Free Heating For Your Swimming Pool
Pool Enclosures have now become an essential purchase for pool owners, and for those considering, or buying, a new pool.
The great benefits and cost savings, particularly with the newer generation of low profile enclosures, now bring pool enclosures within reach of all pool owners, with prices starting at under £3,500 for a 6 metre by 3 metre pool.
It's not just about costs savings though, it's about really enjoying your pool for more of the year, whether that be about being able to swim even if it's raining, lowering heating costs, or reducing pool maintenance time.
The great benefits and cost savings, particularly with the newer generation of low profile enclosures, now bring pool enclosures within reach of all pool owners, with prices starting at under £3,500 for a 6 metre by 3 metre pool.
It's not just about costs savings though, it's about really enjoying your pool for more of the year, whether that be about being able to swim even if it's raining, lowering heating costs, or reducing pool maintenance time.
A few questions...before you go ahead and buy your pool enclosure
Before you buy a swimming pool enclosure, ask yourself...a few simple questions
So, you've decided that you should buy a swimming pool enclosure. But, before you go ahead and make that purchase, it's probably worth taking a few moments to consider the following questions and answers. Hopefully they'll help in making sure you get the best value from your pool enclosure.
Is it more important that it looks good, or that it performs wel?
The aesthetics of a pool enclosure are important, to a certain extent. As you've invested in a swimming pool, you don't want your enclosure to detract to much from the open pool feel. Having said that, the enclosure has to function and perform well, if it to meet your expectations in delivering on its promised benefits of warmer water and saving energy.
A quick refresher on the key benefits of a swimming pool enclosure;
%u2022 Reduced heating costs
%u2022 Pool safety & security
%u2022 Year round swimming
%u2022 Maintenance free cleaning
%u2022 Reduced water evaporation
%u2022 Reduced chemical usage
So how important is aesthetics, compared to performance? The better the enclosure performs in terms of heat loss and evaporation, then the more you will save, which is not only better for your pocket, it's also better for the enenvironment.
What will perform better ?
If you want performance, then go for a low profile enclosure. You can still swim with the enclosure on, but you've got the added benefit that you're not trying to heat a huge airspace above your pool. Also when the sun's shining, and you've got the enclosure on, then the heat build up is much faster as the warm air circulates in a much smaller space, therefore more heat energy is going directly into your pool.
Does it have to be custom made?
There are some standard sized products the market, which will undoubtably offer you the best value for money, so check these out first. These are typically for pool sizes from 6mx3m, up to approx 12mx5.5m. Buying a custom made enclosure is, however considerably more expensive, not only in the enclosure itself, but also is delivery and installation. Many of the full height enclosures (rather than low profile) are generally made to order, and consequently are rather expensive.
You can actually buy a low profile telescopic pool enclosure for a 10 metre by 5 metre pool for under £6,500.
Do l need Planning permission for my pool enclosure?
The simple answer is no, as a pool enclosure is a temporary structure. However this may not apply for some of the larger enclosures. Also, as with anything to do with planning departments, these things can often be viewed on a case by case basis, and certainly differ from one Council to another. The best answer is to contact the planning office, who will usually send you a letter confirming that you do not need planning permission.
Where to go to buy one?
There are many specialist swimming pool enclosure companies around these days, particularly for the larger enclosures. However it is only more recently that the low profile enclosures have become more readily available. It's probably always good to start by asking you pool maintenance company or supplier, before trying the search engines, but once you've got a feel for what you want then Google or Yahoo will give you a list to start and contact. It also helps to be specific in your searches, for example by typing in 'low profile swimming pool enclosure' into Google or Yahoo.
What is the best value enclosure on the market ?
Up until recently, swimming pool enclosures have only been available to those with very deep pockets, with prices around £20-30,000. However, as swimming pool ownership is becoming more affordable to so many more people, new lower cost products have come onto the market. These newer generation, low profile enclosures are becoming an essential complement to an outdoor pool, and can be purchased from anywhere between £3-10,000.
What about self assembly ?
