Costing and Specifying for High-End Pools: A QS’s Guide
The bespoke nature of high-end swimming pools often leads to them being excluded from standard building cost calculations. However, with specialised plumbing, electrical and structural requirements, the design and installation of pools can result in unforeseen variable costs if they are not incorporated into early forecasts.
To avoid unnecessary challenges, a Quantity Surveyor must have a comprehensive understanding of pool costings at the initial stages of the planning process. Early consultation with a pool contractor is therefore critical.
Key costing and specification issues to consider
Design specifications and cost
Whole-life value
Early collaboration with pool experts
Design specifications and cost
The design of high-end, luxury pools may appear to be weighted heavily in favour of aesthetics. However, the systems and infrastructure required to make the pool safe and operate efficiently are equally, if not more, important.
Design specification costs to consider include:
Structural engineering and waterproofing
Structural engineering and waterproofing will differ between indoor and outdoor pools, with indoor pools likely to need additional structural engineering for seamless integration with the main building. This will require a broader budget.
Mechanical and filtration systems
The size and location of the pool will impact the specification of mechanical and filtration systems such as filters, pumps, water treatment equipment, heating and controls. Indoor and outdoor pools will differ in plant and environmental requirements and costs.
High-end pool finishes
As a bespoke luxury feature, swimming pool designs will naturally vary. The choice of materials, finishes, layouts and lighting all impact the cost of delivering a bespoke, high-end pool design. The QS should determine the specifics of the required pool finishes to budget accurately.
Surrounding environment
The immediate and wider environment surrounding the pool will impact costs such as drainage, paving, integration with the landscape and connection to plant.
Pool type
Indoor pools, infinity edge pools, deck level pools and hydrotherapy pools will all carry different costs based on the structural approach and technologies required.
Water treatment
High-end pool specifications are moving away from traditional chlorine water treatment systems. UV and ozone treatments are becoming increasingly popular for improving water quality and using fewer chemicals. The feasibility and cost of alternative water treatments should be ascertained and accurately costed.
As an efficient alternative, and to avoid the complexity and cost of additional treatment systems, CSPAS can install advanced filtration and dosing solutions that achieve high water quality whilst maintaining very low chlorine levels. Systems such as enhanced filtration media (APF) and Daisy+ technology allow for excellent water clarity, ultra-low chlorine levels, safer and more hygienic water.
User technology
Technology is becoming more sophisticated in high-end pool design. As technologies evolve, costs will continue to shift. Automated pool covers, moving floors, integrated lighting and control systems are aspirational advances that must be carefully costed based on current market values. For monitoring water quality, automated chemical dosing systems use sensors to continuously monitor and manage chlorine levels and pH balance, removing the need for manual testing.
Whole-life value
In recent years there has been a shift in focus towards the whole-life value of pools, not just the upfront installation costs. The QS must now ensure whole-life value is incorporated into costings. The support of a pool company providing ongoing maintenance and annual review of serviceable items is a way to achieve this. Appointing the company that built the facility, whose knowledge and expertise can be relied upon, such as CSPAS, is advisable.
Luxury swimming pool design is increasingly influenced by energy efficiency and long term performance. Energy consumption can be more easily managed with state-of-the-art heating systems, energy efficient pumps and automated pool covers. High performance filtration systems and durable materials and finishes will also extend the lifespan of the pool.
Access to plant equipment must be included in the initial pool design and costs to ensure the mechanisms that allow the pool to operate efficiently can be maintained.
Early collaboration with pool specialists
Consulting pool specialists during the design phase will give the QS critical insight into realistic cost assessments and allowances to establish more accurate costings for realistic budgeting.
A pool specialist will also identify potential challenges in the specification process to avoid costly omissions or reworks that could significantly impact the wider project team.
Costing mistakes to avoid
Key areas susceptible to costing mistakes in luxury pool specification are:
Plant rooms
The space allocated to plant rooms is often inadequate. Filtration equipment, pumps, heating systems and control units all need sufficient space and easy access. Redesigning plant space is a time-consuming and costly exercise.
Buildings access also needs to be considered, such as determining at which point in a project equipment must be installed. Some equipment needs to be in place prior to walls being built, for example.
Mechanical ventilation and humidity control
Ventilation is often overlooked in design and cost planning. For indoor pools, mechanical ventilation and humidity control are essential for protecting the surrounding structure from the growth of mould, corrosion, rot and slip hazards, and to maintain safe air quality.
Aesthetics and external works
The aesthetics of luxury pools involve high-end design elements such as stone detailing, paving and integrated lighting, alongside drainage systems and other external works. These design elements are often omitted from the pool budget allowance.
Speak to CSPAS about your upcoming swimming pool project
If you are a Quantity Surveyor working on a build project with a swimming pool, speak to the experts. Contact CSPAS on 01925 551 945.