A pool for an event venue: a backdrop that must also be safe

A pool that is seen more than it is used

At most events nobody swims. The pool is the backdrop to the couple's photos, the spot where the cocktail reception is held and the feature that makes the venue stand out once the light fades. At the same time, lots of people move around it, often with a drink in hand, along with children running about and waiters carrying trays. The design has to serve both.

Size, permit and position

Pools at event venues are often large, to stay in proportion with the grounds. If the water surface is 50 m² or more, a building permit with the related studies is needed instead of a small-scale works approval. Your engineer confirms how the surface area is measured and which procedure applies; see pools over 50 m².

When choosing the position, questions come up that would not arise at a private home:

• Where does the sun set in relation to the pool, at the times ceremonies are held?
• Where will photos be taken from, and what can be seen behind the water?
• How much clear space is left between the edge and the tables or the dance floor?
• Is the plant room hidden and away from guest areas?

Lighting and how it looks in photos

A pool with a perimeter overflow is ideal for photography, because the calm surface at deck level reflects the surroundings like a mirror. The grating, about 25 cm wide, can be marble so it ties in with the paving; see overflow gratings.

Colour-changing LED lighting under the water lets you match the pool to the theme of each event. Add light on steps, corners and paths, so the edge of the water is always visible. You will find options under pool lighting. The colour of the lining sets the tone of the water in daytime photos; see pool liner colours.

Safety at events

The mix of darkness, crowds, alcohol and children makes the pool the most sensitive spot at the venue.

1. A lit edge and non-slip paving around the water.
2. Tables, bars and the dance floor set back from the pool, with a clear walkway around it.
3. One member of staff responsible for the pool at every event.
4. Temporary decorative barriers or fencing when small children are present.
5. A safety cover for the hours when the area is not in use.

Besides safety, covers keep the pool clean between events; the types are compared under pool covers.

Do not place a temporary dance floor or stage over the pool without a design and check by an engineer. A pool cover is not a floor for a crowd.

Maintenance in step with events

Chemical adjustments and shock chlorination are done one or two days beforehand, not on the morning of the event, so the water is crystal clear and has no strong smell. On the day itself, skimming the surface and checking the water level is enough. Afterwards, petals, confetti and anything else that fell in are removed, and the filter pressure is checked.

Even if nobody swims, filtration and water chemistry must be kept up as normal all week. Cloudy or green water on the day of an event cannot be fixed in a few hours.

Questions

See also