A swimming pool can make a great addition to any home, but there are several varieties of private pools available, and choosing the best type for your plan is important. Explore some of the different options in pool design before contacting your pool installer to begin a final search.
A private swimming pool is one of the largest and most significant purchases any homeowner can make. Pools represent a big investment, not just of money, but of time and energy as well – and while buying the right pool for your home can lead to any number of perfect summer days, buying the wrong pool can lead to a whole mess of disappointment and regret. When considering the installation of a pool, you should become aware of the many different options that are available to you and your family – an understanding that begins with an introduction to the three basic types of private pool: in-ground, above-ground, and spa.
In-ground pools, as the name implies, are built directly into the ground, and are typically formed from concrete or a fiberglass composite. The composite variety has the advantage of being available pre-formed, which means that it can be installed in sections, relieving much of the burden and hassle that comes with pouring concrete. Composite pools can also be purchased with a tiled finish, which provides a much smoother finish and softer touch. In-ground pools are intended to be quite permanent, and consequently represent a more serious commitment than above-ground models. The excavation work and installation labors they require also make in-ground pools relatively expensive, but their elevated costs are more than balanced by the flexibility of their design, and by their capacity for unmatched aesthetic appeal. A high-quality, professionally installed, in-ground pool should feel like a fluid extension of your home and yard, and can be specifically planned to meet that end.
In contrast, above-ground (or on-ground) pools are assembled with an entirely independent framing structure, and are intended to stand on their own. Their self-containment and the lack of major excavation required for installation provides a less expensive and less intensive option for those home owners who lack either the space or the conviction required for the in-ground type of pool. Above-ground pool structures built from wood or synthetics are also popular in regions that experience cold winters, where harsh conditions and frozen soil make the construction and maintenance of in-ground pools a much more difficult operation. The use of thermoplastic vinyl liners is extremely popular in the building of above-ground pools, as it provides a durable and waterproof surface that, while easily replaceable, can last for several decades. Many available vinyl linings come pretreated with algae and bacteria fighting agents, which is just another of their efficiency perks. The most notable drawbacks of above-ground pools are their generally reduced size, their limited ability for customization, and the fact that they are freestanding structures, unable to be as seamlessly integrated into the landscape as their in-ground relatives.
Spa pools, or hot tubs, are a special type of pool, designed to provide relaxation and muscle therapy to bathers at high temperatures. Spas are quite small by pool standards, typically ranging in capacity from four to eight people. Modern hot tubs are available with a wide variety of seating arrangements and features, ranging from the classic whirlpool-style jets and air-induced bubblers, to built-in drink-holders and flat panel TVs. In-home spas are equipped with dials that allow individuals to determine both water temperature and jet strength, which allows for a large amount of personal control. Spas continue to be immensely popular with homeowners, and quite independently of “regular” pools.
Almost everyone has enjoyed a pool or hot tub at some point it his life, and most people have opinions about what types are best – but when the time comes to consider purchasing one for your own home, it is important to first decide what you like and think about what you want, and then to contact a professional installer who can work with you to find the perfect fit.