A Brief Overview of Inground Pool Types

If you've finally decided to take the plunge and invest in an inground pool, your first decision will be what type of pool to buy. Inground pools come in three types: concrete, vinyl and fiberglass. All pool types require regular care and maintenance, and have different pros and cons to consider.

Concrete

Concrete pools are one of the most popular inground pool types. During construction, dry gunned concrete is shot into steel reinforced walls. Cement and sand are mixed together and shot forcefully out of a nozzle. Afterwards, the concrete is smoothed out and can be finished with paint, synthetic surface, or tile.

One of the greatest advantages of concrete pools is that they are truly customizable. Pool companies can usually meet any requests for size, shape, length and depth. This gives you a little more creative freedom in terms of the look of your pool and how it may fit in with your home or landscaping style.

Not only do you have endless choices in the overall look and shape of your pool, the options for the interior design and finish are limitless. With thousands of colors and textures to choose from, you can really make your pool unique. These finishes generally need to be resurfaced every 13 years or so.

Concrete pools generally take longer to install than other types because of the construction involved, but it is also one of the strongest inground pool types you can build. They can take several weeks to set up due to the considerable amount of work involved. Pools made of concrete can also be updated, enlarged, or remodeled as you see fit. Concrete pools can be installed on nearly any terrain using structural concrete.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools have the advantage of fairly quick installation. Installation time can be as few as 3 days or as many as seven. Inground pools made of fiberglass are pre-manufactured in different shapes and sizes. When you order, the pool will arrive at your property in one piece.

Fiberglass pools arrive fully intact. They are delivered by truck and seated with a crane. Make all necessary arrangements to have the area fully accessible by crane.

Another feature of fiberglass pools is that they do not affect the pH of the water. This minimizes the amount of chemicals you have to use to treat the water. Fiberglass pools are also resistant to algae, making cleanup a breeze.

Vinyl

Vinyl pools are less labor intensive than concrete pools. Inground pools made of vinyl come in pre-manufactured shapes, sizes, liner patterns and colors. They aren't quite as customizable as a concrete pool, but several finishes are available.

Vinyl pool installation begins by excavating the ground then installing a wall system of wood, poured concrete, steel or polymer. You can talk to your pool company about the advantages and drawbacks of each type of wall material. The bottom of the pool may be made of packed sand so it is smooth.

Once the vinyl pool liner is installed, the site is backfilled and the pool can be filled with water. Depending on the location of your pool and the usage, the liner will need to be replaced about every 10 years. Repairing tears in the liner requires at least partial drainage of the pool. The area to be patched must be exposed to air to dry and seal.

Build with Safety in Mind

Choosing an inground pool type is just the first step to enjoying perfect summer days splashing in your own back yard. Safety for your family and others in your neighborhood must be a priority. Be prepared to build a fence with a locking mechanism that children cannot easily manipulate.

No matter what inground pool type you choose, make sure to consider safety codes put in place by your city or housing association. Check local laws and codes to make sure your landscaping plan includes the correct safety measures. Talk to your pool contractor about options and advice, and ensure that their installers are professionally trained.