Thinking inside and outside the pool

For many people moving to France the idea of having a private swimming pool is part of the dream package and often one of the first things they think about having installed at their new property. There are many different types of pool systems commonly available in France and, to the inexperienced buyer they may all look more or less similar. However, the quality and suitability of many of these pools are often poor and can all too often result in great disappointment and expense.There is also plenty of sharp practice in the selling of pools and language difficulties can often lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary expense.

Vendee Pools have been installing swimming pools in Western France since 2004 and now exclusively use the ‘Polyblok’ sytem of reinforced concrete pool. This system uses high density anti-fungal polystyrene blocks filled with concrete and reinforcing metal to produce an incredibly strong structure which needs no other external force to support the structure. Vendee Pools Brian McHale explains “We have tried out various other pool systems over the years and there simply is no substitute for the strength and reliability of a reinforced concrete pool which is why we offer a 20 year structural guarantee on all our pools, you will not get that from any other pool builder”.

The thermal qualities and the tactile nature of the polystyrene blocks make them eminently suitable for swimming pools and their versatility means that the pool can either be lined or tiled according to the customers wishes.

But it doesn’t stop there. One of the reasons the budget pool companies can quote such low prices is because they often use substandard pumping and filtration systems which will never work effectively and will soon need to be replaced. All of Vendee Pools filtration and poolside equipment is of a professsional standard and is guaranteed to keep your pool safe and clean for many years.

It’s also worth remembering that you will spend a great deal more time BESIDE your pool than actually in it so it is worth budgeting for a generous terrace around your pool. Vendee Pools are registered builders and landscapers and offer a variety of ‘all-in-one” packages which can save you a great deal of money and all the hassle of dealing with multi-contracting.

Safety issues are also a major factor in France and these should be included in your initial budget to cut down on the overall cost. “A pool is a major investment and it really is a classic case of - you get what you pay for” says Mr McHale.

Vendee Pools have a proud track record and many satisfied customers whose testimonials can be read on their website www.vendeepools.com and they will gladly supply contact details for references. Email vendeepools@gmail.com or call Vendee pools for a ‘no obligation’ site visit and quotation on 06 31 17 25 60.