subject: Which Kind of Pool Should You Choose for Your Home [print this page] Which Kind of Pool Should You Choose for Your Home
Swimming pools come in many different types these days, each with its own unique advantages. Nowadays it is even possible to custom design your own pool - so no need to stick to the boring rectangular or kidney shaped pools of yesteryears. Although concrete pools continue to be a favorite choice, there are home owners who opt for pools in other materials such as fiberglass also. Here are a few of the options you can choose from when you want to install a pool in your home.
Vinyl Pool
These pools have a smooth, easy to clean surface that makes periodic swimming pool maintenance a breeze. Remember that maintaining your pool is an absolutely essential task. It is also one of the more effort intensive tasks associated with having a pool in your home. Irregular maintenance can lead to algae formation or chemical imbalances that cause skin infections for the regular users. Algae can also make the pool floor and side slippery and increase the risk of accidents when you are using the pool. A vinyl pool can be cleaned with least effort, leaving it safe and clean for your use.
Earlier, vinyl pools were available only in limited designs and shapes. However, today, you can find many designs, colors, shapes and sizes that make these pools as versatile as their concrete counterparts.
Concrete Pool
Concrete pools are durable, resilient and give years of enjoyment to the pool users. These are highly versatile pool options. You can have any shape of your choice built with concrete. When it comes to custom designed pools, most people opt for concrete as the choice of material because of its versatility. You can add in special features like 3D tile designs or benches under the water along the pool sides to suit your comfort and your design preferences.
Most in-ground pools are made with concrete because of these advantages that it offers. Cost wise, these pools are cheaper to install than fiberglass ones. However, these concrete pools are also more complex to build and there are many different stages in the building of this pool. A concrete pool may even take around 12 weeks to be completed. This lengthy installation process can be avoided by opting for a fiberglass pool.
Fiberglass Pool
A fiberglass pool is made out of reinforced plastic. The shape of the pool comes ready made when the pool is delivered to your home. This makes it easy for you to choose the exact pool you want when shopping for one. All you need to do is measure the dimensions of your proposed pool site and shop for an attractively shaped fiber glass pool that matches these dimensions. The extensive stage by stage building process that a concrete pool goes through is completely avoided. You can customize your readymade fiberglass pool with tiles and accessories to make it look unique.
A fiberglass pool comes with a smooth finish that is resistant to wear and tear. This means that there are fewer repairs over the years. It also means that these pools are easier to maintain than concrete pools. The non porous surface reduces the chances of abrasion injuries to the swimmer's skin. If you have small children or users with sensitive skin, fiber glass pools are a good choice for you.