When discussing pool construction, attention often focuses on the pool shell, the coping, or the filtration system. Yet, a crucial element is too often overlooked: the equipment room. If poorly sized or designed, it can quickly become a source of frustration… or even a hazard!
Let’s explore why it is essential to intelligently design the technical space, in terms of both safety and performance.
What is the purpose of a pool equipment room?
The equipment room is the central hub that ensures your swimming pool functions correctly.
Without a proper equipment room, your pool will not function (or will perform poorly).
Its role is therefore vital, as it houses all the necessary equipment:
- Filtration system
- Water treatment devices
- Heat pump (for heated pools)…
(For more information on this subject, see our article: 👉 The secrets of the equipment room.)
Le local technique possède de multiples fonctions, en voici quelques unes :
- It filters the water through its filtration system, removing visible particles from the pool,
- It skims the water’s surface and eliminates floating debris,
- It chemically treats the water, ensuring it is properly disinfected,
- It mixes the water through its pumping system, circulating it to prevent stagnation within the pool,
- It allows for remote pool management via smart home automation, making it possible, for instance, to turn on the heating, control lighting, or monitor water chemistry remotely,
- It heats the water if a heating system is installed.
Choosing the Right Location
Before constructing a pool, it is essential to ask the right questions regarding the design of the equipment room to make the best choices. The first question being: the location!
To choose the ideal location, three criteria are essential to consider. The first is the distance between the equipment room and the pool. Indeed, the room should not be too far from the basin, ideally between 5 and 10 meters, and no more than 10 meters.
This helps reduce the length of the piping, and consequently to:
- Reduce costs
- Improve performance
Furthermore, modern equipment rooms are increasingly quiet, allowing them to be located near the pool without creating a nuisance.
Distance from the pool basin
A distance of under 10 meters helps minimize the risk of pressure drops in the piping and prevents filtration issues (the further the equipment room is, the more powerful the pump must be). The closer the room, the higher the performance!
Utility access
Ideally, the equipment room should be easily connectable to water and electricity lines.
Proximity to connection points ensures a smoother installation!
Level and stable ground
Make sure the ground is level and stable (by using a concrete slab, for example).
The different types of equipment rooms
Depending on your priorities, your land, and your budget, you can choose from various options for your equipment room. However, keep in mind that while some may be more aesthetically pleasing, they aren’t always the simplest to set up…or the most efficient.
ABOVE-GROUND
Built or installed directly on a slab, using masonry or wood, sometimes integrated into a garden shed or a pool house.
✓ Pros: easy maintenance, quick access to all equipment, generally lower costs, and easier ventilation to set up.
✘ Cons: requires cladding or specific landscaping integration.
👉 This is our preferred option because it allows for the creation of functional, well-dimensioned, and perfectly tailored equipment rooms.
PREFABRICATED
Available as a kit or ready-to-install version (polyester, resin, PVC, etc.), it often comes with the equipment already pre-installed.
✓ Pros: time-saving installation, “turnkey” solution, and optimized interior space.
✘ Cons: limited size and layout, less customizable, and can be difficult to integrate aesthetically.
👉 Some of our suppliers offer excellent prefabricated solutions.
IN-GROUND
Installed below ground level, it is completely buried. Access is provided via a hatch or a light well.
✓ Pros: discreet, seamlessly integrated into the garden, protected from the elements, space-saving.
✘ Cons: high construction costs, potentially difficult access, complex ventilation requirements, and an increased risk of humidity without proper treatment.
👉 This is not an option we recommend because, in our experience, these rooms are less functional: cramped, damp, and poorly ventilated. They require a sump pump to drain water. Generally, they do not age well; we have even encountered instances of rodents gnawing through electrical wiring!
SEMI-UNDERGROUND
Halfway between above-ground and underground, it partially protrudes from the ground and can be finished with cladding.
✓ Pros: a balance between discretion and accessibility, more cost-effective than a fully underground room, and improved ventilation possibilities.
✘ Cons: requires careful aesthetic integration, and thermal insulation may be necessary depending on the intended use.
👉 In our opinion, they share the same drawbacks as fully underground equipment rooms.
