We built our pool back in 2004. Above was my original design. Not too far away from how it eventually became.
I've just found the above 'work in progress' photo; looking back on past projects is always interesting. Time is such a great healer!
We did, of course, get proven professionals to dig the hole, build the pool itself, and lay all the poolside flagstones. The drawing (top) was what we gave him to work on. However, I rather stupidly offered to do all the finishing work myself; walls, roofs, flower bed surrounds, rendering, and planting. There was a lot to do.
Some tasks were essential. Originally there was no way down to the Pump House door (see middle pic), so a flight of steps had to be built. Nor did the Pump House have any door, roof, or exterior rendering, so all that had to be done. It also needed roof pinnacles which had to be commissioned and installed.
It's taken all of 13 years for us to be reasonably 99% satisfied with everything (one is never 100% satisfied).
In our pre-pool days we used to drive a couple of miles to a dirty nearby lake where we'd swim; but it became tiresome. The small investment in our own water filled hole was one of our better decisions.
Now, if you'll excuse me..... it's 33 C, and I have an appointment.
While such a pool can never look natural, yours does look nicely naturalised.
ReplyDeleteThat was the aim. So many have their pools away from the house, with very little 'landscaping; I decided to do otherwise. Of course I have to cope with falling leaves etc, but it's worth it.
DeleteI'm still waiting for Paul to dig a hole in our garden.
ReplyDeleteGet Philippe to help!
DeleteYour pool is very well designed.
ReplyDeleteWhen we three siblings were children we helped my papà to dig holes in the backyard of our farm thinking it was a project for a pool - We got back from school one day to find fruit trees in the holes. It was a cruel trick, but today it makes me laugh.
Greetings Maria x
I wish I'd thought of that; pure genius.
DeleteMust have given you loads of pleasure. Looks 100% perfect to me.
ReplyDelete36 C forecast for today; it comes in useful.
DeleteIt will come as no surprise that there re few, if any, outdoor pools on Lewis although a few houses have indoor ones of a reasonable size. However in NZ we had a lovely pool and lying in it (or even better in the spa tub) at night watching the stars was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteNight time swimming, with the pool lights on, is fabulous. We may do some tonight.
DeleteBe honest if you will, how much a year does it cost for local taxes, cleaning equipment and chemicals, water (especially if no well), plus hours of maintenance? I know that you and the family get a lot of hours pleasure. I think that we, two, have left it a bit late now.
ReplyDeleteI really have no idea, Potty, but probably a lot less than you might think. I clean the pool and its surrounding area when it looks as if it needs it, but otherwise, it's just a matter of putting Chlorine tabs in the skimmers occasionally. The water pump probably uses a bit of electricity, but we never take much notice of such things.
DeleteI think the pool is marvellous - where you live. Here it wouldn't work. Today it is seventeen degrees and cloudy - we have had maybe a dozen days when a pool would have been wonderful.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless I really envy you.
We have a friend in England who has in indoor heated pool, but it's always like stepping into a sauna.
Deletegood to look back on progress and achievements.
ReplyDeleteIts 18 degrees here..and windy..but hey,we're in the West of Scotland!....wind= nae midgies!!
I've never experienced the Scottish Midges; but heard a lot about them. It's hot here, and will be 36 C later. we'll stay indoors.
DeleteI would swim naked if I had a pool.
ReplyDeleteMost people do.
DeleteYou did a wonderful job and have reaped the benefits of all your work.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a lovely little spot.
DeleteBeautiful. I bet the DoGs love the pool too. I would rather swim with DoGs than little kids: My yard on Long Island is to small for a decent lap pool, so I use the health club's indoor 24-meter pool and lordy, all it takes to ruin it is one little kid shrieking in the one lane reserved for non-swimmers. I'm a Fahrenheit girl but I gather 36 C is rather hot. Enjoy your swim!
ReplyDeleteI don't know why pools should have such an effect on children, but they ALWAYS shout when they swim. Our pool is only 9 metres by 4, but plenty big enough to swim lengths.
DeleteOur late Labrador, Monty, was a great swimmer. Bok isn't.
Swimming naked is the best...but only when decorum allows.
ReplyDeleteEspecially if Adonis no longer looks like Adonis.
DeleteWe could do with your pool here today Cro ....... clear blue skies and very hot. I love your pool .... it fits in so well with the surroundings and must be so welcome in the Summer months.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that I would swim naked ..... do you & Lady M ? XXXX
It has been known; but I can't speak for Lady M.
DeleteMy current pool is 5000 miles wide - the Pacific Ocean. Cro, might I be so vulgar as to ask roughly how much building your own pool cost you? Many thanks -
ReplyDeleteWe had it built 12 years ago, and if my memory is right it cost about £12k. Really not a lot; a kitchen extension would cost the same (if not more).
DeleteAs I recall, hot afternoons you'll find Bok poolside with one paw in the water. I'm a basketcase for Bok.
ReplyDeleteHe's always there; just as you say!
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