CONSTRUCTIONMETHOD FOR THE BUILDING OF A SWIMMING POOL The present invention relates to a swimming pool, swimming pool modules and the construction method for the building of a swimming pool.

This can be a private pool, with relatively small dimensions, or a public swimming pool, with relatively larger dimensions. Especially, this invention relates to a swimming pool with large dimensions, for example a public swimming pool. A public swimming pool has relatively large dimensions compared to a private pool; the length of a competitive swimming pool can easily exceed 25 m. Public swimming pools need to be easily accessible, typically they are recessed in the floor, in other words, the upper edge of the swimming pool coincides with the floor from which the swimmers can approach, enter or leave the swimming pool. Public swimming pools are embedded, for example arranged in, and for example firmly fixed with the structure of a building. This is a large distinction compared to a typical private pool.

Furthermore, public swimming pools have to meet legal standards and certain regulations. For example a certain concentration of chlorine needs to be in the water at all times, the water must be adequately purified and refreshed, given the high intensity of use and the large amount of people entering the swimming pool.

Public swimming pools have to be more wear-resistant then private swimming pools.

Besides, available budgets for public swimming pools are relatively small, therefore the cost of materials and building processes must be limited. Also the cost for the maintenance of the swimming pool needs to be as limited as possible. For example, the cost of energy required for changing and refreshing water, water purification and water circulation, but also the cost for the cleaning of the walls of the swimming pool are preferably kept as low as possible. In particular, the present invention relates to a public indoor swimming pool, which is characterized by a relatively low exposure to natures and weather elements in comparison with outdoor swimming pools. For example, the temperature difference to which a public indoor swimming pool is exposed is relatively small. The present invention, however, offers a solution for outdoor pools, for example, uncovered outdoor pools that are characterized by a relatively high exposure to nature and weather elements, such as exposure to sunlight and relatively large temperature differences.

Different types of public swimming pools and construction methods are known in state of the art of construction. Typically swimming pools are built with a concrete bottom and sidewalls, on which tiles are applied. This has both an esthetic purpose as a

waterproofing function, it is also easier to maintain because of its smooth surface, compared to any rough surface, on which dirt and other deposits are more easily attached (for example, uncoated concrete).

Working with concrete and tiles is very labor intensive and therefore very expensive. Tiles often detach from the concrete surface due to a variation in water pressure, temperature and other factors. This must be repaired to prevent further permanent damage to the pool. Simple, fast and reliable reparation is not easy in public pools. Filtering, buffering and pump systems require specially equipped spaces and occupy a significant volume in the building.

Private pools are often simpler in construction and maintenance but are not suited as a public pool, especially as a public indoor pool. In particular, typical private swimming- pool constructions are not suited for application of relatively large (25 m in length and more) and deep pools (maximum depth greater than 1 ,75m). For private pool, there are solutions available 'in one piece', made of plastic. However, these plastic walls can retain only limited pressure without deformation. These pools are therefore often embedded in the ground, so that the adjacent ground can provide a counter-pressure. This is not always an option, for example, but not only, in the case of public indoor swimming pools.

In these pools, produced from plastic panes, often concrete or metal support beams are used in addition, to withstand and reduce the forces, which are exercised on the plastic panes by the water. Embedding the pool in the ground and the use of concrete or metal reinforcements restricts the thermal expansion possibilities of the plastic panes allowing them to warp (buckle). This is often esthetical not acceptable. The technical problems can also lead to a less uniform discharge of the water through the overflow system, the blocking of movable bottoms, etc.

Therefore there is a need in the building industry for new public swimming pools that can be built up quickly, with relatively inexpensive materials, and which are relatively simple and inexpensive to maintain and look esthetical.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a swimming pool, comprising an upright side wall of plastic, wherein the plastic side wall being slidably arranged with respect to an underlying building structure.

Due to this sliding device, the walls, or the pool as a whole, can move as a function of thermal expansion of the plastic material from which it is constructed without inducing substantial or significant (being non-negligible) thermal stress to the plastic pane, and without any resulting warping (buckling) of the walls and or floor. Plastics are known as materials having a relatively large thermal expansion coefficient. The plastic materials used for the plastics side wall may, for example, have a coefficient of thermal expansion that exceeds 0,1 E-4 m / (mC °).

