Which Kind of Swimming Pool Is Ideal for Your Home?

Concrete

Concrete is the most popular—and most expensive—type of in-ground pool. The concrete used in pool design and construction is called gunite or shotcrete because the wet cement is pumped onto the steel reinforcements with a hose and gun. The concrete is plastered, smoothed, and painted, and it’s the strongest material for pools. A great benefit is that it can be used in holes of any shape for the maximum number of customizable options. Once the hole for the pool is dug, the sides and floor are lined with steel rods, and then the concrete is sprayed on. A gunite pool in San Diego can take up to twelve weeks to complete, and it can be updated, enlarged, refinished, or rebuilt.

Vinyl

After concrete, vinyl is the most popular material for in-ground pools. The vinyl siding comes in one piece and is placed into a hole in the ground that’s packed with sand. The walls are supported by steel, aluminum, or plastic rods along the sides. The bottom of the vinyl liner rests on the sand, and the top is held in place by the coping, which serves as a frame for the pool, forming the edge of the finish and the border for a deck. These pools take about three weeks to complete. A vinyl liner lasts between ten and eighteen years. Vinyl deteriorates over time with exposure to pool chemicals and the elements. It’s best to get a thicker vinyl liner so it isn’t punctured by a pool cleaning tool, a toy, or a pet.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is limited in terms of the shapes and sizes available for pools. Fiberglass pools are molded in bowl-shaped shells and set into holes in the ground. What makes fiberglass popular is its affordability. The finish is a smooth gel coat that’s nonporous, which means fewer pool chemicals are needed. The smooth surface makes it harder for algae to form. This type of in-ground pool only takes about three days to complete but requires extra room in the backyard because a crane is necessary to put the pool into place. Fiberglass will deteriorate from exposure after about ten to fifteen years.

Alternative Finishes

Alternative finishes are increasingly popular, and they’re for people who don’t want ordinary white plaster pools. These types of pools usually have concrete bases, and the finishes include both natural and man-made textures, including tile and stone. Beadcrete is a commonly used glass alternative for in-ground pools. Ceramic and glass tiles are more expensive than plaster but require little maintenance. People who are looking for a natural aesthetic for their in-ground pools often use pebbles or stone. Quartz is another popular alternative finish that lasts longer than normal plaster. These finishes can last up to twelve years.

If you’re getting ready to choose a pool for your home, make sure to work with the finest professionals in the pool-building industry. The expert team from San Diego Pools specializes in every aspect of pool and spa construction, from slides and waterfalls to in-ground spas and custom pool design. San Diego homeowners should call us today at 888-707-7786. We offer complimentary consultations and professional pool conceptual designs with all of our estimates.