Safety is one of the key elements of quality pool design and use. Whether a private or commercial pool, properly designed solutions significantly reduce the risk of accidents, especially where children or non-swimmers are present.

Pool safety cannot be reduced to one single element, but it is a combination of architectural, technical and organisational measures that create a safe and controlled environment together.

Pool safety-enhancing solutions should be considered already at the design stage.

These include:

• clear visibility of the pool from the living areas
• controlled access to the pool
• non-slip surfaces around the pool
• properly dimensioned and clearly marked depths
• safe pool entries and exits

Special attention is paid to pools intended for families with children, where minimising unsupervised access to the water is important.

Rolling covers with PVC slats represent one of the most effective safety solutions for pools.

In addition to energy efficiency and protection from pollution, properly designed safety covers:

• prevent accidental falls into the pool
• withstand a certain load (depending on type and standard)
• allow for quick and easy pool closure

For pools used occasionally or seasonally, a rolling cover significantly increases the safety level, especially when the pool is not in use.

Polycarbonate domes and sliding canopies over the pool serve a dual function: protection and safety.

• prevent uncontrolled access to the water
• protect children and pets
• allow pool use for a longer period of the year

Quality domes are designed with emphasis on stability, locking and safe handling without compromising the space’s aesthetics.

Protective fences are one of the most effective and commonly used forms of passive protection, especially for pools in the backyards of family houses.

Properly designed fences:

• clearly define the pool area boundary
• prevent unsupervised entry by children
• can be aesthetically integrated into the architecture and surroundings

The fences must be designed without climbable elements and with controlled, lockable entrances.

Alarm systems are technical solutions that further increase pool safety levels and can include:

• fall-into-water sensors
• surface motion detection
• real-time notifications

Such systems do not replace physical protection but add a valuable safety layer, especially combined with covers or fences.

Regardless of technical measures, adult supervision remains essential. Design and technical protection aim to reduce risk but cannot replace responsible pool use.

Pool safety should be seen as a comprehensive system where architecture, technology and user behaviour complement each other.

The beauty of an infinity pool comes from the carefully designed relationship of levels, views, materials and light. This subtle balance is exactly what makes the infinity pool a strong architectural element that goes beyond its basic function and becomes the central point of space where it is located.

By the disappearance of the visible edge, the horizon opens, and the space gains a new dimension, calmer and more open. Unlike classic skimmer or standard overflow pools, an infinity pool creates the optical illusion of the water surface visually merging with the sea, sky or distant landscape. This effect is achieved by lowering one or more pool sides to allow controlled overflow into the overflow channel and compensation system.

Designing an exceptional infinity pool requires precise planning and an interdisciplinary approach. From initial concept and pool positioning to the selection of materials and technical systems, each detail has a crucial role in achieving the desired spatial impression.

To achieve that, architects and designers consider terrain topography, views, orientation, existing architecture and landscape so the pool integrates naturally into the surroundings and its best qualities are emphasised.

Although an infinity pool may look simple at first glance, behind its pure form lies a clear and deliberate architectural intent. How the view is framed, how the pool edge aligns with the horizon and how surrounding materials direct the eye all affect spatial perception and the experience of ambience. The choice of the infinity pool's location is crucial to achieving the desired effect. The pool is placed in a way which uses the existing views to the maximum, whether sea, mountains or open landscape.

It is often combined with landscaping elements like greenery and stone formations, which additionally reinforce the sense of connection with the natural environment. Infinity pools most commonly feature clean, linear edges, but their shape is always adapted to context and the investor's wishes. Rectangular shapes emphasise contemporary architecture, while freer forms enable softer integration into the natural landscape. As in architecture in general, the key is not just in geometry but in measure, proportion and relationship to the space.

In order to achieve the maximum effect, finishing materials cannot be neglected as they play an extremely important role in the perception of the pool. Finishing linings are chosen to complement the building’s architecture and the surroundings, with special attention paid to the treatment of the edge and waterline, where the key visual effect is created. Even though the infinity pool leaves the impression of calm and simplicity, behind that visual balance lies advanced pool technology.

Automated water-level regulation systems ensure that the overflow edge functions flawlessly, regardless of evaporation or usage intensity. Ultimately, a well-designed infinity pool is a planned architectural space that blurs the boundary between built and natural environments and creates a sense of harmony and elegance.

Pool water is subject to the development of bacteria and microorganisms, as well as parasites, which appear due to algae formation. Along with pH value regulation, controlled disinfection is the main prerequisite for maintaining hygienically safe pool water. Disinfection eliminates microorganisms present in the water and ensures bacteriologically safe water suitable for swimming. Pool water is typically treated with agents for pH value regulation, disinfection, algaecides and flocculants. In addition to that, we also use agents for the preparation of the pool for swimming season, and the agents for preparation for the winter period.

