Why hide from the sun and heat this summer? Beat it by putting in a relaxing oasis of water and fun! A swimming pool is perfect for relaxation and a fun time rolled into one. Your home could become the go to destination for social events, or become a tranquil location for deep thought. The possibilities are endless! You can have any type of pool your imagination can come up with.
There are pros and cons to each type of pool, and it’s important to analyze all aspects. A pool can be a costly project to take on. Make sure you’ll be happy with the end result before making a sizable investment. Fortunately, there are pools that offer a good experience for just about every budget. Just be sure to check on local permits, and homeowner’s associations to avoid any backlash due to your water endeavor. You can go with: a fiberglass, an above ground, a Gunite, or a vinyl lined pool.
Fiberglass pools are made from a type of plastic that is reinforced with fiberglass. The material has been molded into a basin shape. You, or a construction crew, dig an appropriately sized hole, and then install the pool. Then necessary plumbing needs to be installed. Usually, the pool is surrounded by a concrete deck structure.
An above ground pool is the cheapest construction option, as well as the easiest to build. Most above ground pools are made from prefabricated kits, which could be perfect for a D.I.Y.er or a person trying to cut costs. Firstly, one needs to level off the ground to form a flat building surface. Then a perimeter track needs to be assembled, which supports the outer wall. Next, spread sand in the pool area and lay the plumbing. Finally, secure the vinyl liner over the pool walls, fill the pool with water, smooth the liner and fasten it into place. As soon as the pump and filtering system are hooked up, the pool is ready to go. The main disadvantage of this sort of pool is that it’s less durable than other designs, and is generally much less appealing. It’s also less permanent, which can be a good thing. It’s relatively easy to disassemble the pool and move it to a new location.
Gunite pools are the most popular design throughout the United States. To build one of these stylish pools, dig a hole, put the plumbing in place, and assemble a framework grid with rebar rods. The rebar rods are spaced about 10 inches apart, and held together with wire. When the grid is in place, a heavy coating of gunite, a mixture of cement and sand, is sprayed around the rebar. The sprayer unit combines dry gunite mix with water just before spraying. This process produces the wet concrete material. Let it sit for a week or so before applying a smooth finish to the rough surface. The most popular finish is called plaster, which is a mixture of cement and marble sand, but a lot of people finish their pools with special concrete paint. Gunite pools can also have tile, or even fiberglass finishes. Gunite pools are also highly durable, and they can be built in any shape and size.
Vinyl-lined in-ground pools are a lot like above ground pools structurally, but they look more like conventional in ground designs. A hole is dug and a metal, plastic, or wood frame wall around the perimeter of the hole is assembled. As in an above ground pool, sand is spread along the bottom of the hole. These pools are a lot cheaper than other in-ground designs, but not as durable. Typically, the liner needs to be replaced every 10 years.
No matter what type of pool you ultimately choose, the heat will no longer be your enemy. It’ll instead be an awesome excuse to float your day away, or throw an elaborate pool party!