Pool love affair lingers

Ever since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans, mankind has been fascinated with the pleasures of relaxing in a swimming pool.

Only the wealthiest and most powerful among those early civilisations could afford their own private watering hole. The rest of the population had to be content with a quick dip in the River Tiber.

Our love affair with pools continues today as an increasing number of home owners explore the health and lifestyle benefits of adding a backyard swimming pool. A well-designed pool is also seen as a good investment, adding significant value to a property.

The addition of a swimming pool is the single most effective way of dressing up a backyard. You can create your own outdoor oasis and make it the focal point of the entire home. Suddenly there is a relaxing outlook from the living rooms that can also provide hours of enjoyment.

A pool is a great asset when it comes to entertaining guests, particularly those with children. Just imagine sitting around the pool sipping cocktails with friends on those hot summer days and nights.

Pools come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. Some people go for the standard rectangular versions, but more often than not a kidney shaped pool provides an aesthetically pleasing centre-piece to a backyard that has been carefully landscaped to accommodate it.

A POOL FOR ALL SEASONS

There has been a growing trend towards enclosing pools so they can be used year-round. And of course there’s the added benefit of reducing heating, cleaning and maintenance costs.

James Hutchins, from The Pool Enclosure Company, says a pool enclosure can reduce these costs by up to 75 per cent. But most importantly, he says, it can be used year-round.

“Once the pool is enclosed it can be used all year round – no matter what the weather outside is like. Having a pool enclosure is like adding another room to your home.”

While the industry is in its infancy in Australia (The Pool Enclosure Company was established in 2010), pool enclosures have been a part of life in Europe for the past 30 years.

Mr Hutchins’ company is the Australian representative for a leading Czech Republic based supplier Alukov which manufactures the enclosures.

While some people are put off the prospect of owning a pool due to increasing energy prices, there was still plenty of interest in the recent Spas and Pools Show at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“A pool enclosure is a great way of reducing those energy costs,” Mr Hutchins said.

However, it is not cheap. While an in-ground pool can cost between $30,000 and $100,000, owners are looking at a similar amount for a pool enclosure.

Mr Hutchins said understandably many of his Melbourne clients have fairly large budgets to play with.

“All of our designs are 100 per cent custom so shape, dimensions and colour all decided based on site capabilities, clients requirements and budget,” Mr Hutchins says.

“Retractable enclosures are a cost effective alternative to traditional permanent structures.”

And his clients are pleased with the results. Toorak-based surgeon Robert Wong is a recent beneficiary.

“I can now swim all year round and it does not take nearly as long to heat the pool or as much energy to keep it warm,” he said.

Story source: www.domain.com.au