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Pool Options

Summer’s coming up, and it’s the perfect time to think about installing a pool, whether concrete, fibreglass or above ground.  If you’ve always wanted a pool but were unsure about what type to get, read on to find out more about the different characteristics of each type of pool.

Concrete Pools

Concrete pools are a great choice as they are so versatile.  They can be made in just about any size, shape or depth, and can even be built in conjunction with a new home.  Concrete pools can be indoors, outdoors, or even span an area so that one part of the pool is located inside the home while the other part is located outside.  You can also choose to have special features such as beach areas, diving areas, islands, or even a “disappearing edge”, where the water flows out of the pool over a feature edge. There is a huge range of internal finishes including: paint in a wide range of colours; glass pebbles; tiles; pebble crete; and quartz render in a range of colours.

A concrete pool will take six to eight weeks to build after the excavation has been completed.  These pools are easy to clean as most debris will find its way to the deep end, even without the aid of an automatic suction cleaner, making even manual vacuuming easier.  Concrete pools also have good insulating qualities as once it is warm, the concrete pool will keep its heat for longer.  Concrete pools are easily renovated, with changes being able to be made to the coping material, the internal finish, and even the shape.

Fibreglass Pools

Fibreglass pools come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours.  As with concrete pools, the process of installing a fibreglass pool begins with excavation.  The prefabricated pool is then placed and fixed. This means that fibreglass pools are much quicker to install as they are manufactured offsite.  In fact, installation can be as little as seven days.  The installation process is also not affected at all by the weather conditions.  Because the pool is weatherproof, it can be installed even in the rain. 

Fibreglass pools come with a special coating that is pigmented to your choice of colour.  The coating is impervious and, under normal conditions, should never need painting.  It also cleans easily and resists stains.  The pools are moulded in one piece and they are able to flex without cracking in order to accommodate ground movement.  It is important to note that the swimming pool should never be emptied and, if there is a need to do so, you should always contact your pool builder first for advice.

Above Ground Pools

Above ground pools are great for families that don’t own their own home or wish to move their pool at a later date.  They are usually prefabricated for quick installation, and the savings are made in labour and soil removal costs.  However, if you wish, above ground pools can be set partially inground. An above ground pool can usually be installed in anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Above ground pools are available in a range of shapes and sizes - round, oval, and teardrop, in sizes from 4.5 metres up to 18 metres.  The appearance of the pool need not be an issue as decking or landscaping can be used to disguise the outward appearance.  A rigid sided pool is viewed as being a more permanent pool as they are made from a structured wall and a vinyl liner.  The wall can be made from materials such as aluminium, wood, steel, or steel and resin.  Soft sided pools have the vinyl liner as part of the structure and these pools can be taken with you when you move or can be packed away when not needed.

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