La Bali guest piscine refurbishment project is now live at La Balie in Salles, France. It marks a new chapter for our family venue. We own three gorgeous gites in an unspoilt corner of the Lot-et-Garonne. Our stone cottages sit among farms, gardens, and quiet woodlands. The cottages are Le Pigeonnier (sleeps 6), La Grenouillière (sleeps 6), and La Lavandière (sleeps 4). Each has its own courtyard, kitchen, and cosy lounge. Together, they host up to 16 guests. We also have a wood-floored studio for yoga retreats, small weddings, and group events.
Before this project, our open air saltwater pool had an older liner and a simple heater. It was a nice lap pool, 8 by 4 meters, but it felt cool in early spring and late fall. We wanted to improve safety for families with young children and extend the swim season. We also dreamed of a bright pool deck that blends old stone with modern comfort. So we created the La Bali guest piscine refurbishment project.
We set clear goals:
- Full pool resurfacing and waterproofing.
- Minor structural repairs on the pool shell.
- A premium ALKOR liner that lasts for years.
- A locking DEL Rollin hardcover for child safety.
- A fast, energy-efficient Garden Pack Pro heater.
- A gentle saltwater system with low chemicals.
- A fresh stone and teak deck with shaded cabana.
- LED lighting, a mosaic banner, and snack station.
- Steps toward sustainability and our net zero pledge.
We worked with trusted brands like ALKOR and DEL Rollin. We installed a Garden Pack Pro heater and energy-efficient pumps. We added LED lights and a mosaic banner near the waterline. We set up a rain-harvesting tank for pool water top-up. Today, we share all the details below.
Pool Refurbishment Highlights
1. Premium ALKOR 2000 Liner
Before installing the liner, we did minor structural repairs to fix small cracks in the pool shell. Our team then carefully fitted the ALKOR 2000 150/100 gauge liner, a top choice for durability in saltwater pools.
- 🏷️ Specification: ALKOR 2000 150/100 gauge liner.
- 💧 Waterproofing: strong seal with no leaks.
- 🛡️ Durability: UV resistant and tear proof.
- 📍 Location: outdoor pool at La Balie, Salles.
- ⭐ Benefit: smooth underfoot and gentle on skin.
The new liner makes our saltwater pool sparkle in the sun. It also helps us keep the water clear and balanced for all guests.
2. Automatic DEL Rollin Cover
To keep guests safe, we chose the DEL Rollin automatically locking hardcover. This smart cover rolls along tracks with minimal effort and locks in place.
- 🔒 Safety: secures the pool when not in use.
- 🚼 Child friendly: no openings for small hands.
- ⚙️ Easy operation: one person can roll it out.
- ⏱️ Speed: open or close in seconds.
- ⭐ Peace of mind for parents.
Now you can enjoy the pool without extra worry. The cover also keeps leaves and debris out, so the pool stays clean.
3. Garden Pack Pro Heater
Keeping the pool warm is important for year-round use. We installed a Garden Pack Pro electric heater to maintain a comfy swim temperature.
- 🌡️ Temperature range: 25–28 °C.
- 🔥 Quick start: heats water in a few hours.
- 💡 Energy-efficient: reduces electricity bills.
- 🕒 Long runtime: warms morning and evening.
- ⭐ Comfort: great for all ages.
On cool days, the heater ensures you can still swim. We monitor the heat settings daily to give the best experience.
4. Saltwater Pool System
We upgraded to a saltwater system. It uses a salt cell to generate sanitizer and keeps water gentle on skin and eyes.
- 🧂 Mild salt: safe for hair and clothes.
- 🌿 Eco-friendly: lower chemical use.
- 💧 Self-regulating: maintains water balance.
- 🧽 Low maintenance: easy daily checks.
- ⭐ Healthy swim for everyone.
Our saltwater pool aligns with our sustainability goals. Guests often say it feels nicer than a chlorine pool.
5. Pool Deck & Sun Terrace Upgrades
We wanted a bright, inviting deck area that fit our old stone walls. We replaced old tiles and added a small teak deck by the cabana.
- 🌞 Tile replacement: new natural stone tiles.
- 🪵 Teak deck: warm wood seating area.
- 🌅 Beachfront sun deck vibe.
- 🪑 New loungers, chairs, and umbrellas.
- 🌳 Shaded cabana: cool spot under trees.
- ⭐ Perfect for photos and lawn games.
The mix of stone and wood ties the pool area to our countryside venue. It feels both rustic and refined.
6. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
We have a net zero pledge and want to cut our carbon footprint. Our pool upgrades help us meet green goals.
- 🔋 Energy-efficient pumps: whisper-quiet and low power.
- 💡 LED lighting: bright yet energy saving.
