Crises come and go, but desires remain, and it's the private swimming pool in the garden of Luxembourgers that increasingly sparkles like a mirror in the water, evoking a permanent holiday at home. At first sight, it might seem like an economic contradiction, an expensive whim in uncertain times. And yet, the private pool market in Luxembourg is not suffering from the crisis, inflation or even the worries of increasingly expensive energy. On the contrary, it's in full bloom, much to the delight of the public. Luxembourg swimming pool specialists.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an interesting phenomenon has been observed: a steady and significant increase in demand for private swimming pools. While confinement has put the brakes on many sectors, it has, paradoxically, boosted demand for domestic pools. Locked away in their own homes, residents of the Grand Duchy have rediscovered the pleasure and value of a home with an aquatic relaxation area. A swimming pool is no longer a superfluous luxury, but an investment in personal and family well-being.
The craze continues, spurred on by summers that, under the influence of climate change, are spreading their heat waves ever longer and more intensely. No longer a refreshing annual dip, the prospect of a bathing season extends well beyond the traditional summer months. Swimming pools, once covered and forgotten by September, now see their usefulness often stretching into the gentle stirrings of autumn.
The market is adapting, responding to specific and sometimes very precise consumer desires. Swimming pools with beach access - gently sloping entrances that mimic the natural approach of lakes - are particularly popular. Similarly, integrated staircases with benches for lounging in the water without necessarily swimming are attracting more and more families.
Private swimming pools, a growing investment
In the leisure economy, private swimming pools represent a substantial investment, both financially and technically. The range of options extends from simple prefabricated plastic pools to luxurious stainless steel or reinforced concrete pools with a liner. The choice reflects a budget and also a lifestyle, a commitment to a certain residential standing. Prices vary considerably, from around €20,000 for basic models to €150,000 for bespoke or highly customised installations.
Apart from the initial investment, the added value to the property is undeniable. Installing a swimming pool can increase the value of a property by up to 10%. Not an insignificant increase in an already buoyant property market. This increase in value is justified not only by the pleasure it brings, but also by the aesthetic appeal and status it confers on a residence.
The technical sophistication of swimming pool systems has also evolved. Cleaning filters, air-to-water heat pumps for water heating and pool enclosures are essential for maintaining water quality and ensuring prolonged use throughout the year. This equipment represents an additional cost, but also a step towards greater energy efficiency and less daily maintenance.
The safety aspect is also taken into account, with the installation of safety systems such as alarms, rigid covers that can support the weight of an adult, and fences to protect the youngest children and avoid tragic accidents. These measures are strongly recommended and are becoming more widespread in response to a collective awareness of the need for safety around such facilities.
Installing a swimming pool in Luxembourg: innovations and ecological trends
The boom in the private swimming pools in Luxembourg is marked by a growing awareness of the need to adopt more sustainable practices. This paradigm is expressed in the emergence of innovative solutions that minimise environmental impact while maximising comfort and functionality. Among these innovations, 'Living Pools' embody the green revolution in the world of private pools. These pools mimic natural ecosystems by treating the water biologically, avoiding the use of chemicals such as chlorine and reducing the skin irritation and environmental damage associated with traditional pools.
These ecological pools purify the water using biological processes and often incorporate aquatic plants that help to filter and regenerate the water. The design of these pools is often sleek and modern, blending harmoniously into gardens designed according to permaculture principles or other forms of ecological landscaping.
Furthermore, swimming pool technology has followed a similar evolution to that of many other sectors, incorporating energy efficiency into its basic criteria. Water heating systems now use heat pumps, which considerably reduce energy consumption. These pumps capture heat from the ambient air to heat the water.
More and more homeowners are opting for energy-efficient equipment and seeking to reduce the ecological footprint of their outdoor living space.
