Backyard Pool: An Oasis as a Living Space
16 percent of houses in the United States have a pool installed already, according to the Census Bureau. Having an inground pool in your backyard opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to exercise and relax on your time. However, not all pools are alike: different construction materials and styles exist.
Each type of pool carries a different set of benefits and considerations. Understanding the different types of pools that you can have can make it easier for you to decide whether to install a backyard pool.
Concrete Backyard Pool
When contractors install a concrete pool in your yard, they pour it into place. This means that you have absolute control over the shape and design of your pool. You can have a simple square or rectangle installed, or a completely irregular shape.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of changing the appearance of your pool, this lets a concrete pool fit into a space that other types of pools may be unable to. It also allows for easy integration with other outdoor features, like an outdoor kitchen.
Concrete is also a durable material and is able to withstand the pressures of weather and water exposure without becoming damaged.
However, concrete is not without its faults. Concrete can be susceptible to algae growth, as its surface is absorbent. This requires constant cleaning and care to prevent.
Concrete also will not withstand exposure to saltwater. The salt will break down the surface of your pool and make repairs and replacement necessary more often. This means concrete is only well suited for use with a chlorine system.
And while you can customize the shape of your pool, doing so increases the installation time of your pool. Longer construction time will increase the pool’s cost and the disruption to your home and yard.
Vinyl Backyard Pool
Vinyl pools consist of a plastic or metal frame that is then lined with vinyl. The liner is what takes all the wear and tear. Like concrete, you can customize them into irregular shapes.
The other selling point of vinyl pools is their low initial cost. This is because vinyl itself is an inexpensive material, and the installation process is quicker than other materials.
Vinyl pools suffer in their durability. Vinyl will break down over time due to exposure to the chemicals in your pool, as well as sunlight exposure.
This means that you will have to replace your pool’s liner frequently. The exact amount of time between replacements will vary depending on your climate and the concentration of chemicals in your pool, but expect to replace the liner every few years. Talk to your contractor to determine a rough replacement timeline, and factor the cost of replacement into the lower installation cost.
Fiberglass Backyard Pool
Fiberglass pools are prefabricated in a single piece and then dropped into place in your yard. This cuts down the construction and installation time of your pool.
Fiberglass pools are also very durable and able to withstand scratches and cracking. Their surface is also very smooth, which makes it much less likely that algae, mold or moss grows on your pool’s walls. This helps reduce the amount of cleaning and maintenance you will have to do to keep your pool looking attractive.
Fiberglass pools also work with saltwater very well, without damaging their surface.
Fiberglass pools do represent a significant expense when compared to any other type of pool material. This makes it hard to fit a fiberglass pool into a restrictive budget.
Further, as fiberglass pools are pre-cast, you are unable to change the shape or depth of your pool. Instead, you must find a pool that is already in a shape that is close to what you want.
Natural Backyard Pool
Natural pools are different from most other types of pools in that they use a different filtration process in addition to using different materials for the walls and floor. The sides of your pool are made out of clay, gravel, and similar natural materials.
Natural pools do not use chlorine or salt to clean themselves. Instead, they are integrated with plant life to filter out contaminants and bacteria from the water. They have a regeneration area that does the filtration and the actual swimming area.
Since natural pools consist of natural materials and plant life, they integrate seamlessly with the rest of your yard.
The largest benefit of natural pools is that they won’t irritate your skin and eyes. Further, they are low-maintenance: you don’t have to winterize your pool, don’t need to add in more chemicals or salt, and only need to skim out physical debris. They also do not come with energy costs as other pools do, as they do not have a pump or filter system.
However, natural backyard pools need more space than other types of pools do because of their regeneration area. They also need specialized knowledge to install, which can make it harder and more expensive to find a contractor.
Another large downside is that natural pools can become home to wildlife. While it may be nice to have frogs and ducks around, swimming with them may not be something you want. Further, there is a greater chance that insects and pests breed in a natural pool.
Install a Pool Today
For more information about the different types of backyard pool that you can install in your yard, feel free to get in touch with us. Our team of professionals can help you find the perfect pool for your property.
