​Types Of Pools
 If you are considering installing a swimming pool into your yard, it is likely you will have questions about all the types of pools. We’ve put together an informative list discussing the most common kinds of swimming pool options and have included the pros and cons
of each pool. Every style has its own advantages and varies in construction practices.

 

​Above-ground
Construction: Above-ground pools are made from fabricated kits and are usually installed by a professional, although some kits may be simple enough that an amateur could figure out how to put it together. First, the installer levels the ground where the pool will be placed. A perimeter track that will support the outer wall (made of either metal or composite) will be assembled. Next, sand is spread in the pool area.  Finally, the vinyl liner is placed over the pool walls, filled with water, and the liner is secured in place. Once the pump and filtering systems have been hooked up, the pool is ready to use.
Pros:

• This is by far the cheapest option if you’re dying to have a pool at home but are wary about the potential price tags
• It’s relatively easy to build and can go up in a very short amount of time
• It can also be taken with you in a potential move.

 
 
 
Cons:

• Above-ground pools are less durable than other types of pools, and many people find them to be less attractive.
• Limited Shapes and depth options.
• Vinyl Liner need replace down the road.
• They are less permanent—which could be a trait that goes in either the “pro” or “con” column.

 

Vinyl-lined
Construction: Vinyl-lined in-ground pools are structurally very similar to above-ground pools although installation is obviously different. The crew digs a hole and assembles a metal, plastic, or wood frame wall around the hole’s perimeter. Similarly to above-ground pools, a crew lays sand or vermiculite (concrete mixture) along the bottom of the hole and secures the vinyl lining to the wall they built.
Pros:

• Vinyl-lined pools are cheaper than other in-ground designs.
• The plastic steps which are common to liner pools are comfortable to sit and walk on.
• The size and shape are completely customizable.
• The surface is smooth to the touch and nonabrasive.
• Vinyl pools are easier to maintain than Gunite.
• Installation is simple compared to Gunite.

Cons:

• Due to increased government regulations, the durability of vinyl pool liners has decreased.
• Vinyl-lined pools have a higher cost over their lifetime because liners only last between 5-10 years.
• It takes a few thousand dollars to replace each time, plus the cost of water when it’s time to refill.
•  You have to be extra careful not to rough house too much because the liners are only approximately 20-30 mil thick, as much as several sheets of paper.
•  Repairs can cost quite a bit and they do not maintain their value as well as other pools.
• If selling a home could be a detractor if the liner is older than 4 years old.
• Custom design could offset the initial low price.

Gunite/ Concrete
Construction: Gunite pools are currently the most popular choice in the US. The construction is very similar to a poured-concrete pool, although the framework is made using rebar placed 10 inches apart and secured with wire. With the grid in place, crews spray coats of gunite—a mixture of cement and sand—around the rebar. The sprayer combines dry gunite mix with water to create a wet concrete material that is troweled into place. It sets up for one week before getting a finish, the most popular of which his referred to as plaster (a mixture of cement and marble sand). Some people finish the pool with concrete paint, tile, exposed aggregate, or fiberglass.
Pros:

• Gunite is highly durable and aesthetically pleasing.
• It can be made into any shape or size and can accommodate even the wildest design features.
• Gunite pools hold their value well.
• Gunite pools are seen as an improvement to a home.

Cons:

• Gunite is more expensive than most all of the alternative in-ground pool options.
• It also takes a significant amount of construction time 2-4 months.
• More work to maintain than any other option.
• Plaster is not an enjoyable surface for the body to come in contact with.
• An acid washing is mandatory every 3-5 years.

Fiberglass
Construction: These pools are made from a fiberglass composite that has been built in a factory controlled environment. In order to install, construction crews dig a hole that will fit the mold, lay the plumbing, add gravel base, and lower the structure into the ground. They level the pool, hook up the plumbing, and backfill the area surrounding the shell with gravel. These pools are usually surrounded custom decking, concrete or otherwise.
Pros:

• Fiberglass pools are generally less work to maintain because the gel coat surface is nonporous and does not encourage the growth of algae.
•  You will need less sanitizing chemicals to maintain the pool because of the smooth and non-abrasive surface.
• The installation is more rapid than some of the other pour or spray options.
• You also don’t have to deal with cost of resurfacing the pool every few years.
• If the pool is properly manufactured and maintained, the gel coat should outlast other pool surfaces.

 
Cons:

• You are limited when it comes to design and shape because fiberglass pools are made from a mold. Because their shells are shipped on the road, there is a width restriction at 16 feet.
• Repairing a fiberglass pool can be costly and aesthetically unappealing because repair work sometimes doesn’t match the existing surface.