Indeed, probably the best value swimming pool enclosures on the market today are the self assembly low profile enclosures. But don't be put off by the idea of DIY. These products have been spefically designed and developed for home assembly, and are great pool enclosures, and actually very easy to assemble. These are batch produced products to standard sizes that have been very cleverly packaged, complete with all the tools, guidance and instructions you need to put an enclosure together in less than a day.
Pool Safety & Pool Enclosures
Pool Safety: What are your options?
Having your own swimming pool in the back garden is a real pleasure. However it there's also a great deal of responsibility, particularly when children are around.
There are not the legal regulations in the UK forcing swimming pool owners to take precautions, however it's clear that you should make sure your pool is secure when not in use. This is not just for your family, but also for friends and guests. And this also includes adult parties, particularly where there is alcohol around.
Unfortunately accidents do happen. Every year in the US, more than three hundred children under five years old, drown in swimming pools at homes. Usually these are owned by their family. Additionally two thousand children in that same age group are treated for submersion injures.
That said, there are quite a number of options on the market to prevent these incidents. They all provide different levels of safety for your pool.
Unfortunately there is no single solution that is right for all swimming pool, but it is more a case of looking at your individual needs, and also the size and shape of your pool.
Here's a sample of the wide range of options and budgets.
At the entry level, is the 'in pool' swimming pool alarm. This type of alarm is law in France, and you must provide an effective safety alarm/barrier for your pool, or face a hefty fine. These laws have now extended to Spain and other parts of Europe, but the UK for some reason are not enforcing it, despite a number of recent cases of drownings.
Swimming pool alarms are available in many different shapes and sizes, but basically this is a safety device that is fixed on your pool edge or coping stones, and is activated if someone falls in the pool. These alarms work by sensing pressure changes within the pool. A simple pool alarm starts at around £150 and goes up to around £350.
An alternative to the 'in Pool' is the electronic perimeter system. This is basically 4 posts positioned at the corners of your pool, which can be fixed approximately 1 metre away from your pool. Each of the posts can send and receive an infrared signal, which creates an invisible perimeter.
The added benefit of these is that they can prevent the accident even happening. Once someone crosses the invisible barrier, the alarm sounds. This electronic type alarm generally costs around £400-£600. One possible negative point to this alarm is that you can't actually see the barrier, and therefore cannot be confident it is actually working or not.
An alternative to this is an actual fence, or physical barrier, which should be at least 1 metre high (AFNOR stated minimum height) all around your swimming pool. This should also have an alarmed gate for additional safety.
Depending on your actual swimming pool size, shape, and location, and the fencing material, this solution is more likely to cost in excess of £1,000. But, the benefits are that it is a physical barrier, and very obvious. However the down side is that they can spoil swimming pool environment and surround. And, if the gate should happen to be left open at any time, then the fence becomes an ineffective barrier.
A finally option, would be a pool enclosure. These meet the tough AFNOR safety standards, in terms of providing an effective safety barrier for your pool.
However, as purely a safety solution, a Telescopic Pool Enclosure would be a very expensive. But, they do offer many other benefits, such as providing free heating, low maintenance, allowing you to use ad enjoy your pool, for more of the year.
Whatever your choice, your swimming pool should always be safe.
Low Profile Pool Enclosure
Here's the latest design in Low Profile Pool Enclosures. This Trackless enclosures is available in two standard sizes, for pools up to 12m x 5.5m. The maximum height of the enclosure is 1.5m, ensuring all the heat from the sun is effectively absorbed, retained, and directed into your pool.
Pool Enclosure installation
How to install your swimming pool enclosure
Our pool enclosures can either be installed by yourself, or you can use our professional pool enclosure installation team
Swimming Pool Enclosures - Comparing The Market
Which Pool Enclosure Is Right For You?
If you're lucky enough to own an outdoor swimming pool, then a Pool Enclosure has now become a must have addition. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your pool as much as possible, whatever the weather, or time of year.
Pool Enclosure Types. Here's what's on offer
In general, all the Pool Enclosures offer similar benefits in terms of heating your pool, reducing maintenance and energy costs, reducing heat and water evaporation.
