How to select a backyard pool
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By Joe Daniels
You have one more job to do before you can relax after work with a dip in your brand new swimming pool. You need to figure out what kind of pool is best for you.
There are so many great choices out there, it can be hard to select a winner. Above ground. In ground. Aluminum. Steel. Fiberglass. Concrete. What's a poor pool buyer to do?
There are many factors to consider, including: your budget; the size of your lot; how much time and money you want to spend on maintenance; and even what part of the country you live in.
Here's a run-down on the ins and outs of different types of pools:
Above Ground Pools
Above ground pools are typically the least expensive types you can purchase. They are the summer-fun answer for those who don't want to make the larger commitment of an in-ground pool. If you're ready for a ton of backyard fun, but aren't quite ready for a permanent structure in your yard, then an above ground may be the way to go.
Particulars:
Inexpensive: Above-grounds are great for those looking for a relatively inexpensive way to provide years of backyard family entertainment.
Moveable: If you move, you can take your pool with you, give it to a friend or even sell it. Or you can leave it as a benefit for the next owner of your home.
Quick to install: Grab a couple of handy neighbors and you can be hosting a pool party in just a couple of days.
Choices: You can choose from aluminum, resin or steel sidings. All three types have various benefits, ranging from rust-resistance to average life span. Your local dealer can help you weigh the pros and cons of each type.
Variety: Above-grounds come in several sizes and shapes, and a variety of decorative wall patterns and decking options.
Good for Small Lots: If getting a backhoe into your yard would be next-to-impossible, an above ground can generally be carried in a kit to your yard and set up.
In ground Pools
In-ground pools typically come in three varieties: concrete (with various finishes); vinyl-liner; and fiberglass.
In-ground pools are more expensive than above ground, but they are also a permanent home improvement. They add aesthetic, as well as intrinsic, value to your home. And when it comes time to sell your house, an in ground pool is generally more appealing to potential buyers.
In grounds range from play pools with depths of 3-to-5 feet to diving pools with deeper depths appropriate for the divers in your family. Before you purchase an in ground pool, you need to think about how your family will use it. Do they like to play a lot of water sports? Then maybe a play pool with sports set-ups is the answer. Do they like to swim laps? Perhaps a rectangular design is best for you. Or do you have a combination of swimmers and splashers? How about an L-shaped pool so everyone is happy? Thinking about usage and then designing with those needs in mind is the key to building a pool that your entire family will be happy with for years to come.
Okay, let's assume you've decided how your family will use the pool and what your approximate budget is. Now, let's talk about your primary options in an in ground pool.
Fiberglass In ground Pools
A fiberglass pool is factory-manufactured and then installed in one piece in your back yard when your excavation is completed. Basically, a fiberglass pool resembles a giant bathtub.
Particulars:
Price: Fiberglass pools are generally more expensive to purchase than concrete in ground pools, but can save you money over the life of the pool. This is because they typically will require fewer chemicals than concrete pools. You also avoid future replastering and liner replacement costs.
Maintenance: Unlike a plaster finish, a fiberglass shell does not change the chemistry of the water, so you often will use less acid. Because of the non-porous surface, you don't need to brush the pool nearly as often as a plaster-finished concrete pool. However, you typically do not need to brush a pebble-finish concrete pool as often as a plaster-finish pool, so when discussing this option with a dealer, be sure you are comparing apples to apples.
Installation: Once your yard has been excavated, the pool is delivered in one piece and installed. Construction time is generally about two weeks.
Shock absorbent: What happens if the earth moves? Fiberglass has a shock-absorbing ability that allows it to flex up to 2 feet. However, there also are new concrete construction techniques that allow concrete to flex. So, it's important to remember that if you live in an earthquake-prone area, be sure to have your dealer explain the features and benefits of fiberglass and concrete construction.
Concrete In Ground Pools
A concrete pool is custom-built to your specifications by the pool-builder you choose. It is the most common type of in-ground pool, and the initial installation generally costs less than a fiberglass pool. Concrete pools are constructed in stages, including pool layout and excavation; steel installation; plumbing installation; equipment set; gunnite or shotcrete application; tile and coping installation; and interior finish installation. Although they take longer than fiberglass pools to construct, they have the advantage of virtually unlimited shapes, sizes and designs. The construction time on a concrete pool is generally three to 12 weeks.
Particulars
Price: The initial installation of a concrete pool is generally less than a fiberglass in ground pool. So, if you want an in-ground, but the total up-front outlay is of concern to you, a concrete pool might best fit your needs.
Variety of Finishes: A variety of interior finishes is available, including plaster, paint or pebbles. These provide you with several options to best suit your budget and desired design.
Weather Resistant: Some industry specialists believe that concrete pools are well suited to parts of the country that have extremely high summer-time temperatures. Concrete also is perceived by some to function well in areas where the soil is very expansive.
Strength: Both fiberglass and concrete are materials of great strength. Talk to your dealer or builder about the implications of your soil type and weather on both types of materials.
Vinyl-Liner In ground Pools
A vinyl-liner pool is furnished to the installer in kit form. After excavation, the panel walls are bolted or fastened together and supported at the bottom by a concrete footing. The vinyl liner is spread over the interior of the pool and covers the excavated floor and paneled walls. It is connected to the top of the panel walls by a vinyl rib at the outside edge of the liner. Be sure to ask your liners generally have to be replaced in your area of the country. Construction time for vinyl-liner pools is typically one to three weeks.
Particulars
Weather: Vinyl-liner pools are popular in cold-weather areas of the country. Draining them down and covering them until the spring can easily winterize these pools.
Smooth Surface: The vinyl liner is smooth and nonporous, making stain removal easy if stains are treated promptly.
Copyright 2005 Publishers-Edge
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