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Buying a pool or a hot tub is not like grabbing a loaf of bread — it’s an investment in summer afternoons, weekend hangouts, and long evenings under the stars. Choosing the right retailer affects price, installation options, spare parts access, and long-term peace of mind. Whether you're after an above-ground inflatable pool for the garden or a full-sized 16-foot family pool, the right supplier helps you avoid surprises and keeps the water crystal clear.
There are two kinds of places to shop: big-box retailers that stock a wide range and specialist suppliers who know pools inside out. Big names like B&Q, Screwfix, Argos, Wickes, and Amazon UK are great for accessories, pumps, and popular inflatable models from brands such as Intex and Bestway. Specialist stores such as PoolStore UK, Pool and Spa Centre, and a range of independent hot tub dealers offer trade-level chemicals, bespoke liners, and installation services.
B&Q is ideal if you want a straightforward shopping trip. They stock inflatable pools, basic above-ground frames, pool covers, cleaning nets, and starter chemical kits. Think of B&Q as your DIY buddy: convenient, with lots of entry-level options and accessible prices if you’re building or maintaining a simple setup in a small garden.
Screwfix and Wickes cater to the more hands-on buyer. If you’re fitting a pump, installing filtration, or mounting a pool heater, these stores supply the tools, plumbing bits, and durable equipment professionals reach for. They’re a great stop if you prefer to tinker or hire a local tradesperson to DIY-install your pool plant.
Want speedy delivery and easy returns? Argos and Amazon UK provide a broad selection of inflatables, spas, and accessories with user reviews to help you decide. They’re perfect for last-minute purchases or when you want to compare model features quickly. Plus, you can often pick up items same day or next day if you’re in a hurry for warm-weather plans.
For anything beyond the basics, specialist retailers are worth the trip. PoolStore UK and independent pool/spa dealers focus on pool chemicals, specialist heaters, liners, saltwater systems, and bespoke hot tubs. They can advise on water chemistry, recommend compatible pumps, and provide parts that big-box stores often don’t stock.
Online shopping offers convenience and competitive pricing, but local shops provide hands-on advice and sometimes installation services. If you’re buying a complicated system — like a in-ground liner, a built-in pool heater, or a 6-foot plus hot tub — the expertise of a local dealer can save weeks of troubleshooting. For simple inflatables and accessories, online is hard to beat.
Online is best for standardized products with clear specs — inflatable pools, filter cartridges, replacement covers, and popular pumps. You can easily compare customer reviews, specs, and prices across retailers to find the best deal.
If you need site-specific advice, installation, or bespoke parts, visiting a local specialist is worth it. These suppliers can measure your space, recommend compatible equipment, and arrange professional installation. Think of them as the mechanics for your backyard oasis.
Before you click “buy,” pause and ask practical questions: How much space do you have? Is the ground level? What’s your budget for running costs? What safety measures are required in your area? A 12-foot circular pool uses far more chemicals and energy than a 6-foot inflatable, and a hot tub heated to 104°F will impact your energy bill differently depending on insulation and cover quality.
Measure twice, buy once. A 12-foot round above-ground pool needs clearance for access and support — plan for an extra 2 feet of clearance on all sides so you can clean and maintain without a squeeze. For hot tubs, a sturdy base that can support 1,500–3,000 pounds is essential; think concrete pads or reinforced decking rather than loose soil.
Running costs depend on heater type, size, and how often you run pumps. A small inflatable pool will cost pennies to run compared with a 16-foot family pool that needs continuous filtration. Hot tubs usually run between a few dozen to a couple hundred dollars a month depending on insulation and whether you keep them at a high temperature year-round.
Retailers across the UK stock a wide range of products — from pool liners and filters to hot tub covers and chemical kits. Knowing what category you need makes shopping simpler and helps you spot genuine deals when they appear.
Brands like Intex and Bestway dominate this category and are widely available through Argos, Amazon UK, and specialist dealers. These pools are quick to set up and gentle on the wallet, ideal for families who want a seasonal splash without permanent changes to the garden.
Hot tubs come in plug-and-play models and fully wired units. Plug-and-play options are great for patio use and are often stocked by specialist hot tub dealers and some larger retailers. If you want in-ground or high-capacity models, a specialist dealer is the way to go — they’ll help with structural and electrical requirements that big-box stores don’t handle.
Filtration systems keep water clear, but pumps and heaters control circulation and temperature. Screwfix, Wickes, and specialist pool shops offer a range of pumps and energy-efficient heaters. If you’re serious about efficiency, look for modern variable-speed pumps and properly sized heaters that match your pool’s volume in gallons.
