There are four main types of in-ground pools - concrete mixes, fiberglass, and vinyl. Each type has its own set of pros and cons that you should take into consideration before making a decision. Concrete pools are the most popular type and are known for their durability. Fiberglass pools are less expensive than concrete and are easier to install. Vinyl pools are the least expensive option but require more maintenance than the other two types.
01 Concrete With Plaster
Concrete and plaster are two of the most common materials used for building in-ground pools. They are both strong and durable, making them a good choice for permanent pools. Concrete is reinforced with steel for extra strength, while plaster forms a shell around the pool.
Concrete's durability and porosity allows it to be plaster-coated, which in turn lets it hold water and provide stability. Because of this, concrete has a higher up-front cost, but it is considered the most cost-friendly option long-term as it can be maintained for years and likely will never have to be replaced if properly cared for.
After excavating a hole in a yard, the sides and bottom are lined with rebar. These steel rods can be sculpted into any shape, from rectangles and hearts to guitars, along with adding steps, ramps, and other features. After positioning the rebar, the pool shell is made by spraying a finish using shotcrete or gunite. This combination of sand, concrete, and water is sprayed onto a surface using a hose. Once the concrete material is cured, it's topped with plaster.
02 Made With Con
crete and Tile or Stone
Concrete pools provide a great foundation for other popular pool finishes, like tile or stone. The process of setting up the concrete base of the pool is similar to the above steps. Once the concrete base is set, the pool is coated with a thinset mortar. Then, tile or stone can be set on the pool.
It's important to wait at least 24 hours before grouting the tile. To make sure the grout can withstand constant moisture and pool chemicals, be sure to use a grout that is polymer fortified.
Pool tiles and stone are beautiful, but they don't last forever. These finishes usually only last between 8 to 12 years. They can also be difficult to repair or replace. A professional is often needed to fix small chips or missing titles, and this can require the pool to be drained.
03 Fiberglass Swimming Pool
In-ground pools made of fiberglass are large one-piece shells that arrive at your home by truck and are positioned in the excavated hole with the help of a crane. Fiberglass pools have high up-front costs, but they have lower maintenance costs over time. They have limitations on size and come in pre-fabricated molds.
Fibe
rglass pools have a lot of advantages over concrete pools. They are ready-made, so you can't request a customized design. Most fiberglass manufacturers offer many models and sizes to choose from, and things like steps, spas, and benches are usually pre-formed.
Fiberglass makes the pool-building process quick and easy. The smooth interior surface is slick, making it tough for algae to cling to. After 10 to 15 years of exposure to the sun and chemicals, the fiberglass gel coating deteriorates. Recoating the gel is not easy because the new coating does not stick easily to the older one.
Fiberglass pools have many benefits that make them a wise choice for long-term value. They are not as likely to grow algae, which means you'll spend less time and money cleaning them. They also don't require acid washing or deep refinishing, except in rare cases where topical recoating may be necessary. Over the course of 10 years, the lifetime costs of maintaining a fiberglass pool are significantly lower than other types of pools.
04 Vinyl Swimming Pool
Vinyl-lined pools are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are less expensive than other types of in-ground pools. They are made with a metal or plastic frame and then lined with
vinyl. The bottom of the pool sits on a bed of sand or other material, while the top is held down by the coping, which creates a finished edge and also acts as a border for the pool deck.
Vinyl, like other materials, deteriorates over time with exposure to the elements and pool chemicals. Some liners come with fungus and UV inhibitors, which can extend their life from 10 years to about 18 years.
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