Here's a selection of what's on offer:
Pool Igloo Enclosure from Pool Igloo (http://www.pooligloo.com)
Bubble Dome Pool Enclosure from Paul Hurd (http://www.pool-enclosures.co.uk)
Low Profile Pool Enclosure from UK Pool Enclosures (http://www.ukpoolenclosures.co.uk)
Full Height Pool Enclosure from Summit Lesure
(http://www.swimmingpoolenclosures.co.uk)
About Pool Igloo:
Pool Igloo is a different kind of Pool Enclosure altogether. Because it is flexible, light, easily transported and very simple to store as it occupies very little space.
Pros: The Pool Igloo starts at under %u20AC2,000 Euros, and comes in a wide range of sizes. If your priorities are more about keeping all the rubbish, leaves and bugsout of your pool then this could be a good low cost option.
Cons: I'm not sure how good this Pool Enclosure would be in high winds, and also aesthetically, not particularly pleasing.
Dome Enclosures
Bubble Domes, Dome enclosures, or Air Domes, are all similar types of Pool Enclosure. They look like, and are like, big bubbles. There's usually a small fan, which blows air in to the structure to keep it up. And it is then held in place either by a water bag which runs around the bottom of the pool enclosure, or it is bolted down to the ground around the enclosure by a cable. The fan uses very little power, and you get in and out of the enclosure via a zip door.
Pros: Again, this type of Pool Enclosure is very competitive in terms of pricing, with Dome Enclosures costing from around £2,500 upwards. Also there are a large range of sizes available.
Cons: In my view, the big down side of these Pool Enclosure is that they're just ugly. Big, and ugly. And also I'd be rather worried if your swimming pool is in a more exposed area, as l could imagine a big gust of wind just taking your Bubble Dome and planting it in your neighbours garden!
Low Profile Pool Enclosure
These types of Pool Enclosure really seem to have changed the whole market in recent years. This is down to a number of reasons. However the big thing here is that these low profile Pool Enclosure combine all of the big benefits of the larger Pool Enclosure buildings, but with a smaller price tag. And also, to many people, an enhanced aesthetic.
Pros: Total value for money. These robust structures, are very easy to use and operate, and also very efficient in terms of heat retention and absorption. Prices start at just under £3,500, inclusive of VAT and delivery.
Cons: The fact that they are low profile, means you cannot walk around the pool edge when the enclosure is on.
High Sided Pool Enclosures
These come in many different shapes and designs, from 3, 5, 7 and even 9 sided. The materials used in these types of Pool Enclosure, is either Plexiglas/Polycarbonate combinations, or at the top end of the market, toughened glass is used. Consequently these are substantial structures, which need more careful planning and preparation prior to installation.
Pros: These Pool Enclosure are great if you want to turn your outdoor swimming pool, into an indoor pool. Or if you want a complete pool room, where you can have space to walk around the pool, or relax within the pool enclosure itself.
Cons: As mentioned, these are substantial structures, which can have a big impact on your wallet, and possibly in terms of planning, and ground works required prior to installation. Another consideration is that aesthetically, these enclosures don't look great and can have a major impact on the whole visual setting of your pool.
So which is the Best Pool Enclosure?
Based on the above evaluation, the Low Profile enclosure comes out on top, in terms of value for money, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. However there are many factors to weigh up in coming to a decision on which Pool Enclosure is right for you. But if you take a look at the sites mentioned here, you'll at least have a good view on what's available.
Pool Enclosure Types. Here's what's on offer
In general, all the Pool Enclosures offer similar benefits in terms of heating your pool, reducing maintenance and energy costs, reducing heat and water evaporation.
Here's a selection of what's on offer:
Pool Igloo Enclosure from Pool Igloo (http://www.pooligloo.com)
Bubble Dome Pool Enclosure from Paul Hurd (http://www.pool-enclosures.co.uk)
Low Profile Pool Enclosure from UK Pool Enclosures (http://www.ukpoolenclosures.co.uk)
Full Height Pool Enclosure from Summit Lesure
(http://www.swimmingpoolenclosures.co.uk)
About Pool Igloo:
Pool Igloo is a different kind of Pool Enclosure altogether. Because it is flexible, light, easily transported and very simple to store as it occupies very little space.
Pros: The Pool Igloo starts at under %u20AC2,000 Euros, and comes in a wide range of sizes. If your priorities are more about keeping all the rubbish, leaves and bugsout of your pool then this could be a good low cost option.
