As swimming pool builders we are often asked ‘ can we fit a pool here’ or how much space do I need to fit a pool especially in London properties where space is sometimes limited. However even we were surprised when a North London client approached us with the question ‘can I build a pool in a basement’

It wasn’t so much that he wanted to build a pool in his basement so much as the fact that he didn’t have a basement! Even that paled into insignificance as he explained that the pool was not to be just in a basement but in a sub-basement! Can you build a swimming pool four storeys below ground he asked? Building swimming pools in London always presents challenges, but this was one we had not encountered before!

How do you stop a pool going green in a basement, and how do you stop condensation were some things he asked. Of course, he questioned how we could dump water when doing a backwash, and more importantly, how could the pool ever be emptied if required?  All such questions needed careful consideration, but like everyone, his primary concern was how much will a basement pool cost!

I’m pleased to say that building a basement swimming pool is not that much different to building any other indoor pool. We have specialised in building indoor pools over the years, and our services run to the design not only of the pool but of everything that goes with an indoor swimming pool. We take care of not just building the pool, but the controls related to it and the filtration that’s crucial to stopping a pool going green. Sparkling clear water requires correct filtration and treatment, so we pay particular attention to that.

Air Handling is also vital, as of course our clients wouldn’t want condensation to mar their pool room or spread into the house, as this can cause irreparable damage! We take care of the specification and installation of everything which helps the client as they only have a single contractor to deal with.

How much does a swimming pool cost though? Well, that depends upon the size, specification, degree of difficulty of the site, access and many other factors. When a prospective customer first approaches us, we try to answer all of their questions; but the one regarding the cost of a swimming pool is generally one we refer back to them.

Let me explain. Every client has a dream swimming pool in their mind, and whether their swimming pool is to be in their garden, in a dedicated pool room or pool hall or in their basement, the project will normally be driven by their budget!

The question is therefore not so much a matter of how much will a swimming pool cost me, as a matter of how much do I need to spend to get the pool I want? Once we know what the clients budget is, we can set about designing the swimming pool and its surroundings to match as closely as possible to the client’s expectations and dreams, but more importantly, their budget!

Our North London client, like everyone, had a budget in mind as he not only wanted his swimming pool but a gym and sauna too on the same level!

His priorities included beautifully distinctive tiles, water features and ease of care as he leads a busy life with his business.

The pool we designed was 10 Mts x 4 Mts. It featured 2 wall mounted water features, steps at either end leading into the pool, a constant depth throughout so the whole pool could be used as a play area, and multiple lights. There was a glazed wall between the pool area and the gym. The tiles we used were iridescent grey, which split light prismatically,  so constantly burst into myriads of colours. The filtration ensured the water is kept sparkling clean, and for extra safety it is treated with a UV system to reduce the chlorine needed. All the other issues such as air handling, prevention of condensation and disposal of backwash water from the pool, how to finish the walls round the pool or what sort of lighting should you have in a pool room were sorted along with the the controls for the pool.

We think you will agree that the end result is a swimming pool of beauty which for a London home is a great size. It’s something that adds value to the property, but more importantly, provides a fantastic family leisure space!