AquaFibre Innovation

Why is the orientation of your pool important?

Why is the orientation of your pool important?

Choosing the right career path is a crucial step in a company's development. swimming pool project. This has an impact on energy efficiency as well as the comfort of your relaxation space. Read on to find out how to choose the ideal location for your pool.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each pool orientation?

South-facing pool

Benefits

  • Excellent sun exposure: a south-facing pool benefits from maximum sunlight throughout the day, which naturally heats the water;
  • Lower heating costs: prolonged exposure to the sun reduces the pool's heating requirements, which can lead to energy savings;
  • Ideal for northern climates: In regions with cooler temperatures, a southerly orientation can help maximize the contribution of natural heat to the water and pool users.

Disadvantages

  • Risk of overheating: in hot, sunny climates, excessive exposure to the sun can cause the pool water to overheat. This can make swimming uncomfortable;
  • Growth of algae and bacteria: when water is overheated, it becomes an environment conducive to the growth of algae and bacteria. Algae can make water cloudy and slippery, while bacteria can cause skin and respiratory infections.

North-facing pool

Benefits

  • Less overheating: In hot climates, a northerly orientation can reduce the risk of overheating the pool water, thanks to the shade provided throughout the day;
  • Soft lighting: a north-facing pool can benefit from softer light and avoid intense reflections on the water, which can be more comfortable for swimming.

Disadvantages

  • Less sun exposure: A north-facing pool generally receives less direct sunlight, which can result in cooler water and a shorter bathing season;
  • Additional heating required: the absence of prolonged sunshine can increase the need for the heating system to maintain ambient water temperature.

East/west-facing pool

Benefits

  • Optimal sunshine in the morning or at the end of the day: if you plan to swim in the morning, an easterly orientation may be advantageous to benefit from the morning sunshine. If you prefer swimming at the end of the day, a westerly orientation may be more appropriate to take advantage of the afternoon and sunset sunshine;
  • Aesthetic lighting: the east/west orientation can offer splendid lighting effects during sunrise or sunset, adding a pleasant ambience to your pool area.
  • Moderate temperature: an east/west-facing pool enjoys a comfortable water temperature during sunny hours;

Disadvantages

  • Limited sunshine: depending on the time of day and surrounding obstructions such as nearby trees, an east/west-facing pool may have more limited exposure to the sun than a south-facing pool, which can increase heating consumption.

Direction of prevailing winds

You need to consider the prevailing wind direction in your area before building the pool. This will enable you to:

  • Reduce heat loss: wind chills the pool water, requiring additional heating to maintain the ideal temperature;
  • Limit evaporation: strong winds can accelerate the evaporation of pool water. By orienting your pool to minimize exposure to the wind, you can reduce water loss due to evaporation. This can help save water and reduce pool filling and treatment costs.
  • Minimize debris in the pond: an orientation that minimizes the effect of wind can prevent the transport of leaves, branches, dust, etc., to the pool, helping to keep the water clean.

What orientation should you choose for your pool?

South-facing is considered the best pool orientation in Quebec, as it allows you to enjoy long hours of sunshine during the summer.

Contemporary in-ground pool collection

How far is the pool from the house?

Whether you're installing an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool, you'll need to prepare a pool site plan in order to obtain a construction or replacement permit. If your pool is located less than 1.5 meters from a property line, the layout plan must be prepared by a land surveyor. Proper siting takes several parameters into account. Minimum distances may vary from city to city.

Positioning the pool in the garden

A swimming pool must be located in the side or rear yard of the house. No swimming pool is permitted in the front yard. In addition, it must not occupy more than half the surface area of the yard.

Minimum distances to be respected

  • Minimum distance from the house: 2 metres;
  • Minimum distance from an accessory building (e.g. shed): 1 metre;
  • Minimum distance between pool and property line: 1.2 metres;
  • Minimum distance between the technical room (filtration unit and heat pump) and the pond: 1 metre;
  • Minimum distance between equipment room and side or rear property lines: 1.5 m;
  • Minimum distance between in-ground pool fence and roadway: 3 metres;
  • Minimum distance between an in-ground pool fence and a fire hydrant: 1.5 metres;

The minimum distance is calculated from the inside wall of the pool corresponding to the vertical water line.

Swimming pool near or far from the house?

Advantages of a pool close to home

  • Quick and easy access to the pool from inside the house or from the terrace;
  • Possibility of supervising children swimming in the water;
  • Harmonious appearance of the house;
  • The machine room can be installed in the basement of the house.

Advantages of a pool away from home

  • Optimum peace and quiet in the home;
  • Total discretion;
  • More options for pool design (diving board, furniture, shower, plants, etc.);

Neighborhood

The distance between your pool and your neighbor's property line is usually between 2.5 and 5 meters. Make sure your pool is unobtrusive and that noise from the equipment room does not disturb your neighbor.

Technical constraints

You mustn't place a pool near a rainwater drainage system, a sewage system or an electrical network. You should also avoid placing your pool at the bottom of a slope. If necessary, you'll need to carry out additional earthworks and drainage work to prevent run-off and reinforce the sub-base.

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Get a quote for building your pool

Specialized in the manufacture and installation of pools and in-ground spas, Aqua Fibre Innovation helps you choose the ideal position and orientation for your future pool. We take into account technical constraints, ecological issues and current location standards.

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