Everything You Need To Know Before Breaking Ground On Your New Pool

Whether you want to cool off during the hot summer months, host the perfect party, or get some low-impact exercise, a swimming pool can turn your backyard into a fun and relaxing haven for your entire family. As you start to design your new pool, there are many factors to take into consideration: the size of the space you have available, the primary way the pool will be utilized, your overall budget, and the amount of time, energy, and money you want to put into regular maintenance. To help you make an informed decision, in this guide we explore the various types and styles of in-ground residential swimming pools, as well as the pros and cons of the different materials used to build them, and the sanitation systems used to maintain them.

The Main Types Of In-Ground Swimming Pools

1. Concrete Pools

Concrete is the most common type of material used to make in-ground swimming pools because it is very durable and highly customizable. Here is how it works: once a hole has been excavated in a yard, the sides and bottom are lined or framed with a web of steel rods that can be fashioned into nearly any shape or design. Then, plumbing and electricity is installed before a combination of cement, sand, and water - which makes concrete - is sprayed on to create the shell of the pool. The concrete mixture hardens, or cures, for about 28 days, and after that, plaster is applied to the hardened surface to make it waterproof. Coping made of concrete, brick, natural stone, tile, or pavers is placed around the border to provide a transition from the pool to the patio or other decking material. Since concrete can be porous and subject to staining at the waterline, tile is typically cemented to the top 6 inches of the inside perimeter of the pool. If you wish to further customize the look of your new pool, more decorative tile or stone can be added to the walls and floor.

Though concrete pools have many positive features, they are expensive to build and take a long time to install. Once the construction process is finished, the initial start-up and chemistry balancing of a new concrete pool can take a while, too. To prevent the build-up of algae and mold, a concrete pool will require regular maintenance and the surface may need to be refinished and/or replastered every 10-20 years. 

2. Fiberglass Pools

The time it takes to install a fiberglass pool is far less than a concrete pool. First, a hole is excavated based on the measurements of a prefabricated fiberglass pool along with its accompanying plumbing equipment. A bed of gravel is laid on the floor of the hole to create a base and then it is compacted down. The fiberglass pool, which has been manufactured off-site, arrives on a trailer at your home as a large, one-piece shell. A crane sets the shell inside the already-excavated hole in your yard, the pool is leveled, the plumbing system is installed, the outside of the pool is backfilled, and rebar is attached around the entire perimeter to make the structure stable. Then, coping materials, such as natural stone pavers, tile, brick, or concrete, are added to bridge the space between the pool and the surrounding decking.

Since the fiberglass shells are prefabricated, the size and shape of these pools are not fully customizable, though most manufacturers offer a few different options. Some more expensive models offer built-in spas, benches, and steps, too. Though fiberglass pools may be costly to purchase, regular maintenance expenses should be lower than those for concrete pools because the slick surface of fiberglass is easy to clean, highly durable, non-porous, and resistant to mold and algae. However, the gel coating of a fiberglass pool can deteriorate over a period of time from exposure to the sun and chemicals, and recoating the surface can be a tedious and expensive process.

3. Vinyl-Liner Pools

The process of installing a vinyl-liner pool begins by excavating a hole that is approximately 3 feet larger than the actual size of the finished pool to allow room for structural braces. Next, a series of panels made of steel, plastic, or aluminum are bolted together and secured to the braces to form the walls of the pool. To lock the wall panels and braces in place, a concrete footing is poured around the outside perimeter of the entire structure. Then the plumbing system is installed and the exposed earth at the bottom of the hole is covered with a material called vermiculite, which is made of cement and water, and the mixture is troweled to make it smooth. At this point, the beads at the top of the vinyl-liner are inserted into a track that is mounted to the top of the wall panels. The vinyl-liner is form-fitted to the shape of the pool walls using a vacuum suction, and once all of the remaining wrinkles are removed, the pool is partially filled with water to secure the position of the liner. The holes for the skimmers, lights, return jets, and steps are cut, and faceplates are installed over the openings. The extra space around the outside of the pool is backfilled to hold everything in place and then the patio surround or other decking material is installed. 

There are pros and cons to vinyl-liner pools. They are the least expensive type of in-ground swimming pool to build, and they can be installed in a matter of weeks. Since they are built on-site to a customer's specifications, there are virtually no limitations for the length, width, and depth of a vinyl-liner pool. The soft material is pleasant to walk on and the smooth surface makes it fairly easy to keep clean. The drawbacks: the liner will need to be replaced about every 7 years which can be costly. Since vinyl-liners are only 2-30 mils thick, they can be easily punctured or torn by pets' claws, toys, or debris, like tree limbs, that may fall into the pool. Finally, many manufacturers offer only limited warranties for vinyl-liners which can affect the value of the pool when you sell your home.

The Main Styles Of In-Ground Swimming Pools

1. Geometric Pools

A geometric pool is ideal if you are seeking a structured poolscape with a contemporary aesthetic. Designed to have precise lines and a defined shape (rectangle, square, circle, oval, or triangle), geometric pools can be designed to fit into spaces of almost any size. They often have layered features such as symmetrical entries, raised walls, integrated spas, eye-catching water walls, bold tiles, or vanishing edges. 

