Here are some of the considerations, questions (and answers), issues,
and things to think about on the way to the right pool for you.
But there are still some challenges ahead and decisions to make. How big? How deep? How much deck? Oh, and what kind of a pool do we want and how much money can we spend? Fiberglass . . . concrete . . . or something else; how do we decide? Well, we're here to help. We've put together some valuable information designed to help you make the decision as to what might be the best pool for you and your family.
There are many factors to consider, including: your budget; the size of your lot; how much time and money you want to spend on maintenance; and even what part of the country you live in. Be sure to remember to ask the following key questions for each type of pool you might be interested in:
1. Price:
What's it actually going to cost me, including decking, landscaping and options?
2. Maintenance requirements:
How much work do I have to do to keep it clean, and what types and quantities of chemicals do I need to buy?
3. Installation:
How soon can I really go swimming?
4. Service:
Does the builder also offer service?
Since Vision Pools & Spas only do in-ground pools, we will confine our discussion to pools of that type.
In-ground pools are more expensive than above-ground, but they are also a permanent home improvement. They add aesthetic, as well as intrinsic, value to your home. And if it comes time to sell your house, an in-ground pool is generally more appealing to potential buyers. Ingrounds range from play pools with depths of 3-to-5 feet to diving pools with deeper depths appropriate for the divers in your family. Before you purchase an inground pool, you need to think about how your family will use it. Do they like to play a lot of water sports? Then maybe a play pool with sport set-ups is the answer. Do they like to swim laps? Perhaps a rectangular design is best for you. Or do you have a combination of swimmers and splashers? How about an L-shaped pool so everyone is happy? Thinking about usage and then designing with those needs in mind is the key to building a pool that your entire family will be happy with for years to come. Once you've decided how your family will use your pool and approximately what your budget is, it's time to talk
We provide two of the three main varieties of in-ground pools (we no longer do vinyl pools):
Fiberglass.
Concrete (with various finishes).
FIBERGLASS POOLS
A fiberglass pool is factory-manufactured and then installed in one piece in your back yard when your excavation is completed. Basically, a fiberglass pool resembles a giant bathtub. Once the pool is placed in the hole by means of a boom truck or other equipment designed for lifting large objects, the pool is plumbed and backfilled, decking is built around the pool, the pool equipment is hooked up, the pool is filled and treated, and it's time to go swimming.
Points to Ponder:
Price:
Fiberglass pools are generally more expensive to purchase than concrete inground pools, but can save you money over the life of the pool. This is because they typically will require fewer chemicals than concrete pools. You also avoid future replastering or liner replacement costs.
Maintenance:
Unlike a plaster finish, a fiberglass shell does not change the chemistry of the water, so you often will use less chemicals. Because of the non-porous surface, you don't need to brush the pool nearly as often as a plaster-finished concrete pool. However, you typically do not need to brush a pebble-finish concrete pool as often as a plaster-finish pool, so when discussing this option with a dealer, be sure you are comparing apples to apples.
Installation:
Once your yard has been excavated, the pool is delivered in one piece and installed. Construction time is generally about 2 weeks. This time can vary depending on decking specifics and other additional features that mau be desired.
Shock Absorbent:
What happens if the earth moves? Fiberglass has a shock-absorbing ability that allows it to flex up to 2 feet. However, there also are new concrete construction techniques that allow concrete to flex. Be sure and have your dealer explain the features and benefits of fiberglass and concrete construction.
CONCRETE POOLS
A concrete pool is custom-built to your specifications by the pool-builder you choose. It is the most common type of in-ground pool, and the initial installation generally costs less than a fiberglass pool. Concrete pools are constructed in stages, including pool layout and excavation; steel installation; plumbing installation; setting of equipment; gunite or shotcrete application; tile and coping installation; and interior finish installation. Although they take longer than fiberglass pools to construct, they have the advantage of virtually unlimited shapes, sizes and designs. The construction time on a concrete pool is generally 8 to 12 weeks.
Points to Ponder:
Price:
The initial installation of a concrete pool is generally less than a fiberglass inground pool. So, if you want an in-ground, but the total up-front outlay is of concern to you, a concrete pool might best fit your needs.
Variety Of Finishes:
A variety of interior finishes is available, including plaster, pebbles and other decorative methods. These provide you with several options to best suit your budget and design preferences.
Weather Resistant:
Some industry specialists believe that concrete pools are well-suited to parts of the country that have extremely high summer-time temperatures. Concrete also is perceived by some to function better in areas where the soil is very expansive.
Strength:
Both fiberglass and concrete are materials of great strength. Talk to your dealer or builder about the implications of your soil type and weather on both types of materials.
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251-943-6420
Vision Pools & Spas