- 🌞 Solar panels: planned to heat water.
- 💧 Rain-harvesting tank: collects roof runoff.
- 🌿 Eco-tourism: part of our green promise.
- 🌍 Net zero pledge: small steps for big change.
We track power use, water refills, and waste to ensure our pool area is eco-friendly.
7. Pool Lighting & Mosaic Banner
To light the pool at night, we added LED pool lights and a colorful mosaic banner around the waterline. It gives the area a fun, artful glow after sunset.
- 💡 LED lighting: bright, low energy use.
- 🌈 Mosaic banner: custom tile art near water.
- 🌙 Night swim: soft glow under stars.
- 🔊 Mood music: optional poolside speaker on request.
- ⭐ Special events: perfect for night swims and small parties.
These features make swimming after dark feel magical and safe.
8. Poolside Snack & Drink Station
We installed a small station by the pool with a mini-fridge and snack shelf. You can enjoy cold drinks or fresh fruit without leaving the pool deck.
- 🧊 Mini-fridge: cold water, juice, or milk.
- 🍓 Snack shelf: fresh fruit and light bites.
- ☕ Coffee maker: for a warm morning drink.
- 🍹 Glassware rack: easy cleanup and reuse.
- ⭐ Convenience: no need to go inside.
This station makes pool time even more relaxing for friends and families.
Tips & Tricks for Pool Use
Here are some things we do to make the pool simple to use and keep it in top shape. These tips come from our own staff and from guests who love our pool. For group stays, we sometimes host a poolside movie night with a projector on the studio wall. We also run light games like pool volleyball and poolside bingo on hot afternoons.
- 🕗 Best times: swim at dawn or late afternoon for calm water.
- 🌡️ Heater check: adjust heat with the dial by the pump unit.
- 🔒 Cover care: close the cover after each swim to keep water clean.
- 🧴 Sunscreen: apply at least 15 minutes before entering the pool.
- 🩴 Deck shoes: flip-flops help prevent slips on tiles.
- 🪣 Towels: find clean towels on the rack by the studio door.
- 🚿 Rinse off: shower before and after swimming to save water.
- 🏐 Games: try pool balls or floats from our kit.
- 📌 Pool rules: read the sign by the entry gate.
- 🍹 Snacks: bring fresh fruit or use our snack station.
- 🎲 Lawn games: try boules or ring toss after swim.
- 📅 Pool hours: 8 AM–10 PM daily.
By following these steps, you help us keep the pool clean and fun for everyone. Let us know if you have a new game idea or a theme party suggestion.
Wrapping Up
Our La Bali guest piscine refurbishment project has transformed the pool at La Balie. We combined top brands, smart design, and green values. The big changes include:
- A smooth ALKOR liner over a repaired shell.
- A secure DEL Rollin hardcover for safety.
- A Garden Pack Pro heater for warm water.
- A gentle saltwater system with low chemicals.
- A fresh deck, shade, and photo spots.
- LED lights, a mosaic banner, and snack station.
- Energy-efficient pumps, rain-harvesting, and solar plans.
Together, these upgrades make the pool a true highlight of your stay. While at La Balie, you can also explore Monflanquin bastide village, walk in nearby woodlands, or kayak on the Dordogne and Lot rivers. After a day of fun, relax by the pool and watch stars in clear skies.
Our pool refurbishment is just one way we strive to craft a warm and welcoming stay. We take pride in listening to guests and improving our venue. We hope to see you soon by the pool. Please book your stay now at www.labalie.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ALKOR 2000 liner?
The ALKOR 2000 liner is a premium waterproof membrane. It seals our pool shell and prevents leaks. It is UV resistant, tear proof, and soft underfoot. We chose it for quality and long lasting performance.
How does the DEL Rollin cover work?
The DEL Rollin cover is an automatic hardcover system. You turn the crank to roll it along side tracks in seconds. It locks to protect children and pets and keeps debris out of the pool.
What is the pool temperature?
Our heater keeps water at 25–28 °C by default. You can fine-tune it with the control dial by the pump. Most guests set it at 26 °C. We adjust it seasonally for the best comfort.
Is the saltwater pool safe for all ages?
Yes. The saltwater system uses a low salt level for sanitation. It is gentler on eyes, skin, and hair than a high chlorine pool. Everyone from toddlers to seniors enjoys it.
Can I plan events by the pool?
Absolutely. Our studio, sun terrace, and pool deck are ideal for yoga retreats, small weddings, and group meetups. We can set up chairs, tables, and decor to fit your event theme.
How do I help keep the pool clean?
We handle daily checks of salt and pH levels. You can assist by rinsing before each swim and closing the hardcover each night. Our hosts skim debris daily and backwash the filter weekly.