The pH value of the water indicates hydrogen ion activity in water. It shows whether the water is acidic (pH 0–6.9), neutral (pH 7.0) or alkaline (pH 7.1–14). The desired pH value for pool water is within the range 7.0–7.4. Any larger deviations above or below these values will negatively affect water quality. It is important to keep in mind the fact that the pH scale is not linear but logarithmic, meaning that a one-unit change in pH value represents a tenfold change in acidity. For example, water with a pH value of 4 is ten times more acidic than water with the value of pH 5, and a hundred times more acidic than water with the value of pH 6.

For disinfecting pool water, we most often use chlorine products, which, because of their characteristics, have an advantage over disinfection with ozone or active oxygen. The advantage of chlorine products is that after their initial disinfecting action, a certain amount of free chlorine remains in the water, providing a residual disinfecting effect and allowing continuous disinfection of the pool water for a period of time, i.e., until it is fully spent or decomposed. Due to the fact that some alternative disinfection methods, such as ozonation, lack a residual effect, in practice, pool water is additionally disinfected with chlorine products. An additional advantage of disinfection with chlorine agents is that chlorine is a strong oxidant, which, besides acting on microorganisms, participates in the oxidation of dissolved and suspended organic substances that cannot be completely removed by filtration alone.

Algae can influence water cloudiness, colour change and the appearance of unpleasant odours of the water. We can suspect the presence of algae if we notice slimy, slippery pool walls, which is the first sign of algae formation, and after that, they also become visible. Algae themselves are not a source of infection, but they create an ideal habitat for the development of other microorganisms that can be infectious. Concentrated agents for effective algae destruction and for the prevention of their formation are periodically added to the water.

Flocculants are water-clarifying agents used to remove fine impurity particles that the filter cannot retain. Their role is to bind very small dirt particles (like dust, algae or organic residues) into larger aggregates that can then be either retained in the filter or settle on the bottom and can be removed by vacuuming. Flocculants are most often used for cloudy pool water when filtration alone is not sufficient to achieve clarity. With regular and correct use, they help maintain crystal-clear water.

Chlorides and sulfates are dissolved salts that enter the water naturally, but also as a result of using various disinfectants and water cleaning and treatment products. Their concentration increases over time, especially if the water is rarely renewed. Elevated concentrations of chlorides and sulfates can cause corrosion of metal parts, damage to the equipment, and they can negatively affect concrete and lined pool surfaces. Therefore, it is important to avoid increased concentrations, in practice, they are considered risky already above values of 150 mg/l. As a preventive measure, we recommend regular rinsing of the filter and topping up or partially replacing the water with fresh water, as this maintains chemical balance and prolongs equipment lifespan.

Water hardness indicates the amount of dissolved minerals in the water, primarily calcium and magnesium salts. Increased hardness can cause scale formation, which deposits on pipe walls, filters, heat exchangers and other equipment. Over time, scale deposits reduce flow, system efficiency and can lead to equipment damage or failure. Removing already deposited scale is often difficult or technically infeasible, which is why prevention and regular maintenance are crucial.

Water hardness can be expressed in several ways; hardness degrees are most commonly used for measurement and comparison (German, French and English). In our practice, the German degree of hardness (°dH) is the most common; it is defined as the water hardness corresponding to 10 mg of calcium oxide (CaO) per litre of water.

Classification of water by hardness:

0–4 °dH — very soft water

4–8 °dH — soft water

8–18 °dH — moderately hard water

18–30 °dH — hard water

>30 °dH very hard water

Water softeners with ion exchange are used to reduce water hardness. They contain an ion-exchange resin that binds calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium ions, thereby softening the water. When the resin becomes saturated, the device is regenerated with a solution of table salt (NaCl), and it becomes ready for operation again.

Counter-current systems create a strong and controlled water flow in the pool, providing conditions for continuous swimming, training or therapeutic use even in smaller pools.

In addition to the exercise function, modern counter-current systems are more and more often also used for relaxation, massage and rehabilitation.

Counter-current swimming devices can be installed in:

• private pools of all sizes
• indoor and outdoor pools
• skimmer and overflow pools

The system must be planned already at the pool design stage to ensure correct sizing, optimal hydraulics and safe installation.

As a rule, a counter-current swimming system consists of:

• an in-wall mounted element
• a powerful pump
• one or more nozzles with adjustable flow and jet direction
• suction inlets and associated piping
• electrical wiring and protective devices

Installing a counter-current system gives the pool additional functional value:

• enables stationary swimming regardless of the pool's length
• increases the usability of smaller pools
• suitable for active pool use year-round

Flow strength is adjusted to the user’s level, from beginners to advanced athletes.

