3500 Swimming Pools In Christchurch

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31865, 18 December 1968, Page 9

3500 Swimming Pools In Christchurch

The home pool, well established in Australia and the United States, is obviously on its way to become a meaningful substitute for the beach in New Zealand too.

The number of private pools in Christchurch, alone is evidence of this. Probably the congestion of motor traffic at weekends is one reason, but the prevalent east wind on our beaches is surely another. A pool of your own, set in pleasant surroundings, and protected from cold winds, with sun-bathing areas provided, and shade where needed, has many advantages

It is popular to compare the cost of a swimming pool with that of a second car. And indeed this is so, from the $125 “bomb" up to the sophisticated $3OOO model. Pools are on a similar scale. They vary with pool surroundings and size, and whether it is a do-it-yourself project, a contractor’s job—or an off-the-peg demountable pool. Construction methods matter too. It could be pre-fabri-cated slab concrete, concrete blocks, poured concrete or the glamour sprayed concrete in free form designs. The latter, surprisingly

enough, is not the most I expensive. j Pool Sites Generally speaking, few f sites are impossible for a 1 swimming pool, but a difficult I position naturally poses prob- < lems which raise the cost of < building. Often, however,,! this is compensated for by i the built-in attractiveness of 1 such a sight. 1 An experienced pool build- ! er will give intending ’ buyers advice on the suitabil-j ity of the site. He may suggest the services of a civil engineer. In some cases you would

be wise to consult one before you become too involved. Re Excavating Soil conditions affect construction methods and price. For instance, if your pool is buil{ in a riigh water table area, water will need to be drained away during building and, because of water pressure outside the pool after building, a relief valve must be. included in the specifications, or the pool would crack, or even be pushed upward out of the ground. Worst soil condition is said to be running sand. Rocky outcrops, “floating” rocks and scoria will also affect excavating costs, but on

the whole, with luck, you will be surprised how moderate these can be when mechancial means can be used. If a bulldozer can get to the pool site, excavations can be completed within a day and your pool is within sight —a very exciting moment! If conditions make hand excavating necessary, you can be almost sure of some help from neighbours and relations. TheyTl be well rewarded when the pool is completed. A swimming pool, though it should be lovely to look at and enjoyed in and out of the swimming season, is a more joyful thing when in use.