pool owner, understanding the costs associated with pool maintenance is crucial.
Expert Michael Koch from the Pool Megastore in Worms recommends installing a concrete base as the foundation for a pool, ensuring stability and longevity. Setting up a pool directly on the grass is possible, but it's essential that the ground is as level as possible to prevent potential issues.
When it comes to costs, acquiring a pool is relatively easy to estimate, but predicting maintenance costs on a daily basis can be challenging. The costs depend on factors such as the type of pool, usage frequency, and heating method.
For small pools (around 10x5 meters), the average weekly maintenance cost can vary between €35 and €55. This includes costs for chlorine and algaecide, which can range from €20 to €50 per week, depending on the pool size and usage. Additional costs for testing kits, filter replacements, and other maintenance supplies could add another €10 to €20 per week.
On the other hand, larger pools (e.g., 15x10 meters) with heat pumps can have significantly higher maintenance costs. Chemical costs might double or triple, potentially reaching €50 to €150 per week. The energy cost for running a heat pump can vary widely, with a typical heat pump costing around €20 to €50 per week during the summer, though this can increase significantly during colder months. Additional costs for testing kits, filters, and other maintenance supplies could add another €20 to €40 per week.
It's important to note that these estimates are rough and can vary based on specific pool conditions and usage patterns. Efficient energy solutions, such as solar heaters, can help reduce costs further by providing a cost-effective secondary heating option. Additionally, energy-efficient measures like those implemented in Hesse for public pools can also serve as models for reducing overall energy consumption.
In conclusion, while getting a pool isn't as expensive as one might think, maintenance is a factor to consider. Weekly operating costs for a basic pool (4-meter diameter round pool) are estimated to be between three and four euros. For deeper pools, partial burial in the ground is necessary. Regardless of the pool's size, regular maintenance is vital to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
Specific lifestyle choices can include the addition of a home-and-garden feature like a swimming pool, as some homeowners in the Hesse region of Germany have done. With such a choice comes the need for understanding home-and-garden maintenance costs, particularly in the case of pools where weekly expenses for chemicals, testing kits, and filter replacements can range from €35 to €55 for a small pool up to €200 or more for a larger pool with a heat pump.