For recreational and professional swimmers, counter-current units allow:

• technical swimming training
• endurance and conditioning training
• controlled conditions for continuous workload

At lower flow speeds, using a flexible massage attachment, the counter-current jet can be used for:

• massaging the back, shoulders and legs
• muscle relaxation after physical exertion
• hydrotherapy effects

In controlled conditions, counter-current systems are also used in:

• physical therapy
• rehabilitation after injuries
• therapeutic water exercise

Water resistance enables safe and effective muscle strengthening with minimal joint load.

Counter-current swimming devices greatly expand a pool’s uses: they make the pool not only a place for refreshment but a multifunctional space for training, relaxation and therapy tailored to individual users' needs.

Do you need a building permit for a pool?

Under applicable regulations (Ordinance on simple and other buildings and works), in-ground pools with a ground plan of up to 100 m2 can be built without obtaining a building permit, provided a main project is prepared.

Although a building permit is not required, the main project must be prepared by an authorised designer, and the investor, designer and contractor must comply with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards, and spatial plan conditions when planning and building.

The main project represents the complete project documentation and, as a rule, it includes architectural, structural-engineering and mechanical engineering projects and, if needed, an electrotechnical project.

Special attention must be given to pool electrical installations of the pool technology, which require a separate electrical cabinet and must be included in the electrical installation project prepared and certified by an authorised electrical engineer in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The main project ensures the pool is designed and executed in compliance with applicable regulations, technical norms and professional standards, and it is used as a basis for construction and must be coordinated across all professions.

It is recommended that the investor request location information from the competent spatial planning authority during the project design phase to determine urban-planning and spatial-planning conditions for the specific building lot.

Construction of a pool built without a building permit but in accordance with the main project must be reported to the competent construction authority no later than eight days before the start of works, in accordance with the Building Act.

Use permit for a pool?

For in-ground pools of up to 100 m2, a use permit is not required, as prescribed by Amendment to Regulations, Official Gazette 98/2019, which has additionally simplified the procedure after the completion of the construction.

The colour of the pool lining is one of the key elements that affects the overall experience of the pool.

It not only determines the aesthetic character of the space, but also the visual perception of the water, depth, cleanliness, and how the pool fits into the architecture and surroundings.

Although the water in a pool has no colour, it reflects and filters light through the lining and the environment, so the final appearance of the pool is shaped by the finishing colour.

In infinity pools and pools with overflow channels, the lining colour has an especially pronounced role because it directly affects the visual effect of the edge and the waterline.

The lining colour should be coordinated with the building's architecture, terrace materials, and landscape design.

With careful selection, you can achieve the desired perception of the water, emphasise the architecture of the space, and ensure a pleasant ambience.

Neutral and natural shades adapt most easily to different styles and remain aesthetically pleasing for a long time.

A pool located outdoors in a sunny area will look different from a pool in shade or indoors.

Although sunlight strongly influences colour perception, the final effect always depends on a combination of factors, not just the liner color alone.

In modern pools, PVC liners are often used as the finishing coating, as they offer exceptional design possibilities due to their watertightness, durability, and a wide range of colours and textures.

PVC pool liners are available in a variety of colours, patterns, and surface finishes, ranging from monochrome and neutral tones to textures that imitate stone, concrete, or mosaic.

PVC linings ensure complete watertightness of the pool and are easy to maintain.

It is important to note that renovating pools with liners allows for replacement without the need for extensive construction work.

When in contact with water and exposed to light, the liner's colour influences the final colour of the pool water:

Light-colored liners (e.g., white, light blue, light grey):

• accentuate the clarity and purity of the pool by reflecting more light
• visually enlarge the space and highlight shallow areas of the pool

Mid-tone liners (e.g., blue, turquoise, green, grey):

• provide a balanced and natural visual effect, making the water colour unobtrusive and pleasing to the eye
• give the pool a modern and elegant appearance without strong contrasts, maintaining a stable impression under different lighting conditions

Dark-colored liners (e.g., dark grey, anthracite, black or similar dark tones):

• dark liners absorb more light, creating a calm, elegant, and luxurious visual impression
• in shaded or insufficiently lit areas, dark linings can further emphasise the pool's depth, but at the same time, they can make the space seem more closed and visually darker, so they require careful consideration of the pool’s placement and planned lighting

To avoid undesirable visual effects, you should consult a designer or contractor, and consider the overall context: house, terrace, environment, view; and examine liner samples in water rather than only as dry samples. 

A thoughtfully chosen finishing colour defines the character of the pool just as much as its shape or position. When coordinated with architecture and lighting, liner tones help the pool become a natural and unobtrusive part of the space.

On the manufacturers' websites, you can find information about available colours and patterns, and see how each sample looks in a finished, ready-to-use pool:

https://www.renolit.com/en/industries/home-building/surrounding/swimming-pools

https://renolit-alkorplan.com/pool-visualizer