An outdoor pool in the courtyard of a country house is a wonderful opportunity to soak up the cool water in the summer heat, a luxurious decoration of the garden. But the owners of such pools know that this is a source of not only pleasure, but also many worries: weekly bottom cleaning (leaves, insects, pollen, sand fall into the outdoor pool), water heating, significant water consumption (it evaporates quickly on a hot day) … And if the family has small children, then they need an eye and an eye on the area with an outdoor pool. By installing a pavilion above the pool, you can get rid of all these hassles.
The pool in the pavilion almost does not require heating in summer, because the water in it cools less during the night: the pavilion ceiling has excellent thermal insulation, due to which the “greenhouse effect” appears inside. Water is also saved, since its evaporation is reduced under the dome of the pavilion. The pool becomes safer. It is enough to close the pavilion, and you do not have to worry about the child or pets accidentally falling into the water. The pavilion also saves money on the maintenance of the pool: the bottom is cleaned twice less often.
The choice of pavilions is huge. They differ in types of structures, dimensions, shape, materials.
The most luxurious and expensive option is a capital structure, which will be not only a pavilion for the pool, but also a resting place, a winter garden. Such a “crystal castle” can be erected in the garden or attached to the house. In order for the structure to be durable, you will need to arrange a solid foundation, install a powerful metal frame, glaze the walls and ceiling. A solid and reliable structure above the pool can be built from aluminum stained-glass structures on a solid metal support frame. Double-glazed windows are used for glazing walls and ceilings. It is necessary to provide for heating the room and water in the cold season, as well as a moisture removal system.
Many foreign firms produce mobile transforming systems overlapping pools. In the Russian climate, such structures, as a rule, can be operated all year round. They are made of aluminum modular frames into which translucent panels are inserted. Depending on what material these panels are made of, pavilions can be transparent or translucent. The first ones are made of organic glass with double-sided UV protection. This glass is highly impact resistant as well as weather resistant.
Recently, plastic pavilions have become especially popular. They are made of translucent polycarbonate material (its light transmittance is about 82%). Due to the thermoplasticity of this material, specialists can make structures of any complexity and configuration from it. The thickness of polycarbonate structures varies, but for plastic pavilions, material with a thickness of 8 mm is used. Since there are hollow areas inside the plates, polycarbonate retains heat well. In addition, it protects against ultraviolet rays, retains its normal mechanical properties at ambient temperatures from -40 “to +120” C. The material has a high fire safety: it is resistant not only to overheating, but also to aggressive chemicals, including some mineral and organic acids. With proper care, regular treatment with warm soapy water, polycarbonate retains its cleanliness and shine for ten years. Polycarbonate is tough enough to withstand heavy snow, even in the snowiest winters.
The supporting structure in both the plastic and glass pavilions is a special aluminum profile that can withstand rather heavy loads. The pavilion consists of several sections; the narrower the section, the stronger it is.
Any model can be chosen depending on the size and shape of the pool. Lightweight sliding floor systems of a simplified form have become widespread. A pavilion of this type can be almost flat and inconspicuous, giving the opportunity to freely view the entire garden or park. In this case, it performs only a protective function. If you need a room for rest, then a structure with a height of about 3 m is quite suitable. Furniture and flowers are placed in such a pavilion, here you can stand in full growth. Sliding pavilions easily move on rollers along special guides. These ultra-flat guide rails are rounded to prevent injury to bare feet. All sections can be moved forward and backward independently of each other. The entrance can be located from the front or from the side. The entrance (end) part is usually made of PVC fabric (in expensive models – from polycarbonate) and can be easily removed. In some models, the entrance part and the rear wall cannot be removed when the pavilion sections are moved. There are pavilions with a variety of deployment options. In them, all panels can move not only to the side, but also up to the desired height. Such a peculiar design makes it possible to regulate the temperature and ventilate the pavilion by opening the panels from one or both sides. In addition, by opening the panels on one side only, you can protect the pool from the wind..
The pavilion can have an original shape with vertical side walls (or only one vertical wall). This shape is ideal for pools with high sidewalls. A domed pavilion can be installed above the round pool. Lenticular shape ensures high water heating and saves energy.
Recently, a new product appeared on the Russian market – an aero dome. Its streamlined shape resembles a spaceship or a fantastic structure of the future. The dome rises and is held in the raised state due to the air cushion, which is formed in a confined space from the flow of air, as needed, blown into the room with a special hairdryer. In just a few minutes, the bubble is inflated to its optimal size, the pressure reaches the norm, and the hairdryer automatically turns off. The hair dryer, which is located next to the air dome from any convenient side, works almost silently and does not interfere with the rest during periodic switching on for air blowing. For weather protection, the hair dryer is covered with a plywood and or plastic cover. The minimum pressure created under the dome is not felt by humans, but is sufficient to ensure the strength and stability of the structure. The dome is covered with vinyl fabric. It can be white, blue or turquoise, or completely transparent. By combining material, the dome can be made multi-colored. The transparent air dome blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. In addition, those in the pool under such a dome have the feeling that they are swimming in the open air. However, when installing an aero dome made of transparent vinyl over the pool, you need to keep in mind some features of this material. The transparent surface of vinyl will tarnish over time when exposed to sunlight and precipitation. A specific microclimate is created under the dome of this material. The sun’s rays, without encountering a barrier, more actively affect the inner space of the pool.
Experts recommend stretching the vinyl covering over the pool bowl itself to reduce water evaporation. If the pool is not covered with a protective sheet, then in cool weather the evaporating heated water will condense, the space inside the dome will be covered with fog, and more energy will be required to heat the pool. Therefore, after swimming, the pool must be tightened with a vinyl cloth..
The air dome can be round, square or rectangular. The most impressive designs look rectangular with rounded corners. It is important that the canopy is not too elongated. The proportions close to the “golden ratio” allow you to organize blowing with just one hair dryer. In elongated shapes, it may be necessary to install two hair dryers at opposite ends of the structure so that the dome does not sag. The average height of the air dome is 2-4 m. But this is a conditional value, since the walls are not strictly vertical, but somewhat curved outward and rounded at the top. This height allows free movement under the canopy at full height.
The dome is simple and easy to operate. In the spring, with the onset of heat, it is collected (assembly will take no more than an hour), and in the fall it is dismantled, cleaned of foliage and dust, put in a box and put into a dry and frost-free room.
What exactly does “swimming pool under a hood” mean? Are you referring to a hidden or enclosed swimming pool? Or could it be a pool with some sort of vehicle component? I’d love some clarification on this intriguing phrase.
The phrase “swimming pool under a hood” is not a commonly used expression. It does not have a specific or widely recognized meaning. Without further context, it is difficult to determine the intended interpretation. However, it could be inferred as a metaphorical phrase, suggesting a hidden or enclosed swimming pool or a pool with a concealed property.