Question 1

What is a rigid inflatable GIGI pool?

Accepted Answer

A rigid inflatable pool (self-supporting, high-pressure) is built from DWF fabric: two layers of PVC-coated polyester fabric joined by thousands of internal threads perpendicular to the walls (the so-called “drop stitch” technique). Inflated to 0.7–0.9 bar, these threads stop the walls from bulging outwards, creating a flat, rigid surface. The result: a portable pool that stands up and behaves like a semi-permanent above-ground pool — no concrete, no metal frame, no building permit.

Question 2

How is it different from a regular inflatable pool?

Accepted Answer

A standard inflatable pool is inflated to around 0.07–0.15 bar. The walls stay soft, round and give way under water pressure: the practical maximum depth is around 75–90 cm. A rigid inflatable GIGI pool is inflated to 0.7–0.9 bar (i.e. ten times more), producing flat, rigid walls able to hold a water column of 1.20 m or 1.50 m. The difference is that between a foot bath and real swimming for adults.

Question 3

What is DWF material?

Accepted Answer

DWF stands for Dacron Woven Fabric. It is the same material used in competition inflatable paddleboards and high-end kayaks. It resists UV, temperatures from -20 °C to 80 °C, and offers puncture resistance far superior to standard PVC. All seams are heat-welded or high-frequency welded — not simply glued.

Question 4

What is the lifespan of a GIGI FRANCE pool?

Accepted Answer

With proper care (inflation pressure of 0.7–0.9 bar maintained, protective cover between swims, complete draining and drying before winterising, storage in a dry, frost-free place), a rigid inflatable pool has an estimated lifespan of 5–10 seasons. The quality of winter storage is the primary factor for longevity.

Question 5

What sizes are available?

Accepted Answer

The GIGI FRANCE Europe catalogue offers round pools (from 3 m to 6 m in diameter) available in 1.20 m or 1.50 m depth, and rectangular pools (3×2 m and 4×3 m) in 1.50 m depth. Custom configurations (free sizes, 1.20 m or 1.50 m depth) are available via the quote form.

Question 6

Which depth to choose: 1.20 m or 1.50 m?

Accepted Answer

1.20 m suits average-height adults who want to bathe standing with the water at chest or shoulder height. 1.50 m is the ideal depth to really swim: a 1.80 m adult has the water at shoulder height. Front crawl, breaststroke and backstroke movements are complete without constraint. Simple rule: if swimming is the goal, choose 1.50 m.

Question 7

Can an adult really swim in a GIGI FRANCE pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the 1.50 m depth version, a 1.80 m adult has the water at shoulder height at the recommended 90 % fill (i.e. about 1.35 m of water). They can swim front crawl, breaststroke and do water exercises. The round 4 m pool offers a swimming diagonal of about 4 m — it is not an Olympic pool, but it is a real family pool.

Question 8

How long does it take to install a GIGI FRANCE pool?

Accepted Answer

The physical setup — unfolding, inflating to 0.7–0.9 bar, connecting the sand filter — takes about an hour with two people. Filling with water is a passive stage that depends on the chosen size (from 8–11 hours for the round 3 m at 1.50 m, up to 21–28 hours for the round 5 m). Plan to start filling the evening before the first swim.

Question 9

What surface should the pool be placed on?

Accepted Answer

Any flat, firm surface: grass, compacted earth, concrete, terrace. The surface must be level to within about 2 cm across the full width of the pool. Remove any sharp objects. No excavation is needed. For rectangular models, leave at least 60 cm of clearance all around the pool.

Question 10

Do you need a permit to install a GIGI FRANCE pool?

Accepted Answer

Regulations vary by country and municipality. In many countries, a demountable above-ground pool is generally exempt from a building permit, but may require a prior declaration depending on the surface area. At 1.50 m of effective water depth, a GIGI FRANCE pool exceeds the thresholds that require a protective fence under many national regulations. You must check your municipality’s rules before installation. GIGI FRANCE recommends a suitable safety fence whenever children are present.

Question 11

What is included in the delivery?

Accepted Answer

Each GIGI FRANCE pool is delivered as a complete pack: pool, 330 W sand filter, electric pump, repair kit (patches + glue), protective ground mat and user guide (FR + EN). Covers, ladders and additional accessories are available separately in the shop.

Question 12

Why a sand filter and not a cartridge pump?

Accepted Answer

The 330 W sand filter included with every GIGI FRANCE pool is the filtration standard for in-ground residential pools. For volumes of 8,000 to 30,000 litres, cartridge filters require frequent changes and lose efficiency. The sand filter runs longer, filters more finely and handles large volumes with fewer interventions. A backwash every 4–6 weeks is enough to maintain it.

