Share this story, choose your platform!
Buying a pool is exciting, and a little daunting
Few home projects are as exciting as adding a pool. You can already picture the early morning swims, the children splashing about and long evenings on the terrace. Then the questions start. Which type? How big? What will it take to look after?
That’s why we put together this swimming pool buyers guide. It walks you through the big decisions in a sensible order, so you can move forward with confidence rather than guesswork.
We’ve helped a great many families choose their pool. The same few questions come up again and again, and once they’re answered, the right choice usually becomes clear.
How to use this guide
Read it from start to finish if you’re at the very beginning. If you already know what you want, skip to the section that matters most. Either way, jot down your answers as you go. They’ll make your first conversation with any installer far more useful.
Our swimming pool buyers guide starts with how you’ll use it
Before you think about shapes or finishes, think about people. Who will use the pool, and what do they want from it? The answer shapes almost every other choice.
Fitness and lap swimming
If exercise is the main goal, length matters more than width. A long, narrow lap pool gives you room to swim proper lengths without turning every few strokes. It can also fit neatly along a boundary or beside the house. If space is tight, a swim spa with a current to swim against is another option to talk through with us.
Family fun
For families with young children, a generous shallow area often matters more than length. Wide steps, a bench to sit on and a gentle slope into deeper water make the pool feel welcoming and safe. Think about how your family’s needs will change as children grow.
Relaxing and entertaining
Some people mainly want a beautiful place to cool off, float and unwind. Here, the look of the pool, the surround, lighting and seating become the priority. A pool that works as a garden feature all year round can add real enjoyment, even when nobody is swimming.
Wellness
Hydrotherapy jets, warm water and a spa for year round use appeal to many buyers. A spa or swim spa alongside a pool, or instead of one, can be a lovely addition.
Who else will swim?
Think beyond your own household. Grandparents, visiting friends and older relatives may all use the pool. Easy entry, handrails and comfortable steps make a big difference for anyone less steady on their feet.
Think ten years ahead
A pool is something you’ll enjoy for many years. Toddlers become teenagers who want to swim lengths. Busy working lives turn into slower retirements. Try to choose a pool that will still suit your household as life changes, rather than one that only fits the next summer.
The right type of pool depends on your home and your priorities
Once you know how you’ll use it, the next step is choosing the type. Each has its own strengths, and there’s no single answer that suits everyone. Our guide to the types of swimming pools goes into more detail, but here’s a quick overview.
One-piece pools
One-piece pools are made in a factory and delivered to site as a single shell. This is what we specialise in at HiLife. Because the shell is made in controlled conditions, the finish is consistent. Installation is usually much quicker than a traditionally built pool, which means less disruption at home.
Access for delivery and lifting is the main thing to check. We’ll look at this during a site survey.
Liner pools
Liner pools use a structure lined with a flexible membrane. They can be built in many shapes. The liner will need replacing at some point in the pool’s life, so it’s worth understanding what that involves before you buy.
Concrete pools
Traditionally built concrete pools can be shaped to almost any design. They generally take longer to build and depend more on weather and on-site workmanship.
Swim spas and spas
A swim spa gives you a compact space to swim against a current, often with seating and jets too. A spa is designed for soaking and relaxing. Both can suit smaller gardens and be used all year.
Indoor or outdoor
Some buyers want a pool they can use in any weather. An indoor pool offers that, but it becomes a building project with its own ventilation and design needs. An outdoor pool with good heating and a quality cover can extend your season a long way.
Comparing the options fairly
When you compare pool types, look beyond the brochure. Ask how long each one takes to install, how much disruption it brings, what long term care it needs and what might need replacing over the years. A swimming pool buyers guide can only point you in the right direction. Seeing finished pools in person and asking plenty of questions will tell you far more.
Size, shape and depth should fit your garden and your plans
It’s tempting to go for the biggest pool the garden can hold. Bigger isn’t always better, though. The best choice fits comfortably in the space and leaves room for the things that make a pool enjoyable.
Leave room around the pool
Allow space for paving or decking, loungers, a table and planting. A pool squeezed into a garden with no surround can feel cramped. Think about where the sun falls in the afternoon and evening, as that’s when many people swim. Our article on swimming pool size has more on getting the proportions right.
Choose a depth for how you swim
Most family pools don’t need to be very deep. A comfortable standing depth across much of the pool suits play, relaxing and swimming lengths. A deeper area can suit confident swimmers, but diving is rarely safe in a domestic pool unless it has been designed for it.
