When it comes to owning a pool, maintenance is key to the pool’s longevity. One are that will require maintenance with your pool is the surface. There are four main types of inground pool surfaces. Before you install an inground pool it is best to know the advantages and disadvantages of the materials available. Making an educated decision will prevent guesswork when it comes to the care of the pools surface.
A concrete, or gunite pool, is sprayed in concrete over a hole created for the pool. After this initial process is complete plaster is applied using a trowel over the concrete to smooth out the pools final surface. A deck surrounding a gunite plaster pool can vary along with the flow of the backyard. A gunite pool can be placed virtually anywhere.
Advantages
- Can Be Any Shape or Size
- Custom Designed
- Designed to Fit Landscape
- Steps and Benches are Easily Added
- Permanently Installed
Disadvantages
- Labor Intensive to Build Initially
- Can Crack
- Regular Upkeep Needed on Plaster
Vinyl Lined Pools
Vinyl lined pools are created from steel walls that are lined with a vinyl liner that is the pools surface. A hole is dug into the ground and the liner is fitted within the space. Decking can be installed around the pool and usually is a less permanent option than poured concrete.
Advantages
- Least Expensive Pool Option To Install
- Construct In Any Size and Shape
Disadvantages
- Expensive Upkeep Overtime
- Gets Wrinkled
- Color Fades
- Liner Pulls Away from The Steel Walls
- Tears Easily
Fiberglass Pools
A fiberglass pool is made from reinforced plastic and fiberglass. It is molded into a particular shape, including a deep basin. The pool is installed in a hole that is approximately the same shape and size of the mold. Plumbing is installed and sand and filler is added around the structure to create backfill under the preformed base. The pool is leveled out, hooked up and ready to be filled with water. Most fiberglass pools will be surrounded by a concrete deck platform.
Advantages
- Ease of Installation
- Versatile and Flexible
- Strong and Virtually Maintenance Free
Disadvantages
- Depth of the Pool is Limited
- All One Piece
Each type of inground pool material has advantages and disadvantages ranging from initial design, maintenance, expense and upkeep. The decision on the type of pool you are looking to install will come from the time you are willing to wait for it to be installed as well. Fiberglass pools can usually be built and ready to go within a few weeks where as vinyl lined pools take as long as six to eight weeks and gunite anywhere from ten to twelve weeks. The most common type of inground pools in the north is gunite plaster pools and fiberglass. Fiberglass tends to be easier to maintain but is limited in size and shape to what is manufactured. Concrete pools with a plaster overlay are the most versatile but will require more upkeep in the long run.
Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote visit http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.