By Alden Smith
Choosing and Installing a Swimming Pool - Seasonal Pool Maintenance - Pool Filters and Supplies
Wouldn't it be great to have your very own outdoor oasis, complete with a swimming pool, cabana and barbecue grill? Just think what it would be like to sit and have breakfast pool side, complete with deck furniture with a big umbrella, your morning coffee, and the Sunday paper. The kids might be splashing in the pool, and your wife can be working on her tan at pool side. Many people feel they have truly "arrived" when they are finally able to have their own swimming pool.But before you take a headlong plunge into owning your own pool, it might be a good idea to consider what is involved with owning and maintaining a pool. What type of pool should you have for your property? What exactly is involved when installing a backyard pool, and how do you determine a budget for your project?
There are four basic types of swimming pools: These are:
- Gunite (concrete) Pools
- Fiberglass Pools
- Vinyl Pools
- Above-ground Pools
By far, the most permanent - and expensive - pool is the Gunite, or concrete pool. Installation is best performed by a contractor. It is advisable to get at least three estimates on this type of pool before beginning. A search of pool manufacturers shows that a Gunite pool can run anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000, depending on how elaborate you wish your pool to be.
The installation begins with the contractor excavating the pool site. Following this, a grid of rebar is placed into the hole for reinforcement, and the Gunite is sprayed behind and over the rebar to form the walls of the pool. When the Gunite has cured, plaster or a combination aggregate is then placed over the surface to give the walls of the pool the finished look desired. The pool is then finished off with the desired decking - either brick or ceramic tile. Many owners place ceramic tile around the perimeter of the pool, and down below the water line, to give a clean, finished look. Plumbing and electrical concerns should be handled by licensed contractors. Expect this process to take 8 to 12 weeks to finish, and expect your back yard to be a mess until the process is finished.
Another type of installation is the fiberglass pool. Less expensive than a Gunite pool, the fiberglass pool is simply a one piece insert that is placed into the ground. For this type of installation, you must have room for a flat bed truck and a crane to access your property. Expect to pay $9,000 to $15,000 for a fiberglass pool, depending on size and shape.
Installation of a fiberglass pool is quicker than with a Gunite pool. A hole is excavated, and the fiberglass insert is placed into the ground by a crane, with special attention paid to the shell being placed level. A foot of water is then put into the insert to anchor it in place, and then water is added to the pool. As water is added, sand is packed along the sides in proportion to the amount of water put into the pool to insure there is no bulging of the liner. Concrete decking is then poured around the flange of the fiberglass insert to lock it into place. The fiberglass pool is often preferred to Gunite pools as there is no need for resurfacing or liner replacement.
A third type of pool is the vinyl pool. This is nothing more than a vinyl liner that is installed within support walls, typically made of steel, fiberglass, aluminum, or pressure-treated wood. A bracing system is utilized to keep things stable. Installation is accomplished by excavating the hole for the pool, placing the support walls with bracing, and then installing the vinyl liner. The hole is always lined with a layer of sand to produce a good foundation for the liner, and to insure that there is nothing in the ground that may puncture the liner.
After the installation, coping is installed to secure the liner, and holes are cut for the pool attachments, such as the skimmer and filtration system. Many people like a vinyl pool for its ease of installation and the fact that vinyl pool manufacturers offer a wide variety of patterns and colors to suit any taste.
The fourth type of pool is the above-ground pool, often seen on property that does not have room for an in-ground pool. Adding an above-ground pool is an ideal project for a do-it-yourselfer. Prices range anywhere from $125 to as much as $20,000, depending on the accessories and accouterments you desire. Above-ground pools come in a variety of styles, from the wader pool for small children to a fully equipped lap pool with 21' x 41' x 52" dimensions. Many of these larger pools are fitted with decking for sunbathing and pool lounging, and many accessories are available. One of the nicest features of an above-ground pool is that removing the ladder helps to insure that unattended small children or pets will not fall into the pool.
Finding the right pool for you is simply a matter of deciding your needs and your budget. So many different styles are available that there is surely something for everyone. Always remember to shop around, and get the best estimate you can for installation of an in-ground pool. If you are more adventurous, and like to do things yourself, consider an above-ground pool. Before you know it, you and your family will be enjoying themselves with a nice cool dip in your own backyard pool on hot summer days.
Choosing and Installing a Swimming Pool - Seasonal Pool Maintenance - Pool Filters and Supplies
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