Types of Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are the best way to beat the scorching summer heat. Everybody loves to plunge into the cool water and relax away! For those who love swimming, enjoying the benefits of a swimming pool in the backyard is not far-fetched. Moreover, places where the temperatures are really high in summer, such pools are a necessity.

Moreover, above-ground pools are cheaper as compared to in-ground pools, and also take lesser time to install. Above-ground pools can also be dismantled and taken to one's new home, as in case of relocation.

Most of the above ground-pools can be constructed using pre-fabricated kits. Thus, an amateur can also have the swimming pool assembled on his or her own, thereby saving the expenses of hiring a contractor.

Above-ground pools comprise two types of pools: soft-sided pools and hard-sided pools. The soft-sided pools are constructed from rubber or latex. Hard-sided pools are constructed using metals and fiberglass, which makes them more durable and expensive.

Above-ground swimming pools require flat and level surface, and also require access to electricity and water supply. These pools do have their share of cons as well. They may be less expensive, but they do not last long and also lack aesthetic appeal that the in-ground type has.

If you are skeptical about the look of the pool, then there's no need to worry! You can build a pool deck (the same height as the pool) around the pool and make it look like an in-ground swimming pool.

You can also attach fences to the walls of the pool, to prevent children from falling over. Some decks are built in such ways that people are unable to believe they are not in-ground pools. Landscaping can also be done to enhance the overall look!

The advantage of opting for this pool type is that the size of the pool can be endless. One can choose the shape, length, depth and width of the pool as one desires. This facility is not available in other pool types.

They also last longer than above-ground pools. Moreover, the presence of an in-ground swimming pool increases the value of the property. Maintenance costs for these pools are more, as compared to other types.

The most commonly used type of in-ground pools is the vinyl-lined type. In this type, soil is dug out, a frame is constructed for the pool, and sand is placed at the bottom. Metal, wood or plastic walls are constructed, which are then lined with a vinyl liner.

These pools are relatively cheaper, however, do not last long. The vinyl lining has to be replaced once in every ten years.

Fiberglass swimming pools have lower maintenance costs, as compared to the vinyl type. They are installed only by professional swimming pool installers, who bring the fiberglass swimming pool shell home.

The pool body is constructed as a single piece of fiberglass, and lowered into the space dug out for its installation. Concrete deck structures are built around the fiberglass pool. This fiberglass body is made up of an inert composition, that is less prone to algal and bacterial attack.

Thus, it lowers maintenance costs, by reducing the amount of chemical treatment to be carried out. They also do not require repainting and replastering like the concrete variety.

This type of swimming pool involves the pouring of concrete into a wooden pool mold for its construction. Once the concrete has set, the wooden mold is removed. This pool construction type enables the customers to choose their pool layouts, which is why they were known as the best type of in-ground pools available.

However, the installation of this type is very difficult and time-consuming, which is why construction of poured concrete pools have taken a back seat.

These pools are installed by creating a 'steel reinforcing rod framework' called 'rebar rods'. This framework of steel rods is built within the space dug out for the pool. The framework is then sprayed with a heavy gunite (a mixture of cement & sand mixed with water) coating, smoothened and left for a week.

After a week, plaster is added to give it a smooth finish. This type is more convenient as compared to the concrete type, and has thus gained a lot of popularity. Gunite pools are the number one choice in the United States.

These pools are also known as 'baby or kiddie pools' and, as the name suggests, can be filled, drained and taken to any location in the backyard as desired. Portable swimming pools are great for parents who don't wish to spend a fortune on pools. They can still manage to give their kids a swimming pool, without burning a hole in their pockets.

Models with air rings and supportive frames are easy to erect (on any flat surface), and do not require any contractor for installation, thereby saving installation charges.

Moreover, since these pools are smaller, they can be drained and filled easily. Once the pool liner is spread on level ground and the top ring inflated, water can be filled into it. The pool is ready! These pools can also be stored conveniently in a garage or basement.

The pool edge in such pools is built lower than the actual pool edge. Nevertheless, these pools can also be built to fit indoors. These pools are extremely expensive, due to the increased time and effort required during installation.

A trough or catchment is present at the end of the pool, which collects the pool water falling off the edge and then pumps it back into the pool with the help of a pump. This feature is what makes the pool popular.

Such pools are commonly seen near the oceans, wherein the pool is built in such a manner, that it merges with the ocean water, giving a mesmerizing effect.

Diving pools are in-ground pools that have to be built in accordance to various strict regulations, such as size of the pool, depth of the water, distance between the diving board and platform, etc. These criteria have to be strictly followed to ensure safety in the pool.

The diving boards are of two types: the commercial type and the residential type. Depending on one's requirement, one will have to choose the type of diving board. A diving board should in general be tough, with a non-slippery surface. However, these days diving pools are not so popular, simply because of the large number of diving accidents taking place.

Before installing a swimming pool, the type of swimming pool must be determined. If durability and aesthetic appeal is not a concern, then one can opt for above-ground swimming pools, as they are cheap and can be easily installed as well.

Swimming pool accessories and swimming pool cleaning tips will help maintain the pool. If durability is a concern, then one can opt for the gunite in-ground type of swimming pool.