Who doesn't dream of a pool outside their home to cool off when the heat hits? If you think that all you have to do is dig a cavity and put water in it, think again! The construction of a swimming pool is similar to that of a house itself, according to the law, and is therefore governed by regulations that you need to be aware of.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUILDING A POOL

Building a swimming pool is an expensive project and unforeseen problems can arise along the way. In order to avoid surprises when your sub-contractor delivers the final bill, you should get an estimate of the installation costs before starting your project. Your choice of surface material for the pool plays an important role in its final cost. Concrete is the most durable material for the pool and allows you to customize the pool design, but it is also the most expensive material to use. A fiberglass shell is not only cheaper and quite durable, but also offers you few options in terms of shape and size. The most economical pool material is a vinyl liner, but it can be torn and is more prone to leaks. Therefore, it may need to be replaced every 10 years or so.

POOL CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

First of all, the regulations are different in relation to the size of the pool. Thus, you will not have to make a declaration of works if your pool is less than 10 m². If it is between 10 and 100 m², you must send a prior declaration of works to the town hall of your residence. In case of acceptance, you have two years after the answer to carry out the work. On the other hand, a building permit application is necessary if the swimming pool exceeds 100 m². This is also the case for swimming pools with a garden shed over 1.80 m high. Below that, a simple declaration of works is sufficient. There are also regulations that provide for a safety system (prevention of drowning or other accidents). For his part, the installer must explain in detail the operation, characteristics and maintenance of the pool.

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH RULES AND OBLIGATIONS

There are generally four (04) equipments concerning the safety rules for a swimming pool: the protective barrier, the immersion alarm or pool approach alarm, the tarpaulin type safety cover and the shelter covering the entire pool. However, at least one of them is required by law. If you deliberately ignore these regulations, you risk paying a fine of up to €45,000. This applies to both the owner and the installer, especially if the installer has not submitted the technical note.
Fire safety in buildings

Fire safety concerns both residential and industrial/commercial buildings. From the design phase, the installation of fire-fighting devices (smoke detectors, smoke evacuation systems, etc.) must be taken into account.

Buildings and renewable energies

The construction of ecological and energy-efficient houses has become a necessity and an issue of great importance. The replacement of fossil fuels by renewable energies such as photovoltaic energy and wind power is one of the solutions implemented.

Building professionals

In the building industry, many professionals are involved in the construction of new buildings or the development and rehabilitation of existing buildings. Architects, civil engineers and electricians are a few examples of these professionals.