Administrative Formalities
- For an equipment room under 2m² (which we do not recommend!):
👉 No administrative procedures required.
- For an equipment room between 2 and 20m²:
👉 Preliminary declaration of works at the town hall.
- For an equipment room exceeding 20m²:
👉 Planning permission application at the town hall.
NB: The size of the equipment room may require specific administrative procedures with your local authorities.
An equipment room compliant with safety standards
As such, the equipment room houses both electrical and hydraulic equipment and can potentially become a high-risk area.
It must therefore adhere to several essential rules:
Secure access: Access to the equipment room must be easy yet protected, especially if children are present. A lockable door is strongly advised.
Compliant electrical circuits: All circuits must be secured with appropriate Residual Current Devices (RCDs) (30 mA minimum) and rigorous earthing. Compliance with the NF C 15-100 standard is mandatory for swimming pool electrical installations.
Adequate ventilation is essential. Indeed, there is a risk of equipment overheating; the room must be equipped with ventilation grilles.
Compliant lighting: Sufficient lighting is indispensable for safe maintenance work, even in the event of an issue occurring in the evening or during bad weather. A waterproof lighting fixture (IP65 minimum) is recommended.
Chemical products must be stored in cupboards or closed cabinets. They must be kept separate from electrical equipment and be clearly labeled.
Proper organization to avoid confusion
Too often, pool professionals find that the equipment room has become a “catch-all”: maintenance products, tools, pool equipment, and even garden furniture…
A classic mistake is trying to “save space” by reducing the size of the equipment room… only to find it impossible to move around in later!
Remember that the equipment room is what allows your pool to function correctly. You should therefore ALWAYS prioritize a spacious and functional room.
A well-thought-out room is an organized one; here are a few key elements:
MINIMUM SPACE
While there are no strictly defined standards, a room that is too cramped quickly becomes problematic. It must allow for easy access around the equipment for maintenance or replacement. Plan for at least 4 to 6 m², depending on the complexity of the installation.
HEIGHT
Also consider a sufficient height to easily handle the equipment (minimum 1.30m, or 2m for added convenience).
DISTINCT & ACCESSIBLE EQUIPMENT
The pump, filter, valves, electrical box, automatic regulators, salt chlorinator, etc., must be installed in a clear layout, with sufficient space for maintenance without having to move everything.
A FLOOR DRAIN
Installed in the floor to drain water (for cleaning the room, for example). It seems obvious, but you would be surprised what we sometimes find ourselves wading through 😉.
CLEAR VALVE LABELING
Each valve (by-pass, drain, return, suction) must be labeled. Clear signage prevents operational errors.
AUTOMATION
If you are installing a management controller (pH, heating, etc.), provide a dedicated, clear, and well-ventilated wall space with enough protected and easily identifiable outlets.
Ventilation and Sealing: Priorities Too Often Forgotten
Finally, we REALLY want to draw your attention to these two essential points (forgive us if we’re being repetitive, but it is REALLY important).
The equipment room, often humid and exposed to splashing, must be protected against condensation through:
Natural or mechanical ventilation: Proper air circulation is essential to limit humidity, prevent mold growth, and reduce electrical risks. High and low ventilation grilles are a minimum; a mechanical ventilation system is ideal.
Floor and wall sealing: The equipment room must be perfectly waterproof, with a coating resistant to chemicals (chlorine, acid, salt). A drainage channel or a slope towards a floor drain is highly recommended.
The Expert's Corner
Throughout this article, we have seen how vital it is to plan your equipment room well before starting your pool construction.
At Azur Pool Concept, we believe that, sometimes, it is better to sacrifice a bit of aesthetics in favor of a functional and comfortable equipment room. Especially since solutions exist to improve the visual aspect. For example, we frequently build equipment rooms inside pool houses or garden sheds. This solution can be very practical!
💡 A quick recommendation: when building your room, prioritize the size of the filter AND the door clearance. Indeed, it is common to build the structure around the filter once it is in place.
However… the day it breaks down, nobody can get it out through the door! 🧐 🛠️ 😱
The Azur Pool Concept Team