Inground Pools
A piece of paradise in your backyard
Who hasn’t fantasized about owning their own inground swimming pool? Fond childhood memories can motivate you to think about recreating your dream of having a piece of paradise in your backyard.
The variety of sizes, swimming pool designs and materials available will quickly turn your dream of a backyard paradise into a reality. The only limitations are the size of your budget and the size of your yard.
You already understand that pools inground will cost more and have higher maintenance costs than an above ground pool. Now comes the decision about which of the many swimming pool designs suits your family best:
- A classically designed pool for general use
- A play or a sports pool if you have children
- A lap pool for health-minded adults
- A sophisticated “vanishing edge pool” that mysteriously drops off into nothingness
The next decision concerns which product to use on the inside of your pool.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass is the most durable and expensive pool substance, but manufacturers often offer a lifetime guarantee. This nonabrasive surface resists stains and algae growth, splitting or cracking. Fiberglass can be an important option for earthquake areas. Installation usually runs within 2-3 weeks.
Some people might believe this product is undesirable because shape styles are limited. Shells are pre-molded from one piece of fiberglass. Although initial costs are higher, you’ll save money in maintenance and repairs and in the amount of chemicals required to keep it clean. Pool steps, or any other internal feature, can be specially ordered and incorporated into the mold.
Concrete (Gunite) Pools
Less expensive than fiberglass, concrete pools have the added benefit of unlimited, custom shapes. Warranties vary between 5 and 10 years. The surface texture can be rough, making abrasion on the skin a safety hazard. Water must be circulated a minimum of 8 hours per day because algae can build up quickly and be absorbed into the porous cement surface.
This surface requires more chemicals because of the way plaster in the cement responds when the water is added, causing the pH levels to rise. Regular brushing is recommended, and a complete resurfacing is often necessary after 10 years. Pool steps are a standard feature.
Vinyl Pools
This type of pool uses a frame inside the hole made out of wood, plastic or metal. Around this frame a significant amount of sand is placed before laying the vinyl. Because the vinyl is pieced, warranties normally only cover the seams. Installation usually runs about 2-3 weeks. Although fewer chemicals are needed, this smooth surface can be slippery, and sharp objects can puncture the vinyl.
Algae growth is also common, and it can grow quickly around seams. Water circulation 5 hours per day is recommended. Sizes and shapes of pools are limited per each manufacturer. Pool steps can be added.
Other Considerations
Will you want a heated pool? Extra equipment for this feature will increase costs.
Consider where you live and what type of dirt you expect to be removed most often from the pool when evaluating cleaning systems.
If you live in a region that experiences a cold winter, you’ll need to winterize your inground swimming pool. Unless a pool is drained each fall, pool covers should be purchased to make spring cleaning easier.
by Diane Quinn