Question 13

Which chemicals should be used?

Accepted Answer

All standard pool chemicals are compatible with the DWF material. Target values: free chlorine 1–3 mg/L (ppm), pH 7.2–7.6, total alkalinity 80–120 mg/L, cyanuric acid (stabiliser) 30–50 mg/L if using unstabilised chlorine outdoors. Always dose according to the exact volume of your pool.

Question 14

How do you winterise a GIGI FRANCE pool?

Accepted Answer

Drain completely, rinse with clean water, dry fully for at least 4–6 hours (any residual moisture causes mould), deflate entirely and fold along the original creases, dust lightly with talc before rolling (stops surfaces sticking together), store in a dry, frost-free place above -10 °C. A well-winterised pool recovers exactly the same performance the following season.

Question 15

How do I order?

Accepted Answer

Directly on gigifrance.fr. Select the desired model, size and depth, add to cart and place your order through our secure checkout. Payment is charged at the time of the order.

Question 16

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards, as well as common local payment methods and wallets. All transactions are processed over an SSL-encrypted connection. We never store your bank details.

Question 17

Are prices shown including tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All prices shown on gigifrance.fr are inclusive of all taxes, with the VAT of the delivery country included. For Switzerland and the United Kingdom: prices are shown all-inclusive, covering customs duties and import taxes (incoterm DDP). You will pay no additional charge on delivery.

Question 18

Can I place a custom order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use the “Custom pool” quote form available from the main menu. Provide your desired dimensions and we will reply within 2 business days with a personalised quote. Important: custom-made pools are excluded from the 14-day right of withdrawal, as they are made specifically to your specifications.

Question 19

Do you deliver within Europe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GIGI FRANCE Europe delivers to 13 countries: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Finland. For any other European country not listed, contact us via the contact form.

Question 20

Is delivery free?

Accepted Answer

No. Delivery is charged according to your destination country and the size of the order. The exact cost is shown in the cart summary before you confirm payment. No hidden charges are added afterwards. Rigid inflatable pools are bulky items (between 25 and 45 kg depending on the model) requiring specialised transport.

Question 21

What are the delivery times?

Accepted Answer

Delivery times vary depending on your country and the availability of the ordered model. An indicative estimate is shown on each product page. Once your order is shipped, you receive a tracking number by email. For pre-order products, the expected shipping date is shown on the product page.

Question 22

For Switzerland and the United Kingdom, are there taxes to pay on delivery?

Accepted Answer

No. These two countries are outside the European Union, and we operate under incoterm DDP (Delivery Duty Paid): customs duties, import taxes and associated administrative fees are included in the displayed price. You do not have to pay anything extra on delivery.

Question 23

Can I return my pool if it does not suit me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under conditions. In accordance with European directive 2011/83/EU, you have a right of withdrawal of 14 calendar days from receipt, without having to justify your decision. The product must be returned in its original condition, unused and in its original packaging. Return costs are borne by the customer for returns unrelated to a defect. The refund is made within 14 days of receiving the return.

Question 24

Does the right of withdrawal apply to all orders?

Accepted Answer

No. Custom pools (configured with personalised dimensions via the quote form) are expressly excluded from the right of withdrawal, as they are made specifically to your specifications. Standard catalogue products are covered by the right of withdrawal.

Question 25

What should I do if my pool arrives damaged?

Accepted Answer

Report any visible damage within 48 hours of receipt, by email to contact@gigifrance.fr with photos. We arrange a replacement or refund according to your preference, at no cost to you.

Question 26

What is the warranty?

Accepted Answer

All GIGI FRANCE pools benefit from the 2-year legal guarantee of conformity against material and manufacturing defects under normal conditions of use. Portugal exception: customers residing in Portugal benefit from a 3-year legal guarantee (Decreto-Lei n.º 84/2021). The warranty does not cover damage due to over-inflation, incorrect winterising or improper use.

Question 27

How do I claim under the warranty?

Accepted Answer

Contact us by email at contact@gigifrance.fr describing the problem and attaching photos. Our after-sales team replies within 2 business days and tells you how to proceed. No physical return should be made without prior agreement from our after-sales service.

Question 28

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Email: contact@gigifrance.fr — Phone / WhatsApp: +33 7 80 80 67 64 — Contact form: available at gigifrance.fr/contact. Our team replies within 1 business day from Monday to Friday. Requests received at the weekend are handled on Monday morning.

Frequently asked questions

Technology

Dimensions and capacities

Installation and setup

Equipment and maintenance

Ordering and payment

Delivery

Right of withdrawal and returns

Warranty and after-sales service

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