subject: The different types of pools and how they're built [print this page] The different types of pools and how they're built
The primary characteristic that distinguishes one type of pool from another is how the basin is built. Each of the various swimming pool styles offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Pool types include above-ground, fiberglass, vinyl-lined in-ground, gunite and poured-concrete.
Above-ground pools are the least expensive and easiest to build. Most are constructed with kits that even amateurs can assemble. To begin, the ground is leveled to create a flat surface on which to build and a perimeter track for supporting the outer wall is put together. Then sand is placed within the perimeter and plumbing is installed. Lastly, a vinyl liner is secured over the walls of the swimming pool and the pool is filled with water. Once the pump and filtering system are in place, the pool is ready to be used. The main downside of this kind of pool is that it's less durable and less attractive than other designs. The fact that it's less permanent--it can be disassembled and moved--can be an advantage, however.
Fiberglass pools are made of plastic reinforced with fiberglass that's been molded into a pool shape. In order to install this type of pool a construction crew must dig a hole, install the plumbing, add sand filler and place the fiberglass pool into the hole. The pool is then leveled, the plumbing is hooked up and the area surrounding the pool is backfilled. In most cases, a concrete deck is installed around the pool.
Vinyl-lined in-ground pools resemble above-ground pools in their structure but their appearance is similar to typical in-ground pools. A construction crew begins by digging a hole and placing a frame wall around the perimeter. Sand is spread along the bottom and vinyl lining is fastened to the wall, as in above-ground pools. These pools may be much cheaper than other types of in-ground pools but they're also less durable, requiring a liner replacement about every ten years.
Gunite pools are popular throughout the United States. Construction begins by digging a hole, installing plumbing and installing steel framework (rebar rods). These rebar rods are secured with wire in a grid pattern and gunite (a cement and sand mixture) is sprayed around it. The gunite is smoothed out, let sit for a week and then a smooth finish is applied to the surface. Plaster (a cement and marble sand mixture) is the most popular finish, but concrete paint is also chosen by many. Other choices include tile, exposed aggregate and fiberglass finishes. Gunite pools are very durable and can be built in any size or shape.
Poured-concrete pools bear similarities to gunite pools but they're much more difficult to build. Rather than spraying a concrete mixture around a rebar grid, the concrete is poured into wooden frames. This method has largely fallen out of use since the invention of gunite methods.
