Private Swimming Pools. Houses: Porches and Entrance Halls

Pools that are within the fabric of residential properties or hotel buildings are generally constructed from reinforced concrete and supported separately. It is essential that they have groundwater compensating valves to avoid damage to the pool although expansion joints are unnecessary for pools under 12 m long. Plastic pools are used only in exceptional cases because of the requirement for a surrounding inspection and services passage – (7). Their use is only possible with a special reinforcing support structure.

Pool linings can be ceramic tiles, glass mosaic or a simple painted layer (so long as waterproof cement has been used). Another possibility is to use a polyester or PVC film at least 1.5mm thick to seal the pool.

The edge of the pool requires at least a surface skimmer arrangement or, better still, an overflow channel to feed the filtration and recirculation system. There are several types that can be considered - (1) - (6).

Plan for a drainage grille at the deepest point and, possibly, a counter-current swimming system and underwater floodlights. All such fittings must be installed with sealed flanges.

The surrounding floor finish is normally slip- resistant ceramic tiles or natural stone and must be inclined towards the pool or overflow channel on all sides. It is also possible to use water-permeable carpet flooring on a damp-proof base. This improves both comfort and the hall acoustics.

For indoor hotel pools, it is important to have large surrounding lounge areas with chairs and lockers. A separate connection between hotel rooms and the pool area is essential.

Houses: Porches and Entrance Halls. Porches play a crucial part in sheltering the entrance hall from inclement weather conditions. They should be designed as far as possible with the prevailing local wind direction taken into account. In addition, they should be visible from the street or garden gate.

The key rooms with the highest levels of circulation, and, in particular, stairways, should be immediately accessible from the hall – (2) – (4). For instance, an effective design could have the hall providing a direct connection between the kitchen, stairs and WC - (8).

Corridors. Where a long corridor is necessary, the width is established according to its position, whether the doors are on one or both sides, the arrangement of the doors, and the anticipated volume of circulation. Appropriate corridor widths are shown in – (10) + (11).

If possible all doors should open into the rooms.

These figures show the arrangement and number of doors to rooms that are 2 m wide or more for different sizes and shapes of landing and hallway. The layouts giving the most economical use of space are shown in. The majority of these examples are based on an aisle width of 1 m, which is suitable as a minimum because two members of a family can still pass one another. This width does not, however, leave enough space for built-it cupboards, which are often desirable. Enlargement of a landing or hallway at the expense of room size can allow better door arrangements and not make the rooms feel any less spacious.