Swimming pools serve as private havens, offering the perfect escape right in the backyard of your home.
Today’s pools are expertly constructed to seamlessly integrate with any outdoor space, providing complete relaxation and entertainment for friends and family. With a multitude of design and construction options available, the journey to creating your dream pool can sometimes feel time-consuming and overwhelming. Before diving into a purchase, it’s essential to determine which type of pool best aligns with your family’s lifestyle and needs.
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ABOVE GROUND POOLS
Above ground pools are generally less expensive than in-ground pools. The mobility of these structures often appeals to homeowners because they can easily be relocated or sold if you feel they are taking up too much space. The most common above ground pools are made with steel, aluminium, or resin siding. Installation of basic above ground pools can be a relatively straightforward do-it-yourself weekend project. However, many homeowners choose to hire a professional to install more complex designs. Because above ground pools typically occupy less space than in-ground pools, they are an excellent choice for smaller gardens. While some homeowners are concerned that an above ground pool might detract from their garden’s appearance, today’s pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit even the most compact spaces. Installing a surrounding deck or carefully planned landscaping can also create a more inviting and integrated feel.
The first step in installing an above ground pool involves levelling the ground to create a flat, stable surface. Next, a perimeter track is assembled to support the outer wall, sand is spread within the pool area, and plumbing is installed. The vinyl liner is then secured to the outer wall, water is added to the pool, and the liner is then smoothed out and fastened securely in place. Finally, the pump and filtering system are installed, and your pool is ready to go! It’s that simple!
INGROUND POOLS
In-ground pools are typically chosen for their durability and flexibility. They can be designed to fit any shape or size of garden and can be constructed to various depths to suit your specific needs – from swimming laps to playing volleyball. Although in-ground pools cost more to build than above ground pools, they can significantly enhance the aesthetic value of a home and represent a worthwhile investment. The complexity of building an in-ground pool can affect the time required to complete the project, but the ability to custom-design these pools to perfectly fit your lifestyle and needs is usually well worth the wait. Diving boards, water fountains, bespoke lighting, and slides are among some of the features that can be added to transform in-ground pools into a personal vacation retreat right in your backyard. However, it is highly recommended that you collaborate with your contractor to determine the best construction option for your specific garden space:
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Vinyl-Lined Pools
Vinyl-lined pools are a superb option for those residing in colder climates. When temperatures drop, all you need to do is drain the pool and cover it. Structurally, these pools are quite similar to above ground pools, and they are generally the easiest type of in-ground pool to construct – typically taking one to three weeks to build. However, vinyl-lined pools are not as durable as other in-ground designs. The most significant recurring investment you’ll face is replacing the vinyl liner approximately every ten years. These pools are built using a structural wall made of plastic, wood, or metal panels. A custom-made vinyl liner is then secured to this structural wall, and sand is added to form the floor of the pool.
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Fibreglass Pools
While the initial cost of installing a fibreglass pool can be quite substantial, homeowners generally experience lower maintenance costs over the years. Fibreglass pools do not require the pool liner to be replaced after a few years, and they typically demand fewer chemicals than concrete pools. Furthermore, fibreglass pools possess the inherent ability to flex and absorb shock, making this type of pool a perfect option for those living in earthquake-prone areas. Fibreglass pools are manufactured in a factory before being transported to your home. In fact, these pools are made from fibreglass-reinforced plastic and, upon arrival, somewhat resemble a large bathtub. Before installation, a construction crew excavates a hole, lays the necessary plumbing, and then carefully lowers the pre-fabricated structure into the hole. The pool is then levelled, the plumbing is connected, and it’s ready for use.
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Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are among the most durable, but also the most complex and costly types of pools to build. Nevertheless, these pools offer unparalleled customisation, allowing them to be designed in any shape or size to perfectly complement your landscape. Additionally, you have the flexibility to paint the concrete in any colour of your choice and incorporate pebbles or plaster in a range of colours to add an elegant touch. Concrete pools are poured on site using a grid of steel reinforcing rods (rebar) that is positioned in the ground to create the framework for the pool walls. The plumbing is then installed, and the concrete is poured into conventional wooden forms.
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Gunite Pools
As the popularity of gunite pools has surged over the years, traditional concrete pools have somewhat diminished in prominence. Concrete pools and gunite pools are constructed in a similar fashion, but the relative ease of building a gunite pool has made this option more widely recognised. To construct a gunite pool, the construction team first excavates a hole and then lays a framework of rebar around the surrounding pool area. Subsequently, a thick coating of gunite – a mixture of cement and sand with water – is sprayed around the rebar. The gunite is then meticulously smoothed with trowels and allowed to cure for approximately one week before a smoother surface is applied to provide the finishing touch. Various finishes can be chosen, including tile, plaster, paint, aggregate, or even fibreglass. Gunite pools and concrete pools typically take about 12 weeks to build, but the exceptional durability and strength of these structures are usually well worth the wait.
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Take your time in deciding which type of pool is right for you. The type of pool you choose will significantly affect the materials used, the overall cost, and the time required for its construction. Begin by seeking referrals from your family and friends, and gather quotes and advice from different builders. Once your dream pool is constructed, you will be basking in the sun, enjoying a refreshing dip with your family and friends!