Adding a pool: what to plan for

Autumn is the best time to build a pool in Cape Town. The ground is dry, the builders’ summer rush is over, and the pool will be ready to use by the time summer returns. Here is what to plan for.

You need approved plans

In Cape Town, swimming pools need building plan approval before construction. The City treats a standard residential pool under a simplified process, but you still need drawings showing the pool’s position, size and how it will be made safe. On sloping sites, or where the pool is close to a building or retaining wall, an engineer’s design is needed.

Safety is not optional

The National Building Regulations require private pools to be made safe, in line with the South African national standard for pool safety (SANS 10134). In practice, the pool must be enclosed by a fence or wall, or protected by an approved safety cover. The general requirements for fences include:

A minimum height of 1.2 m
No gaps large enough for a small child to get through
No footholds that help a child climb over
Self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool

Glass pool fencing is popular because it keeps the view, and it can double as a windbreak.

Position

Sun: a pool in full sun stays warmer and is more pleasant to use.
Wind: a sheltered position reduces heat loss and debris. Think about the south-easter (see outdoor spaces and the south-easter).
Trees: leaves and roots near a pool are a constant nuisance.
Building lines and services: the pool must respect building lines and avoid sewer lines and other services.
Access: an excavator needs to reach the site. On tight properties, excavation may be by hand, which costs more.

Construction methods

Gunite or shotcrete pools: concrete sprayed onto reinforcing steel. Very flexible in shape and finish, and the most common choice for custom pools.
Reinforced concrete pools: cast in formwork, often used for structural pools, infinity edges and pools on slopes.
Fibreglass pools: pre-made shells installed in an excavation. Faster to install, but limited in shape and size and need truck access.

Finishes

Marbelite and similar plaster finishes are common and affordable. Fully tiled pools and pebble finishes cost more but last longer and look more refined.

Running costs

Pump: variable-speed pumps use far less electricity than single-speed pumps
Heating: a heat pump or solar heating extends the swimming season
Covers: reduce evaporation, keep the water warmer and keep debris out
Water: a pool loses water through evaporation. A cover reduces this significantly.

Pool houses and surroundings

A pool is more than the water. Budget for paving or decking, fencing, lighting, landscaping and possibly a pool house or change room. At Schau-ins-Land, we built a pool pavilion with Table Mountain behind it, one of four new buildings on the estate.

If you are planning a pool as part of a renovation or new build, talk to us.