With summer making its presence felt stronger every day, there’s nothing more appealing than taking a dip in a cool blue swimming pool. But, with work pressures bounding and traffic and travel causing serious obstacles, what better than having that pool within the confines of your home.
However, simpler said than done, here are a few things to keep in mind before you start working on making that big summer splash...
Position point
The obvious choice to be made at the onset is whether the pool should be placed indoors or outdoors. “This will most definitely depend on the amount of apace available, and accordingly be merged within the landscape,” said Ashok Chawla of Watco India, a company that claims to have created 99 per cent of the swimming pools in the city. Whatever your choice, the pool is best kept near the house since it’s most likely to be the central attraction — a deck area is a great place for hosting parties.
Thereafter, one needs to find out if there are any zoning laws requiring a minimum distance the pool must be from the property line. Also, buried utilities like gas, sewer and water supplies must be noted.
For those creating outdoor pools, sun and wind patterns must be observed especially in a hot climate like ours where taking advantage of shade patterns is essential.
Also, overhead electrical line is a no-no, while dedicated lines to power the pumps, filter and lights is a must. Also, an outdoor faucet to fill up the pool is necessary.
Design deal
While designing a pool is hugely fun, especially the embellishments and add-ons to the immediate vicinity, its basic purpose should be ascertained first. A swimming pool could be used mainly for exercise purposes, an entertainment spot for the kids, a private relaxation zone or simple a party spot. Once the focus and people usage is determined, it’s time to let creativity roll.
Earlier, design used to mean a kidney-shaped pool with deep-end and shallow-end and a diving board. “Today residential pools range from long narrow lap pools to exotic shapes with vanishing edges to waterfall-laced lagoons reminiscent of the tropics. Colourful murals can add interest to pool bottoms and walls as can fibre optic lighting,” says designer Anita Mansatta. Apart from this, natural-looking pools often have water fatures and misting systems incorporated into them. “One of the main value additions to a pool is creating a bar-on-wheels with rubber or wood. Also, most homes have their pools in the garden area and using tiles, bisazza, plants and non-slippery terracotta flooring is as aesthetic as useful,” adds Mansatta. However, as far as furniture goes — deck chairs, shade umbrellas, bar etc. — everything should be foldable.
Maintenance
A clean pool makes a safe pool. For routine maintenance, there’s a basic equipment list that each person should have — vacuum cleaner, brushes, leaf skimmer and water test kit.
There are two types of vacuum cleaners. The first works from a vacuum inlet as part of the filter system and pushed slowly around the bottom of the pool to pull in water, dirt and debris. Leaves and other large objects are caught in the pump strainer and smaller particles are removed in the filter before the clear water is returned to the pool.
The second is a jet cleaner that is frequently used in pools without a vacuum fitting. Similar to a carpet sweeper, it is easily assembled and moves rapidly across the pool surface. The water movement pulls dirt and debris into a filter bag.
On the brush front, a nylon brush is recommended for general cleaning and scrubbing, and a stainless steel brush for removing algae, rust stains and dirt.
The leaf skimmer is a frame with a plastic mesh skimming net attached.
A regular system of cleaning and purifying through chlorination will also prevent any serious problems from developing.
Feng Shui
According to Feng Shui, water represents sustenance, wealth, and the flow of life. However, one must keep in mind certain principles. “Firstly, the body of water should not be larger than the house, or it can energetically overwhelm the house and weaken the occupants chi. Secondly, sharp angles of a swimming pool pointed toward the house represents a cutting edge and can stimulate accidents in the resident. The shape should always have soft curves. Thirdly, rounded organic shapes such as a kidney shape relate directly to the water element in the body. These should appear to hug the house so that wealth gathers and remains in the house. Fourthly, water should always be placed in the north or east,” says Feng Shui expert Pinky Kapoor. Finally, flowing water adds flowing money.
Pictures by Rashbehari Das
Courtesy: Ocio, The Park Hotel
