Swimming pools in Languedoc, south France

Introduction

The subject of swimming pools is treated in this and the next newsletter (no. 26). The first addresses various aspects to be given due reflection before building, defines different pool types, and sheds a little light on both the builder's and your obligations. The second part will look at fittings and accessories and installation and maintenance costs.

The appeal of having one's own swimming pool is without question. Private swimming pools are being built continually across the French territory and their number has doubled over the last ten years. Estimates put France right behind the USA for the overall number at about 1,100,000 pools. The last decade has seen an acceleration in the number of installations in Northern France, and a general progression in the south, exposed to more sunshine.

An ever increasing market for pools has generated innovation in pool designs and construction techniques. Pools traditionally built in-situ with moulded concrete are giving ground to pre-fabricated designs that owners can build themselves and hence less onerous.

Stone bordered pool with contemporary varnished concrete look

Considerations before investing

Before taking the plunge, it is worth giving some thought to various aspects; location, size and shape, aesthetics and usage are all important. Location will define exposure to the all important sunshine needed to heat the water, that is unless a heating device is fitted. Wind can influence the circulation of water across the pool and help or hinder the filtering devices. The presence or trees nearby will potentially mean leaves will fall into the pool. Privacy is often a pre-requisite. The nature of the ground is also a big consideration when building - is excavation possible, and what foundations are necessary? does the ground contain clay or on the contrary, is it solid rock?

Size, shape and aesthetics, are largely dependent on the budget that can be devoted to the project. Finally, planning to have a pool built in winter is likely to be a good idea in that is a more plentiful of qualified tradesmen.

Concrete built pool, well designed to capture sunlight and be sheltered from wind

Pool Types

Different pool types having different costs, different aesthetics and different lifetimes. Among the fairly rudimentary designs are:

1. "Inflatable" pools supported by metallic struts and rectangular / octagonal wood-clad pools, which are temporary or semi-temporary devices that stand directly on the ground.
2. Resin / fibre-glass shells are more permanent devices and require excavation for installation in the ground.
3. A third design consists in the assembly of prefabricated panelling in plastic, aluminium, reinforced concrete or steel. This has the advantage of giving a lot of freedom in creating the desired shape and can be built by the owner with occasional assistance by the vendor.
4. The last main group of pools is the moulded concrete pool which is often tiled or lined, or left with a polished concrete finish.
5. Still quite rare in France, but nevertheless with a certain following, 'natural' pools are another alternative. Rather than use chlorine, these have shallow zones where plants naturally clean the water. The company "Nenuphar SARL" is one of the few companies in the Languedoc to build such pools.

Wood clad pool designed for installation above ground

Regulations

1. Builder's obligations

Builder's obligations include provision of a "garantie de parfait achèvement", a "garantie de bon fonctionnement", and a "garantie décennale". The first of these warranties commits the builder to repairing any problems identified by the owner on completion of building work, and during the first year of usage. The second warranty concerns equipment that can be dismantled from the pool (pump and filtering devices) that is working incorrectly over the first two years following completion of the construction. Finally, the "garantie décennale" is a ten year warranty covering problems relating to the solidity of the pool or accessories that render the pool unusable.

2. Your obligations as owner

Your obligations include safety, legal and fiscal aspects. There are four means to conform to safety requirements that came into force at the beginning of this year. These are fencing that extend around the perimetre of the pool, alarms that are partly immersed or detect movement around the perimetre of the pool, rigid covers allowing an adult to walk over and extensive shelters or roofs, that have the advantage of enabling use of the pool in the winter.

The construction, depending on whether it is roofed or not may be subject to the granting of a building permit or a simple building declaration.

In fiscal terms, a cost is incurred in having a fixed swimming pool in that it is then considered a dependency - a two year exoneration from the additional ownership tax (taxe foncière) can be given on request. Additional insurance is also required.

Fabulous pool with overflow

Links:

• Atelier Andamento Mosaïques in Eyguieres (Bouches-du-Rhône):
  http://www.andamento-mosaique.com/
• Terraces and decking:
  http://www.maisons-et-bois.com/terrasse_deck/ and http://www.architecturedubois.fr
• Federation of swimming pool installers nationwide:
  http://www.propiscines.fr
• Opiocolor:
  http://www.opiocolor.com/pages/piscines.htm
• Natural Pools, contact Nenuphar SARL.
  http://www.sarl-nenuphar.com/