Concrete pools tend to be the strongest and most durable of all in-ground pools. They can't rust or corrode and they get stronger as time goes on. Concrete pools are the most popular and expensive type of pool. They're often called gunite or shotcrete pools; that's because builders pump wet concrete through a hose and shoot it with a gun at steel-reinforced walls.
Once the concrete cures, it is plastered, troweled and painted. Usually the most economical option, above ground pools sit on the surface of your patio, sometimes with a deck or patio around them. Most above ground pools are built with aluminum, resin, or steel liners with vinyl liners. You can often assemble and disassemble this type of pool relatively easily as a DIY project, or many retailers offer delivery and installation.
Above ground pools are also suitable for patios with limited access. They arrive in parts that can be easily transported to the pool site for assembly. Also popular are the more basic above ground pools, which are easily filled with a garden hose and stowed away when not in use. Because they do not require filtration equipment, they must be drained, cleaned and refilled regularly to provide a clean swimming environment.
In-ground pools are permanent structures built directly into the landscape. They come in several varieties, with concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools being the most common types of in-ground pools. Your contractor can work with you in choosing the construction. Materials are typically chosen for their strength and flexibility.
These in-ground pools are constructed with panel walls that fasten together and sit on a concrete base. A custom-made vinyl liner covers the entire pool. Infinity pools, usually custom-made to highlight a view, feature one or more walls with a trailing edge design, which is located just below the pool's water level. This allows water to flow over the wall, creating the illusion that the water has no limits.
This type of pool is often used on sites with a steep slope to show views of mountains, bodies of water and other impressive landscape features. Because of their specialized design requirements, infinity pools can be very expensive to build and maintain. If the main reason for owning a pool is fitness, a lap pool can be a wise investment. Designed specifically for swimming, this type of in-ground pool is long, narrow and generally rectangular.
Training pools, which require minimal space, are ideal for small patios. Most training pools offer at least 40 feet of straight, unobstructed swimming space to limit the need for frequent turns. For a single swimmer, the width of a training pool can be as little as 8 feet. Construction considerations are similar to those for other in-ground pools.
Swim spas are another type of pool that is ideal for fitness use. A hybrid of pool and spa, swimming spas have water jets that allow the user to swim against a constant flow of water. Ideal for small patios, some swim spas span as low as 12 feet. Because the swimmer doesn't actually move through the water, the dimensions of the pool can be much smaller.
They can also be heated for dual use as a spa and swimming spa. Hot tubs and spas are small, heated pools intended for relaxation or hydrotherapy. The portable above ground version is generally referred to as a hot tub, while a home spa refers to an in-ground model, which is often built in conjunction with in-ground pools. Thanks to their smaller size, hot tubs and spas are often less expensive to install and maintain compared to other types of swimming pools.
However, its compact dimensions also limit its use. Because of the flexibility with steel walls, a vinyl pool offers unlimited design options, sizes and shapes for your backyard. In addition, many vinyl-lined pools are constructed with metal wall panels, and most have an aluminum border around the perimeter of the pool. Unlike fiberglass pools, this allows you to have a completely unique pool designed to your preferences and aesthetics.
If you're looking for a completely customized and unique pool, and cost isn't an issue, gunite is the type of pool for you. In-ground pool costs vary for a number of reasons, including difficulty of installation, features, options chosen, and region, among others. Compared to vinyl-lined pools and in-ground fiberglass pools, gunite takes much longer to install. In addition to that, there are specialized products such as children's pools (shallow), spas and wet decks that can reflect the individual tastes and needs of the owner.
Vinyl liner pools are the most economical in-ground pools and can be built in any size and shape. Salt dissolved in pool water will shorten the life of a concrete pool interior finish. In that case, you may want to know even more about fiberglass in-ground pools, including some of the details on sizes, shapes, features, and how to work out your plan to place that pool on the ground and ready for the bathing season. However, to make the most of this experience, it's important that you understand what your options are and what type of pool will best suit your needs.
Since concrete pools are manufactured from the ground up in your backyard, you have complete control over the look and feel of your pool. However, if you need a 10-foot deep pool or an ultra-custom shape, fiberglass probably isn't the best option for you. . .
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