Swimming pool features

There are many different features to a swimming pool besides the pool itself.

To start with there is the finish and surroundings that determine how the pool fits in with its surroundings and any other structures near by.

Two big factor that affect how things look are the surface of the pool and the landscaping around it. The surface of the pool, i.e. the inside, will be covered with a protective material. This makes the pool watertight and it gives it a pleasing finish. There are two ways of achieving this finish, the first is the old fashioned way that uses small tiles, applied with a watertight adhesive and finished off with a waterproof grout.

The second way is to use one of the modern and high performance swimming pool liners. These liners are made from special vinyl that is totally watertight and capable of dealing with the rough and tumble of a swimming pool’s use. These pool liners come in lots of colours and patterns and they can be used to set a theme and determine the overall look of the pool area.

Outside of the pool is the poolside area and this is just as important. How this zone is landscaped will affect the impression that everyone gets of the pool. Most poolside areas have a hard landscaped patio type area. This can be done with any number of different materials, but tiles and timber decking are probably the most common. Other materials are vinyl and cement.

The final feature of the pool area is the patio furniture. Not everyone spends every minute of their time in the pool, so places to sit and relax, or to lie down and sunbathe are necessary. Patio furniture can be made of wood, metal, plastic, or a mix of different materials and fabrics. Colours can be used to blend in with the pool liner, or to provide a visual contrast.

Another item that can be added is a means of heat. Many people like to socialise around their pool in the evening and, whilst the water in the pool may be heated, the air above it may not be. When this is the case one of any number of garden heaterscan prove invaluable. These heaters can provide a blast of warm air that can make a slightly cooler evening perfect. They can even provide light and shelving (around the upright) for drinks and glasses.

Some of these patio heaters use gas, like propane, and others are powered by electricity and use infrared heaters, a bit like lights. All can help to make the pool area more friendly, even on cool days.