There are two main types of pools; above ground and inground. Above ground pools are economical, easy to construct and can often be taken with you when you move. Inground pools are a much more costly and time-consuming affair, but are aesthetically pleasing and in the right area can add significantly to the value of your home. Depending on you budget you have choice of different width, depth and other attributes as well.
Inground pool
Inground pools are generally more aesthetically appealing than above ground pools and can increase the sale price of your home, especially in areas away from the coast when no other alternatives like lakes are present.
With inground pools, there is more flexibility in relation to design. They can be custom made to any size or shape within reason. Inground pools require excavation and construction permits. They are generally more expensive to install and they can take anywhere from three to twelve weeks to construct, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Inground pools fall into three general categories fibreglass, concrete, and vinyl liner.
- Fibreglass pools are pre-made in a mould and delivered in one piece to your home. They are usually more flexible than concrete pools. If access is an issue, fibreglass panel pools can be constructed on site. Fibreglass pools can be finished with a vinyl liner.
- Concrete pools are a more expensive option. Their major advantage is that they can be custom designed to fit just about any shape or size. Once the concrete has been poured directly onto the site, a number of finishing options can be applied, including tiles, paint or special coating materials like pebbles.
- Vinyl liner pools are essentially an above ground pool built inside an excavated hole. While cheaper than fibreglass and concrete, the liner is not as durable, and requires replacing around every 10 years.
Above ground pool
Above ground pools usually cost considerably less than inground pools. Installation is also a lot quicker, taking anything from a few hours to a few days. If your pool is small you may not require a filtration system, which will reduce initial costs, and some above ground pools can be dismantled and taken with you when you move.
Above ground pools come in a set shape, generally a circle or an oval. Extra space is required around either side of above ground pools to accommodate supports, so take this into consideration when deciding on the size of your pool.
Appearance can also be an issue, but with decking and landscaping, the pool area can be made quite attractive. Also, above ground pools can be quite shallow.
Above ground pools fall into two general categories: soft-sided and rigid-sided.
- Rigid-sided pools are more common. They are regarded as more permanent as they comprise a structured wall and a vinyl liner. The wall can be made of aluminium, wood, steel or a combination of steel and resin.
- With soft-sided pools, the vinyl liner forms part of the structure. The advantage here is that the pool can be taken with you when you move, or packed away during the cooler months.
Heating of pools
There are three types of heating: solar, electric, and gas. - Solar heating is cost effective and environmentally friendly. Pool water is circulated through a series of tubes, called the collector. This is usually mounted on the roof of your house where absorbed heat warms up the water before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, you can keep your pool cool during peak summer months by circulating water through the collector at night.
- Electric heat pumps work by extracting natural heat from the air and transferring it to the water. These pumps use the same technology as air-conditioners and refrigerators and are very energy efficient.
- Gas is the most popular method for pool heating as it heats the pool quickly and efficiently. It has higher operating costs than the other methods.
Don't forget to cover your pool, especially if using solar heating. A cover (or blanket) will reduce heat loss by around 50 per cent, as well as keep the water free from leaves and insects. Make sure the blanket is an exact fit for your pool and consider purchasing a roller for removal and storage.