Cons: I'm not sure how good this Pool Enclosure would be in high winds, and also aesthetically, not particularly pleasing.
Dome Enclosures
Bubble Domes, Dome enclosures, or Air Domes, are all similar types of Pool Enclosure. They look like, and are like, big bubbles. There's usually a small fan, which blows air in to the structure to keep it up. And it is then held in place either by a water bag which runs around the bottom of the pool enclosure, or it is bolted down to the ground around the enclosure by a cable. The fan uses very little power, and you get in and out of the enclosure via a zip door.
Pros: Again, this type of Pool Enclosure is very competitive in terms of pricing, with Dome Enclosures costing from around £2,500 upwards. Also there are a large range of sizes available.
Cons: In my view, the big down side of these Pool Enclosure is that they're just ugly. Big, and ugly. And also I'd be rather worried if your swimming pool is in a more exposed area, as l could imagine a big gust of wind just taking your Bubble Dome and planting it in your neighbours garden!
Low Profile Pool Enclosure
These types of Pool Enclosure really seem to have changed the whole market in recent years. This is down to a number of reasons. However the big thing here is that these low profile Pool Enclosure combine all of the big benefits of the larger Pool Enclosure buildings, but with a smaller price tag. And also, to many people, an enhanced aesthetic.
Pros: Total value for money. These robust structures, are very easy to use and operate, and also very efficient in terms of heat retention and absorption. Prices start at just under £3,500, inclusive of VAT and delivery.
Cons: The fact that they are low profile, means you cannot walk around the pool edge when the enclosure is on.
High Sided Pool Enclosures
These come in many different shapes and designs, from 3, 5, 7 and even 9 sided. The materials used in these types of Pool Enclosure, is either Plexiglas/Polycarbonate combinations, or at the top end of the market, toughened glass is used. Consequently these are substantial structures, which need more careful planning and preparation prior to installation.
Pros: These Pool Enclosure are great if you want to turn your outdoor swimming pool, into an indoor pool. Or if you want a complete pool room, where you can have space to walk around the pool, or relax within the pool enclosure itself.
Cons: As mentioned, these are substantial structures, which can have a big impact on your wallet, and possibly in terms of planning, and ground works required prior to installation. Another consideration is that aesthetically, these enclosures don't look great and can have a major impact on the whole visual setting of your pool.
So which is the Best Pool Enclosure?
Based on the above evaluation, the Low Profile enclosure comes out on top, in terms of value for money, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. However there are many factors to weigh up in coming to a decision on which Pool Enclosure is right for you. But if you take a look at the sites mentioned here, you'll at least have a good view on what's available.
Before you buy your pool enclosure, consider these points:
Before you go ahead and place an order for your swimming pool enclosure, there are a few point to review, to ensure it will live up to expectations. Please do take a few moments to read through these simple points.
Are you having a tracked or trackless enclosure? This is often the most difficult decision when choosing a pool enclosure. The fundamental difference, from a user perspective, between these two, is the ease of operation. A tracked enclosure can easily and quickly be opened and closed just by one person, whereas the trackless enclosures generally require two people. This is due to the fact that the enclosure Modules need to be pushed, or pulled evenly both sides to avoid the whole enclosure moving offline.
What is your pool surround like? Is it level and solid? In order for a pool enclosure to work easily and efficiently your paving should be as level as possible and also the paving should be reasonably smooth, particularly if you are not having a tracked system.
If you have decided on a tracked system then this is not so important. But if the surround is particularly uneven, you may need to consider some sort of boarding, or platform to even it out. The smoother the pool surround, the easier the enclosure will open and close.
Is your pool in a sheltered environment? or somewhere that's exposed to the elements? This may effect the type of pool enclosure you decide to buy. If your swimming pool is in an open area, where it could be subject to high winds, then it is worth considering either a low profile enclosure, or one which is secured to the ground by tracks.
Delivery and installation? Another often overlooked aspect of having a pool enclosure, is the delivery and installation. You will need to consider both how easy it is for the enclosure to be delivered to your pool side, and also how much room you have available for the installation team to work on putting the enclosure in place.
