Water fun in your own yard! The dream pool invites water-lovers of all ages to enjoy summer days

Even though the sea is nearby, a dip in the ocean can’t compare to the crystal-clear, warm water of a pool. That’s what the residents of this home, Nilla and Tomi, think.

The idea of getting their own pool took shape over several years before they finally made it happen. They moved forward with the project once the family’s youngest member learned to swim.

What were they looking for?

They were looking for a comfortable place to spend a carefree summer which to them means swimming, enjoying the sunshine, and cooking in an outdoor kitchen. They also needed plenty of space around the pool for both family and guests.

They chose the highest and sunniest part of the sloping lot for the pool, which had been a lawn and was well sheltered.

Here’s what the yard looked like before the pool was built.

How did they make it happen?

The week-long construction started with earthmoving, which was challenging. The equipment had to be brought in through a 3.5-meter-wide passage between two buildings, and the terrain posed its own difficulties.

A two-meter elevation difference separated the lower part of the lot from the future pool area. A steep retaining wall made of natural stones divided the upper and lower sections. Before excavation could begin, a portion of the wall had to be removed so the machinery could dig out the pool bed, which was cleared of all old soil. The area was then leveled to match the rest of the yard before new crushed stone was spread.

The highest point of the sloped lot was chosen for the pool area. A steep retaining wall made of natural stones had to be partially dismantled so the machinery could reach the site.

After the pool area was raised nearly to its original level with crushed stone, everything was compacted and thick insulation was installed. The fiberglass pool element was lifted over the house by crane and insulated on the sides. At 1.5 meters deep, the pool was left about 30 centimeters above ground level so its upper edge and the surrounding deck could be on the same level.

The family ordered the fiberglass pool element from a local company, PoolSpa. The delivery package also included a pool ladder and a sand filter.

They installed the pool filter and the air-to-water heat pump in a heated garage about five meters from the pool. This was done to keep noise to a minimum.

They recessed twelve small spotlights into the larch deck. There's also lighting along the wooden fence behind the pool area, and the pool itself has its own light.

What did they end up with?

They ended up with a wide pool measuring 5.5 meters in length by 3.4 meters in width and 1.5 meters in depth, surrounded by a spacious deck that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying sunny days. They also fulfilled their dream of adding an outdoor kitchen to the deck.

At one end of the pool, they built a spacious outdoor kitchen with a lounge area and comfortable sofas.

The residents have found the pool easy to maintain. Leaves and other debris are removed with a skimmer net and a pool vacuum. Once a week, they add a chlorine tablet to the filter and check the water quality.

Their swimming season starts on May Day and lasts until October or November, with the water kept at 32 degrees Celsius the entire time. In winter, they lower the water level to one meter and cover the pool with polyurethane boards.

On summer nights, they pull a cover over the pool, and in winter, polyurethane boards keep it protected.