A number of plastics are very suitable and durable when used in swimming pool conditions. In addition, the structure can be realized cheaply. It is another advantage of the use of plastic walls that their surface is very smooth and hygienic. They should not be tiled nor undergo any other additional protective process before they can be used as a pool wall. In addition, they are visually and esthetic similar to a tiled pool, while they may assume shapes which are difficult to perform by tiling.

In preferred embodiments, is or comprises the plastic material of the side wall polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, acrylic or acrylic composites. In preferred embodiments, the wall is clamped in or in relation to an underlying building structure. For example, such a clamping makes sure that the plastic side wall is able to maintain a substantially vertical position under the pressure of the pool water. In preferred embodiments, the movement of the base of the wall, and more preferably, the whole wall, is limited to one plane, for example, a plane parallel to the one defined by the upper surface of the underlying building structure. For example, the slight displacement can be in the range of 1 and 10 cm. In preferred embodiments, the plastic side wall is connected to the underlying building structure by means of a sliding clamping connection.

In preferred embodiments, the plastic sidewall forms a closed, whole side wall of the swimming pool. This closed side wall structure captures the lateral forces exerted by the pool water. In preferred embodiments, the plastic side wall of the building structure is connected by means of a connecting device that allows a slight displacement of the base (the bottom) of the side wall in a plane parallel to the underlying building structure, the slight displacement being a result of a thermal expansion or shrinkage of the plastic side wall, without any substantial or significant (being non-negligible) thermal stress is induced in the side wall and the connecting device.

In preferred embodiments, the plastic side wall of the building structure is connected by means of a connecting device, wherein the connection device allows an expansion of the side wall in a direction parallel with the side wall, without inducing a substantial stress in the side wall. In preferred embodiments, the connection device allows a displacement of the side wall in a direction perpendicular to the side wall, without inducing a substantial stress in the side wall.

In such embodiments, the connecting device comprises an L-shaped part (e.g. a L- shaped flap), arranged at a lower end of the side wall, and a profile which is arranged in the underlying building structure and is adapted to receive the L-shaped part, hereby forming a sliding clamping connection.

In alternative embodiments, the plastic side wall is connected to the building construction (attached or clamped) by means of connecting pins (e.g. bolts), which are disposed through slotted holes provided in the base of (lower part of) the side wall, and wherein these slotted holes have a predetermined shape and direction so that they remain clamped with the connection bolts by a thermal expansion / shrinkage of the side wall, without hereby inducing substantial or significant (being non-negligible) thermal stress to the side wall. The connection bolts can guide the displacement of the side wall due to the expansion and shrinkage of the plastic side panes.

In preferred embodiments, the pool comprises a pool bottom which is slidably arranged with respect to the underlying building structure. This pool bottom is preferably made of a plastic material with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion compared to the side wall. Preferably, the bottom comprises the same material as the material of the side walls. This plastic side wall preferably is waterproof connected with the swimming pool bottom. For example, this can be done by means of an adhesive bond or seam weld.

In preferred embodiments, the side wall is modularly built up from plastic modules. The plastic modules can be single-walled or double-walled and may be provided with reinforcing ribs. In the case of a double-walled module, the modules can comprise a plastic inner and a plastic outer pane, which are connected to each other by means of connecting ribs, hereby forming a reinforced side wall. In preferred embodiments, the ribs (or connecting ribs) are preferably arranged at regular intervals on the inner wall (and, if applicable, on the outer wall). The connecting ribs can, for example, be arranged at distances between 10 cm and 100 cm, more preferably at distances between 20 cm and 80 cm, for example, at distances of 60 cm, from each other.

Preferably, the modules which form the side wall are connected to each other by means of gluing or welding, forming hereby a very strong side wall which is waterproof. Hereby are, for example, the inner walls, and preferably both inner walls and outer walls, of adjacent modules connected to each other by means of gluing or welding.

