Have you been looking forward to setting up your own private swimming pool for sometime now? If true, then you would be one of many who would wish to own a pool. But most of us have no idea about its type, cost, and continued maintenance requirement. There are so many types of pools out there that it’s easy to be lost among options. The pool market has been growing rapidly over the years. In this article we look to provide a thorough understanding of pools and its associated features. Once through with the article, you would have a much better understanding of the pool market.
Private Swimming Pool – Are they a good idea?
Private swimming pool is a dream of many. Everybody likes to have their own personal pool to laze around in a summer afternoon. During the summers, as the average temperature increases every year, pools will be necessary in the future. However, the cost associated with installing and maintaining a swimming pool often deter people. The space is also another major concern for many households. Then comes many other aspects such as material used for construction, where to put up the pool and others.
Lets us discuss every aspect of swimming pools and understand how efficient a system and cost effective can it really be.
Before Buying A Pool
Before you set out to buy a pool, there are certain parameters of pools that should be understood. As you don’t buy pools every and once installed, they will be part of your space for years, here are some aspects one needs to be mindful about.
1) Size Determines Costs – The size is a major determinant of pool costs. So larger the pool size, the higher its costs. Larger pools also cost more to manufacture, transport and install. The maintenance cost implied with large pool size is higher as the filtering system, cleaning system and water intake are more by default.
2) Material Used For Manufacturing – Materials formulate the next base cost for a pool. Once the size is determined, the cost of raw material would reflect the overall cost. There are a variety of options when it comes to raw materials. Plastic pools are the cheapest option available out there, but they are not built to last long. fibreglass is an efficient option popular nowadays. Other materials would include concrete.
3) Design Feature – The design of the pool also determines its final cost. Simple rectangle designs with no added features are the most cost effective options. As more elements like steps, Jacuzzi, slopes and slides are included in the design, the cost of pools increases.
4) In Ground vs Above Ground – There are basically two types of pools. Ones that are dug into the ground and above the ground pools. The type of pool would reflect directly to the installation cost of the pool. Usually, above ground pools cost less to install as they are placed atop a concrete slab. The installation are significantly less when compared with in ground pools. In ground pools need to installed into a dug out space. The labor cost adds to the overall cost of in ground pools.
5) Site of the Pool – The location of the pool site is another major cost implication. Where your pool will be installed would reflect the effort behind transport and installation. Open pools in ground level are cheaper to install. More custom designs like terrace pools or infinity pools are expensive as their installation costs rise.
How To Choose Your Type Of Pool?
Now that we understood the different aspects involved in installing a swimming pool, we need to analyze it with our situation. Before setting forth to buy your dream pool, make a list of conditions that’s applicable to your case.
1) Choose Your Site Well – In Ground or Above ground, that would be a major choice. So choose a site best suited to your need. If you space is tight, you can opt for in-ground as it doesn’t eat into existing space.
2) Choose Your Size based on the number of people expected to use the pool. You don’t want your pool to get cramped for space when everybody in the family decides to use it together.
3) Plan Your Maintenance costs well in advance. As maintenance costs will be incurred every month, plan them in advance. Pools require regular cleaning and re-surfacing work after certain intervals. This need to be considered into your costs.
4) Choose a design best suited to your size. Customized designs work well for personal indoor designs. If you have a special requirement of a kids pool, try to add them to your pool design. It can save lot of space and cost.
5) If cost is a major constraint, Small Fibreglass Pools would be the right choice. They are efficient, reliable and lasts a long time when properly maintained. We will discuss Fibreglass pools in detail below.
Fibreglass Pools
Fibreglass pools have lately become popular among owners. They are not only cost effective, but with proper care can lasts for a lifetime. The companies that manufacture fibreglass pools would essentially construct a Fibreglass shell. The shell needs to be fixed onto a surface. The installation of fibreglass pools are relatively easier which reflects on to the cost element. The easy design and installation aspect of Fibreglass pools allows them to be fixed onto any type of surfaces like slopes, cliffs etc.
Fibreglass do not provide much customization option as they come pre-designed. However, buyers can choose from a wide plethora of design and shapes. So buyers have ample choices to decide from.
Features Of A Fibreglass Pool
- Bacteria and Algae resistant surface
- Easy to install
- Low cost compared to concrete designs
- Long lasting design, sturdy
- Low Maintenance cost
The Fibreglass pools feature protection against bacteria and algae. So the pools does not require major cleaning and the need for resurfacing is also reduced. This overall reduces the maintenance burden for the buyers.
