What kind of pool should I buy?

What kind of pool should I buy?

The kind of pool you buy will be determined by your lifestyle, your needs, your pocketbook, and your yard.  There are many different types of pools to choose from: one for every budget and need!

Here are some of the most popular types:

Above Ground Swimming Pools:

Typically found at discount retail stores, this type of pool is usually an inexpensive solution.  They are generally constructed of lightweight aluminum or plastic, with a vinyl liner.  Above ground pools are kept sanitary by means of a simple filtration system usually consisting of a sand filter.  They require routine care and upkeep such as chemical balance, and manual vacuuming to keep the pool free of debris.  Above ground pools are winterized by covering them (still filled with water) with a winter cover constructed of durable plastic.

Advantages of Above-Ground Pools:

  • INSTALLATION: Set up generally takes less than two days.
  • PRICE: Cost is the lowest of all swimming pools – expect to pay 90% less for an above ground pool than would you would typically pay for an in ground pool.  You can’t beat it for price!
  • CIRCUMSTANCES: In some situations, an above ground pool may be the only choice.

Real Life Story:
A number of years ago when Brad’s kids were small, they were renting a house.  Obviously, an above ground was his only choice since, for some reason, he just couldn’t talk the landlady into putting in an in ground pool.  Some people.  Anyway, it served the purpose just fine for a couple of years until they bought a house and put in an in ground pool.  Kids were happy.  Parents were happy.

Disadvantages of Above Ground Pools:

  • AESTHETICS: They may detract from the value of your home.  Let’s face it, above grounds are not attractive.  It’s kind of like setting up a tent in your backyard:  no matter how much fun it is, it’s just plain unsightly.   Additionally, some home owners’ associations may prohibit the installation of above ground pools.  A word to the wise:  check before you buy.  If you think trying to stuff an above ground pool kit back into the box when you found out too late that your HOA doesn’t allow them is going to be easy . . . well you should have been with me the day I went into our local discount superstore behind a man pushing a cart overflowing with pool parts, vinyl liner, pipes, and hoses.  He was not happy, I can tell you!  Don’t let that be you.
  • COMFORT: Above ground pools are difficult to moderate water temperature.  Now this may sound a little silly, but it’s true.  Because they are constructed above the ground, they water temperature will be close to the outside air temps.  Sometimes this is great.  Like the first warm day of spring, when your neighbors are looking wistfully at their in ground pool dipping their toes in its icy waters, your family will be splashing your hearts out in a pools that is warm as the spring day.  However, as the summer days get hotter, so will the water in your above ground.  90 degree water is not pleasant on a day that is already 95 degrees, trust me!  Then the tables will turn and you will be wistfully observing your neighbors in their ground pool having a great time in a pool that’s a refreshing 80 degrees.  Come fall, your neighbors will still be enjoying their pool too.  Nights that dip into the 60’s won’t be enough to make swimming in their in ground unpleasant.  But when you wake up and your above ground has turned on you and presented you will a chilly swim at 65 degrees..well, you might have second thoughts.
  • NO  DIVING ALLOWED: This would seem obvious, but just in case, it DOES need to be mentioned.  One CANNOT dive in an above ground pool.

In Ground Swimming Pools:

Inground pools, ground pools, and in some cases underground pools (ok, so we’ve heard it all!) are swimming pools that are constructed in the ground.  When completed, the pool with be level with the ground, presenting a seamless, unobstructed view of the landscape.  There are several categories of in ground pools, described below.

Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools:

Vinyl liner pools are constructed of panels that are bolted together.  The bottom of the pool is vermiculite, a substance that hardens when dry (but doesn’t have the same density as concrete).  Over the “pool bones” is a vinyl liner, a decorative holder for the water.  Vinyl liners come in a variety of patterns and colors.

Maintenance of a vinyl liner in ground pool can be as simple or time consuming as you wish.  You can opt for an automated vacuum that will clean your pool while you sleep, chlorinators to automatically feed chemicals into your pool, in addition to other products to simplify your pool experience.

Advantages of a vinyl liner pool:

  • AESTHETICS: It is an attractive addition to your landscape.  We’ve never heard of any home owners’ associations banning an in ground pool from being installed.
  • DESIGN: They offer versatility in shape and size – you can get a vinyl liner pool in nearly any shape you can imagine, in addition to just the regular run-of-the-mill rectangle or kidney  shape.
  • LONGEVITY: In ground pools are durable.  You can’t damage them by say, accidently hitting them with the lawnmower, as you could with an above-ground.  (Unless of course, you somehow manage to drive the lawnmower over the edge. . . very unlikely.  Forget we mentioned it.)  The concrete decking is practically indestructible (unless you have a five year old boy with a sledge hammer and some unsupervised time on his hands . . . .)
  • WATER FEATURES: Can accommodate a jump  board.

