Having your very own pool is an excellent add-on to your property, ensuring you can swim during hot summers at your own preferred time and without having to go to crowded beaches. The first step in your quest for a residential pool is researching the options available to help you build a pool that suits your home. It can be overwhelming because there are so many options from which you can choose. Terms used to refer to types of pools are mutually exclusive; one pool can be referred to in multiple ways leading to further confusion.
Getting professional opinion from an established pool contractor can help you better understand your options. If you are thinking of building a pool in your backyard, Oak Wells Aquatics is here at your service. Whether you are looking to consult a specialist in pool construction or looking to hire an expert pool contractor, we have you covered. We offer pool and spa services and free consultations. We are located in Jacksonville, Florida, so get in touch with us to get professional advice before embarking on your pool construction project. Here are a few guides on the types of pools available.
How and Where the Pool is Installed
The most crucial choice you have to make is whether you would like an inground pool or an above-ground one. Above ground, pools are not as complicated as inground pools since inground pools have lots of different styles and types
Above Ground Pools
Above ground, pools have become more appealing due to their low price tags and portability. They are made of heavy-duty vinyl liners. Most families will opt for this option as their starting point before progressing into more complex and costly alternatives. The price range for this pool is roughly 720 dollars to 3800 dollars but is subject to variation depending on various factors. With the money saved from installing this pool, you can get a beautiful landscape done or attach a deck to improve its appearance.
These pools do not require a professional to install them, and a hands-on person can handle the installation; the user kit that comes with them is relatively straightforward. Often the local shop from where you made the purchase will install the pool for you as part of the purchase. Due to the ease of installation, they can take as little as a day or a few days, and they are suitable for use.
Above ground, pools can last for up to five years before they need to be replaced. However, if they are not exposed to daily sunlight and are well maintained, they can extend for up to ten years. Also, above ground pools are limited in terms of customization. While they are available in variety, they may not offer much room for customization as inground pools will.
If you are not sure if you are ready to commit to building and maintaining an inground pool or you are on a tight budget, the above ground pool is the right option for you to start on your project, then you can upgrade later on. It is also easy to tear down if you want to move out or have another project in mind.
Inground Pools
In-ground pools come in great designs and forms. They require expert installation hence are more costly. However, they are more aesthetic than above ground pools and are more accessible to the landscape as they appear as natural water bodies. However, for them to be installed entirely and be rendered ready for use, it can take weeks or even months.
These pools are the best for customization; they can take any shape and form you like, as long as you use concrete and not premade fiberglass shells. You can have additional features such as recreational features, dive boards since there is no depth and size limitation if you get inground pools.
Depending on the size, customization, and material used, inground pools' price range can be 18000 dollars for pools to 55000 dollars or more for large pools. Typically inground pools are more expensive since you have to get a permit, put up a safety fence, excavate a hole, and get a professional pool contractor to install the pool.
The most considerable downside of having an inground pool is that it is a permanent fixture. If you have a change of mind down the road and you no longer like the pool’s form or position, there is little you can do about it, and you are stuck with it.
Type of Material
The most significant factor distinguishing inground pools is the type of material used in their construction. The common materials are Vinyl, Concrete, and Fiberglass.
Concrete/Gunite/Shotcrete Pool
Concrete is considered as the standard material for pool construction by many. This material is famous for its durability; it is also suitable for customizing a pool into almost any shape and size. Also, existing concrete pools can be rebuilt, enlarged, or updated. However, they come at a higher cost as compared to other materials such as vinyl. They also take longer to install as compared to other inground pools.
Concrete pools are also known as gunite or shotcrete pools because wet concrete is pumped through a hose and then shot onto steel-reinforced walls, after which it is plastered, smoothened, and then painted. Concrete pools are durable and long-lasting.
Fiberglass Pool
Fiberglass pools are molded into giant bowl-shaped shells. They are easiest to install since the prefabricated pool shell is delivered intact to your home; it can take as little as three days. A crane will then fit the shell into the excavated hole.
These types of pools have a smooth gel-coated finish that is durable and non-porous. Fiberglass is algae resistant due to its non-porous surface. It, therefore, requires less maintenance compared to the other options.
However, if you want to have a fiberglass pool installed, your home must have enough space for the crane's movement that installs them; the area should not have overhead power lines.
Vinyl-lined Pool
It is the second most popular material for pool construction after concrete. Vinyl-lined pools are cheap to install options available for pool-construction material. The flexible liner fits into an excavated hole and is then attached to a steel-framed wall. It offers a wide variety of liners with diverse colors and patterns to decorate your pool.
