Spring in the air ! Cool blue pool
Safety and pool surroundings have become today's major features.
Today's pools are no longer tiled holes in the ground ! Their surroundings have become a major factor, their safety too.
The biggest market in Europe, France has over a million swimming pools, double the number that existed ten years ago. And in-ground pools are certainly the most popular. Aside from the physical exercise aspect, the trend is more for congeniality and shared enjoyment. In fact, rectangular pools synonymous with interminable laps back and forth have given way to more original designs and personalized accessories. Jacuzzis, balneos, spas and “counter currents” are now part and parcel of essential “extras”. A jacuzzi, for instance, is best installed in immediate proximity to your pool. “Maxi Jacuzzi” from the company of the same name consists of a range of mini hydro-massage pools, in or above ground, ranging from “Alimia”, from 14,220 €, to “Santorini”, from 13,623 to 15,782 €. For a spa (portable or built-in), expect to pay from 6,549 € plus VAT for the “160 Ed-ition Spéciale” to 11,900 € for the top-end-of the-range “Limited Edition” model from SCP. Jacuzzi, which invented the home version of the product back in 1970, proposes its “Premium Spa” in five different models, from 8,970 € to 16,720 €. Fans of lounging in the water will probably opt for the steps fitted with a “Hydro-confort” system developed by Magiline. You simply sit in the water and switch on the five hydro-jets. For a more tonic effect, the counter current concept is indispensable, the ideal solution for working out in a pool which is far from Olympic-sized ! You can adjust the strength and direction of the flow and also benefit from the effects of a hydro-massage with Magiline's “Magi'Compact”, the “Uwe Jetstream” from Carré Bleu or “Aquatrainer” from Clair'Azur. (2,354 €, 2,600 € and from 29,000 € respectively).
Maintenance…
For pool-water to retain all the characteristics of essential purity, it needs specific care and treatment. Five main stages contribute towards a pool's success : equilibrium of the water, adjustment of pH, disinfection, elimination of algae, and clarification. Carré Bleu proposes an exclusive range of products called “Blue Care”, while Waterair's “Easy” range includes “Easy Test” for analyzing the water in just 15 seconds, “Easy Pool” which combines treatments for bacteria and algae, oxidization to eliminate unpleasant smells, a pH regulator, an anti-lime effect and reduction of greasy deposits on the waterline, “Easy Filtre” and finally “Easy Clean” for cleaning all your pool accessories. Still on the subject of accessories, the place of honour goes to the broom ! Magiline's “Aquatique” is a prime example. Perfect for all types of pools, it is a filter in itself alone (10 microns of filtration finesse with suction of all types of debris). Furthermore, it can be used directly with a traditional hose, robot connection, surpressor or a simple sprinkler hose. The “Zodiac” model can be fitted to the skimmer's suction connection. As for “Zip”, it climbs over the walls, lets go and skims over the water before falling back onto its base (159 €, Mareva). “Planet”, produced by the same brand, is an automatic cleaning robot, without any embedded electronics but programmable and particularly effective for submerged decks. The star in this category is the “Phantom” : a pool cleaner which collects impurities floating on the surface and cleans the bottom of the pool, its walls and steps. Fitted with a patented “Aquadrive” propeller, it benefits from a wider than average suction mouth (20 centimetres) and a large-capacity bag (1,051 € plus VAT).
… and safety
“As from January 1st 2004, private unfenced in-ground pools for individual or collective use must be fitted with a standardized security device intended to prevent the risk of drowning.” Owners of the same type of pool built prior to that date have until January 1st 2006 to conform to the legislation. One still needs to know the norms imposed on safety products. A protection barr-ier (NF 90-306) consists of a physical rampart between children and the surface of the water. It is very effective for the under-fives but rarely very attractive. “Clicstop” from Waterair (89 € for the 3-metre module) is flexible and easy to install. “Aquastop” from the same manufacturer (150 € per linear metre, including gate) is rigid and more discreet. Then we have the alarm (NF P 90-307). Its purpose is to warn people of an abnormal occurrence around the pool. “Bi Protect” from Waterair offers a dual safeguard (detection of anyone entering the area by means of infra-reds and detection of a child falling into the pool by means of a captor bracelet worn on his or her wrist). The kit costs 2,390 €. “Aquaprem-ium” picks up accoustic waves emitted by anyone falling into the water who weighs over six kilos (499 €, Waterair). Between the fence and the alarm, Curtisolar's “Pool Protect” is an active system equipped with infra-red barriers, intelligent re-triggering of the system via a movement detection device, and a central unit with a built-in siren. Then there's a solution signed Wood-Line (2,999 €), based on (esthetic) infra-red boundaries. Considered by professionals as offering good value for money, the pool cover (NF P 90-308) also prevents pollution of the water. Opt for “Watertop” from Waterair (from 1,200 € to 4,400 €) or the mod-ular and removable model by Abridéal (from 3,900 € to about 8,300 €). Finally, there are pool shelters… Impossible not to notice them, but by way of compensation, they enabe you to benefit from your pool all year round. Eureka has developed a full range of products without ground rails, just like Magiline which carries out personalized studies to meet individual needs. Stremler also makes its contribution in the form of a gate-lock requiring two simultaneous movements and a complic-ated manipulation on the manoeuvering element.
By Cécile Olivéro - photos : press
