In the UK, there has been a rise in the popularity of residential swimming pools. This trend has been observed since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many homeowners investing in swimming pool installations.
According to the Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association (SPATA), in 2022 there were 270,000 in-ground residential swimming pools in the UK. Around 65% of these were located in the south of the country, with numbers continuing to grow.
So how easy is it to install a swimming pool?
In this article, we’ll discuss the challenges and complexities of swimming pool lifting before giving insight into the process. If you would like to find out how we can assist with swimming pool liner installation, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Types of Swimming Pools
There are various types of swimming pools that are popular in the UK residential market:
1. In-ground pools
Permanent in-ground pools tend to have precast modular concrete, vinyl or fibreglass liners.
Crane required? Yes. Prefabricated pool liners are transported in one piece to the installation site. A crane is usually needed to lift the liner – potentially over a house – before positioning it into the excavated area.
2. Above-ground pools
As the name suggests, these pools sit on the surface and are usually constructed from prefabricated kits made of steel, resin or wood.
Crane required? Potentially. Some above-ground pools may be assembled on-site and may not require a crane for lifting and positioning.
3. Plunge pools
These smaller, deeper pools are designed for relaxation and cooling off – they can be either in-ground or above-ground.
Crane required? Sometimes, for prefabricated in-ground plunge pools, a crane might be required to position the unit precisely into the excavated space.
4. Exercise pools or swim spas
These smaller pools, designed for fitness, have built-in water currents to swim against. These prefabricated pools may be above or in-ground.
Crane required? When installing an exercise pool, a crane may be needed to position it – especially in the case of in-ground installations.
5. Indoor swimming pools
Pools may be built within a residential dwelling or a separate structure, making them ideal for year-round use.
Crane required? Yes. Especially if large prefabricated components need to be moved indoors and access points are limited.
The Challenges of Swimming Pool Liner Installation
One of the most challenging aspects of building a swimming pool is managing the logistics of delivering the liner to the appointed location on-site and then lifting it into its final position.
It is important to choose the right crane for the job. To do so, various considerations must be made:
- Access
How is access to the garden or swimming pool location from the road?
Will the liner need to be lifted over a house?
What is the terrain like on-site?
- Type of liner – weight and size
Are you installing a pool with a fibreglass liner, a pool with concrete precast sections or an above-ground pool? Larger, prefabricated pools or heavy materials are more likely to require crane assistance.
- Local regulations and restrictions
Are there issues relating to planning permissions in your area?
Do you need to adhere to additional health and safety regulations that may impact the installation process?
The Risks of Swimming Pool Lifting
Whether you opt for a fibreglass or precast concrete liner or a preformed pool, precise and safe lifting is essential during the installation process.
Using a professional crane hire company for swimming pool liner installation is important as improper handling can lead to issues, including:
- Damage to the swimming pool and site
- Costly damage to properties
- Safety hazards and risks to contractors, property owners or members of the public
The Lifting Process
When you appoint our reputable crane hire company, we will follow these steps:
- Site assessment
We carry out a thorough site inspection. Our assessment evaluates the site for accessibility, ground stability and the presence of obstacles like power lines or trees. We produce a method statement to detail the lifting process and also arrange appropriate insurance coverage and permits.
- Choosing a crane
We select the appropriate crane for the job, considering factors like pool size, weight and site conditions.
Different types of cranes used in swimming pool lifting include mobile cranes, telescopic cranes and heavy-duty cranes. Our fleet of Böcker cranes provides solutions for the majority of poor lifting jobs.
- Lifting day procedures
A typical process for the lift includes:
- Checking weather conditions
- Safety checks and briefings before positioning the crane
- Securing the pool with slings or lifting straps
- Lifting and positioning the pool
- Post-lift inspection to ensure the pool is correctly positioned and undamaged
- Repositioning or adjusting the pool if needed
Why Choose Total Lifting Services for Swimming Pool Lifting?
Total Lifting Services is a leading crane hire company based in Dagenham, Essex. We provide a range of specialised crane services, including hot tub lifting and swimming pool installation in London and the South. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of homeowners, business owners and contractors throughout London and the South East.
Here at Total Lifting Services we offer clients the benefit of:
- Qualified operators with swimming pool lifting experience
- Liaising with other contractors
- Health & Safety focus
- Specialist lifting equipment
- Customer service and support
Looking for Professional Swimming Pool Lifting Services in London and the South East?
As discussed, swimming pool liner installation can be a challenging manoeuvre. To avoid the risk of damage or injury, it is essential that a reputable crane hire company is appointed for the lift.
If you’re looking for a reliable local crane company to assist with swimming pool installation in Essex, London or anywhere in the South, contact us today.
Contact Total Lifting Services
Our team is more than happy to arrange a site visit and quote for swimming pool lifting services. Call us today on 020 8226 4000 or email info@totallifting.com