They are mostly available in rectangular form; l-shaped forms and freeform shapes are also available. Average-sized vinyl pools will take around two or three weeks to install. However, vinyl liners require replacement every ten years as they are susceptible to being punctured. If you are looking to go for this option, it is advisable to invest in a heavy-duty liner that is at least twenty millimeters thick.
Shape, Size, Style, and Function
There is a wide range of terms used to refer to pools. Consulting a pool contractor will help you explore these options with professional guidance by your side. Some common terminologies used for pools are:
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Deck Pool- this an above ground pool with a wooden deck surrounding it.
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Beach Entry Pool- it is designed to mimic a beach shore with its gradual entry.
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Free-form Pool- this type is a curvy pool designed to resemble a natural water body.
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Infinity Pool is a luxurious pool designed to highlight a view; they give the illusion of a water sheet dropping over an edge. They are expensive since they require extensive plumbing fixtures and high capacity pumps for water circulation. They are built at an edge on sloping sites.
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Lap Pool- they are rectangular and stretched, suited for parallel swimming laps. They are narrow and long, primarily constructed for exercise and fitness purposes; it is suitable for a small yard.
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Natural Pool- they are typically a pond, combined with natural surroundings, such as water gardens. It can include mini waterfalls and boulders. Most of them are lined with rubber or reinforced polythene. They are self-cleaning pools that do not use salt water or chlorinated water; they rely on organic means such as aquatic plants to keep them clean. It is suitable for properties where the pool is not frequently used since they can be taxing in maintenance terms.
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Plunge Pool- they are typically small cold-water pools designed more for therapy than for swimming. They can be built separately or attached to a larger pool.
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Indoor Pool- these are installed inside or immediately next to the house and have an overhead roof. It is suitable for colder climates enabling all-year swimming. Since walls insulate indoor pools, they retain heat better than outdoor pools; hence are less expensive to heat. However, this can be a downside since they can also be too hot in warmer climates.
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Architectural Pool- they take definite structures and lines; they may be oval, rectangular, or rectangle in shape depending on your residential space. Architectural pools are built at the same time as the house. They are cohesive with the house employing materials that have been used in building the house. They can be made from concrete or fiberglass.
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Recreational Pool- This option is suitable for families with young children. It includes items like tunnels, slides, boulders, or built-in caves. They are primarily constructed for recreation and are like a mini-water park for your children.
Types of Pool Water
Pools can be categorized according to the method used to sanitize the water and keep algae at bay. Pools can be sanitized using chlorine, saltwater, bromine ozone, or ultraviolet. Mostly chlorine or saltwater are the methods employed in private residential pools; this is done by applying chlorine in tablet or liquid form. However, recently saltwater pools have gained popularity because salt is less harsh on the skin and eyes than chlorine. Ultimately both pools use chlorine, but the chlorine in salt is deemed milder. Saltwater pools use a chlorinator to extract chlorine from the salt.
Summary of What to Consider when getting a Residential Pool
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you should consider the design, size, and shape of the pool you would like and which material you want to use.
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The full price for the installation of the pool and is it within your budget;
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The size of the yard where you would like to the pool installed;
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Landscaping costs
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Pool safety costs
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And finally, the pool contractor.
Choosing a Pool Contractor
The success of the construction of your dream pool largely depends on the contractor you will trust to carry out this project. Consequently, it is critical you get an experienced and licensed pool contractor. The first step is enquiring from friends or relatives which contractors they have worked with and which ones they would recommend.
You can also do your research, visit their websites, and look at the photographs of the finished projects they have handled so far. It will help you get ideas on which style to pick and help you analyze the company's work.
Also, check that they have a valid and active license. You can accomplish this by looking up the contractor's business name and license number in the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website in Florida.
After you are satisfied with the findings from your research, set an appointment with the contractor. Ask all the questions you may have about your residential pool project. Enquire on pool maintenance services they have to offer. Also, ensure you ask to see certificates, contractor's insurance, and warranty. Discuss the price tags of the various pool types you are considering, and when you come up with the most suitable, you can begin the construction of your dream pool.
Find a New Residential Pool Contractor Near Me
If you're ready for an in-ground pool, Oak Wells Aquatics is up to the task! We offer pool and spa services to residents of Jacksonville and surrounding areas. When you choose to work on your residential pool project, you can trust that we will deliver nothing but the best. To discuss more on which type of residential pool is suitable for your home, contact us at 904-619-3281.