Preferably, the modules, which form the side wall, are also attached to a plastic floor by gluing or welding, resulting in a waterproof whole.

The (connecting) ribs, for example, can also include plastic, or consist of plastic. The connecting ribs are preferably on their first end connected to the inner wall / a first pane for use as the inner wall, preferably by gluing or welding. In the case of a double-walled side wall, the ribs preferably are connected at their second end to the outer wall / a second pane for use as an external wall, preferably by gluing or welding.

In preferred embodiments, the connecting ribs define at least one vertical stiffening of the side wall. In preferred embodiments with a double side wall, the distance between the inner wall and the outer wall exceeds 20 cm, or exceeds 25 cm. More preferably, this distance exceeds 40 cm. The distance is preferably in the range of 20 to 100 cm. The larger this distance, the greater the stability of the double wall, the side wall of the swimming pool. The inner pane and outer pane preferably have a constant thickness between 0.5 and 5 cm, more preferably a thickness between 1 and 2.5 cm. These walls can use commercially available plastic panes.

In preferred embodiments, the inner pane, outer pane and the connecting rib of the double-walled sidewall are made of a similar plastic material. The plastic material for inner and / or outer pane and / or connecting ribs may, for example, differ from a fiber- reinforced composite.

In preferred embodiments, the maximum diagonal dimension (typically corresponding to the diagonal of a competitive pool) of the pool exceeds 25 m.

In preferred embodiments, the side wall has a height that exceeds 1 ,75 m. A second aspect of the present invention is a method for the modular building of a swimming pool, comprising the anchoring of plastic swimming pool modules to a building structure at a predetermined mounting temperature (or assembly temperature range, for example, the range of 10 to 25 degrees C). As the mounting temperature and operating temperature converge, the possibilities for thermal expansion may be smaller. It is further to note that the features present in the description of various aspects of the invention, also are applicable to other aspects, such as this will be understood by a professional.

The above and other advantageous features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the respective drawings.

The description of the aspects of the present invention is done by means of specific embodiments and with reference to, but not limited to, certain drawings. The illustrated figures are only schematic and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, certain elements or features may be presented out of proportion or scale relative to other elements.

In the description of certain embodiments according to the present invention, different properties are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description for the purpose to contribute to the understanding of one or more of the various inventive steps. This should not be interpreted as afford all properties of the group are necessarily present to solve a specific problem.

Figures 1 (a), 1 (b), 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate basic modules for modules that can be used in preferred embodiments of the present invention. The base modules may be further adjusted by adding, for example, flaps and / or profiles to the base, such as, for example, a base plate and / or a downwardly projecting part of the inner wall, adapted to form a clamped connection with the underlying building structure, as will be further explained. Figure 1 (a) and 1 (b) illustrate basic modules of the double wall type.

A section of a swimming pool wall 1 , or a swimming pool module 1 , used as the pool wall, is made up of an internal plastic pane 2 (inner wall of the swimming pool 11) and an external plastic pane 3 (outside wall of the pool 11). These panes are, preferably fixedly, connected to each other by means of a number of ribs 4 (41 ,42). These ribs are at a first end connected to the first pane 2 (for example, used as the inner wall), and at a second end with a second pane 3 (for example, used as an external wall). They may also be connected to the bottom or the top of the module (not shown). The ribs serve as spacers between the two panes and provide an enhanced pool wall structure. The ribs may be for example, perpendicularly arranged with respect to the main surfaces of the plastic panes. The ribs 4 are preferably arranged homogeneously distributed in the space between the two plastic panes 2 and 3. Thus, the ribs 41 may, for example be arranged according to a vertical direction when the panes are mounted as a swimming pool wall. This is illustrated in Fig. 1 (a). The ribs 42, or other ribs 42, can also be arranged horizontally. An embodiment that includes both horizontal ribs 41 and vertical ribs 42 is shown in Fig. 1 (b).

