It’s been found that pools are becoming increasingly desirable in the United States. The demand is growing as people recognize the benefits of having an outdoor space to relax and cool down, especially when the heat is getting a little too much.
If you’re considering a pool-building project, you need to know about the different types of pools available. Which one is best for you will very depend on your budget and backyard, so learning about them is critical.
Let’s take a look at the different types of pools available.
In-Ground Pools
In-ground pools are the most popular and durable type of pool. They’re installed by digging a hole in your backyard and setting the pool in it, which tends to give them a very long life span.
There are a few different types of in-ground pools.
Vinyl Pools
Of all the in-ground options, vinyl pools are the least expensive. The vinyl goes against a steel framework to give them that sturdiness and durability, and there are many advantages to them — not just the cost, but also the customization and the comfort.
If have children, for example, vinyl pools are a good option because the surface is usually smooth, unlike concrete pools which can feel scratchier.
You will have to replace the vinyl eventually, but if you take care of the pool, it should be many years before this happens.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are also quick to install because they come pre-built and can be inserted into a hole. Although more customization options are now becoming available, they’ve often been known to come in premade shapes, which has deterred people from buying them who may want to have more say in their pool shape.
They’re more durable than a vinyl pool so if the lifespan is a big factor when building your own pool, fiberglass may be a better option.
Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are the most sturdy and durable of them all and can be customized to whatever shape you like. They are, however, the most expensive and also take the longest, so you should have a high budget for your pool-building cost if you want to go with this.
They also take more maintenance. Because concrete is an organic and hard material, algae and bacteria have more of a tendency to grow on the walls than with other pool types.
This means you’ll have to brush down the walls more often and keep a pool net handy to scoop out any debris that might enter the water.
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools are much cheaper than in-ground pools. They’re usually made of vinyl and sit higher up, so you’ll need to use stairs or a ladder to get into them.
Although they’re less expensive and this makes them tempting, be aware that they can’t really be converted to an in-ground pool later if you decide you want that. While they may be able to be moved into the ground a little, fully converting them is never ideal, and you’ll have to start from scratch if you want a more permanent pool.
It’s also important to note that they have a shorter lifespan than in-ground pools so although the initial cost is much cheaper, you may be paying more over the years considering you’ll have to replace it much sooner.
Infinity Pools
Infinity pools are semi-in-ground and more expensive than both in-ground and above-ground pools. They have no swim current, and the edge is slightly lower than the water level to give the illusion of a neverending flow of water.
Although it looks like you might be able to fall over the edge of an infinity pool, they’re perfectly safe — and a popular choice for those with a large budget that want the most beautiful option.
Many people choose to add things like a waterfall to their infinity pool, giving it split levels.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Pool
If you’ve decided to look for someone who builds pools because you want your own in the backyard, you need to think about a few things to ensure you come to the right decision:
- Your budget — a good pool builder might offer financing options, but you still need to make sure it’s affordable.
- How much space you have in your yard and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
- How much you want to customize the pool.
- Comfort levels for you and anyone else using it.
You should also make sure you choose a good pool professional to work with. It’s a sad reality that the population often views contractors as untrustworthy due to bad experiences.
However, that just means it’s important to do your research. Read reviews, ask for pictures of past work the company has done, and make sure they have plenty of experience in the industry before committing to partnering with them for your vision to come to life. You can’t go wrong if you do that!
Begin Your Pool-Building Project Today
A pool-building project can be a daunting task. That’s why it’s important to understand each type of pool and the pros and cons of each before you commit to one.
Picking a great pool professional is even more important. They can talk to you about your vision, explain each pool type in more detail, and help you come to a decision about what you’d like to see in your yard.
Ready to take the leap? Contact us at Sahara Construction & Custom Pools today and let’s see what we can do to make this happen.