How much it costs to have your own pool

Water features make for great focal points in the garden with the calming and soothing effect of rushing water or the sound of the wind as it causes ripples on the water surface. The ultimate water feature to have in your compound is a swimming pool.

Swimming pools come in different shapes and sizes, from kidney shaped, oval, round, geometric, rectangular, and square, the list is endless.

However, there are two main types of pools that are done locally, we have the freeboard pool, deck level pool or the overflow pools. A freeboard pool has the water level between four and six inches from the top.

Deck level and overflow pools, on the other hand, have the water level right at the edge; such that any displacement of water causes it to overflow.

Horizon and infinity pools are part freeboard and part deck level to give an illusion of endless water. They are usually sloped to have the water level below the edge on one side and flowing over on the other.

“The most popular pools among our clients are the deck level pools,” says Leonard Karani from Karani Swimming Pool Services.

“They create very beautiful illusions with the water level but are, however, more expensive and require more water for the overflow effect,” he explains.

Some pool makers import fibreglass and liner pools on request. These are usually readymade pools that are already assembled and only need to be fixed in the area that a person wants.

Liner pools are made of canvas held up by support beams sunk into the ground and held at the top before being filled with water.

There are, however, PVC liner pools available from different outlets including Waterways Africa. For these, the area where the pool is to be situated is excavated before the pool is installed.

The shells for the PVC liner pools cost from Sh600,000 for a five metre pool up to Sh1.2 million for a 12metre by six metre. This cost, however, does not include the accessories or excavation fee.

The cost of the installation equipment, excavation, as well as the assembly will cost an additional Sh600,000 depending on the size of the pool.

Fibreglass pools are not as popular due to the rigidity of design as well as their fragility during transportation.

“Fibreglass and linear pools may be easy to place and are beautiful, but they have a short lifespan and cost more,” says Karani.

Though not a popular option, there have been a few indoor pools, especially for people who do not feel comfortable swimming out in the open.

With an indoor pool, heating is needed as the pool has limited access to the sun. Solar heating is a cost-effective alternative for pools. Those wishing to have heated pools must invest in pool covers to keep the heat locked in when the pool is not in use.

The water can be heated electrically or by the use of boilers which are especially good for high temperature water but are rather expensive, says Karani.

According to the Davis and Shirtliff pool book, when selecting an exercise pool, it is best to use a shape that includes two parallel walls on the ends.

Pools with softened rounded corners add to strength of the pool and makes it easier to clean. However, the company only provides equipment but refer you to experts to build your pool.

“Concrete pools are done on loose soil such as black cotton while stone type is done on red soil which is more compact,” explains Karani.

Pool finishes are usually done in tile, concrete or even mazeras stone.

“Mosaic creates very beautiful designs in the pool but the cost makes people shy away from it,” he adds.

Mazeras are used for the area surrounding the pool. Their natural look as well as non-slip nature makes them ideal for avoiding pool side accidents.

“When budgeting for a pool, a large one like the 12 by six metre pool, one should set aside about Sh2 million for the project,” says Karani.

This cost is inclusive of the excavation, labour and materials needed for the pool. A smaller pool like an eight by six metre pool will cost approximately Sh1 million.