Swim with the tide

SWIMMING pools in this country had a niche marketplace, until 2020. According to Charlie Wells of buying agent Prime Purchase they were largely seen as a negative aspect to a property, something that required too much maintenance or represented a hazard to young children. Today, sentiment has completely changed. ‘More efficient ways of heating and, of course, the experience of lockdown, means that demand for pools has rocketed,’ says Charlie. But it’s not possible to chalk their popularity entirely up to the pandemic. There’s also a greater awareness of the benefits of swimming either