This is my first posting to this forum, so please fogive me if I am in the wrong place, or asking the wrong question!
We are about to complete the purchase of a house in the Vendee. We want to install an in-ground pool, but have no experience. This will be a holiday home. So can anyone advise me?
- which is better, concrete with liner, or fibreglass?
- is chlorine treatment better than salt? - which is more economical?
- does solar heating work well?
I have found it difficult to get independent, unbiased advice.
I have found an english-speaking installer, though I know nothing about him. Can anyone recommend a good supplier/installer, with good english, in the Vendee?
revart
There is a monthly publication for expats in France (in English) called French News. They have a website but I don't know the address. They have plenty of adverts for tradesmen - you should choose someone with a SIRET number - proof that the business has been registered with the French authorities. You can also send questions such as yours about pools to the paper ... someone should be able to reply. Good luck and make a big splash!
Oh and just a quick PS. Do consult with the Mairie (Town Hall) of the commune in which you are going to build your pool. There are important building regs to consider as the French are ultra safety conscious following the deaths every year of unsupervised children though drowning. Remember that ignorance is no defence in French law.
Oh and just a quick PS. Do consult with the Mairie (Town Hall) of the commune in which you are going to build your pool. There are important building regs to consider as the French are ultra safety conscious following the deaths every year of unsupervised children though drowning. Remember that ignorance is no defence in French law.
Hi.
Firstly, you MUST obtain a 'Declaration de Travaux' from your Mairie. Do not begin works until you have possession of the returned and stamped Declaration 'Arette'. Arette in this case doesn't mean 'stop', it's just the name of the form, so don't panic.
In-ground swimming pools were subject to very strict safety laws as from Jan 1st 2006, which you MUST adhere to. If you do a google search for these, you'll pretty quickly get the gist. You need to have safety fences in place, there must be a self-closing gate in the fence. There are rules and regs governing the type of fence, and minimum distances from the pool etc. If you won't be at the property full-time, then other safety measures MUST be in place, drown alarms (response time no more than 2 minutes I believe), pool cover as well as the fencing! The costs can be horrendous!
It's not a small undertaking at all, and the more research you do, the better equipped you'll be.
As for type of installation, that will largely be governed by cost. If employing an 'artisan', he should show you copies of his Siret number, and his insurances before he starts work. Also, you should get several companies to quote you, as a 'devis' (quote) is free, and it is binding. Changes in costs MUST be agreed between you & the builder.
Sorry to be a harbinger of doom, but the fines for non-compliance are truly eye opening, and may include a jail sentence. As has been said, ignorance of the law is no defence here in France!
À bientôt.
Stu.
Firstly, you MUST obtain a 'Declaration de Travaux' from your Mairie. Do not begin works until you have possession of the returned and stamped Declaration 'Arette'. Arette in this case doesn't mean 'stop', it's just the name of the form, so don't panic.
In-ground swimming pools were subject to very strict safety laws as from Jan 1st 2006, which you MUST adhere to. If you do a google search for these, you'll pretty quickly get the gist. You need to have safety fences in place, there must be a self-closing gate in the fence. There are rules and regs governing the type of fence, and minimum distances from the pool etc. If you won't be at the property full-time, then other safety measures MUST be in place, drown alarms (response time no more than 2 minutes I believe), pool cover as well as the fencing! The costs can be horrendous!
It's not a small undertaking at all, and the more research you do, the better equipped you'll be.
As for type of installation, that will largely be governed by cost. If employing an 'artisan', he should show you copies of his Siret number, and his insurances before he starts work. Also, you should get several companies to quote you, as a 'devis' (quote) is free, and it is binding. Changes in costs MUST be agreed between you & the builder.
Sorry to be a harbinger of doom, but the fines for non-compliance are truly eye opening, and may include a jail sentence. As has been said, ignorance of the law is no defence here in France!
À bientôt.
Stu.
Hi revart
Have a look at this forum, very useful and informative.
http://www.totalfrance.com/france/forum/index.php
Cic
Have a look at this forum, very useful and informative.
http://www.totalfrance.com/france/forum/index.php
Cic
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