Projections show that the global swimming pool market will reach a value of $3.88 billion by 2030.
A swimming pool can make an excellent addition to any home, being great for exercise, entertaining guests, and family fun. There are various types of pools you can choose from, so you’ll need to understand your options if you want to pick the best type for your home.
For a rundown of the different types of swimming pools available, keep reading.
Above-Ground Swimming Pool
Above-ground swimming pools are a very cost-effective option. They aren’t part of the structure of your home but can be constructed in your yard. Note that they need to be put on a flat surface, so you’ll need a spot big enough for one of these.
They typically cost between around $1,800 and $5,000 to install. Since the installation is so simple, you can deconstruct it and take it with you if you move home.
They don’t look as good as in-ground pools and aren’t as long-lasting. Above-ground pools are best suited if you’re trying to stick to a budget.
In-Ground Swimming Pool
In-ground pools are one of the most popular options. These can cost more than 10 times as much as an above-ground pool but are much more impressive. Note that these also increase the resale value of your home, so if you do move you’ll see that benefit.
They’re permanent structures you can have built, and there are three main pool materials that you can choose from.
Concrete
These are the most expensive option but are also the most durable. You can have almost any design you can think of in terms of swimming pool shape and size. They’re also well suited for extra features like diving boards and slides.
Concrete pools need resurfacing every 10-15 years, and the surface is porous, which means they’re susceptible to algae growth. If you go for a concrete pool you’ll need to make sure you properly maintain it.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools have a smooth finish which helps prevent algae from growing. They’re easier to keep clean than concrete pools, reducing how much you’ll need to spend in the long term.
The main drawback is that you have limited design options. Rather than constructing them on-site, they’re typically pre-fabricated and delivered as one piece. This makes them a cheaper option than concrete.
Vinyl-Liner
Vinyl-liner pools are the cheapest option for in-ground pools. They use vinyl panels in a concrete foundation, so there is a lot of flexibility for different designs.
Like fiberglass, these pools mitigate algae well, so are easy to clean. You will, however, need to replace the vinyl liner once every 7-15 years, and these liners can be susceptible to tears, so maintenance costs can be a bit higher.
Architectural Pool
An architectural pool is specifically designed by an architect, so these are typically built at the same time as the home. This means they usually follow a similar design and aesthetic, helping to bring the whole property together.
Architectural pools give a sizable boost to the value of a property but are also one of the most expensive options. These can often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Lap Pool
While most backyard pools are designed for leisure, these are more for active swimmers. They’re generally long and rectangular, and deep throughout, making it easier to swim laps.
Sometimes these are as narrow as 8 feet but can be up to 70 feet long. A lap pool probably isn’t the best choice if you have children.
Infinity Pool
These are often seen in hotels or at luxury resorts. They have one edge that sits just below the surface of the water, allowing the water to cascade down like a waterfall.
Infinity pools are often placed in a location with a good viewpoint to highlight the natural beauty of the area. For one of these, you’ll typically spend about 1/3 more than an average in-ground pool.
Natural Pool
A natural pool is more about the water itself than the pool design. Most pools use chemicals to keep the water clean, but a natural pool uses plants such as duckweed and primroses instead.
These plants are placed, along with water and gravel, in a regeneration pool. A pump then pushes this clean water through to the main pool. Because of this additional pool, these take up a lot of space.
Natural pools are the best option if you want to keep things environmentally friendly. They’re typically a bit more expensive to install than regular in-ground pools, but you’ll make long-term savings as you won’t need to buy chemicals to keep them clean.
Saltwater Pool
This is another option if you want to avoid chemicals. They still use chlorine, but it comes from the salt in the water, producing fewer chloramines than standard chlorine.
This means the water is less likely to cause eye or skin irritation. Saltwater pools also don’t need as much maintenance as regular pools. They do, however, cost a bit more to install, and you’ll need specialized technicians to carry out any repair work.
Spas/Hot Tubs
These are quite different from most other pools. They’re a lot smaller and serve mainly as a place to relax. Spas are technically in-ground, and hot tubs above-ground, but the terms are often used interchangeably. As such, spas are a permanent fixture in a home, whereas you can take a hot tub with you if you move.
Spool
As the name suggests, these are a cross between a spa and a pool. They feature the whirlpool jests seen in spas but are large enough to swim in. A typical size would be around 10-15 feet long and 6-8 feet wide.
Spools are a good option if you have space limitations but want more than just a spa.
Indoor Pool
Indoor pools take a lot more to install/manage and require a lot of space. These are one of the most expensive options and are mostly used for training purposes. Indoor pools allow swimming all year round and are generally seen more in colder climates.
Deciding Between Different Types of Swimming Pools
When looking into different types of swimming pools for your home, you need to think about various factors. Things like your budget, the amount of space you have, and what you plan to use it for will all come into play.
Sahara Construction and Custom Pools is a professional pool installation service in Katy, TX. If you’re thinking about getting a swimming pool, click here for a free consultation today.