Disadvantages of a vinyl liner pool:

The typical replacement item on an inground vinyl liner pool is – what do you know -  the liner.  Depending on your perspective, they can be pricy – up to $3000.  Now, it’s not as bad as it sounds.  If you’re careful, the liner shouldn’t have to be replaced more frequently than every 15 to 20 years.  (In fact, they’re warranted for that.)  However, here’s what you have to watch out for when you own a vinyl liner inground pool:

  • DOGS: They don’t need to be in the pool.  Sharp claws and teeth can tear the liner.
  • SHARP  ITEMS: Pool toys with sharp edges.  Stick to inflatables, “noodles,” and other similar toys.  Sandbox toys should stay . . . in the sandbox.
  • IMPROPERLY ADMINISTERED CHEMICALS: It is certainly possible to discolor (or bleach) your liner by just dumping in a bag of chlorine.  But, if you’ve read our Pool Owners’ Deckside Reference (distributed with every pool purchased from Miracle Pools of New Bern, NC), you will have learned how to properly treat your pool without damaging the liner. =)

Real-life story: I (John) built a vinyl liner pool for my kids when they were still little.  I have three kids, and at that time, I also had a few head of cattle, two dogs, a dozen or so chickens, and a small multitude of cats.  All of the livestock managed to be kept out of the pool; (It was a “Miracle Pool” in more ways than one, trust me.)  We did, however, have an incident where one of the girls decided to try to float a cat on one of the rafts in the middle of the pool. . . but that’s another story.)  The original liner lasted 15 years.  I ended up replacing it only after Hurricane Floyd came through and pretty much finished it off.

Concrete Swimming Pools:

Gunite pools and shotcrete pools are terms used to define the more generic “concrete swimming pools.”  Pools of this type are constructed of steel reinforced concrete and are virtually indestructible.

Advantages of gunite or shot crete pools:

  • ENDLESS DESIGN POSSIBILITIES: Gunite swimming pools have the distinct advantage over vinyl liner pools in many ways.  Their shape is literally limited only by your imagination and your backyard.  Need a pool in the shape of a piano?  How about a cowboy hat? No problem!  In addition to endless possible shapes, the tile that is used in concrete / gunite swimming pools is also a fabulous design advantage. The designs and color combinations in tile are too numerous to mention.  Here again, only your imagination and pocketbook dictate the final decision.  There are also water features to consider: fabulous flowing fountains, rock waterfalls, exotic spas – all of these can be yours by choosing a  shotcrete / gunite swimming pool.  We’ve even added such dramatic features as a fog machine for our customer’s concrete pools. Need to light a candle to your imagination?  Then check out our photo gallery for some photos of concrete pools we’ve built and designed.
  • WATER FEATURES: Can accommodate a jump  board, fountains, fog machines, spas, waterfalls. . .the sky’s the limit!
  • MAXIMUM LONGEVITY: Concrete pools are built to last a lifetime.  The same type of reinforced concrete that Miracle Pools uses to build gunite pools is the same type that is used to construct bridges and commercial buildings.  We’re talkin’ tough here!  We often get questions such as “what’s the difference between a vinyl liner pool and a concrete or gunite pool?”  To put it simply, it’s like the difference between a  wooden siding house verses a brick house.  They both will serve the same purpose just fine but in the long run, the house with wood siding will require more upkeep.  The brick house will last a lifetime with little or no upkeep.

Disadvantage of gunite or shotcrete pools:

  • EXPENSE: The number one reason a homeowner will chose a vinyl liner swimming pool over a concrete swimming pool is simply the cost.

Fiberglass Swimming Pools:

Fiberglass pools are constructed of a single molded piece of fiberglass pre-formed in the shape of a pool.

Advantages of Fiberglass Pools:

  • EASY INSTALLATION: Dig a hole.  Insert pool shell.  Fill with water and enjoy.

Disadvantages of Fiberglass Pools:

  • COST: Fiberglass pools are more expensive than vinyl liners.  In fact – larger ones can cost as much as concrete pools.  The reason that most people will chose a fiberglass pool is for the “instant pool” factor, not because they’re less expensive than other choices.
  • STYLE  LIMITATIONS: Only limited sizes and shapes are available.  A fiberglass pool is somewhat like the “mobile home” of swimming pools, their size is constrained by the fact that they must be shipped a via tractor trailer down interstate highways.  All other things being equal, fiberglass pools tend to be smaller than vinyl or concrete due to this last consideration.

After you’ve selected the pool that will best fit the needs of your family and your lifestyle, the next choice you will need to make will be how to treat your pool so that it stays safe and sanitary.