A swimming pool in your garden – what you need to consider

21.06.2022

A swimming pool is an idyllic feature in any garden. When the sun’s shining, there’s no need to queue and pay the admission fee at the public lido, and you’ll have the cool, crystal-clear water all to yourself. When installing a swimming pool, however, there are some legal and structural regulations to consider. We explain the key points and provide an overview of which type of pool meets your requirements.

Benefits of having your own swimming pool

There’s no need to pay any admission fees or be mindful of dozens of other visitors.
The laborious packing and unpacking of your swimming gear and picnic disappear in one fell swoop, as do lengthy journeys. You can spontaneously ‘go to the beach’ regardless of the weather.
And let’s not forget about health and vitality: your own pool provides an opportunity for exercise: it’s scientifically proven that swimming is one of the healthiest forms of sport, as it’s easy on your joints and strengthens your cardiovascular system.
And last but not least, a swimming pool brings added excitement and fun to your life. Whether you’re throwing a garden party and organising a swimming race for your guests or enjoying a chat in the pool with your family: this blue oasis is a magnet.

Overview of the four most common types of swimming pool and their applications

A swimming pool in your garden – what you need to consider

1. Inground swimming pool

A large hole is required for an inground pool. The pool itself can either be supplied by a DIY store ready-to-use and pre-formed like a kind of bathtub, or you can select whichever one-piece plastic pool you prefer. In most cases, such prefabricated pools come with pre-installed connections and can be purchased and delivered very quickly. A more expensive option is to have a made-to-measure pool built on site by a specialist. You can choose between a concrete liner pool, steel-wall liner pool/above-ground pool or stainless-steel pool. If you want to install a permanent inground pool, this is a long-term decision requiring considerable investment. A self-cleaning natural pool is another option if you care about the environment and sustainability.

2. Free-standing/above-ground swimming pool

Above-ground swimming pools must be positioned on a solid foundation. Steel-wall liner pools are the most common and must have a cover to protect them against adverse weather. This protective cover can be ordered according to your personal taste.

3. Mobile pop-up swimming pool

A pop-up pool is a seasonal product. It comes out of the basement and is set up in the garden in June, before being dismantled again at the beginning of autumn and safely stored away for the winter. The main benefit of this version is its maximum flexibility. Always remember that such pop-up pools require a level surface with no sharp objects.

4. Das Kinderplanschbecken

The traditional paddling pools that are extremely popular among youngsters are also a type of swimming pool. Children’s paddling pools are ten a penny and there’s an almost unlimited range of models. It’s particularly worth keeping a look out for extra features such as integrated awnings. This type of pool is less durable, but only costs a fraction of a permanent installation.

What size and capacity of pool do I need?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors such as available space, budget and personal preferences. For two people, the pool should be at least four metres wide. We recommend a minimum length of six metres if you want to have a proper swim. Most swimming pools are around 4x8 metres (rectangular) or have a diameter of approx. 7 metres (round). To enjoy a good swim, the pool should be about 1.5 or 1.6 metres deep, which allows for a reasonable water depth of approx. 1.4 metres.

Legal issues

Owning, and in particular installing, a swimming pool is a subject for which a surprising number of legal issues need to be considered.

What needs to be considered when installing your pool?

If you want to undertake a building project in this country, you must always obtain a permit before any excavation work can commence. According to Art. 22 of the Swiss Spatial Planning Act, ‘buildings and installations’ – a legally vague term – may only be erected or modified with official permission. Regulations vary from canton to canton. Mobile pools often only require the consent of your neighbours. In the case of permanent pools, however, things are more complex and a permit must always be obtained, as it’s necessary to check whether the planned project complies with building and usage regulations.

Who is liable in the event of an accident?

A swimming pool is a facility pursuant to Art. 58 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. The stated owner liability stipulates that the owner is liable for any damage caused by faulty equipment or inadequate maintenance. As the pool owner, you must therefore make every effort to ensure that there’s no risk to third parties if it’s used as it should be. For example, you’re obliged to ensure that the edges of the pool are free of algae. Safety precautions must also be taken around the pool. A sign stating ‘No swimming. No liability shall be accepted.’ or similar may be useful, but in most cases will not be enough to free yourself from any liability.

Particularly if you must assume that your pool could be used without your permission, especially by children, it’s important to take specific preventative measures in order to be able to exempt yourself from any liability for damages in the worst-case scenario, such as:

removing entry and exit ladders
a lockable fence around the pool
a cover that prevents any access to the pool and is ideally secured by a lock or toggle switch

Where do I get the water to fill my pool?

The easiest way of filling your pool is to use a hosepipe. If you don’t have one, there’s also the option of drawing water from a hydrant. However, you must never do this of your own accord, because it constitutes theft. In order to use a water hydrant in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, you need to obtain a permit from your municipal council. You’ll have to pay a fee of around CHF 50 for this, plus installation costs. You’ll also have to pay around CHF 2 per m2 for the actual water.

How can I guarantee optimum water quality?

Even the simplest hygiene rules can make a significant difference and keep the water clean: avoid overhanging branches, if possible, and always shower before using your pool. Maintenance should suit the conditions: more care is required in high temperatures and with heavier use.

There are various ways of keeping the water clear, which need to be combined as appropriate:

physical cleaning using filtration, surface suction and recirculation
chemical cleaning such as disinfection by chlorination
mechanical cleaning by automated pool robots, using so-called pool bottom cleaners, special brushes or nets

How do I dispose of the water properly when the season is over?

You have two options when draining your pool water at the end of summer:

You can either leave the chemically treated water untreated for at least two weeks, so that the chlorine slowly evaporates and is rendered harmless for humans and animals. At the end of this period, the pool can be emptied onto the lawn and the soil used as a natural filter.
With option one, deposits form, which hampers cleaning. Or, if you want to drain the water immediately, you must discharge it into the mains drainage system. Under no circumstances should you simply direct the water into the nearest gutter. You should always obtain information in advance, because many drains don’t lead into the sewage system but into streams, for example.

Four swimming pool tips that are guaranteed to pay off

Purchase a garden shower: There are a range of attractive garden showers, such as solar-powered models.
Invest in a sturdy cover: Pool covers prevent children and pets from drowning when the pool is unattended. Positive side effects include less soiling and fewer detergents, less evaporation and faster water heating.
Steps and ladders for safe entry and exit: Steps or ladders that allow risk-free entry and exit of the pool are extremely important for children, the elderly or people with disabilities.
Obtain approval for a domestic wellness spa: Be it massage jets, hydro-flow system, rainforest shower or bubble-jet recliners, all such water features increase the relaxation and enjoyment factor.