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Thirty years ago, inground swimming pools were a rarity, but now statistics show that as many as 200,000 new pools are installed every year in the US. While everyone dreams of the perfect swimming pool, it can be hard to know how to go about it. After all, there are many decisions to make, and many things that can go wrong, not to mention the large investment of money involved. Here are some steps to making that dream inground pool a reality in your own back yard.
1. Choose the right kind of pool. The right kind of pool for you will depend on factors such as climate, cost, and your plans for the future. There are three basic kinds of pools, each with pros and cons to installing one. Concrete pools are long-lasting, but they are expensive. (The terms "gunite" and "shotcrete" refer to concrete that is shot onto a preconstructed steel reinforced frame.) Concrete pools are not good in cold climates, because freezing and thawing can damage the concrete in time. Vinyl liner pools are versatile and less expensive, but it pays to get one at least an inch thick to insure that it lasts a long time. The third major style of inground pool, a fiberglass pool, is long-lasting and requires fewer pool chemicals, but they have to be delivered by truck and installed with a crane. This is impossible in some locations and neighborhoods.
2. Pick the right location for the pool. A sunny location is best for several reasons. For one thing, the solar energy of the sun keeps the water more comfortably warm, reducing the need for using a pool heater. Another good thing about a sunny location is that it is probably away from any trees, so that there will not be too many leaves to clean out of the pool. Watch out about windy locations, too, because they will leave swimmers uncomfortably cool when relaxing between swims.
3. Choose the right filter system. Filter systems come in three basic types. One is a sand filter. These work really well, but they have to be backwashed to be cleaned, which uses a lot of water. In fact, they use so much water in backwashing that some areas of the southwest have outlawed sand filters. Another very popular choice is the cartridge filter. These are easy to clean by simply hosing them off. A third type of filter uses diatomaceous earth. One way to make choices about the best type of pool or filter is to ask pool contractors and pool owners in your area. Popular choices are usually popular because they work. So find out what other people do where you live.
Here's wishing you the best of luck as you design that perfect pool!
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