In preferred embodiments, the ribs extend over the entire height or width of a swimming pool module. Parallel, along with respective sections of inner wall 2 and outer wall 3, K shafts (columns) defining vertical ribs 4 are preferably placed at a distance of between 20 cm and 100 cm, for example at a distance of 50 cm. In these embodiments, it is not excluded that there are also horizontal or otherwise oriented ribs present, such as, for example, shown in Fig. 1 (b); the latter can then be perforated and comprise suitable openings. In certain embodiments, for example, form the differently oriented ribs a downwardly oriented narrowing of the funnel-type. Both the vertical ribs and horizontal ribs may each be mounted on a, possibly different, regular distance from each other.

The ribs may, for example also be embodied by connecting rods which are, for example, rectangular or circular in cross-section (e.g. with a diameter of between 1 cm and 10 cm), and are arranged at positions in accordance with a regular grid. For example, the lattice spacing can be between 20 cm and 100 cm, for example 50 cm.

The ribs 4 can be placed between the plastic panes, for example, by means of gluing or welding.

In alternative embodiments, the density (number of ribs per m ² wall surface) of ribs at a first end (e.g. lower end when set) of the swimming pool modules are higher than at the second end (e.g. top end when set). Indeed, the forces exerted on the pool wall are greater at greater depths. A stepped or continuously increasing density of ribs 4 from top to bottom along the pool module can be designated for this purpose.

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate alternative preferred embodiments of modules according to the present invention, which only include an inner wall (2) and which are provided with ribs. The ribs may be arranged in configurations such as described for the modules of the double wall type, but without the outer wall.

In embodiments, the pool 11 consists of substantially identical modules 1.

In embodiments, the pool consists primarily of 1 1 identical modules 1.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, differently shaped modules can be connected to each other.

For example, flat plastic panes, panes 2,3 are used as described in relation to Figures 1 (a) and / or 1 (b), but, for example, the ribs can be different in number, density or arrangement, for a variety of modules of the same pool . The number of ribs may be a function of the predetermined function that will exercise the modules in the construction of the pool 11. Moreover, it is an advantage of plastic panes that they can be simple and inexpensive shaped. They can be shaped, for example by curved or other complex surfaces such as bulges, recesses, curves etc, preferably to the inner wall 2. This not only allows to easily form rectangular pools, but also to construct more complex shapes. In embodiments, the inner wall and the outer wall are substantially parallel arranged so that the distance between them remains constant. In alternative embodiments, for example, the inner wall 2 may be provided with protuberances, while the outer wall is flat, or in accordance with a generally flat or curved surface. The part, different from the protrusions, may, for example, remain substantially parallel with the outer wall. In one example, protrusions may, for example, form a structure that can serve as a ladder, or for example form a sitting surface.

Figures 4 to 9 illustrate swimming pools according to embodiments of the present invention. The swimming pools comprise an upstanding side wall of plastic, wherein the plastic side wall being slidably arranged with respect to an underlying building structure G. The side walls are preferably a modular structure with modules as described previously, but can for instance also be placed as a whole. For example, they can also be placed in four parts corresponding to the two walls in the length, and the two walls in the width of a rectangular pool.

Figures 4 to 7 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a swimming pool according to the present invention. The plastic side wall / the plastic modules 1 are connected with the underlying building structure G by means of a sliding clamping connection 11. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrate the situation for a section of the pool, but preferably, the plastic sidewall forms a closed, whole side wall (101 , 102, 103, 104) of the swimming pool. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the side wall / module 1 is double-walled, which comprises an inner wall 2, an outer wall 3 and reinforcing ribs 4 which connect them with each other. Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the side wall / module 1 is single-walled, comprising an inner wall 2 and reinforcing ribs 4. Fig. 2(a) illustrates a preferred embodiment of an associated pool module 1. Fig. 6 shows a detailed perspective view of the embodiment described in relation to Fig. 4. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view.

The plastic side wall (101 ,102,103,104) / module 1 is connected with the building structure G by means of a connecting device 11 which allows a slight displacement of the base of the side wall in a plane parallel to the underlying building structure G, the slight displacement being a result of a thermal expansion or shrinkage of the plastic side wall, without hereby inducing a substantial stress in the side wall and the connecting device. Any slight stress which could occur will hereby remain in any case smaller than a threshold stress at which warping (buckling) of the inner wall of the swimming pool occurs. The term substantial stress refers to a stress that would induce such a deformation to the side wall of the swimming pool.

