FAQs

Building a new concrete swimming pool or spa can seem daunting from the outset.

Here some general answers to the top the questions we are most frequently asked at the beginning of our pool design and construction projects to help answer some of the queries that you may already have in mind. Each of our pools are custom build and some projects are more complicated than others.

Regardless of complexity, at Urban Oasis we will ensure you understand every step of the process with our detailed plans and documentations, our series of planned pre build and site and handover meetings and our step by step communication process.

How do I decide what size to build my pool?

The beauty of concrete pools is that they are custom-designed, and specifically tailored to each client and site. Plunge pools can be as compact as 3 metres by 3 metres. Lap pools are ideally 2 to 3 metres wide and a quarter of an Olympic swimming pool length long (12.5 metres). Courtyard pools provide plenty of room for a quick dip at around 3 metres wide by 6 metres long. Family pools start at 3 to 4 metres wide by 7 to 8 metres long. Whatever your lifestyle, Urban Oasis can provide expert guidance to determine which style of pool will best suit you and your property.

Should I heat my swimming pool? What options are available?

Adelaide’s water is cold! Averaging 16.73 degrees Celsius year round. It makes sense to heat your pool, enabling you to make the most of your investment (a swimming pool is often the single largest household purchase) and allowing you to swim throughout the cooler months. We can talk you through the various heating apparatus that are available, including solar heating, gas heating, a heat pump or an electric heater, and help you to decide which option is appropriate for you.

What is the best way to light a swimming pool?

Consideration of your pool shape and size must be taken into account when selecting your lighting options. Urban Oasis’ decades of experience will ensure your lighting plan maximises the spread of light, colour absorption and illumination of key features (steps, swim-outs or water features), whether your pool be rectangular and large, small and square, or freeform.

How much space should be allocated for pool equipment?

We would recommend at least 2 square metres of space be allocated for your pool equipment. More complicated apparatus may require more space. Your equipment should be protected from the elements and screened from view to ensure the longest possible life span and best aesthetic finish.

How is a pool’s backwash or waste water managed?

Swimming pool water needs filtering. It contains not only chemicals such as chlorine, pool salts and acids, but also fallen particles such as leaves and lawn clippings, and even sunscreen residue, body oils and bacteria. A normal swimming pool filter works effectively by backwashing all the captured materials out of the filter. It is prohibited under South Australian law for the backwash water from swimming pools to be disposed of via the stormwater system due to the potential environmental impact this waste water may have on our natural waterways. There are a couple of options for disposing of your backwash water which Urban Oasis will guide you through, including redirecting your backwash water either to the sewerage system or an approved discharge area within the bounds of your property.

What can I do to minimise the maintenance on my new pool?

Pool equipment technology has come a long way in the last decade, from robotic cleaners to automatic chemical dosing systems, sensors and control systems that allow you to manage and monitor your pool with the greatest of ease from anywhere in the world. Talk to us to learn of the possibilities.

Do I need council building approval?

In South Australia, development approval is required for any new swimming pool, spa and pool fencing. Your local council will assess a number of criteria relating to the pool design and functionality before certifying it as compliant by South Australian standards and the Australian Building Code. Pool fencing should be installed before a new pool is filled for the first time. We can manage the entire approval application for you.

Are pool fences subject to inspection & approval following installation?

Yes. A building surveyor will carry out an inspection of your new pool fence prior to your pool being filled with water for the very first time to ensure the fence complies with the Building Code of Australia, the Australian Standards and the South Australian Development Regulations.

What site access is required to build a pool?

Ideally, we need minimum access of 2.4 metres wide by 2.2 metres high to allow for bobcat and excavator access. However, there are options for sites with tricky or smaller access points. Talk to us to discuss a solution if you have any concerns about access.

How close to a boundary can a pool be built?

Pools can be built on a boundary subject to council approval, neighbourhood notification processes and engineering requirements. That said, leaving approximately 1 metre of space around the perimeter of your pool will allow for easier access and maintenance.

Why would I renovate a pool?

Maybe you have purchased a new home with an old existing pool or you are just after a new look on your own pool.

A simple renovation can really change the look, feel and mood in the backyard.  Some examples of common renovations are:

  • Refreshed coping and paving
  • Updating to sleek, modern frameless glass fencing
  • Sparkling new tiles
  • A water feature to enhance the area
  • Upgraded pool equipment for efficiency and low maintenance
  • Additional heating systems for extended or year round swimming

Even the simplest of renovations can make it feel like an entirely new pool!

Is upgrading existing pool equipment really that important?

A swimming pool is all about relaxing, having fun and taking your mind off any stresses from the world.  Sometimes you just want to jump in the pool without a thought but first you must clean the pool, turn on the pumps beforehand and brush through the spiderwebs in the equipment shed to turn the lights on.

If you built a pool a while back, you would be surprised how new pool technology has evolved!  These equipment upgrades are the latest and greatest and very easy to install into your existing pool!

  • A connected pool controls system can allow you to easily switch on pumps, lights and more from an easy to use touch screen located where you find convenient.  Add an extra module and control all this from an app on your smartphone anywhere in the world!  Had a stressful day at work? Have the pool warm and ready as soon as you walk in the door.
  • Adding a pool blanket can reduce heating costs by trapping the heat in and stop your pool water evaporating.  On top of that, it uses the sun’s energy to heat the water a few degrees warmer for free!
  • A heat pump works by drawings the heat out of the surrounding air (even when it is near zero degrees!) and can provide you with a warm pool all year round.
  • Modern pumps have increased electricity efficiency and can reduce running costs and assist you in lowering household power consumption
  • The latest robots are really smart and do actually clean the whole pool, walls and floor.  Plus they are easier to use than ever before!
  • The latest and best chlorinators have sensors constantly measuring your chlorine and pH levels, reducing maintenance requirements and helping ensure that your water is always the best it possible can be.

 

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