FAQ

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By choosing the right equipment. A carefully selected heat pump, combined with one of the new-generation solar systems, will provide a constant water temperature, with very low consumption of electricity – and lower electricity bills, into the bargain. And don’t forget the all-important heat-retaining cover for your pool, which can save as much as 80% of heat loss from the pool surface. Pool-shell insulation will also help reduce heat losses.

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Yes. The building costs are higher and, because of the need to keep the air in the pool building warm and de-humidified, there is also extra equipment. Against this must be balanced the fact that the pool can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks a year. During warm summer weather, there is little or no need to heat the pool hall.

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For the latest updates, please visit the ‘Hosepipe Ban – TUB’ page.

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Domestic customers are only allowed to fill swimming pools or paddling pools with a hand-held container, such as a bucket. It is not permitted to fill or top-up a swimming pool or paddling pool with a hosepipe or fixed plumbing (e.g., an auto top-up device). Hot tubs are not meant to be included in the scope of the hosepipe ban, but some water companies have included them in their bans. Please note that swim spas are understood to be classed as swimming pools, and so would be part of the ban.

SPATA would recommend that, where possible, swimming pool owners play their part to help conserve water; please use this link to view SPATA’s tips

Yes. However, there will be a fluctuation in temperature due to the daily variation in solar energy. You should run the filter pump and, therefore, the solar panels from dawn to dusk to maximise the available energy. You should cover the pool at night to reduce heat losses and have a system that is controlled by differential temperature to prevent the panels from acting as a radiator at night. If you want to have a more regular temperature in the pool, then combine the panels with another form of heating to keep the base temperature in the pool.

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No. It depends on the swimmers – and how much you want to spend on the energy bill! The cost of heating increases twofold every 5°F because the difference between the water and air temperatures increases. Most outdoor pools will get solar gain, and most have a temperature of about 80°F or 27°C. A floating cover on the pool at night will greatly reduce running costs, and shell insulation will also be of assistance for outdoor pools and is now required for indoor pools.

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That depends. Outdoor pools, or those in a detached building for domestic family use, usually do not require the need for Planning Consent.  However, a pool in a listed building or a conservation area will need Planning Consent. Indoor pools always require Building Regulations Consent – and so do some outdoor pools. So, the best answer is to contact your Local Authority Planning and Building Control Departments.

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Click Here – to find out more about swimming pool planning from the SPATA factsheet – Planning & Design.