Shape and style
Rectangular pools look sharp and suit modern homes and lap swimming. Softer shapes can sit more naturally in a traditional or cottage garden. Look at your house and garden as a whole and pick a shape that belongs.
Features that make a pool easier to love
Small features often make the biggest difference to how a pool feels. Consider:
- Wide entry steps that double as a place to sit.
- A bench or ledge for relaxing in the water.
- Underwater lighting for evening swims.
- A water feature for gentle sound and movement.
- A shallow area for young children.
It’s easier to include these at the design stage than to add them later, so raise them early.
Looking after your pool is part of the buying decision
A pool is a long term commitment. Thinking about care and running now helps you choose the right equipment and avoid surprises later. Every good swimming pool buyers guide should cover what happens after the build.
Heating
Most UK pools are heated, as it makes a huge difference to how often you’ll swim. Different heating systems suit different homes, and running costs vary with the system, the weather and how you use the pool. We’ll give you a realistic estimate based on your plans, so you know what to expect before you commit. Our guide to pool running costs explains what affects them.
Covers
A good cover helps keep heat in, debris out and children safe. Automatic covers make life easier because they’re quick to open and close. The best option depends on your pool, your budget and how you’ll use it.
Water treatment
Every pool needs its water kept clean and balanced. There are several approaches, including chlorine and salt systems. Ask your installer how each one works and what regular care looks like.
Servicing and aftercare
Pools need regular checks, just like a car. Find out who will look after yours once it’s installed. We offer aftercare, servicing and repairs, so you’re not left on your own.
Setting a sensible budget
Think about the whole project, not just the pool itself. Groundworks, the surround, landscaping, heating, a cover and electrics all form part of the picture. We’ll talk you through what’s included in our quote, so there are no nasty surprises later on.
A swimming pool buyers guide checklist for choosing an installer
Choosing the right installer matters as much as choosing the right pool. A good one will listen, explain things plainly and give you honest advice, even when it isn’t what you expected to hear.
Here are some questions to ask:
- How long have you been installing pools, and can I see examples of your work?
- Can I speak to past customers?
- Will you survey my site before giving a quote?
- What does your quote include, and what isn’t included?
- How long will the installation take, and what will happen at each stage?
- Who looks after the pool once it’s built?
- What guarantees or warranties apply, and what do they cover?
- Who handles the electrics and groundworks?
Keep this swimming pool buyers guide checklist handy when you meet installers. Comparing answers side by side will quickly show you who you feel comfortable with.
Get a tailored quote
Every garden is different, so be wary of anyone who gives a firm figure without seeing your site. We’ll visit, listen to what you want and give you a tailored quote that reflects your home and your plans.
Timing and permissions are worth checking early
Many garden pools don’t need planning permission, but some do. Listed buildings, conservation areas, pool houses and enclosures can all change the picture. Building regulations may also apply to some parts of a project. The rules depend on your home, so check with your local council and building control before work starts.
Think about timing too. Many people want their pool ready for summer, which makes spring a busy time for installers. Starting conversations in autumn or winter gives you more choice of dates and time to make decisions without rushing.
Preparing for installation day
Installation brings diggers, deliveries and a busy garden for a while. Plan for where vehicles will park, how neighbours might be affected and which parts of the garden will be out of use. Your installer should explain each stage clearly, from excavation to filling and handover. Once the work is finished, the landscaping comes together and your pool is ready to enjoy. For a clearer idea of the numbers, our guide to swimming pool cost explains what affects the price.
Pool buying questions we get asked a lot
How long does it take to install a pool?
It depends on the site and the type of pool. One-piece pools are usually much quicker to install than traditionally built pools. We’ll give you a clear timeline after our site survey.
Can I use my pool all year?
With good heating and a quality cover, you can extend the season a long way. Swim spas, spas and indoor pools can be enjoyed all year round.
How much garden space do I need?
Less than many people think. Compact pools and swim spas can suit smaller gardens. We’ll help you work out what fits comfortably.
Will a pool add value to my home?
It can appeal to many buyers, but it depends on the property and the local market. We’d suggest choosing a pool mainly for the enjoyment it brings your family.
How much looking after does a pool need?
A little regular care goes a long way. Many owners do simple checks themselves and leave servicing to us.
Use this swimming pool buyers guide to take your next step
Buying a pool is a big decision, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. Start with how you’ll use it, then think about type, size, care and who you want to work with. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to ask for.
We’d love to help you find the right pool. You can explore our full range of pools to get ideas, then talk to us about your garden and your plans.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