In preferred embodiments, the connection device 11 allows an expansion of the side wall in a direction parallel with the side wall, without inducing a substantial stress in the side wall. The connecting device 11 further enables a movement of the side wall in a direction perpendicular to the direction defined by the side wall without inducing substantial or significant (being non-negligible) thermal stress in the side wall. The connecting device may comprise, for example, an L-shaped structure arranged at a lower end of the side wall, and a profile which is arranged in the underlying building structure, and is adapted to receive the L-shaped part, hereby forming a sliding clamping connection. The modules 1 (see, e.g., Fig. 2(a)) preferably have a plastic base plate 23 which is fixedly connected to the rest of the side wall / module 1 , for example by means of a weld or glue connection. The base plate preferably comprises the same plastic material as the plastic material of the inner wall 2 and / or external wall 3 and / or reinforcement ribs and / or connection-ribs. The base plate 23, for example, can be placed perpendicular to the planes defined by the surfaces of inner wall 2 and outer wall 3. The base plate 23 can be placed, for example, parallel to the upper edges of the inner wall 2 and / or external wall 3, but can thus also form an angle, for example an angle in the range of 5 ° to 45 °. For example, this angle may correspond to a predetermined angle of inclination of a swimming pool bottom. In use, the base plate 23 preferably has a contact surface with the underlying building structure G. The base plate 23 is preferably fixedly connected to the back side (the side away from the pool) of the inner wall 2 of the side wall / module 1. The underside of the external wall 3 and / or vertical ribs, for example, may be fixedly connected with the top of the base plate 23, for example by means of a welding or line connection. The underside of the inner wall 2, outer wall 3, and vertical ribs 4 may define planes which are perpendicular to the main surfaces (side surfaces) of the inner wall 2 and / or outside wall 3. If the base plate has to make an angle with the upper edges of the inner wall 2 and / or external wall 3, the undersides (lower surfaces) of the inner wall 2, external wall 3 and / or vertical ribs, for example, may run obliquely in accordance with the predetermined angle of inclination. The inner wall 2 of the module 1 preferably extends downward, below the level defined by the bottom surface of the base plate 23, the position of which in use corresponds to the upper surface of the underlying building structure G, for example, a flat concrete base. This, for example, over a distance of more than 5, more than 10, more than 15 or more than 20 cm. The downwardly projecting part of the inner wall comprises a, for example, to the rear (to the outside of the swimming pool) directed widening 22 (in alternative embodiments, where appropriate, to the front, or also to the front). Hereby an L-shaped structure may preferably be formed by the downwardly projecting part of the inner wall. The widening 22 may for example be applied by a bar 22, for example a plastic bar, which is constant in cross-section, for example rectangular or square, the bottom of the plastic pane that the inner wall 2 of the module 1 is fixed to by gluing or welding. This bar, for example, has a height in the range from 2 cm to 5 cm and a width of 2 cm to 5 cm. Here, the bottom of the widened part / the bar 22 is preferably parallel with the lower edge of the inner wall 2 of the side wall 1 , this on the side of the plastic pane facing away from the pool.

On the side of the building structure G, preferably a guiding profile 8 is embedded, of which for example the top coincides with the top of the building structure G. Embedding may be carried out, for example, by attaching the profile first to the main surface of the building structure G, and then applying an embedding cement / concrete, in which the profile 8 may be used to adjust the height of the embedding cement and / or concrete. Embedding may be carried out, for example, by attaching the profile first to the reinforcement bars of the concrete building structure G, and then casting concrete, in which the profile 8 indicates the top edge of the concrete slab, on which the plastic wall stands. In use, the downwardly projected part of the inner wall, together with the widening 11 , are received by an upwardly directed opening 80, in the internal volume 800 of the guiding profile 8. The guiding profile 8 preferably has a constant cross- section. This cross-section can for instance be substantially rectangular, defined by sides 81 , 82, 83, 84. One of the sides, the top-facing side 84, which is adapted to receive the downwardly projecting part of the inner wall, is hereby for a large portion open, on the side of the profile facing the swimming pool. For example, the side 84 can be open for more than 40%, more than 50% or more than 60%. Preferably, the guiding profile has a height in the range of 3 to 8 cm, more preferably in the range of 3 to 5 cm, and a width in the range of 5 to 20 cm, more preferably in the range of 7 to 15 cm.

