What type of pool

Custom shapes do cost more, but still typically less than your average fiberglass or concrete pools. The following video show a not-so-old vinyl liner pool transformed into a stunning fiberglass pool. This means the low initial cost of the pool could be off-set within the first ten years after construction Another point of discussion is the liner warranty, which is typically stated as twenty years or so.

We would encourage anyone expecting to receive any credit on a liner replacement to read the warranty in full. You'll probably find the following information:. The surface of a vinyl liner pool is relatively non-porous. However, parts of the pool like where the white plastic steps attach to the pool wall, and behind light niches have submerged areas that do not have circulated water.

When it comes to which pool type might be a good fit for you, here's what we've found in a nutshell:. With that in mind, if you're interested, you can check out our fiberglass pool designs. You can also get an easy online quote for a fiberglass pool. Editor's note: This page was originally published in November and has been updated and revamped for accuracy and appearance. Concrete vs. First, let's look at the following comparison chart that outlines specific pros and cons for each type of pool on a scale from one to five green is good : Let's discuss this chart for a moment.

It all has to do with surface porosity. Speed of Installation Because the fiberglass pool shell is manufactured off site, the installation of the shell typically occurs in about two days.

Durability Because fiberglass swimming pools have no liner, there's no need to concern yourself with puncturing the pool surface. Attractive Look Over the past 30 years, fiberglass inground pools have transformed from the typical white bathtub you'd find at a rental beach house, to the elegant swimming pool designs and aesthetic features that are now as much works of art as the pool.

Compatibility with Salt Systems Salt chlorinators have proven to be a low maintenance, high water quality option for pool owners. In comparison, fiberglass pools and salt systems go together like peanut butter and jelly. Resale Value If a pool comes with the property, home buyers want something that looks good, needs little maintenance, and will last a long time.

Vinyl liner and aboveground pools don't look great, either, and can detract value. Low Lifetime Cost of Ownership Check out the following chart to compare what the average pool owner would spend over a year period with each type of pool: Want to see about how much that cost will be with all your favorite pool accessories?

Swimming Pool Sizes and Shapes Not Customizable The one major disadvantage of fiberglass inground pools is that you can't change the shape, size, or depth of the pool. So the question then becomes, can you find a fiberglass pool model that you're happy with? See the fiberglass pool designs we offer Get a quote for a fiberglass pool Concrete Pool Advantages Customizable Size and Shape As you noticed in the first chart above, concrete pools give you the ability to customize the shape of the pool.

Durable Like fiberglass pools, the structure of concrete pools are incredibly durable. Concrete Pool Disadvantages Unfortunately, the flexibility concrete allows from a design perspective comes with a price. More Hands-on Maintenance By its very nature, concrete is extremely porous.

This gives algae a place to call home. Once embedded into the surface of a concrete pool, algae is extremely tough to remove.

More Chemical Usage Water chemistry is another issue with concrete pools. Because the algae embeds into the surface, more chemicals are required to reach and destroy it. This requires more time and money to maintain the pool. Incompatible with Salt As mentioned earlier, salt and concrete don't mix.

Highest Cost of Ownership As demonstrated in the chart above, concrete pools cost exponentially more money to own. Rough Interior Surface The rough interior of a concrete pool does harbor algae growth, but that's not all. Slow Installation Time In contrast to fiberglass and even vinyl liner pools which can be completed in several weeks, it's not uncommon for concrete pools to take three to six months or longer to finish.

Above-ground pools are also a common choice for a backyard swimming pool. A variety of designs and materials are available, and you can purchase pools with built-in features such as lights or jet sprays.

Lap pools are meant for a very specific purpose: Swimming laps. They are not the most family-friendly option, but they are excellent for swimmers using a pool for exercise. They are rectangular in shape and very long: Typically 30 to 70 feet. They do not generally have a shallow end; they are deep throughout so that turns can be made on either end. An architectural pool is one of the most expensive types of swimming pools. As its name suggests, this type of pool is designed by an architect.

They require a lot of sophistication and planning prior to installation, and typically incorporate unique and complicated design elements that also require significant installation costs and time. Architectural pools are meant to complement the design of the home and overall landscaping, and are often designed at the same time as the house.

They incorporate the same building materials and aesthetic to create a symmetrical and cohesive look. Because of this elaborate process, they can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars , depending on their scale. They are also called vanishing edge pools, zero edge, negative edge or infinity edge pools because they create the illusion that one edge of the pool drops off as if into a waterfall—even though the pool is fully contained. Not to be confused with a pond, a natural pool is a greener alternative to a typical chlorinated swimming pool; It uses plants to filter the water instead of chemicals.

Natural pools can be a great option, but they do take up a lot of space: They require one area for swimming and one similar-sized area for regeneration. The regeneration zone is shallow, filled with water, crushed gravel and aquatic plants; pumps and tubing circulate the water for the swimming area through the regeneration zone, where it is cleaned naturally.

In addition to this size requirement, most natural pools include other landscaping, such as boulders and waterfalls. Because of the complicated system and added landscaping, this type of pool can take a few months to install. While a natural pool requires specific design elements, a saltwater pool is not a structural type of swimming pool.

Saltwater can also be more gentle on the skin than chlorinated water. They are generally used as a way to cool down and relieve stiffness after athletic activity. Meredith is a writer and brand strategist with expertise in trends forecasting and Gen Z and Millennial culture.

In addition to producing lifestyle content, she uses data-driven storytelling and actionable insights to help brands learn how to engage consumers. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair.

They can also be heated for dual use as a spa and a swim spa. Hot tubs and spas are small, heated pools intended for relaxation or hydrotherapy.

The portable, above-ground version is typically called a hot tub, while a home spa refers to an in-ground model, which are often built in conjunction with in-ground pools. Thanks to their smaller size, hot tubs and spas are typically less expensive to install and maintain compared to other types of pools. However, their compact dimensions also limit their use. By Jessica Bennett Updated March 19, Save Pin FB More. Credit: Brie Williams. Above-ground versions are the most affordable type of pool.

Some options are temporary structures, so you can take them with you if you move. Available in several shapes and sizes, they're suitable for small yards. Assembling and disassembling an above-ground pool is relatively easy.

You should also consider these downsides before choosing an above-ground pool:. Although they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you are typically limited to designs offered by manufacturers. Above-ground pools can be difficult to disguise in a landscape, although carefully planned patios and decks can help blend them into your yard. Their lifespan is not as long as in-ground pools.

Vinyl liners typically need replacing every five years. Credit: Tria Giovan. Credit: David Tsay. Most in-ground pools can be designed to fit any shape or size yard and accommodate your specific needs, such as space for diving or fitness swimming.

They can be easily designed into the landscape. There are several accessories and features available, such as diving boards, slides, water games, water fountains, and specialty lighting. In-ground pools are typically more costly to build. The construction duration can be lengthy. Because the water surface is near ground-level, in-ground pools can pose a greater safety risk for young kids or pets.

Credit: Paul Dyer. Credit: Jay Wilde.