Swimming pools do not only add aesthetic value to a property, but it also increases its worth. Below is a short interview with the Managing Director of Aquatec Services Limited, Eddy Duplan, meQasa.com finds answers to questions that may arise with owning a pool in Ghana.

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meQasa.com (mQ):  Are swimming pools common in homes?

Eddy Duplan (ED): I guess a lot of people would like to own swimming pools in their homes but it’s a matter of affordability. The economy has not been buoyant in the past few years so it has been a bit difficult for people to afford swimming pools.  Swimming pools are classified as luxury. They are usually found in affluent residential areas and hotels and guesthouses.

mQ: What are the reasons that are making people construct pools?

ED: Basically, swimming is a leisure type thing. Some build to swim for physical fitness. While others want to have it because it appreciates the value of their property if done well. There are some swimming pools that are better not built especially if safety requirements are not properly adhered to.

mQ: How much does it cost to build a pool?

ED: Basically the dimension, type of pool and the extras determine the cost but generally constructing a swimming pool can cost you from about $20,000 to about half a million dollars depending on your needs and of course one’s pocket.

mQ: What do you look out for before constructing a swimming pool in a home?

ED: You can construct a pool anywhere. The place doesn’t matter, all you need is the space. There are sites where access is difficult so you may have to hand dig instead of using an excavator which can get very tedious. The ground may be rock or waterlogged but an experienced builder will overcome all these problems

mQ: How do you take care of a swimming pool?

ED: Owning a swimming pool is like having a child. You must take care of it. It means keeping it clean and maintaining it. It is imperative that a pool is kept clean with recommended pool cleaning chemicals with the help of a pool professional.  

mQ: Let’s say someone has no water in his/her neighbourhood yet they want a swimming pool. Is there a way?

ED: If you live in a neighbourhood without water, you must think twice and hard before you decide to own a swimming pool. Once the decision is made to own one then you must buy water by the tanker at usually a very high cost. Pools need top-ups from time to time due to loss of water when backwash is done during cleaning. There is also of water from use (splashes) and the weather (evaporation).

mQ: How do you take care of a swimming pool during rainy seasons?

ED: The rainwater changes the attractiveness of a well-cleaned pool. It must, therefore, be treated after a downpour. Pool cleaning professionals usually know how to dose the pool with the correct chemicals to balance the water. Once that is done, the pool is ready to be enjoyed again.

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We hope this information helps you in getting and maintaining a swimming pool in Accra or Ghana. Swimming pools are fun and especially when it is being enjoyed by family and friends. Take advantage of the sunny days and get yourself wet in a comfortable swimming pool.