The heat is rising, and most of us would agree that a quick dip in your own swimming pool in France is heavenly.
Are you one of those who have always loved the idea of a swimming pool but not the hassle? There might be an answer for that. With the right knowledge and contacts, you can have a pool without planning permission (for some – not all – models), and you can get your own swimming pool in a matter of days – even if you are installing one yourself.
Pools Direct specialise in fibreglass pools that offer maximum simplicity and value for money. They’re a family-run, British firm backed by a large French manufacturing company. Based in the Vendée, they cover all regions of France and can guide you through every step of the process in English (or French), from your first tentative ideas to choosing the best size and shape of swimming pool and even the surrounding decking or patio ready for sun-loungers.
“So many people love the idea of having their own swimming pool, but there’s a misconception that it’s beyond their budget, so they don’t even look into it,” explains Matthew Ferguson at Pools Direct. “Our niche is offering pools that are affordable and hassle-free. They’re easy to install and require minimal maintenance.”
What’s the secret?
Pools Direct supply pre-formed fibreglass swimming pools that can be delivered and placed straight in situ. While concrete pools can take weeks if not months to prepare and complete, you can install a fibreglass version immediately and be swimming within days.
“We focus on fibreglass pools because they really do offer the best solution for our clients,” explains Matthew. “You dig the hole where you want your pool to go, and you don’t even need to worry about a concrete base, you only have to line it with gravel. There’s no risk of ripping it as you install it like you do with a liner, and it’s very, very easy to keep clean as they have a super-smooth gel-coat finish.”
In contrast to the ten-year lifespan of other materials, fibreglass pools do not need to be replaced or resurfaced. Pools Direct’s manufacturer uses a superior quality resin that is extremely strong and durable, resistant to UV rays, heat, water, and chemicals. They’re also designed to have a slight flex, so that they can withstand intense temperatures and earth movements without cracking. All of this means that you can expect your fibreglass swimming pool to last more than 40 years. That’s a lot of laps and refreshing dips!
Which will you choose?
The one headache you might have is choosing a pool you prefer, as there are so many to choose from. Small or large? A minimalist, rectangular design or a Roman-style pool with an arched top?
Best-seller swimming pools in France
The smallest option is Arcadia, which is 4.3 metres long and 2.2 metres wide, with a depth of 1.45 metres. The advantage Arcadia has is that its surface area is under 10m², which means that you do not have to apply for planning permission – you can simply pick where you’d like to site it, and away you go! This makes it incredibly popular. No paperwork to fill in – just order, install and you can dip in your own pool in just days.
If you’d prefer a pool with more space to splash about in on a hot day, you might be tempted by the Sibuco – it’s the number one selling pool for the company. It’s 9 metres long and 4.2 metres wide, with a depth of 1.5 metres.
And if you really want to go large, Kalibo has plenty of room for everyone to go swimming. Over 10 metres long and 4 metres wide, it has a surface area of 40 square metres, and a consistent 1.6-metre depth throughout.
Choose your style
As well as the size, style and depth, you can even choose the colour of the interior. Would you prefer blue, beige, stone grey or white for your new pool? Once you’ve chosen the design, you can then decide how you’d like your poolside area to look. Do you picture a pool surrounded by decking or sun-warmed patio stones?
“One big advantage of working with a family firm is that we’re personally invested in each project,” says Matthew. “We want you to get a result that really works for you, because your happiness directly impacts our reputation. So, we don’t just sell you a pool; we talk you through the whole process, we can advise on every aspect, like where to site your pool and what coping stones would look best around the edge, or how to prepare the ground and we can even organise contractors if you need them. We want it to be as perfect as you do. Then you can just focus on enjoying the pool!”
Even the sky’s not the limit
Most deliveries are straightforward because the pool is craned into position in your chosen spot. But, certain locations are not as accessible. One customer felt that a swimming pool was out of the question as their garden was simply too difficult to access, but Pools Direct never shies away from a challenge. They organised the final stage of the delivery to be made by a helicopter, carefully lifting the chosen pool over the surrounding trees and delicately placing it in situ, ready to be filled with water and enjoyed within a matter of days. If you’re curious, you can watch the video and be impressed by the precision of the delivery.
Little extras
There are countless details to enhance your swimming pool, from security and electric covers with Bluetooth control to multicoloured LED underwater lights and robot cleaners. If you wish, you can also opt for a salt-water pool, and swim flows that create a current you can swim against. Whether you simply want a basic pool to plunge into on a hot day or a family-sized version with all the extras imaginable, you can customise your swimming pool to suit your own personality.
And once you’ve made your selection, you know you won’t have to wait long before you can dive right in. That’s why fibreglass pools are the best option: they can be up and running within a week and can last up to forty years. So why wait?
Find out more, request a brochure which details all the pools, and order your little bit of watery paradise at: poolsdirect.online