The vertical height of the downwardly projected part and the depth of the internal volume of the section 8 are in this case preferably matched to each other, so that when the pool module rests on the upper surface of the building structure, the downward projecting part of the lower end 82 of the profile 8 touches or just not touches. The vertical height of the downwardly projecting part and the depth of the internal volume of the profile 8 are in this case preferably matched to each other, so that, when the upper side of the profile 8 is at the same height as the top surface of the building structure, the downwards projected part of the bottom 82 of the profile 8, touches or just not touches. The height of the widening / the bar 22 and the internal height of the profile 8 are preferably also matched to each other, so that the widening / the bar 2 / the short leg of the L-shaped structure can be received in the closed portion (below the closed part of the profile / the side 84) of this internal volume 800. The height of the widening part 22 is in this case preferably slightly smaller than the internal height of the profile 8. Also, the width W of the opening 80 in the profile and the width w of the widening (or the width of the widening 22 and (the pane of) the inner wall 2 together) are preferably matched to each other, so that part of the inner wall 2 extending downward is not wider than the width of the opening. Preferably, w is for example a few percent less wide, than W at the mounting temperature of the wall. In further preferred embodiments, the width of the widening 22 is adapted to the expected displacement of the wall. It is, moreover, aligned, preferably with the internal width of the closed part of the side 84 of the profile, so that at a displacement of the side wall / module 1 the widening 22 in the volume 800 moves up and down without however be blocked by the sides of the profile, in particular side 83. Preferably, the swimming pool is installed at a predetermined mounting temperature, and the relative position of modules and profiles is selected in such a way, that within a certain temperature difference (tolerance at the mounting temperature) a hooking up of the L-shaped structure in the profile 8 remains possible, this over the entire length of the wall. Figure 8 and 9 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of a swimming pool according to the present invention. Fig. 9 is a detail illustration of Fig. 8. Fig. 2(b) illustrates a preferred embodiment of an associated pool module 1. Here, too, the plastic side wall is connected to the underlying building structure G by means of a sliding clamping connection 11. Preferably, the plastic side wall forms a closed, whole side wall (101 , 102, 103 , 104) from the pool. This side wall is again preferably built up from plastic modules 1. The plastic side wall (101 , 102, 103,104) is connected to the building structure G by means of a connecting device that allows a slight displacement of the base of the side wall in a plane parallel to the underlying building structure G, the slight displacement being a result of a thermal expansion or shrinkage of the plastic side wall / module 1 and plastic swimming pool bottom, without inducing a substantial stress in the side wall and the connecting devices 1 1.