All the standard sized low profile enclosures now come virtually flat packed, so there are generally few problems with access. However for larger enclosures, generally the individual Modules are delivered ready assembled, and therefore much more room is needed.
What about your coping stones? If your coping stones are raised above the surrounding pool area, you will need to take this into consideration when taking measurements of your pool for an enclosure. This also applies if you have a raised lip around your pool. Generally many people want to have the enclosure sitting as tight as possible to the pool, if there is limited space, so any measurements will need to be at least 10cm beyond the raised copings to make sure the enclosure clears them.
Planning permission, and your neighbours? Another of the key buying decisions for pool enclosures is that of the overall height of the enclosure. This is partly driven by aesthetics, and partly practical considerations.
The low profile pool enclosures are less intrusive visually, both for yourself and also neighbours. And also do not generally need planning permission. The full height enclosures have the benefit of you being able to still walk around your pool even with the enclosure on, however planning permission may be required.
Then there is the obvious issue of budgets. The full height enclosures generally cost approximately double what a low profile enclosure would be.
Can you still easily maintain your pool? When planning the positioning of your pool enclosure, you will need to bear in mind that you will still want easy access to filter covers, or lighting points. This is particularly true if planning for a tracked system, and your measurements will need to take into account these access points.
If, once you have read through this, you have any questions, then please contact Jonathan at UK Pool Enclosures on 0800 756 6216.
Are you having a tracked or trackless enclosure? This is often the most difficult decision when choosing a pool enclosure. The fundamental difference, from a user perspective, between these two, is the ease of operation. A tracked enclosure can easily and quickly be opened and closed just by one person, whereas the trackless enclosures generally require two people. This is due to the fact that the enclosure Modules need to be pushed, or pulled evenly both sides to avoid the whole enclosure moving offline.
What is your pool surround like? Is it level and solid? In order for a pool enclosure to work easily and efficiently your paving should be as level as possible and also the paving should be reasonably smooth, particularly if you are not having a tracked system.
If you have decided on a tracked system then this is not so important. But if the surround is particularly uneven, you may need to consider some sort of boarding, or platform to even it out. The smoother the pool surround, the easier the enclosure will open and close.
Is your pool in a sheltered environment? or somewhere that's exposed to the elements? This may effect the type of pool enclosure you decide to buy. If your swimming pool is in an open area, where it could be subject to high winds, then it is worth considering either a low profile enclosure, or one which is secured to the ground by tracks.
Delivery and installation? Another often overlooked aspect of having a pool enclosure, is the delivery and installation. You will need to consider both how easy it is for the enclosure to be delivered to your pool side, and also how much room you have available for the installation team to work on putting the enclosure in place.
All the standard sized low profile enclosures now come virtually flat packed, so there are generally few problems with access. However for larger enclosures, generally the individual Modules are delivered ready assembled, and therefore much more room is needed.
What about your coping stones? If your coping stones are raised above the surrounding pool area, you will need to take this into consideration when taking measurements of your pool for an enclosure. This also applies if you have a raised lip around your pool. Generally many people want to have the enclosure sitting as tight as possible to the pool, if there is limited space, so any measurements will need to be at least 10cm beyond the raised copings to make sure the enclosure clears them.
Planning permission, and your neighbours? Another of the key buying decisions for pool enclosures is that of the overall height of the enclosure. This is partly driven by aesthetics, and partly practical considerations.
The low profile pool enclosures are less intrusive visually, both for yourself and also neighbours. And also do not generally need planning permission. The full height enclosures have the benefit of you being able to still walk around your pool even with the enclosure on, however planning permission may be required.
Then there is the obvious issue of budgets. The full height enclosures generally cost approximately double what a low profile enclosure would be.
Can you still easily maintain your pool? When planning the positioning of your pool enclosure, you will need to bear in mind that you will still want easy access to filter covers, or lighting points. This is particularly true if planning for a tracked system, and your measurements will need to take into account these access points.
If, once you have read through this, you have any questions, then please contact Jonathan at UK Pool Enclosures on 0800 756 6216.
by jonathanhowkins
Interests are in branding, design, and marketing for small business, whether it be for clients, or for my diverse range of small businesses.
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