2. Freeform Pools

A freeform pool is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. With gentle, flowing lines that mimic a meandering lagoon or asymmetrically shaped pond, a freeform pool has an informal, relaxed appearance. To enhance the organic feel of your new outdoor living space, incorporate waterfalls, rock formations, and plantings into the design of the pool area.

3. Infinity Pools

An infinity pool has a vanishing- or zero-edge, creating the illusion of the water extending over the horizon and then disappearing. The way that the water appears to be spilling over or dropping off the edge of the pool gives the entire structure a visually captivating, luxurious look. An infinity pool has a basin that is strategically built below the edge to catch and recycle the water when the pool is in use, making it environmentally friendly. This design usually requires more space than other styles of pools and often costs more to build because precise engineering and hydraulics are needed to ensure proper operation. 

4. Architectural Pools

An architectural pool is designed with a strong focus on aesthetics, unique shapes, and intricate designs. This type of swimming pool is meant to complement the architectural style of the home, contrast with the landscape, and serve as the focal point in an outdoor living space. The pool walls are sometimes raised above the level of the ground and finished with visually striking materials such as natural stone, brick, and pavers. The highly customized design of an architectural pool will require the use of a skilled architect and builder, potentially leading to higher costs than some other styles of pools.

5. Lap Pools

Lap pools are long and narrow and are specifically designed for the low-impact exercise you can get from swimming. The rectangular shape requires less space in a backyard than other styles of pools, but that also makes a lap pool more limited in terms of recreational use. Lap pools can be equipped with heaters and motorized covers so that they can be used for exercising all year long. 

6. Plunge Pools

Plunge pools are compact, shallow, and perfect for small spaces. They have temperature controls to allow for cold water that promotes circulation and reduces muscle inflammation, as well as heated water that relaxes muscles and relieve stress. Hydrotherapy jets can be installed for added health benefits. The small size makes a plunge pool easy to maintain and quick to install, but it is not a suitable choice if you want to swim laps or host a large pool party.

7. Indoor Pools

An indoor pool might be the perfect choice if you want to swim year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Constructed in a dedicated place inside your home or under a permanent enclosure, an indoor pool will require special ventilation and heating/air conditioning systems to remove excess humidity and keep an even temperature in the space. An indoor pool is convenient and private, but initial construction costs and ongoing maintenance expenses can be high.

The Main Types Of Swimming Pool Sanitation Systems

1. Chlorine Systems

Traditional pool sanitation systems use chlorine to kill bacteria and germs, which keeps the water clean. With this type of sanitation system, a homeowner must diligently test the pool water's pH level at least once or twice per week. The pH level is the measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of the water in a swimming pool, and it is rated on a scale of 1 to 14. Chlorine disinfects best when the water pH is balanced properly. When the pH level is too high (alkaline), the chlorine cannot kill germs effectively. If the pH level is too low (acidic), chlorine can cause skin and eye irritation in swimmers and corrode pool equipment. A pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 is ideal and can be maintained through regular testing and proper use of chemicals to ensure a healthy, safe, and comfortable swimming experience. Typically, chlorine sanitation systems are less expensive to install and repair than other systems, but they do require continuous care and the use of harsh chemicals. 

2. Saltwater Systems

Saltwater sanitation systems have gained popularity in recent years because they provide a more natural swimming experience with less skin irritation than chlorine systems. Through a process called electrolysis, a generator converts pool-grade salt into chlorine to keep the water clean. So, it's a misconception that saltwater pools are truly chlorine free, though they do rely less on chemical additives and have fewer fluctuations in water chemistry than traditional chlorine pools. All of this means that saltwater pool sanitation systems are more user-friendly and require less monitoring than chlorine systems. While there are many cost benefits to maintaining a saltwater pool, keep in mind that the upfront costs for purchasing a salt-chlorine generator can be high, and the equipment will likely need to be replaced in 3 to 7 years. 

If you decide to invest in this type of sanitation system, remember that some pool parts and components such as heaters, ladders, diving boards, and handrails may be susceptible to corrosion from the saltwater, as could plaster finishes on concrete pools and metal walls on vinyl-lined pools. Other nearby objects that could be splashed by pool water like metal grills or furniture and natural stone pavers could be damaged, too. 

3. Natural Systems

If you want an environmentally-friendly, chemical-free swimming experience, then a pool with a natural sanitation system may be the perfect choice for you. Natural pools look like ponds or lakes, and have organic filtration methods that are designed to keep the water clean and clear. These natural systems do not offer the same level of sterility as pools with chlorine or saltwater sanitation systems, and they will require regular and careful care to keep the water chemistry balanced and safe for swimming.

Natural pools are constructed with walls or membranes that keep out soil and silt. Biological filters absorb phosphates and promote the growth of "good" bacteria to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms. Pumps circulate the water into an nearby area that is populated by plant life that acts as a natural filter, and the clean water is sent back into the pool. The constant motion helps to prevent the build-up of bacteria, debris, and unwanted pests. Unlike a traditional pool, you don't cover, drain, or refill a natural pool, no matter the season. This type of pool is relatively new in the U.S., so you may have to search for a uniquely qualified company to design and install it for you, and expect it to cost roughly the same or more as an in-ground concrete pool.