The modules 1 are here similarly described compared to the modules for the first preferred embodiment, but do not include downwards projected parts of the inner wall 2. They always include a plastic base plate 23 which is fixedly connected to the rest of the side wall / module 1 , for example, by means of a weld or glue connection. The base plate preferably comprises the same plastic material as the plastic material of the inner wall 2 and / or external wall 3 and / or reinforcement ribs and / or connection-ribs. The base plate 23, for example, is installed at right angle with respect to the planes defined by the surfaces of inner wall 2 and outer wall 3. In use, the base plate 23 is thus preferably horizontally placed, when the building structure comprises an horizontally lying upper surface. In use, the base plate 23 forms a contact surface with the underlying building structure G. The base plate 23 is preferably fixedly connected to the inner wall 2 and the possible (for modules with double-wall) external wall 3 of the side wall / module 1. The undersides of the inner wall 2 and / or external wall 3 and / or vertical ribs, for example, may be fixedly connected with the top of the base plate 23, for example by means of a weld or glue connection. Furthermore, the base plate is provided with slotted holes 230, which have a predetermined shape and position in order to work together with the connection bolts used to connect the modules 1 / side wall of the building structure G. In preferred embodiments, the plastic side wall of the building structure is connected by means of connecting pins 9 (for example, bolts or similar fastening means), which are arranged in the slotted holes present in the base 23 of the side wall / modules 1 , and wherein the slotted holes have a predetermined shape and direction so that they remain clamped by the connection pins during a thermal expansion / shrinkage of the side wall and bottom, without hereby inducing a substantial thermal stress in the side wall. Here, the slotted holes 230 serve, therefore, at a predetermined position, with predetermined shape and orientation, need to be arranged at the base of the module 1 , for example in the base plate 23. Depending on the position of a particular module, these slotted holes will be adapted. Adjacent modules, for example, will typically include a different set of slots. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of a slotted hole 223 is in accordance with the extendable direction of the swimming pool.

Preferably, the pool is installed at a predetermined mounting temperature, and the relative position of the slotted holes, and connecting pins are chosen such, that there is within a predetermined temperature difference, a possibility for a thermal movement (moving as a result of thermal expansion / shrinkage) of the side wall, without the connecting pins have a blocking function (e.g. in such a way that, within the

predetermined temperature difference, the connection pins do not reach the longitudinal ends of the slotted holes), along the entire side wall.

In all of the above embodiments, the pool preferably comprises a swimming pool bottom 7 which is slidably arranged with respect to the underlying building structure G and which is made of a plastic material with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion (e.g. the same material) as the material of the side walls. Preferably the plastic side wall is in this case waterproof connected to the swimming pool bottom, for example by means of a glued or welded joint.

In certain embodiments, the plastic bottom 7 may be provided with openings which are arranged to encourage water circulation, for example for the supply of fresh or filtered pool water. These openings can be connected to pipes that are integrated in the plastic base, or which are arranged at the bottom of the plastic base. If such pipes would extend to the bottom of the swimming pool floor, or if these pipes are arranged externally to the pool bottom, preferably the building construction comprises for this purpose suitable recesses, in which the pipes can be placed and move. Thus, the pipes are also slidably mounted with respect to the building construction G.

Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of a finish of a swimming pool top edge, at the top of the side walls of the swimming pool, which is adapted to the pool in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Since a plastic pool undergoes strong dimension variations as a function of typically occurring temperature differences (e.g., differences greater than 5, or greater than 10, or greater than 30 degrees Celsius), the side walls / modules 1 and the bottom 7 of swimming pools are according to embodiments of the present invention, slidably mounted with respect to the building structure. The top of the side walls are therefore not attached to the building structure. Especially they are not fixedly connected to the platform of the swimming pool, the adjacent floor 12 which lays approximately at the level of the swimming pool edge and surrounds the swimming pool. The platform and the swimming pool wall are preferably arranged close to one another, for example at a distance smaller than 10 cm, or less than 5 cm from each other, so that a gap 13 of substantially uniform width is formed, the width of which, however, can vary at varying ambient temperatures . Preferably, this gap 13 is not visible and water is prevented from draining along this slit 13. For this purpose, for example a plastic edging 15 that covers the horizontal slit 13 is applied to the module 1 / sidewall / the pool edge. At the bottom of this plastic edge, preferably an elastic joint 14 is arranged, which makes contact with the upper surface of the platform 12. The elastic joint 14 is thereby arranged and adapted in such a way that by thermal movement (expansion / shrinkage) of the side wall of the swimming pool in width and in height, the contact between the upper surface of the platform 12 and the edge bar 15 is kept by the elastic joint. The elastic joint 14 is preferably watertight. Preferably, the platform further comprises a draining upper surface, with a slope that leads away from the pool water.

While the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example, and is not limiting the scope of protection which is defined by the appended claims. While some herein described embodiments, some but no other features include, comprised in other embodiments, are combinations or features of different embodiments, intended to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by a professional.