Project swimming pool
In early 2022, we dove into the world of swimming pools. What type of pool suited us best? A surface-mounted pool, semi-underground, a construction of loose concrete elements or still a traditional pool with a substantial concrete foundation? We spoke to several experts and each time got the same advice: “Go for a durable and sturdy pool, built of reinforced concrete and supported by piles in the ground.”
With this information, we went to work on the first sketches and handed over the project to the geometra. After some modifications, the plan was submitted to the municipality and the waiting began.
Meanwhile, war broke out between Russia and Ukraine and energy and steel prices skyrocketed. So what do you do? Wait for the permit and hope prices drop again, or order steel in advance before it gets even more expensive? Not an easy choice, especially since the pool would rest on eight piles, the longest of which had to be driven as much as 13 metres deep into the ground.
In August 2022, we tied the knot and ordered the materials. But when it became early October and the permit was still not in, things started to get a bit tense. At the end of October, we finally got the redeeming word: “The permit has been granted!” Yes! The excavation work could begin. In early December, the first shovel went into the ground and the adventure really began.
Throughout the renovation, we learned above all that a huge amount of time is lost because different companies had to wait for each other. A project that runs smoothly in theory can just sit idle for weeks in practice. After delays and coordination, the pumps, liner, lighting and all other supplies were due to be installed by the end of July 2023. But then came the next challenge: the pool builder wanted the tiles laid before the liner went in, while we wanted it the other way round. We took responsibility ourselves and had the liner installed first anyway. On 5 August, the first litres of water filled the pool. It took quite a while to fill more than 50 cubic metres!
By now, we had arrived at Villa Verde ourselves and were eagerly watching the water level rise... until we noticed something strange. The water level was slowly dropping again. Panic! What was going on? After a thorough inspection, a faulty float and a crack in the connection turned out to be the causes. That meant: the concrete had to be broken open. How lucky we weren't yet having the tiles installed! Coincidence or just a big windfall?
After what seemed like an eternity, the time had come: we could finally enjoy our pool. The first dip felt like the perfect reward after a long, sometimes frustrating, but mostly exciting journey.