Deals can be tempting, but a bargain isn’t a bargain if it leaves you with an incompatible filter or a cheap cover that lets heat out. A good sale will include brand-name products, clear specs, and ideally a price match or warranty. Beware of ultra-low prices on electrical components — they often mean lower efficiency or incompatible fittings that cost more in the long run.
Look for product dimensions in feet, capacity in gallons, pump flow rates in gallons per hour, and heater output in BTU per hour if listed. If a filter cartridge claims compatibility, verify the model number so you’re not stuck replacing parts later.
Customer reviews on Amazon UK and Argos often reveal real-world issues like noisy pumps or flimsy covers. For specialist purchases, contacting a pool shop for clarification can save a headache. Think of reviews as word-of-mouth in the digital age — they’ll tell you whether a product lives up to the spec sheet.
Want to stretch your budget? Plan for seasonal sales, bundle essentials, and prioritize quality on parts that are hard to replace later — like pumps and liners. You can save on toys and accessories, but skimping on a good cover or a proper pump will cost more in repairs and energy in the long run.
Retailers often discount pools and accessories at the end of summer and during Black Friday deals. If you can store an item over winter, buying in a clearance sale is a savvy move. Just make sure your chosen model won’t be discontinued without available spare parts.
Many stores offer chemical starter kits bundled with covers or pumps. Bundles reduce the risk of buying incompatible items and often represent better value than buying separately. Think of it like buying a sewing kit instead of random threads — everything you need is in one box.
Some installations are straightforward; others need professionals. Inflatable pools and plug-and-play hot tubs are fine for DIYers. But for in-ground pools, heavy hot tubs, or any system requiring a dedicated electrical supply, hiring a pro is a smart investment. It’s about safety as much as convenience.
If you’re assembling an inflatable or placing a small hot tub on a reinforced deck, follow the manufacturer instructions and you’ll be fine. These are plug-and-play systems that don’t require special wiring and are designed for easy homeowner setup.
For mains wiring, excavation, or complex plumbing, a qualified electrician or pool installer is essential. Think of it as hiring a surgeon for a tricky operation — the upfront cost is outweighed by safety and long-term reliability.
Regular maintenance keeps water clear and equipment humming. Simple practices such as skimming daily, backwashing filters as needed, and testing water chemistry weekly can prevent corrosive conditions and costly repairs. A little attention now prevents a lot of work later.
Skim surface debris, check and adjust pH and sanitizer levels, and inspect filters. A weekly 15-minute routine prevents algae growth and keeps the water pleasant. Imagine it as tuning your car — a short check avoids a breakdown on the motorway.
Winterizing matters if you close your pool for the season: lower water levels for freeze protection, add winter algaecide, and store covers properly. For hot tubs, reducing temperature when not in use and using a high-quality insulated cover keeps heating costs manageable.
Always check warranty terms and spare parts availability before buying. Big retailers often have easy return processes and broad stock, while specialists generally stock replacement parts for longer and can offer local support. If a brand is well-supported in the UK, it’s a safer bet for long-term ownership.
Pumps, cartridges, O-rings, and heater components are consumables — make sure they’re easy to source. If a dealer or store has a reputation for stocking spares, you’ll spend less time hunting for parts when something wears out.
Some specialist dealers offer service plans and extended warranties for hot tubs and larger pool systems. These plans often include annual checks and priority support, which can be priceless if you rely on the system for regular use.
If you care about running costs and the environment, look for energy-efficient pumps, heat pumps instead of electric heaters, and well-insulated covers. Solar covers and variable-speed pumps can reduce electricity use significantly — like adding insulation to your house to cut your heating bill.
Heat pumps can be more efficient than direct electric heaters, especially when paired with an insulated cover that keeps heat in. Variable-speed pumps use less energy than single-speed models and still provide the necessary circulation for clean water.
Using a pool cover reduces evaporation, saving gallons of water each week. Smart filtration schedules also reduce the runtime of pumps while maintaining water clarity — it’s a balance of timing and efficiency.
Choosing the right store and product comes down to matching your needs with the retailer’s strengths: big-box convenience for basics and inflatables, and specialist support for complex systems and long-term care. With careful planning, smart purchases, and a little regular maintenance, your pool or spa will be a joy all season long.
Ready to shop? Start by measuring your space, set a realistic budget for purchase and running costs, and compare models across B&Q, Screwfix, Argos, Wickes, Amazon UK, and specialist pool stores to find the best fit.
Happy planning — and enjoy that first dip!
| Pool & Spa - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Promotional Sunny Inflatable Beach Pillow Red Branded With Your Logo | £ 0,77 | |
| Swimming Pool Savo Ph 0,9 L | £ 6,- |
