Pool house: A haven of relaxation

The importanceSwimming pools have become a common feature in many homes and accommodation set-ups. Gone are the days when swimming could only be done in specified hotels or apartments. However, with swimming becoming a sport, an exercise and a way of unwinding, pool houses too are a necessity today. There’s need to have this facility put up by all swimming pool owners. So what exactly is a pool house? The importance According to Sarah, an administrator at Davis and Shirtliff , a pool house is a shelter constructed to protect the swimming pool pump and filter from sun heat and rain water. “It is basically like a house put up with the purpose of protecting the pump and filter. It is a necessity as long as you have a pool, but if there are any limitations to constructing one, you can actually use one of the rooms in your house,” she says. However, this particular room must be used to solely protect the pump and filter to prevent the breakdown of the filtration and pumping system. Storage purpose A pool house can also be used as a store, a storage space for pool equipment. Many times pool equipment is kept in the general storage area yet they are delicate machines. Such equipment needs a separate storage unit and that is why a pool house can play this role thoroughly well. Changing room The pool house too can act as a changing room or entertainment centre. This can be achieved by putting up a room above the pump shelter or side rooms to play the desired role, thus it is as well a discreet spot to towel off, change and use the bathroom. In such an instance, it mainly serves the role of a changing room where undressing and re-dressing up is done before and after swimming respectively. Entertainment centre A pool house can have side rooms or another room above the pump shelter to act as an entertainment centre particularly for those who come around to swim. An entertainment hall includes music and resting chairs, among others thus creating a good ambience for the users. For some pool owners, they design it to act as a poolside bar where you entertain friends and family. If you need it for such a role, it is designed in form of a shade-like structure to create a shelter that creates a conducive atmosphere for drinking with friends. Materials used Pool houses can be made with reeds and red cedar. When constructing one, use non-corrosive hardware metals and equipment to ensure no rusting. Equipment like nails should be stainless steel and premium materials last even longer. Other materials used when setting up a pool house are cement, concrete, blocks, stones, sand, tiles and iron sheets. Ensure proper ventilation while constructing to allow for proper aeration of the room. Also, pool houses must be constructed at the lower end of the swimming pool so as to enable proper flow of water below gravity. “The water should flow down into the pump so that it is pumped into the filter for cleaning and after filtration, it is pumped back into the pool. This is why the equipment that is stored in the pool house must be on the lower end of the swimming pool.” Pool house construction can be easier accomplished and at a cheaper cost if it is carried out along with the swimming pool construction. However, if constructed independently, it is often more expensive. The cost “Most of the quotations we get at Davis and Shirtliff cost Shs5m. This is a fair price for pool house construction but it is cheaper if the construction is carried out along with the swimming pool to minimise costs,” Sarah says.